We’ve learnt that Microsoft’s Windows 8 operating system will feature an App Store as a major feature, thanks to screenshots that leaked just yesterday.
Windows 8 is set to launch during the second half of next year, so we’re eager to learn more about the new OS by the day. Just like Apple has done with its Mac OS X, Microsoft will be adding in a dedicated store for applications and software.
Just like Windows Phone 7 and the new look Xbox 360 dashboard interface, the Windows 8 App Store features the familiar Metro theme. We already know that the Windows 8 App Store will be very secure thanks to HTML5 and Javascript being used heavily in its development, so it’s likely to be offering both free and paid applications.
A spotlight section will point out the top apps for the new OS within the App Store, just like you’ll see in the Marketplace on Microsoft’s Windows Phone. Applications will be available for specific platforms and hardware, which will be pointed out along with an overview of the app when you select it.
The images come from Winunleaked, who also report that anyone fortunate enough to have an early copy of Windows 8 will be able to download apps from the store, despite there being very few available at the moment. Until very recently Microsoft had access to the App Store restricted to employees within its own infrastructure, but now we’re told anyone can access and download from it.
App developers will be able to add a button for their apps to websites, which when clicked will launch straight into the app if installed, or to the app’s location in the App Store. This sounds like a very interesting feature, and one that we can see becoming pretty useful in certain aspects.
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Via: WinRumors