We've heard this all before, developers skipping Windows Phone or not viewing it as worth the investment to develop an app. It's an issue Microsoft has had to battle against since the company originally launched Windows Phone 7 back in 2010, but we're seeing Redmond (and Nokia) pouring more funds and time into getting developers interested. Bloomberg is now reporting that Microsoft is paying developers up to $100,000 to get apps on Windows Phone 8.
Sources familiar with Microsoft's plans have revealed that the company is ready to pay companies and developers "$100,000 or more" to get apps coded for the Windows Phone Store. This is to build on the rather broad $100 visa card rewards back in March. Microsoft has enough funds to throw at the issue, but should it be up to the company to get developers interested? It's certainly what consumers are demanding with some popular apps still missing that are available on both iOS and Android.
Windows Phone chief marketing officer Thom Gruhler informed Bloomberg that the store now sports 48 of the 50 most-downloaded apps across all platforms, with both Pinterest and Instagram the only brands holding out. The store isn't light by any means, there's a strong catalogue of third party alternatives too. Consumers who begin using Windows Phone will be greeted by a large selection of apps and games and we've been busy with new apps released on a regular basis.
It's not known whether or not Microsoft will be offering another promotion once the month is up, but if you're a developer or company looking at Windows Phone, now is the time to get involved. What are your thoughts on the status of the Windows Phone Store? Would you like to see Microsoft spend more on app development?
Source: Bloomberg, via: Ars Technica
