Microsoft Takes Important Steps To Eliminate Fake Apps From Windows Store
With the release date of Windows 10 fast approaching, Microsoft has put forth new Windows Store app certification policies that aims at eliminating problems associated with its app ecosystem. The Redmond computing giant has introduced changes in the 10.1 app certification policy that will be applicable for both new and existing Windows apps. Microsoft warns developers that if they do not comply with the new standards laid out in the policies, it has the right to take down their app from the Windows Store. The company starts off the process of improving its app ecosystem by taking care of app clutter. If you have ever come across the Windows Store (for desktop or mobile), you find that there are multiple apps with the same name. Check what happens when you type “YouTube†in the Windows Phone Store.
As you can see from the image above the official YouTube app built by Microsoft Corporation hides among dozens of apps that offer the same functionality. For a novice user it would be nearly impossible to identify the official app (which is not that great anyway). Microsoft states that apps which can’t be distinguished from other apps in the Store, have icons or titles that are too similar to other apps already in the Store, or don’t properly represent the functionality of the app may be removed. Microsoft says that commonly used apps such as flashlight that are available a dime a dozen will be removed from the Store unless they have some creative enhancements over others. This will make sure that no one uploads a half-baked app with functionalities we have already come across.
Microsoft will also make sure that its customers pay fare prices for apps. It says that similar apps should generally be comparable in price and if any an app is priced significantly higher and does not offer any substantial improvement over others will be removed from the Store. Next Microsoft tries to curb the menace of fake apps that look like the original app but they are in fact facsimiles that serve as a guide or instructional for the actual app. Microsoft says that the app and the logo should clearly state the app’s purpose or else they shall get the boot. Some app developers like to play around with keywords so that their app ranks higher in search results. Microsoft explains that if any app developer puts keywords or description that is not a part of the app it has the right to take down their app.
These steps if implemented with careful attention can prevent a lot of headaches for users once Windows 10 acts as a single operating system for desktop, mobile and console which will share a single Store for apps.
Source: #-Link-Snipped-#
As you can see from the image above the official YouTube app built by Microsoft Corporation hides among dozens of apps that offer the same functionality. For a novice user it would be nearly impossible to identify the official app (which is not that great anyway). Microsoft states that apps which can’t be distinguished from other apps in the Store, have icons or titles that are too similar to other apps already in the Store, or don’t properly represent the functionality of the app may be removed. Microsoft says that commonly used apps such as flashlight that are available a dime a dozen will be removed from the Store unless they have some creative enhancements over others. This will make sure that no one uploads a half-baked app with functionalities we have already come across.
Microsoft will also make sure that its customers pay fare prices for apps. It says that similar apps should generally be comparable in price and if any an app is priced significantly higher and does not offer any substantial improvement over others will be removed from the Store. Next Microsoft tries to curb the menace of fake apps that look like the original app but they are in fact facsimiles that serve as a guide or instructional for the actual app. Microsoft says that the app and the logo should clearly state the app’s purpose or else they shall get the boot. Some app developers like to play around with keywords so that their app ranks higher in search results. Microsoft explains that if any app developer puts keywords or description that is not a part of the app it has the right to take down their app.
These steps if implemented with careful attention can prevent a lot of headaches for users once Windows 10 acts as a single operating system for desktop, mobile and console which will share a single Store for apps.
Source: #-Link-Snipped-#
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