Windows Phone now has 130K+ apps

[Yusuf M. Veteran]

Hello from Barcelona! Today I had the honor of joining Nokia at its App Developer Conference to help kick-off Mobile World Congress. Nokia shared some great phone and app news that you can read about here. For Microsoft, today is about showing you, our Windows Phone developers, the progress you have made. I?d also like to announce a few more tools and programs to make it even easier for you to develop for Windows Phone.

How are we doing?

By now, you are familiar with our strategy of fostering an ecosystem around Windows Phone: an ecosystem characterized by quality, scale and developer opportunity. This strategy is taking root at an accelerated pace with partners and developers reporting real and sustained growth following the launch of Windows Phone 8.

Every day there are more signs of people?s belief that Windows Phone has evolved from being a solid contender to a compelling alternative. Just last week, the Nokia Lumia 920 won Engadget?s Reader?s Choice award for best smartphone of 2012 ? by a wide margin. Also earlier this month, the Lumia 920 took on all comers to be named Gizmodo?s ?Best Smartphone Camera? of five that were tested. The Lumia 920 is also being honored this week as a GSMA Best Smartphone nominee. Most importantly, people love their Windows Phones and its apps. A January report from ChangeWave Research found that Windows Phone customers are more likely to be ?very satisfied? with their phones than Android users (53% for Windows Phone users vs. 48% for Android).

Moreover though, this qualitative praise is translating into quantitative opportunity for Windows Phone developers. We started by getting phones in front of the right people, making it easy for users to buy apps (e.g. PayPal, Alipay and carrier billing) and expanding to new geographies to grow our total addressable market by 90% in 2012. You?ve probably read reports of a 4x increase in Windows Phone sales over last year?s holiday season. In fact, we?ve achieved more than 10% marketshare in a number of countries (source: IDC Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker, Feb 2013).

The Windows Phone Store has also experienced a significant increase in activity - the highest in our history - with a 75% increase in app downloads, a 91% increase in paid app revenue and eclipsing 1 billion transactions. We?re also seeing higher levels of engagement with the catalog (thanks to your great apps), with a steady increase to an average of 55 downloads per user.

Windows Phone Developer Opportunity

The Windows Phone developer community itself is growing rapidly as well. Developer registrations are up by over 40,000 in the first 90 days since the launch of Windows Phone 8, and we?ve already seen 15,000 new apps that specifically leverage the new platform functionality Windows Phone 8 provides. All told, you?ve created a catalog of more than 130,000 apps and games ? designed specifically for a differentiated Windows Phone UI and ecosystem. And we expect this growth to continue as the number of Windows Phone 8 SDK downloads just passed 500,000 in less than 4 months from its release on October 30, 2012.

[...]

Source: Windows Phone Developer Blog

Over 130,000 apps and over 40,000 developer registrations since the launch of WP8. The average of 55 downloads per user came as a surprise to me. With the new low- to medium-end devices from Nokia, it looks like WP8 is going to have a great year. :)

[George P Global Moderator]

Yeah, I also hope to see that rumor of being able to run these phone apps on Windows 8. That'd be a huge boost to users and developers as well as paving the way for devices like a padfone.

[jasonon]

There may be a lot of apps in the Store, but many of the key ones are still missing. I know most Windows Phone users say they don't care about Instagram or Temple Run, but lack of those apps is a deal breaker to consumers who are switching from Iphones/androids.

[Yusuf M. Veteran]

Yeah, I also hope to see that rumor of being able to run these phone apps on Windows 8. That'd be a huge boost to users and developers as well as paving the way for devices like a padfone.

That's interesting. It would definitely improve Microsoft's ecosystem.

There may be a lot of apps in the Store, but many of the key ones are still missing. I know most Windows Phone users say they don't care about Instagram or Temple Run, but lack of those apps is a deal breaker to consumers who are switching from Iphones/androids.

Which major apps are missing besides Instagram or Temple Run? I'm asking because I'm genuinely curious and I can't remember one or two that I had in mind yesterday.

Anyway, Twitter recently received a major update (see here) and WhatsApp did too.

There's also this:

Javascript is not enabled or refresh the page to view.

Click here to view the Tweet

My guess is new versions of Facebook, Skype, and Viber.

[jasonon]

Which major apps are missing besides Instagram or Temple Run? I'm asking because I'm genuinely curious and I can't remember one or two that I had in mind yesterday.

The apps that my Iphone friends always use are tumblr, pintrest, flipboard, and snap chat. I know a few of those have alternatives, but it's just not the same. Also I'm looking forward to Pandora and for Spotify to add free radio to their client :)

[Shaun N.]

There may be a lot of apps in the Store, but many of the key ones are still missing. I know most Windows Phone users say they don't care about Instagram or Temple Run, but lack of those apps is a deal breaker to consumers who are switching from Iphones/androids.

I just switched from an iPhone 4s to a Samsung Ativ S and I can't say I've ever installed Instagram or Templerun :/

[HawkMan]

You can take a photo and upload directly to FB... why exactly do they need instagram... to add ugly filters. WP8 has extendable filter modules built into the camera app. if you must ruin your pictures.

[Yusuf M. Veteran]

The apps that my Iphone friends always use are tumblr, pintrest, flipboard, and snap chat. I know a few of those have alternatives, but it's just not the same. Also I'm looking forward to Pandora and for Spotify to add free radio to their client :)

A Tumblr app is on the way for WP8. As for Pinterest, Flipboard and Snap Chat, they may or may not have alternatives but I'm hopeful that we'll see more popular apps as WP8 grows.

You can take a photo and upload directly to FB... why exactly do they need instagram... to add ugly filters. WP8 has extendable filter modules built into the camera app. if you must ruin your pictures.

That may be true but it's a popular app. I personally have no need for it but lots of people want it so Microsoft and/or Facebook should work towards making it available for WP8.

[jasonon]

... Microsoft and/or Facebook should work towards making it available for WP8.

lets hope that Belfiore's secret new apps fill in a gap or two :)

[greenwizard88]

Banking apps. I love Windows Phone 7/8 but I want some banking apps!

[Guest]

Anyone here gone from iPhone to WP8? Care to share your experiences? I like the look of my wife's WP7 device but the amount of apps on the App Store keeps me as an Apple customer. How's the OS for games? I compared GTA3 side by side with my friends Galaxy S3 but the 4S seemed to have better FPS making the game a lot smoother.

[George P Global Moderator]

I've noticed more banks starting to come out with WP apps as of late, I think 2013 will be the year we get more of the apps and games that have been lacking so far on the platform.

[BajiRav]

Banking apps. I love Windows Phone 7/8 but I want some banking apps!

There are already some, which one do you use?

[MorganX]

Still no facebook app, yes, people want that. No meaningful fitness apps. No syncing/media management app (not a phone app). No US Bank, No US IngDirect. So what's the point of the 130k.

MS needs to stop spouting app numbers, and get the 10-20 apps the platform needs! I'm tellin' ya, if MS doesn't get it's app act together fast for Surface RT and WP8, all these cheap android devices that are proliferating are going to leave them permanently in the dust. I feel the Window of opportunity for serious challenge is closing quickly because MS has dropped the ball across the 8 board with lack of the right apps.

Edit: IMO, the tablet war is over. MS will not make significant inroads in the consumer space there. Android then iPad, and that's basically it. They dropped the ball with no middleware (Zune8/iTunes) and lack of killer apps. I'd like to be wrong, but I doubut it. Android tabs everywhere and they are actually fast.

[George P Global Moderator]

I'm pretty sure there's a Facebook app as well as a chase bank app out for WP.

https://www.chase.com/mobile-banking/windows-app

[jakem1]

Still no facebook app, yes, people want that. No meaningful fitness apps. No syncing/media management app (not a phone app). No US Bank, No US IngDirect. So what's the point of the 130k.

MS needs to stop spouting app numbers, and get the 10-20 apps the platform needs! I'm tellin' ya, if MS doesn't get it's app act together fast for Surface RT and WP8, all these cheap android devices that are proliferating are going to leave them permanently in the dust. I feel the Window of opportunity for serious challenge is closing quickly because MS has dropped the ball across the 8 board with lack of the right apps.

Edit: IMO, the tablet war is over. MS will not make significant inroads in the consumer space there. Android then iPad, and that's basically it. They dropped the ball with no middleware (Zune8/iTunes) and lack of killer apps. I'd like to be wrong, but I doubut it. Android tabs everywhere and they are actually fast.

I know you like to complain about WP but this app gap that you're objecting to is being filled for many of us. My bank just released its WP app and its great. I now have all the apps I need and while I might not represent everyone I'm an example of someone who is more than satisfied with the state of the WP Store.

Your Zune complaints are also getting boring. There's no need for a Zune client with WP8 as there are plenty of other ways to get music on to my phone.

[MorganX]

I know you like to complain about WP but this app gap that you're objecting to is being filled for many of us. My bank just released its WP app and its great. I now have all the apps I need and while I might not represent everyone I'm an example of someone who is more than satisfied with the state of the WP Store.

Your Zune complaints are also getting boring. There's no need for a Zune client with WP8 as there are plenty of other ways to get music on to my phone.

Actually I don't complain about Windows 8 much. You having your bank app means nothing to those who don't. I'm sure those at the one or two banks that have apps are happy. But many banks, including the major banks that I mentioned, that have apps on every other platform do not.

It's not boring enough for you to not comment. Regarding Zune, many people aren't interested in kludging around hunting for apps to do basic core functionality that has been removed from the 8 line of products. It's supposed to be a well integrated cutting edge piece of hardware from Microsoft. That's part of the reason it isn't having great consumer success. And I will complain about that until it's rectified. Feel free to ignore me or my comments and fall in love with kludging around. In the meantime, whatever bank you're at that has an app, I suggest you don't change if you're sticking with Windows 8.

So basically, your response to my very specific "complaints" was, you're tired of hearing it, your bank has an app so it's not an issue, and lastly, kludge around for a media/playlist management solution, cuz you can. I can also tie two cans together with a string instead of using a cell phone too you know.

So unless you can address people's "complaints" with meaningful solutions, why don't you refrain from commenting?

[Growled Member]

It seems Windows app market is growing by leaps and bounds. They are not but 600,000 apps behind iOS and Android.

[MorganX]

It seems Windows app market is growing by leaps and bounds. They are not but 600,000 apps behind iOS and Android.

In all fairness, 600k of crApps isn't a whole lot better than 130k of crApps. I'd have to say though, you have a better chance of having the apps more people need the more you have. The fitness app I want/need is on Android and iPhone/Pad though it started on Windows Mobile :/ All my banking apps are on the other platforms. But I have to say, though other than games I only use a few, properly made WP8 apps are better IMO. That doesn't mean much if the apps you want aren't there, but the potential is. A well made facebook app for WP8 would blow the others away. Toast notifications, desktop lock screen notifications, SkyDrive sync, etc. etc. I have one app that takes advantage of all this, Trackage by ITECTURE. It's the only one, but it's awesome.

[Zinomian]

Actually, as a consumer who wants to change from an iPhone4 to a WP8, missing some apps the ONLY reason as to why I yet to make the jump. Some of you say that not having your bank app is no big deal, well, for many consumers it is, since it is how you bank now days (deposits, transfers, etc).

There are also some more commercial apps that are not available yet, such as VOIP apps for some main stream systems, etc.

While I am hopeful that the WP8 app system grows, because of my own disconnect with apple, as a consumer, i will continue to give my money not just to the better device but also to the better store, until then....iphone4 it is.

[Guest]

Just to echo Zinomian. I too as an iPhone 4S user made the mistake of moving from an iPhone 4 to a HTC Desire. The app selection on Android was poor, so much so I sold the phone mid-contract and purchased full price a new 4S from Apple. It was a huge relief. Android has changed since then but its left me with a bitter taste in my mouth. WP looks good but the select of apps very much matter. I made the mistake once and don't plan on making it again.

Microsoft should offer some sort of deal, such as 100% revenue for the first 3 months of an app release for a limited time, to get developers interested in publishing their apps for the WP Store.

[HawkMan]

Except WP already has the most developers developing actively for it.

and the apps you guys are missing are generally free apps that don't generate any revenue to MS or the developer, sch as bank apps. though personally I prefer a good mobile web bank.

[BajiRav]

I'm pretty sure there's a Facebook app as well as a chase bank app out for WP.

https://www.chase.co...ing/windows-app

Chase has been there for some time now. I have it installed on my phone in addition to Bank of America(official), ETrade(Official), LevelUp(Official). I personally don't trust my phone to keep my banking information saved there (not even user names) but if I did, I still don't have apps from biggies such as American Express. As it stands, I don't use any financial app but I might be abnormal because I don't use many apps as such. I have used my BoA app the most and mostly to find ATMs but have used it exactly once to deposit a check (for curiosity's sake).

I don't care much about the Facebook app, none of their apps fully replace the actual site (not even the iPad one) and at that point even current 7.8 app is not that bad (it is arguably the worst compared to iOS/Android ones).

[HawkMan]

The banking "apps" over here only allow you to move money between your own accounts and see your own accounts. th next version will allow my GF to move money to one of my accounts which she has full access to, that's all you can do in the app.

if you want to actually pay bills or such, then you need to use the mobile bank webpage, that requires you Personal number to log in, plus your password/pin which is unique for the web bank page, and a one time SMS pin code.

[Yusuf M. Veteran]

SK[' timestamp=1362039006' post='595548862]

Just to echo Zinomian. I too as an iPhone 4S user made the mistake of moving from an iPhone 4 to a HTC Desire. The app selection on Android was poor, so much so I sold the phone mid-contract and purchased full price a new 4S from Apple. It was a huge relief. Android has changed since then but its left me with a bitter taste in my mouth. WP looks good but the select of apps very much matter. I made the mistake once and don't plan on making it again.

Microsoft should offer some sort of deal, such as 100% revenue for the first 3 months of an app release for a limited time, to get developers interested in publishing their apps for the WP Store.

You can browse the Windows Phone store here: http://www.windowsphone.com/en-gb/store

Try searching for apps you use a lot. I upgraded from a BlackBerry Curve and all the apps I used were available except for BlackBerry Messenger which is exclusive to BlackBerry smartphones.