The Windows app store, which spans desktop and mobile, has always been a second-rate app store when compared to Apple’s iTunes store and Google’s Play Store. Now, after complaints of the app store being plagued with bogus apps and malware, Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) has given the app store a good clean.
A frequent complaint by many users is that many of the apps in the app store have misleading names. Users searching for VLC Media Player might find dozens of results of apps titled “VLC Player Download” and “Download Vlc Player,” which would lead the user to a bogus adware infected app or out-and-out malware.
“We strive to give our worldwide customer base easy access to amazing app experiences while keeping developer friction to a minimum,” Microsoft said in a blog post directed at the issue. “From time-to-time this process slips out of sync and we need to recalibrate.”
“The Store review is ongoing and we recognize that we have more work to do, but we’re on it,” Microsoft added. “We’re applying additional resources to speed up the review process and identify more problem apps faster.”
In order to combat the problem, Microsoft has implemented a series of new requirements for developers to get apps certified.
The requirements are as follows:
•Naming – to clearly and accurately reflect the functionality of the app.
•Categories – to ensure apps are categorized according to the app function and purpose.
•Icons – must be differentiated to avoid being mistaken with others.
For Microsoft this represents another challenge in its struggle to get its app store on the same footing as its competitors.
On the desktop, useage of the app store is nill as many users would preder the tried-and-true methods of downloading apps.
On mobile platforms app store usage reflects Microsoft’s penetration into the smartphone and tablet market — marginal at best.
One year ago Microsoft said that there were 100,000 apps in the Windows app store. At this time it’s unknown how much this figure has grown by.
