September 2011

Only enterprise and developers can bypass Windows Store for Metro apps

19th September 2011

Microsoft will restrict general distribution of Metro apps to the Windows Store, but grant exceptions to enterprises and developers, allowing them to side-load applications onto Windows 8 devices. While Windows 8 will be an operating system for both desktops and tablets, Microsoft is creating two sets of rules for traditional desktop apps and Metro-style apps, which are optimized for touch screens but will run on any Windows 8 device.

Fascinating. So, with Windows 8 on a desktop, the only way for most consumers to acquire Metro apps is from the Windows Store.