Wouldn’t it be great if we all got along? One of the biggest changes in Windows 11 is not even about the operating system. It is the approach Redmond has taken with regards to the Microsoft Store.
We already know that the apps repository is getting a visual uplift, as well as a wider variety of content that is to be listed there. Microsoft wants to see any and all types of applications — no matter whether they are built using UWP and PWA technologies, or Win32, .NET, Java or Electron, you name it.
Same holds true for making the platform pay nice with competitors.
The Amazon App Store now has honor of bringing Android apps to the Windows 11 platform, meaning Microsoft simply has to integrate it and not build a separate store for this purpose.
At the same time, the company is also hoping that more content listed on other stores would also make its way to the Windows 11 app repository, including games on Steam and the Epic Games Store.
As Panos Panay told The Verge in an interview, everybody is welcome to join this effort:
“Windows already in many ways hosts those stores, and if we can host it through the Microsoft Store then of course. For sure, it means as others want to come to the Store, they’re very welcome. As a matter of fact, encouraged, and that’s kind of why we’re building out some of these policies.”
Taking a long-term view of things, Microsoft’s intention is clear in that it wants as much content as possible to be available in its store. Whether that content is an application, a game, a movie, or a TV show, the whole spectrum.
And it is clear that this strategy involves connecting the Microsoft Store to third-party stores.
Now, whether that actually happens remains to be seen.
It will probably come down to what kind of success the new Microsoft Store musters. If it manages to become the go to place for the billion or so Windows users to get their applications, then the competition is sure to take notice.
And, who knows, may even respond to the invitation.
