Microsoft’s newly published Certification Requirements for the forthcoming Windows 8 store includes some notable points. Here are a few that caught my eye.
No complaints about that one.
3.2 Your app must not stop responding, end unexpectedly, or contain programming errors
Hmm, this could be a tough one.
3.3 Your app must provide the same user experience on all processor types
OK, no “Intel-only” features. However you could by implication submit an “Intel-only” version of your app as long as it is called something different than than the ARM version.
3.7 Your app must not use an interaction gesture in a way that is different from how Windows uses the gesture
This is interesting as an example of enforcing application style guidelines. The intent is a consistent user experience, but is this heavy-handed?
4.1 Your app must obtain opt-in or equivalent consent to publish personal information
No stealthy personal data collection. A good thing; though if opt-in means “Hand over your data or you cannot run the app” it can still be difficult for users to avoid.
4.4 Your app must not be designed or marketed to perform, instruct, or encourage tasks that could cause physical harm to a customer or any other person
What a relief!
Windows Metro a porn-free zone? This could be troublesome though. No games beyond PEGI 16? This is a preliminary document and it would not surprise me if there is some change here; maybe this is a restriction for the beta period only.