Pindasmeer

Thanks for bringing the Affinity apps to the Microsoft Store, guys! A great step for the Windows platform, Affinity and users who don't have to bother using serials and manual updating

​Citing the Apple Developer site: ​Microsoft does indeed collect usage data on OS level by default. But with regard app downloaded via the Store, I haven't seen any evidence of Microsoft collecting 'routine runtime usage statistics'. Developers on the other hand have the ability to gather analytics on self defined 'custom events'. But that's up to the developer to decide. And besides, there are other ways for developers to gather usage statistics as well. ​On Windows 10, users can opt-out of sharing detailed usage data with Microsoft too (that is, any data not needed for the OS to work properly). I agree, and that's what you pay for after all. On the Microsoft side, more data is shared on OS level, but one can opt-out for most of this. However, with regard to the Store, I see little difference between Apple's and Microsoft variants. Microsoft simply needs developers too badly to make any more mistakes in this department :). If privacy concerns are the only thing holding back from publishing through the Store, I'd suggest asking advice from Microsoft. However, it seems like optimizing the distribution and update process doesn't get any priority (which is fine, we all have to prioritize after all). Just wanted to know!

Same is true for Windows 10. Users create a Microsoft Account, which you can use for all its services including the Store. You will probably be surprised then :lol: ​. As far as I know, Microsoft will only acquire general usage statistics (such as how often a user opens an app, for how long, and data about crashes), just as Apple does in its own app store. I still see no difference between the App Store on Mac and the Windows Store as far as user data is concerned.

...for users of old operating systems. As suggested before, the installer could still be provided on the website. Microsoft is working hard on creating a safe store with many benefits to end users and some for developers. Spotify, WhatsApp, Slack, Evernote, Telegram and even Apple are now bringing their current win32 apps to the Store (apparently the earlier mentioned privacy concerns aren't that big if even Apple is now adding iTunes to the Store).

I agree the User Camp article is overly positive. And I also believe that the Windows Store is struggling, as is suggested by the articles mentioned by you. Microsoft obviously did a very bad job at gaining trust from users and developers. But I think that in its current state, the Windows Store and developer tools are very capable. I think that the main reason why the Store is struggling is the lack of qualitative apps such as Affinity Photo (creating a downwards spiral). In my opinion there are little arguments against the Windows Store that do not apply to the App Store by Apple. Even when it comes to data collection and privacy concerns. You might be right, I will still consider it a missed opportunity but I see no point in continuing this discussion :). Thanks for your input all. Update: Seems like Apple will be adding iTunes to the Windows Store as well. Update 2: Another article by The Verge on Microsoft's current strategy concerning the Store Update 3: WhatsApp is also coming to the Store, it seems ;)

I don't think Windows 8 is compatible with the Desktop Bridge. I'd say the main reason is the fact that the Store (with Desktop Bridge ability) is available to Windows 10 users only (with 'only' 26,8% market share*). I think the app could still be provided to the Store for those users though (alongside a download option via the Affinity site, like Evernote, Slack and Telegram Desktop), as this would give users the benefits of a simplified setup (without serial-key hassles), clean uninstall, much smaller chance of getting a virus/malware, auto-updates and access for the devs to new API's such as push notifications and live tiles. Here's a little app store comparison. I think an increasing amount of people are willing to pay for these benefits - and students who will be using Windows 10S wouldn't even be able to download any apps outside of the Store. Like the discussion though, thanks for that ^_^ * To compare: Mac OS X 10.12 has a market share of 3.2%

This is exactly what has been fixed in the Windows Store. All apps that are installed through the Store are completely removed (all folders and registry items included) when right-clicking 'deïnstall' at the Start Menu - just as is the case with the Launchpad on Mac. Thanks for the link! To be honest, that discussion is full of misconceptions ;). The discussion is all about UWP and floating Windows, but an app doesn't have to be 'UWP' to be added to the Windows Store (I think only 'Kelps Leite de Sousa' is getting it). The application can just be repackaged and added to the Store using the Desktop Bridge. The only valid argument of not adding the Affinity apps to the Store (at least the only one mentioned in that topic) is the 30% margin, but then again, they have added the app to the App Store for Mac where the same margins apply :).

To be honest, the difference between the Apple App Store and the Windows Store aren't that big. That jail actually has quite some nifty features and advantages for end users. But indeed, there might be some limitations to 3rd party support and I was hoping someone could elaborate on the 'problems' as mentioned by R C-R. That's all :)

No, even traditional win32 apps can be converted to a so called 'desktop bridge app'. For example, the Evernote app is just a converted 'old' app, and Spotify will do the same with their app soon. Converting an app has some nice advantages, which can be found here (see 'Distribute through Windows Store' in the table). New apps written for Windows 10 (and Windows 10 Mobile, Xbox, Hololens) are often 'UWP' apps, which have a lot of advantages but requires rewriting the app. That's because in the early stages of Windows 10, only new UWP apps were allowed in the store. All apps were relatively new and large companies couldn't upload their existing apps because the desktop bridge didn't exist at that time. Yes, apps in the store are checked for viruses/malware and can be removed without leaving traces (even changes to the registry will be repaired when uninstalling). You can read more about it here.

Just wondering: why is Affinity Photo available via the App Store on Mac, but not on the Windows Store? This would allow for a more streamlined update process, more payment options (which can be linked to a Microsoft account) and the assurance of a clean uninstallation (which I'm not going to do anytime soon). Moreover, this would allow users of Windows 10S (for educational purposes) to install the Affinity apps as it is not possible to install apps outside of the Store in this version of Windows.

There is! Just fill a new layer with the colour of choice, and click the 'Blend Ranges' button (settings wheel in the layers panel). Make sure to adjust the 'Underlying Composition Ranges' to colorize a specific range!