Growing Clamor for Microsoft to Cleanse its Window Phone App Store As Well

Microsoft has stated it has initiated the process of bringing fake apps to book. The Redmond company has also stated this will involve making changes to the App Store certification process as well which will ensure that all apps are marked clearly so as not to appear misleading or arouse suspicion among consumers. A total of 1,500 apps have already reported to have been axed owning non-compliance with the Microsoft App Store regulations. Microsoft has further assured consumers saying they are entitled to a full refund if they have fallen for a scam.

This could be the first major cleanup operation undertaken by Microsoft which has been found to be infested with fakes galore, claims How To Geek. Among the changes Microsoft is introducing to its app certification process include making it mandatory for developers to name their apps distinctly so that it does not bear any resemblance with any other app. This applies to the icons as well so that no two apps should be seen using visually similar looking icons. Microsoft has also stated the apps should be categorized properly to allow for easy discovery.

Microsoft has the youngest app store in comparison to Apple or Android both of which has a solid advantage over the Redmond company both in terms of number and quality of apps, mentions The Guardian. However, as Adrian Kingsley-Hughes of ZDNet points out, fake or malicious apps have been the bane for both Apple and Android early in their life cycle. Apple maintains the most stringent app store submission rules though still have had its share of issues arising out of fraudulent apps. Both Apple and Android boasts of app stores that play to host to about 1.2 million apps each.

There also is a rising clamor for Microsoft to undertake a similar measure for its Windows Phone Store, claims Slate. Microsoft recently announced the app store for devices running Windows Phone OS having crossed the 400,000 mark. Unfortunately, many among those are fake and clones of more renowned apps.