Windows 8 apps will require touch support, streaming caps
updated 03:35 pm EST, Fri December 9, 2011
Windows Store fine print released, shows details
Microsoft's recently published ceritifcation requirements for Windows 8 apps has revealed that developers will have strict guidelines for apps that reach the official Windows store. They now need to fully support touch for all interactions and gestures along with a mouse and keyboard. The gestures also cannot differ from the gestures used in the OS as well.
Other limitations are more specific and possibly targeted with certain companies in mind. The apps can't simply be websites in a browser control, Microsoft said, in a likely direct allusion to some of Google's iOS apps.
Another stipulation is that the apps need to protect users from unintentional large data transfers over metered networks. The apps need to give users the option to allow large transfers without limiting audio and video transfers. These include video streams such as download-only and two-way video chat, with speeds limited to 256Kbps. Audio streams, including VoIP calls, can't be faster than 64Kbps. If a computer is connected to a network other that its home network or a metered network that's over its data limit, the app must ask for user confirmation to transfer any data larger than 1MB. This is a big difference between Windows Store and Windows Phone Marketplace.
The App Developer agreement, in the meantime, points out that Microsoft may remove the Windows 8 Release Candidate from the Windows Store. The apps also have to support roaming, or allowing up to five Windows 8-enabled devices to use it at the same time.
The Windows Store Terms of Use shed more light on the five-device limit, adding that apps will be automatically de-authorized from a previous computer. Also, refunds are strictly forbidden, unless the app fails to install on a device or the app description didn't match its function.
The policies show a more Apple-like set of requirements for official store support and an emphasis on setting a minimum level of quality. Along with hoping to replicate the iPad model, it's likely intended to set a contrast with Android, where Google loosely monitors apps and is more likely to see buggy or poorly optimized apps. [via iStartedSomething]
