Keith Lorizio, Micosoft's U.S. sales and marketing vice president, expects Windows 8 to host more than 100,000 apps during the first few months of the operating system's launch.
"Every publisher who adds an app into the porfolio of apps we have in the marketplace...we will work with them in order to execute a deal so they can take a share of the revenue for the ads that we sell on to the network, and the same ads will appear across the network of advertisers, and the most unique thing...will be a common look and feel," says Lorizio in an interview with Beet.TV.
By incentivising app creation on the platform, Microsoft hopes to draw in 400 million Windows 8 consumers by July 2013.
Windows 8's new app-centered ecosystem shifts a portion of the responsibility of its upkeep to its audience, which must actively upload new content for the OS's marketplace to thrive. Lorizio is well aware of this newfound dynamic. "With Windows 8, it's not just about pivoting around productivity, which every Windows release has been known for --now we're going to pivot off the consumer."
Those who would like to upgrade early can download the consumer preview here. When the OS officially launches, Mircosoft will offer a discounted $14.99 upgrade fee for consumers who bought a Windows PC on June 2, 2012 or after. Those interested can visit this site to register for a promo code now. The promotion ends on January 31, 2013. If you are not elegible for the code, you will still be able to purchase a discounted version of the OS for $39 between the previously mentioned dates. The final retail price of Windows 8 after this "early adopter" period is still unannounced.
Windows 8 launches on October 26, 2012.
Expect regular updates from Latinos Post leading up to the OS's launch.