Window 8.1 - the app cliff....

As with many enthusiasts I have several machines and several of those dual boot.  Also like many enthusiasts, I maintained separate Windows 8.1 and Windows 10 environments until I felt that Windows 10 was reliable enough to become my daily driver...

 During the pre-RTM Windows 10 Insider Program, MS upgraded and renamed several key apps.  Groove Music & Movies and TV are two that come to mind. 

 So here is the interesting thing.  They have never been updated or renamed in Windows 8.1.  In fact open the store in Windows 8.1 - and search for Groove Music and nothing appears.   

 MS has created an all new store experience for Windows 10 and has left the Windows 8.1 Store alone.  In fact I would say MS has turned their back on it.

 MS is in such a hurry to put Windows 8.x behind them that I believe they will practically stop supporting the product and especially the Store and the Apps.   

 This is what I am describing as the app cliff..  Meaning that any current versions of Windows 8.1 apps you have will probably be their last.   If you want the new version of your apps - you'll have to upgrade to Windows 10 and use the new Store.   Like it or not...

 The question will be when will MS stop allowing a Windows 8.1 user to buy items from the Store.   I think it will be sooner rather than later.  And that's a shame.   

 Now this approach is not new to MS - nor to many other software houses.  They all want to motivate users to get to the latest version and hey Windows 10 is free right ?   So why not upgrade ?   In fact I know they are promoting developers to only place apps in the new Store and not the 8.1 Store.

 In fact I expect a similar situation with Windows 7.  Now sure Windows 7 does not have a store - but I expect MS to really drag their feet getting updates out for Windows 7.   Unless it is a major security issue - MS is not going to fix it...

 In my opinion, MS looks at Windows 10 as an opportunity to reset its user base's OS and rid themselves of a lot of legacy support.   XP is slowing dying, Vista is also almost gone and now Windows 10 for free will motivate Windows 7 users to upgrade.   

 If MS can pull this off, it will be interesting to see how they will begin to position new services and offerings to take advantage of the new platform.  

 Bottom line - if you have Windows 8.1 - do not expect to see A) many new apps in the Store and B) any of your current apps get upgraded.   

   

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