With industry trends clearly moving towards digital distribution, Microsoft will also be making the move with an "App Store" in the upcoming Windows 8. Microsoft introduced the Windows 8 team in a blog post earlier today.
Amongst the different teams listed, Microsoft listed an "App Store" team, seemingly confirming previous evidence from an early Windows 8 screenshot which showed a "Store" button:
Windows 8 is a notable departure from Microsoft's latest desktop operating system, with many interface elements drawing from their Windows Phone 7 platform. The tile-based appearance offers an easy touch interface, while a more traditional desktop interface remains for legacy applications.
Apple has been a strong proponent of the App Store distribution model, moving in that direction faster than its competitors. With OS X Lion, Apple initially launched it as an exclusive App Store download, only offering a USB thumb drive option several weeks later.
Back in February we reported that Apple was making steps towards eliminating boxed software at their retail stores. In late July, Apple discontinued many of their boxed software items, leaving only the digital versions behind.
It's not clear yet if Microsoft will publicly brand their software store as an "App Store", as Apple has not taken kindly of the use of the term by other companies. Microsoft too had opposed Apple's "App Store" trademark application. In retrospect, their motives may have been due to this same intended feature in Windows 8. Microsoft already offers a store for apps called "Marketplace" in Windows Phone 7.
Sunday February 22, 2026 9:48 am PST by Joe Rossignol
In his Power On newsletter today, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said Apple will have a three-day stretch of product announcements from Monday, March 2 through Wednesday, March 4. In total, he expects Apple to introduce "at least five products."
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A week ago, Apple invited selected journalists and content creators to an "Apple Experience" in...
Sunday February 22, 2026 5:29 pm PST by Joe Rossignol
Apple's software engineers are testing iOS 26.3.1, according to the MacRumors visitor logs, which have been a reliable indicator of upcoming iOS versions.
iOS 26.3.1 should be a minor update that fixes bugs and/or security vulnerabilities, and it will likely be released within the next two weeks.
Last month, Apple released iOS 26.2.1 with bug fixes and support for the second-generation...
Friday February 20, 2026 3:21 am PST by Tim Hardwick
Apple is expected to launch a new foldable iPhone this year, based on multiple rumors and credible sources. The long-awaited device has been rumored for years now, but signs increasingly suggest that Apple will release its first foldable device in 2026.
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Below, we've collated an updated set of key details that have been leaked about ...
Sunday February 22, 2026 8:41 am PST by Joe Rossignol
The special new color that Apple is considering for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max this year is red, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.
Specifically, he said that Apple is testing a "deep red" finish for the two devices.
If this rumor materializes, it would be the first time that the Pro and Pro Max models ever come in red, and the iPhone 18 Pro models would be the first...
Friday February 20, 2026 2:37 pm PST by Juli Clover
Apple has been developing a more affordable version of the MacBook, and it's rumored to be launching in under two weeks. This is going to be one of Apple's most unique Macs, because there hasn't really been anything quite like it before.
We've rounded up everything we know about the low-cost MacBook ahead of its March debut.
Design
Rumors about the MacBook's design make it sound a lot...
Seriously, we need to all stop caring about "oh, they just copied ____". or "oh, ____ had that feature first". It's nonsensical. I want products...from any company...that work. If that means they stand on the shoulders of who came before with features, so be it. If Windows wants an application store, why do I care if Apple had one first? If Apple is updating iOS to have more robust notifications, why do I care that Android had it first? Do they want a fricken prize?
Why not take it to the extreme? Why not criticize the iPad for using an LCD screen with "oh, Compaq had LCD screens on their laptops back in the 90's, this is nothing new, Apple is just copying others by using an LCD". Makes as much sense.
I believe it should be called Program Store for Windows. But i agree Apple doesn't deserve exclusive rights to that term.
It'll probably be Marketplace, like on WP7. And to all the people saying Microsoft is copying Apple, there were app stores before Apples one, they just weren't successful. Not a new concept. Apple copies just like everyone else.
Apple does not deserve exclusive rights to the term 'App Store'. This is almost as stupid as Cadbury wanting to trademark the colour purple, for chocolate wrappers.
Hummm.... can't seem to figure out why so many Windoze lovers and Android lovers feel compelled to come to an Apple enthusiast forum and rant and rave anti Apple junk???
I guess when you go from almost dead to one of the most influential, most innovative and most valuable company in the world in about 15 years you attract trolls and haters?
I just don't get why they feel so compelled to come here and try and convince us that Windows or Android is better? I don't hang out at the Android or Windoze forums and bash them?
This is a RUMOR site. For speculation and discussion.
Maybe your lost, can I direct you home to the APPLE FAN CLUB (http://www.fanpop.com/spots/apple) ?
Just because we are interested in Apple rumors it doesn't mean we should be frothing at the mouth with Apple rabid comments hating on other technology. Some of us are capable of having more than one company in our lives and aren't as "Dedicated" ....as you :rolleyes:
