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The timing of Spencer’s comment is especially interesting, as Microsoft today detailed ten app store principles that it said will “promote choice, ensure fairness, and promote innovation in Windows 10.” Among the promises, Microsoft said that it would not block competing Windows app stores and that it would not block its store’s apps based on the developer’s choice of payment processing for in-app purchases, which is specifically the fight between Apple and Epic. is focusing. It also addressed its own problem with Apple’s settings by promising not to block an app based on “whether the content is installed on a device or streamed from the cloud.”
Microsoft supports choice, competition, and fairness in Windows. This is the freedom that consumers and developers want and it is the future of app stores. https://t.co/QjotTd538D
– Epic Games Press Room (@EpicNewsroom) October 8, 2020
The people of Epic Games call it “The Future of App Stores” and Epic CEO Tim Sweeney tweeted that “it’s wonderful to see Microsoft formally codify its embedded principles in Windows as an open platform and fair market for all developers and consumers.”
Microsoft said its new policy builds on ideas from the Coalition for App Fairness made up of Epic, Spotify and others to help the company practice what it preaches. In particular, the 10 principles only apply to Windows, and not to Microsoft’s Xbox console gaming platform, which is much more restricted. Citing fundamental differences in the business model of how console hardware is sold, Microsoft said “we have more work to do to establish the right set of principles for game consoles.”
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