Microsoft in major app store push for Windows 8

The next PC operating system from Microsoft will integrate its own App Store, featuring games, tools and a broad range of entertainment content.

Windows 8, due to launch in 2012, will sell third-party apps under the standard 70-30 revenue split. Yet if developers pass a $25,000 sales milestone, the developer’s royalty climbs to 80 per cent.

Microsoft has now launched its Build Windows Contest which gives application developers access to information and guidelines.

“We want to return the most money we can into the hands of developers, and we want to provide the best economics of any platform,” said Microsoft corporate vice president Antoine Leblond.

“It’s the most significant developer opportunity ever,” he said, as quoted by Venturebeat.

Windows 8 will be available for public beta testing starting in late February, 2012.