Microsoft Previewing Windows 8 App Store Tomorrow

Microsoft will reportedly share loads of details surrounding the upcoming Microsoft Windows Software Store on Tuesday during an event held in San Francisco. The store itself isn't expected to launch until after Windows 8 goes retail which, according to a leaked roadmap and rumors, should be around fall of 2012.

Until now, Microsoft has remained tight-lipped about the subject even after the Store icon appeared in a Windows 8 demonstration back in June. And while Microsoft seems to be late in the game in regards to selling apps directly in its Windows platform, the company is no stranger to the business: it's had great success pushing content through the Xbox 360's Marketplace and more recently via the Windows Phone Marketplace.

Documents leaked earlier this year indicated that there will be some sort of revenue-sharing arrangement between Microsoft and the Windows Software Store developers. As with the actual storefront, Microsoft has refused to comment, so it's unknown if the company plans to mirror Apple's 30-percent sales cut, or offer a reduced cut to better compete with iTunes.

In related "Metro" news, Microsoft is set poised and ready to update the Xbox 360 with the new Metro-themed Dashboard on Tuesday. The update will make the gaming console more living room entertainment friendly by offering actual TV channels and an app store supported by Silverlight. There's a good chance consumers will hear more about the latter aspect Tuesday as Microsoft possibly discusses the storefront for Windows 8, and how all three Microsoft platforms will be linked together (W8, X360, WP7).

Kevin Parrish
Contributor

Kevin Parrish has over a decade of experience as a writer, editor, and product tester. His work focused on computer hardware, networking equipment, smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, and other internet-connected devices. His work has appeared in Tom's Hardware, Tom's Guide, Maximum PC, Digital Trends, Android Authority, How-To Geek, Lifewire, and others.