Microsoft: Delivering Reliable and Trustworthy Metro Style Apps
In a bid to maintain quality (and copy Apple?) Microsoft is laying down some ground rules for developers wanting to code apps for the Metro interface that’s new to Windows 8, due for release in a few months.
Apps will only be available through the Windows Store, which allows one-click installs, user feedback and crash monitoring – all handled by the operating system, reducing development time and providing a consistent user experience. To help ensure this seamless experience, Microsoft is also requiring developers not to use APIs which aren’t included in the development kit. All apps submissions must go through an Apple App Store style vetting process before they will appear, along with a cut of all sales of course. Finally, apps can’t just grab access to certain features of mobile devices, such as GPS and cameras. Instead, they will be forced to request access from the user. This is good, as these functions allow personal data about a user to be obtained, such as location and their picture. This should help to keep potential malware and intrusive apps at bay. But what about the screening process you say? Nothing is perfect and a few dodgy apps sneak past Apple’s screening process occasionally, which are subsequently pulled. Having a safety net like this is highly recommended.
Windows Store For customers, it starts with the Store, their one-stop-shop for Metro style apps. To get into the Store your app is reviewed for both technical and policy compliance, including security checks. After its published to the Store, your app will be rated and reviewed by the community. Together, the onboarding process and community reviews help create an environment in which customers can try apps with confidence.
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