Epic trolling: Microsoft allows third-party storefronts into its app store Microsoft has allowed third-party storefronts into its app store, and its move will make Apple squirm because Epic Games is among the first to use the new facility. A revision to Microsoft Store policies published on September 28th added a Section 10.1.6 that states: Products that are standalone storefronts, whose primary …
It is just a publicity stunt, because the Windows App Store sees little use. Almost everyone buys and installs applications the traditional way so it won't even be noticed by 99% of Windows users. And nothing stopped people from installing those alternate app stores before, the only change is they can do it from within the Windows App Store.
If they did the same for the XBox, then they'd be staking out new ground. But I won't hold my breath for that!
I agree with the sentiment, but the pull quote does not have context. The Windows Store includes applications for Windows 10 Mobile -- although that might change when the Store is redone -- Xbox, and other devices. When I read this, I understand that "PC devices" are distinguished from other devices that have access to the Windows Store. Linux &c. boxen: keep calm and carry on.
Some versions of Windows 10 are sold so that you cannot install standalone programs. This problem can be turned off, but it requires several unclear steps. This change is for those whose Windows is sold that way. Most of the people who have that version of Windows will not know that they can turn this off, much less know how to turn it off.
So Microsoft is basically allowing what it has always allowed?? I was under the impression there was nothing explicitly banning this previously? Also: "excluding downloadable content and in-app products or offers". So still excluding most of what Epic wants to fling.
As the Dutch would say: Dat slaat als een tang op een varken (literally translated: That applies/fits like pliers to a pig. ie, it makes no sense whatsoever)
Also: "excluding downloadable content and in-app products or offers". So still excluding most of what Epic wants to fling.
The way I read that is that add ons don't count to the minimum product count, not that they can't be offered at all. So games A, B and C count towards the product range, but "Super ray gun" for A or "Porn mode" for B don't.
The practical upshot is that you can't have single product store offerings, so if a user wants e.g. Fortnite, you either need it on the MS Store (complete with their fees) or the user needs to know to grab the Epic store and look in there. You can't have a dedicated "Fortnite store" to hoover up those searches.
I have to say that strikes me as a reasonable compromise. There is a difference to permitting competition and giving your competitors free advertising on your own retail offering.
I’m clearly being thick - but I don’t see the relevance. Third party stores are permitted on the Mac - and they don’t feel hugely relevant or useful on iOS. I’ve got Steam on my Mac, which is the same thing (unless I’ve missed something). I had the Epic store on my Mac too (but I may have deleted it because there wasn’t much content). Blizzard have something similar, as does GoG.
Microsoft, on the other hand, doesn’t have a phone anymore so this is only a troll of the iPad. Is that even enough of a thing to count as an epic troll, red top punning aside?
This post has been deleted by its author
The Register 
Biting the hand that feeds IT
Copyright. All rights reserved © 1998–2024
