Local apps now in stock at Windows Store

• Malaysian-made apps now available for Windows 8 from 12 major brands
• Engagement efforts continue to spur growth of local app population for Windows Store

US technology giant Microsoft Corp recently showcased 12 Malaysian-made apps which are now available via the Windows Store.
 
“The momentum around Windows 8 continues as software developers are designing more and more innovative apps, demonstrating developer excitement about the unique opportunity represented by the Windows Store,” said Dinesh Nair (pic), director, Developer and Platform Evangelism for Microsoft Malaysia.
 
The Windows Store was opened to Malaysian developers in September this year and the showcase featured apps from brands such as The Star Online, Malaysiakini, myStarjob.com, AirAsia, Sunway Group, iProperty, Resorts World Genting, MYDIN, DiGi, Yeylol, Soft Space and MyTeksi.
 
“People want choices that fit their lifestyles and needs, and we are working together with leading local brands and the software developer community to create apps that people prefer and appreciate,” Dinesh added.
 
Microsoft said it is continuing to engage with software developers ranging from entrepreneurs, designers, small and large businesses and students to create apps that help elevate the customer experience.
 
Pun Soong Teck, who developed the MyTeksi app as well as the Malaysia Traffic app on Windows 8 and KL Traffic app for Windows Phone said developing Windows 8 applications has been “an exciting journey so far.”
 
“From the creativity point of view, there is a lot to consider building a Live Tiles experience, the Modern UI, as well as making our apps support touch, mouse, keyboard and pen. However, I am most excited about the opportunity the Windows 8 platform represents as the Windows Store offers me an easy way to gain visibility, build a business, and create a user base,” he added.
 
The Windows Store features a wide range of international and local apps with many of the top free and paid apps consumers have come to know and love now available.
 
Users can already browse thousands of apps or use the Search Charm to quickly find the app they want, and in many cases users can try the apps before they buy, so they don’t have to commit to an app they aren’t sure about.
 
In addition, the store is cloud connected, which means that users’ settings automatically follow them across their Windows 8 devices with access to all apps purchased on any device.
 
Dinesh shared that since establishing a presence 20 years ago; Microsoft Malaysia has the largest local partner ecosystem in the country with over 5,000 partners.

“With Windows 8, we are thrilled that we are playing a major role in accelerating the development and production of made-in-Malaysia software. A thriving local ICT economy with a vibrant community of home-grown software developers is another major component towards a technologically advanced, globally competitive, developed Malaysia by the year 2020,” he added.