We have a bit of troubling news from Windows world today as a developer in attendance at Microsoft’s Tech.Ed New Zealand has relayed some interesting tidbits. Regarding the “Windows Marketplace for Mobile” — Microsoft’s version of the Apple App Store — Microsoft has confirmed the existence of a ‘kill switch’ for apps. In the event an approved app is later removed from the Marketplace, the app will also automatically be removed from users’ handsets. We’re not sure what this means for paid apps, though we doubt refunds will be issued automatically as well. Microsoft isn’t the only company with this policy of course, but it’s a bit unsettling all the same. The bottom line is that this could spell bad news for users and developers alike, though we highly doubt Microsoft will rule over the Marketplace with an iron fist to the extent that Apple does. Let’s just hope that if and when Redmond does start killing apps, there’s a good reason for it. Hit the jump for more interesting tidbits from Tech.Ed as reported by The Unofficial Tech Ed Blog.
Thanks, Sean!
- Revenue sharing is always 70/30 for developers. Even if an operator enters the mix, Microsoft will pay the operator share from their 30%.
- It costs US$99 to enroll your first applications – up to five “slots”. Upgrades are free. New apps after this will cost US$99 each.
- Changing an application from “free” to “paid” is not considered an upgrade.
- Microsoft has a set of guidelines – applications have to follow these. For example applications that replace core functionality will be rejected. Mapping/routing applications will be rejected. Some applications may not be available in all markets.
- The marketplace launches in 29 countries.
- Developers are paid through EFT, currently currencies include US dollars, Japanese Yen, Euro, Australia dollars, British pounds.
- If an application is approved but later removed from the marketplace it will then be automatically removed from all mobile devices.
- The marketplace client software will show available updates and users can choose to install them when they want.
- Software can be reinstalled and activated up to five times – for example if you lose your mobile device or change devices.
- Developers are able to specify hardware requirements that will be checked before the software is purchased.
- Even if an application is rejected from the marketplace it is still possible for developers to sell it through other channels.
[Via PPCGeeks]
