Disqus
In a batch of leaked discussion documents from Microsoft mostly about Windows 8, there was mention of a new Windows Store, which on top of desktop software could very well be a new platform for selling Windows Phone apps. The slides, which are almost completely high-level, conceptual, and a far cry from any kind of finished product, describes that the store needs to be a “one catalog and one-consumer experience”. The slides also lay heavy praise on Apple, and show some very iTunes-esque app concepts. Despite the fact that support for “devices” is mentioned throughout, and the Store experience will be “form-factor aware”, phones per se are never explicitly mentioned, and only tablets are pictured.
Zune software will already be operating as the media manager for Windows Phone 7, so it wouldn’t be a huge leap to begin incorporating applications for both mobile and desktop into the same interface. The Kin and Microsoft’s plan for Zune passes with the Windows Phone 7 launch further show Microsoft’s media and cellular businesses slowly growing into one another. As far as the on-device interface goes, there’s already a relatively new Windows Marketplace for Mobile that with any luck will sync up with apps bought through the Zune software. Combined with Xbox 360 connectivity, how this whole app delivery system ties in with the next version of the Windows desktop operating system will be the real decider if Microsoft’s “three screens” strategy pays off.
[Windowsette via Microsoft Kitchen]
About The Author
Simon Sage
Simon Sage’s education largely surrounded writing, technology and online community, leading him to begin his blogging career at www.BlackBerryCool.com and to quickly discover a vibrant and active community surrounding BlackBerry and mobile technology. In exploring RIM’s platform, he has learned what enterprises are looking for in mobility as well as what makes the innocuous BlackBerry so appealing to them. Recently Simon’s been covering RIM’s gradual move into an already-crowded consumer market, and the impact of burgeoning challengers, such as the iPhone, as well as long-time leaders, like Nokia, on BlackBerry’s advancement. With plenty of content under his belt, Simon will be branching off a bit to see what other smartphone manufacturers are working on while still using BlackBerry as a barometer. At IntoMobile, you can count on his posts being even-handed, well-informed and thought-out.
