Midas wrote:This is a rather covert way to launch some debate about the portability of so-called Windows store apps
I almost wanted to recommend renaming this to “Do we allow Windows Store programs (for example, Bibliovore)” but I think you're right that we need a solid program to dig into it.
Some concerns:
- My biggest fear is that this would become either required or in other ways restricted for Windows users. Right now that doesn't seem likely but Microsoft may decide otherwise that could badly harm sites like ours. Oddly the "Guidelines" section (no "adult" software, anti-religious, and a few other restrictions) actually makes me feel better despite being censorship, simply because so many very popular tools would have to move to another platform if Windows made all installs Windows Store-only.
- I'm worried they'll go back on their open license policy simply because, by many accounts, Microsoft is still not open source-friendly.
- I haven't read anything indicating it's much better than iOS and Android app stores (I haven't used Android recently but I loathe the iOS service)
The other app stores (both Android and iOS) appear to be good for the companies that run them but bad for consumers.
AppBrain was a great example of a fairly good App Store interface but then Android clamped down on that service.