Microsoft is remaking the Windows Marketplace site. Previously it was simply a way to buy Microsoft software. Now it looks like Microsoft intends to create their own online equivalent of the Apple Store and reference site. What all will be in Windows Marketplace? Microsoft’s not letting those secrets out yet. Since the details are sketchy, I’m going to offer up some of my own ideas and needs for the Windows Marketplace site.
1. Know Me, Know My Devices. Windows 7 has this nice concept of the device center, a place that manages all the devices that are part of your world. That’s what Windows Marketplace needs to do, know the devices I have (possibly shared from Windows 7) and save me the hassle of wading through non-relevant information.
2. Know me, Know My Software. If I’m already running Vista, I’m probably not that interested in buy another copy for myself, unless its for a new computer. But I might be interested in an upgrade from Vista Home to Home Premium. And tell me about complementary tools and products that work with the stuff I already have.
3. Top 25 is the tip of the iceberg. Apple’s store for the iPhone is nice and all, but I’d like to learn about more than just the top 25 (or 50) free and pay for apps. If there’s something interesting to me on the top 25 list, I’d like to check other similar apps so I know I’m buying what I want to buy.
4. RSS feed me. I’d rather not have to go to the Windows Marketplace site all the time just to see what’s new. So feed it to me by offering an RSS edition of the WM news, product updates, new products and special deals. Make it easy to have a reason to come to the site.
5. Companion App: Don’t build iTunes. If there is to be a companion app for Windows Marketplace, such as iTunes on the iphone or desktop, don’t follow Apple down the bloatware trail by creating an app so poorly constructed it requires updating every time it starts up or an app that locks up your computer when it’s trying to connect to the online store. The world doesn’t need another poorly constructed iTunes-like marketplace app.
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