Microsoft has announced that it has opened the doors to
developers for app submission ahead of the official release of Windows 8 on
October 26th 2012. The company has also added 82 app submission
markets so that devs from 120 markets can now make Windows Store apps.
The move "more than doubles” the support offered to
developers and the software giant has announced even more "subscription program
offerings that recognize and thank developers for their interest and commitment
to Windows”.
This includes a free, one-year Windows Store developer
account for all eligible MSDN
subscribers, including Visual Studio, Test, Premium, Ultimate and BizSpark
professionals. A list of all the supported markets can be found at the Dev
Centre and Microsoft has said that it intends to continue expansion.
The company say that they have experienced "fantastic
interest” from developers across the board, including individuals and service
providers, which has led to an increase in "the number and diversity of apps”
during the preview stage of Windows 8.
Developers who want to sign up to the program can go to the Windows Store
Dashboard on the Windows Dev Centre to join and all of the development
tools are free the "SDK is ready” and there is plenty of supporting content in
place for devs.
The move comes ahead of the launch of the Surface tablet,
also due out in October and according to many industry insiders, devs will have
to get a move on if Windows Store wants to compete with the likes of Apple and
Android.