In order to entice developers to its forthcoming Windows Store, Microsoft is offering them “a bigger bite of the apple,” said Microsoft’s Antoine Leblond. Like the other big app stores, Microsoft will take a 30 percent cut of sales until an app makes $25,000. However, from then on, Microsoft will take a 20 percent cut of sales, giving developers the opportunity to make more than they would on competing platforms.
When the Windows Store first debuts in February, it will offer only free apps from “invited” developers. However, Microsoft says the store will eventually support a variety of payment mechanisms, including free trials and subscriptions, and developers will be able to use Microsoft’s payment systems or choose to build their own. Prices for apps will range from $1.49 to $999.99.
