Windows Shows Off Metro-based Store in Windows 8

Microsoft a few days ago held an event in San Francisco showing off its ‘Windows Store’, and while the goal was to convince developers to get on with what they do best, us non-dev folk can still see what the store is going to offer once Windows 8 launches. At the same event, a spokesperson also confirmed the date for the first Windows 8 beta: late February. This beta will include what seems to be full access to the store, allowing people to purchase applications right from the start.

The store in Windows 8 is designed to take full advantage of the Metro interface, much like the Start menu will. You will be able to peruse recommended apps or search for others, and look into them deeper and ultimately make the purchase. There was no mention as to whether there was a non-Metro version as had been leaked before, and for the sake of non-tablets, I hope there is.

Microsoft is pushing for developer support like never before with the launch of this store, reiterating Windows’ dominance in the OS market, and also providing some of the best terms I’ve personally heard of. At the get-go, all apps sold through this store will see a 70% revenue share (that is, 70% of the revenue going to the developer), while after an app sells $25,000 or more, the share gets boosted to 80%.

In addition to all that, Microsoft seems to be doing well to make sure that it’s easy for developers to get their app published to the store and manage it while it’s there. The store will also support the well over 100 different languages that Windows itself supports, and the local currency will be supported in the top 40 GDP countries.

So far things are looking good with the store in Windows 8, but I’ll feel better once I see a non-Metro version. While what’s shown here is ideal for tablets, it looks like it could be a tedious endevour for all other platforms.