Microsoft says it will take a 30 per cent cut from Windows 8 app store

SOFTWARE REDEVELOPER Microsoft has revealed that it will initially take a 30 per cent cut of revenues from sales at the Windows 8 app store.

Microsoft's upcoming Windows 8 operating system will feature an app store for 'Metro style' applications, and the company is giving out some details to whet developers' appetites. Microsoft said that after an initial $49 registration fee for independent develoeprs, it will take a 30 per cent cut of revenues, the same as Apple, but that it will reduce its cut to 20 per cent once an application reaches $25,000 in revenue. For software development firms the registration fee will be set at $99.

Microsoft knows it is some way behind in the app store game compared to Apple and Google and tried to play on claims that there are 1.25 billion Windows users, implying that it should be easier to make big bucks through its app store. The only problem is that it didn't say how many of those 1.25 billion will actually be running Windows 8 and have access to the app store.

While Apple's App Store has a reputation for strict censorship, Microsoft claimed its shop window will be transparent, stating, "We want to increase predictability and eliminate any capriciousness in app certification." It continued, "Our app certification policies are now published, and are organized around just a few, clear precepts. We designed the policies to help ensure quality and predictability in core app behaviors while enabling innovation and differentiation in app experiences."

Microsoft also told developers that they will be able to use non-Microsoft advertising software should they so wish.

Once Microsoft releases the Windows 8 beta there will be free applications on the Windows 8 app store, and the firm said paid applications will appear only after it releases the final version of Windows 8.

Developers are unlikely to overlook Microsoft's Windows 8 app store, simply because of the sizeable audience it is likely to have. Although Microsoft's 1.25bn figure is hyperbole, there's no doubt that Microsoft will shift millions of copies of Windows 8, and for developers that size audience is not to be sniffed at.

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