Microsoft just revealed when we can expect the Windows Store for Windows 8, and how much you can expect apps to cost. Starting in late February, developers can submit apps starting at $1.49 and charge as much as $999. We’re not sure why Microsoft chose to set the bar above the 99-cent mental barrier, but there’s some great news for developers when it comes to revenue share — like other app stores, Microsoft will take 30 percent of the proceeds at first, but reduce its cut to 20 percent after your app does $25,000 in sales. More reason to have a blockbuster program, we guess! There’s also a 70-30 split for in-app transactions, but only if you use Microsoft’s billing system — the eBay app, for instance, uses PayPal and doesn’t pay Microsoft a thing.
The store will start with free apps, and if you’d like to submit one yourself, a developer account will cost $49. The store will also be the sole source for Metro-style apps, though of course developers and enterprises will be able to side-load as needed. Besides the all-important financial details, Microsoft also spent some time detailing some neat features of the Windows Store that set it apart from the pack, like the ability to test a trial version of an app, then pay for and install the full upgraded version from within (without losing your save games!), as well as a single line of code you can add to a webpage to have Internet Explorer 10 (and thus Windows 8 ) recognize that the site has a companion app available for download.
(source via The Verge)
