Microsoft has started a new review process for its official Windows Store to eliminate apps that create confusion with similar names, icons and misleading descriptions.
Microsoft is cracking down on ambiguous apps that create confusion among Windows users. The Redmond-based software giant updated its Windows Store app certification requirements on Wednesday to include three new changes that will help make both Windows and Windows Phone Store offer apps that are totally legitimate.
Windows' platform for smartphones is just starting to build a presence in the competitive mobile space, which is currently dominated by Google's Android and Apple iOS. But the software titan wants to secure its footing by offering a simple search for apps in its digital marketplace. As a result of the new review process, more than 1,500 apps have been removed from the Windows Phone Store. Officials plan to eliminate even more apps violating the store's policies.
Before shutting misleading apps from Windows stores, Microsoft is allowing developers to make necessary changes to comply with the updated certification requirements. According to the new change in policy, developers must ensure the apps "clearly and accurately reflect the functionality of the app," are "categorized according to the app function and purpose," and the icons should clearly differentiate themselves from others.
"Our approach has long been to create and enforce strong but transparent policies to govern our certification and store experience," General Manager of Windows Apps and Store Team, Todd Brix, wrote in the company's Windows blog, Wednesday. "Earlier this year we heard loud and clear that people were finding it more difficult to find the apps they were searching for; often having to sort through lists of apps with confusing or misleading titles."
Microsoft says the review is an ongoing process.
