Third-party desktop apps start to appear on Windows Store

Microsoft is finally putting to use Desktop Bridge and is letting third-party developers bring current desktop apps into the Windows Store. Desktop Bridge gives developers the ability to create Universal Windows Platform apps and use all the APIs, which include the Action Center and Cortana. This makes it easier for developers to port their apps to Windows ecosystem—encompassing everything from PCs, phones, HoloLens, to Xbox One. Microsoft has added support for three popular installer technologies: InstallShield, WiX, and Advanced Installer. In this first rollout, the apps you’d see include Evernote, doubleTwist, Arduino IDE, MAGIX Movie Edit Pro, Virtual Robotics Kit, and PhotoScape.

Source: Engadget

Windows 8 hits 100,000 app milestone

After eight months in the market, Microsoft's Windows 8 OS has celebrated 100,000 apps available on the Windows Store. Coming in the Windows 8.1 update (now available for preview) is an enhanced Windows Store, background app updates as well as support for gift cards. Key applications such as Facebook, Foursquare, Yelp and Songza are also making their debut on Windows 8 and Windows RT.

Via: Twitter