Microsoft Opens Universal App Store for PCs, Tablets, Phones
Microsoft wants all its apps for all of its devices to come from one place. Because of this, the company is combining the Windows Stone and Windows Phone Store into one, CNET reports.
With Windows 10 coming at the end of July, Microsoft wants users to have a universal experience when using its devices. The Windows 10 user experience is aimed at working on all devices, PCs, tablets and mobile phones.
Previously, when users wanted to search for an app for a PC or tablet they had to go to the Windows Store and Windows Phone owners would have to go to the Windows Phone Store. Now, everyone will be able to search one store and find apps compatible with all devices.
This universal experience is likely to be beneficial for both developers and Windows users. Universal apps can be created on one platform and then slightly tweaked to work on the other platforms. This means faster development time, less costs and more app variety across multiple devices.
Microsoft could benefit from these universal apps too. If a PC user likes certain apps on their computer, they might be convinced to purchase a tablet or Windows 10 phone so that they can have a similar experience. This could help Microsoft get a needed boost in sales of their devices.
The Xbox console is also able to take part in the universal app store. Developers could easily modify an app made for PCs and make it compatible with the video game console.
Users in the new universal app store will be able to search for apps based on popularity, by platform or by name.
When browsing for apps, the description of the app will be displayed, as well as ratings. Microsoft might be waiting until the official release of Windows 10 before they fully roll out the combined Windows Store.
According to WinBeta, the new Windows Store appears to have a clean design, making it easy to search for new apps.
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