Windows is Windows, and whether you love it or you hate it, the platform is not going anywhere. Sure, it will go through changes – lots of them, if Microsoft wants to stay on top of its game – but Windows is here to stay. It does not mean, however, that developers are ultra tempted to create apps for Windows 8 or Windows Phone, especially the latter.
When it comes to mobile apps, iOS is still at the lead but Android is not going to stay quiet about it. As for Windows, they do need more developers to join the fray. And guess what Microsoft is doing to entice Windows developers to create apps?
They’re offering $100 for a single app.
Here’s how it works.
- Publish your app (or apps) in the Windows Store and/or Windows Phone Store. Period: March 8 to June 30, 2013.
- Enter up to 10 apps per Store and receive $100 (virtual Visa card) for each app that qualifies. That’s a total of $2,000 if you max out the 10 app per Store limit.
Of course, there are certain guidelines to follow. The standard certification requirements are one, of course, and apps should actually do something – other than simply launching a web page, that is. Additionally, copycat/cloned apps from those that have previously been published are disqualified. Oh, and just in case you’re thinking of dilly dallying and waiting till the last minute to turn in your app/s, do note that only the first 10,000 qualified entries will be considered. After all, as rich as the company is, they have many other expenses, penalties in the EU included.
Obviously, Microsoft is taking the aggressive path in order to gain more points for its platforms. While the company claims that they have solid sales figures, we really do not have exact numbers. Additionally, we know that compared to its competitors – especially in the mobile market – Microsoft has a long way to go. Attracting developers to create apps just might help.
Then again, this promo gives rise to the question of quality apps, as opposed to a huge number of new apps – 10,000 to be exact. So let’s say that Windows developers take the bait and 10,000 apps are submitted by June 30. Does this mean that all those apps will be so good that people will want to switch to Windows Phone/Windows 8?
You tell me.
Image via Venture Beat