Microsoft dives into the Apple App Store
Microsoft’s new direction in the mobile application arena has many scratching their heads as the company recently started rolling out apps for Apple’s iOS platform. This seems like a different approach then previously seen with the company scrambling to poach development support for Windows Phone 7.
A weakness with the Windows Phone 7 platform has always been around its lackluster Marketplace store. Considering that it’s a new platform, many developers have been weary to invest time and money into it. However, the Windows Phone 7 Marketplace has made great strides since its initial launch as it now boasts over 25k apps on the store.
This has been one area Microsoft has been focusing on in order to close the gap with Apple and Google. The company even offered free dev kits and phones to disgruntled WebOS developers in order to sway them to switch platforms.
As reported by Forbes, Microsoft recently released the SkyDrive app for the iPhone. This surprised many, as Apple is also a direct competitor to Microsoft in the mobile space. The week before that, Microsoft released an app that allows users to view their Xbox Live accounts on the iPhone. The company also recently released Microsoft OneNote and Lync on the Apple App Store.
With four apps and updates already on the way, Microsoft is becoming a player in Apple’s marketplace and its getting noticed. The Daily recently reported that a source has revealed that Microsoft is developing a version of Office for the iPad. This would be a major move for the company as Office is Microsoft’s biggest selling software and a reason to own a Windows smartphone.
Its interesting to note that Microsoft decided to go with Apple’s iOS platform to publish its apps leaving Google’s Android out in the cold. Could the two companies be joining forces to go up against Google?
December 14th, 2011
Actually smart of Microsoft. No denying a large installed base of iOS devices, regardless of one’s personal feelings towards Apple or its products. Many iOS users in fact use Windows and Office for their computing solutions, so implementing – and being able to integrate – MS documents between the two platforms would make Microsoft stand out more (and more sales would result). A win for Microsoft, Apple, and customers.
December 15th, 2011
And Microsoft disregards Android market completely.
December 15th, 2011
Not surprised considering M$. Yahoo. AOL joint venture against Google.
because Android is reaching critical mass and is the real deal!
This only goes to show that M$ looks at Google as its worst nightmare beast!
Run M$, run!