Here is Microsoft's catalog portal for displaying all those lovely gadgets,
utilities, tools and gismos that clever developers have created especially
for Windows 8. Think of this as 'Store' rather than App Store.
The Windows 'Store' is itself a Metro-style application. Indeed, it
is has the same underlying WinRT APIs that developers use to build the apps
that go into the Windows 8 Store.
Just like the apps it contains, the Store also employs HTML5 and
JavaScript to create the categories and filters in its portal.
Just look for the Metro tile with a white bag, it often has a blue or
orange surround.
Alternatively, start typing: s t o r e. Click on the tile with shopping
bag in the results pane.
Google and Bing index the apps in the Windows Store. Incidentally,
developers are allowed to link from their website directly into their app in
the Windows Store.
Semantics: What's in a Name?
Soma Somasegar of Microsoft says that "Windows Store Apps" would
henceforth be the
official term for the apps. They were formerly called Metro-Style
Apps.
Microsoft has given its usual thorough research into user behaviour a
preferences before rolling out its App store. The challenge is to
provide relevant information without overwhelming the user. One result
is that the landing paging will have portions displaying new information,
while other areas will provide familiar navigational categories.
Once inside the store [Key point] call for the Charms, I press WinKey +c.
The result is 'Search' focussed on 'Store', see screenshot to the right.
If you want more Apps by the same publisher, just type the publisher's
name in the search box.
Incidentally, I found WinKey +q the best way to search through the App Store.
That key combination brings up the native Search focussed on 'Apps'.
Tip: Think of this as 'Store', forget the word App while
searching for more gismos.
Guy Recommends: The Mobile IT Administration App
How cool is correcting a minor problem on a server with a couple of
taps on your smartphone? Thanks to the Solarwinds Mobile IT Admin
App, you can carryout routine tasks with a flick of your fingers on a phone screen.
Operate your iPhone to unlock an Active Directory account.
Use your iPad to check Windows Updates on your server.
Each app must have a unique name and have technical support.
The program must be complete - no betas. However, trials are
allowed.
Apps can display adverts, but the promotional behaviour is
restricted, e.g. not tiles or notifications.
If it collects personal information, the app must use opt-in to make
the details public.
The app must respect Window system preferences, for instance it
cannot turn on sound on muted machines, or by-pass Windows Push
Notification Service (WNS) settings.
The app must not compromise the operating system in anyway.
No adult material, must not exceed, PEGI 16, or ESRB MATURE ratings.
Tip for Removing Seattle from the Weather App To
remove 'Seattle', add your own location, THEN right-click your weather place
and set as default. Only then can your right-click Seattle and delete.
Tip for Changing Fahrenheit to Centigrade Press
WinKey +c. The 'Charms' should appear, select Settings. Now (key
point) look at the top for Weather, Settings. Now you can change the
units.
Problems with Windows 8 App Store
Problem: Apps don't appear, or don't behave Check
your screen resolution you at least 1024 x 768 to run Apps and 1366 x 768 to
'Snap Apps'.
Problem: Apps won't install You need a Microsoft
account, and not a local computer account.
See screenshot to the right:
Windows 8 Apps Store Examples
While only free apps are allowed in the store during the customer preview
beta, once Windows 8 launches developers can sell their wares at a minimum
of $1.49, of which Microsoft take 30%, dropping to 20% once the developer
has sold $25,00 worth. Incidentally, Google only take 5% on their Google App
sales.
Once you have bought an app you can install it on five Windows 8 devices.
If you are thinking of buying more Apps, the 'Free', 'Top' and 'New'
categories are always worth a look, and I am much more likely to buy if I
have tested a time or feature-based trial.
It's often worth examining the spotlight section, which is another
similarity with apps on the Windows Phone. If you are contemplating
buying then each app has an overview indicating if it will run on ARM,
64-bit or just x86 processors.
How to Install Apps Purchased in the Store On Another Computer
The best way is to sign on with same
Microsoft Account that you originally used to buy the App. Search
for the App, click Install. Remember that you can install an App that
you purchased on up to 5 computers.
Updating Your Apps It seems to me that Windows 8 Apps
often have updates. Keep your eye on that number at the bottom right.
If you click on the store, then you will see 'Updates (7)' at the top right.
Naturally, the number of updates is not always 7! And if you don't see
a number then your apps are all up-to-date.
Windows Metro Style Apps Need IE10
Microsoft's guidelines say that only the default (IE 10) browser can
access/participate in the "Metro style experience".
Guy Recommends: SolarWinds Engineer's Toolset v10
This
Engineer's Toolset v10 provides a comprehensive console of 50 utilities
for troubleshooting computer problems. Guy says it helps me
monitor what's occurring on the network, and each tool teaches me more about how the
underlying system operates.
There are so many good gadgets; it's like having free rein of a
sweetshop. Thankfully the utilities are displayed logically: monitoring,
network discovery, diagnostic, and Cisco tools. Try the SolarWinds Engineer's Toolset now!
Windows 8 offers integration of apps with SkyDrive. The ideas is
that you can open and save any apps files to SkyDrive. For this to
work you need to register the Live ID email address, thereafter when you
save files to your SkyDrive account, any of your Windows 8 devices will have
access to those files. You can inspect the local copy of your files at
%userprofile%\SkyDrive.
Windows 8 Apps v Programs
If you need to search for Windows 'Apps' - just start typing at the Metro UI
start screen, in the results you will get a list containing both Apps and
traditional programs.
Naturally, if you want more Apps then head for the Store.
Returning to the Apps -v- Programs debate, as far as I can see there is no
way of distinguishing between them in the search results. While it may
take a while for some to 'get their head around' this blurring, I ask 'does
it really matter, as long as we find what we are looking for?'
History of the Windows App Store
I would regard Vista's sidebar a grand-parent of the App Store, but
clearly there is a very strong resemblance to Windows Phone apps, which
in-turn was inspired by Apple's Mac App Store. If you remember,
Vista's Sidebar was a panel
where you could add applets or 'Vista Gadgets'.
Windows Apps Energy Efficiency
Battery life on laptops and tablets is clearly the driving force behind
energy efficiency, nevertheless quieter, cooler and lower electrical bills
are also appreciated on desktop machines. What do Windows 8 Apps bring
to this party?
Clearly any energy efficiencies will only come about if hardware and
software can speak with one another in a new way, these are the new rules of
engagement:
A Windows 8 App can be in one of three states:
Actively running in the foreground.
Suspended in the background.
Performing a defined background activity, for example, collecting
email, synchronizing, or playing music.
Here is my review of Microsoft's app store. It shows you how to get started with the catalog portal, gives an explanation of the
specification, and provides examples of the main categories of these neat gismos.
If you like this page then please share it with your friends
Guy Recommends:
SolarWinds' NPM - Network Performance Monitor
SolarWinds' performance monitor is designed for detecting network outages,
making it easy to see what's working, and what needs your attention.
This utility guides you through creating network maps; it also helps
identifying whether the
root cause is faulty equipment, or resource overload. Give NPM a try.
