Microsoft is on a mission to woo iPad developers as it seeks to bolster its app ecosystem ahead of the launch of Windows 8.
Having learned a hard lesson with WP7 that the success or failure of a platform hinges on the availability of apps, the firm said that on high roller apps, it would pay 80% of app download revenue to developers.
“With successful apps on Windows, you’ll make more money than the industry standard, earning 80% of every customer dollar, after an app makes more than $25,000 (£16,000) in sales,” it said.
For the first $25,000 of an app’s sales, developers can expect the industry-standard 70%.
In an effort to slice off a chunk of the iPad market, Microsoft has released a case study that shows developers how their iOS apps will look once they’re ported to Windows 8, highlighting differences in layout and navigation; commands and actions; orientation and views; notifications; and touch gestures.
“In this case study we want to help designers and developers who are familiar with iOS to reimagine their apps using Metro style design principles,” it reads. “We show you how to translate common user interface and experience patterns found in iPad apps to Windows 8 Metro style apps.”
Whether developers are swayed by Microsoft’s Metro-style programming, standardised interface and promise of meaty, above average payouts, only time will tell. Are you tempted?
