subject: Windows Store Enhancing The Windows 8 User Experience [print this page] The App Store will surely rank amongst the top ten reasons why Apple's iPhone appeals to people. Indeed, there is no coincidence that the two leading mobile operating systems (iOS and Android) also form the world's two largest mobile app platforms. The app store concept has been carving its way to other platforms, particularly the desktop. Apple has launched its Mac App Store in January 2011 and has debuted Windows Store alongside Windows 8 OS on October 26.
In Windows 8, the store is accessed through the Modern-style Windows Store app, which is simply named 'Store' on the SmartScreen. When the Windows 8 Release Preview was made available by Microsoft, the store had free apps. However, since the OS has come into manufacturing, more paid apps have emerged. And, the number will surely get higher with wide availability of the OS.
The store is a modern-style app, which means it opens on full screen and uses a tile layout for horizontal scrolling. If the mouse is connected to the system, a horizontal scroll bar can be noticed across the bottom. Supported with semantic zoom, it lets you to quickly navigate from one end to another.
Finding Apps
The Apps in the store are grouped under different categories like Social, Games, Photos, Sports, Entertainment, Music & Videos, News & Weather, Books & Reference, Food & Dining, Health & Fitness, Travel, Productivity, Shopping, Finance, Security, Tools, Business, Government and Education, making a total of 20 categories. The main Store page highlight few apps from each categories that are constantly refreshed. However, you can also browse each category sorted for top free apps and new releases. There is also a category positioned at the front of the store 'Spotlight', which highlights the top apps across all the 20 categories. You can also search for an app directly via Search Charm.
Installing & Buying Apps
Selecting an app gives you a detailed overview of prize and size of the app. The free apps comes with a 'Install' button while the paid one with a 'Buy' button. In both ways, before proceeding to download, Windows Store will ask to sign in to your Microsoft account.
Managing Your Apps
Once you have downloaded and installed the app, the Windows 8 StartScreen will show its tile. You can move the tile around by moving it to the desired location. Swipe downwards the tile, and you will find more commands. You can also uninstall an app directly from the Start screen.
Thus, Windows Store is the only place to get modern-style apps that are screened for viruses and malware.
