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.