While most application developers are inclined toward Google Play and iTunes app store, Microsoft has geared up to grab some love for its Windows Store. Earlier known as Metro, Windows Store is attracting developer community to create applications with tablet-style functionality. Though the platform is still in infancy as far as building a base of apps is concerned.

Microsoft Windows Store has around 100,000 apps. In comparison to other platforms, however, this is a scant and low number. But from all appearances Windows 8.1 is attracting developers due to better navigation, modern UI interface, and live tiles for accessing functionality. In addition to these features, Microsoft also is leveraging XAML to try to make development easier as compared to previously used HTML5 and JavaScript languages.

So far, developers have given mixed reviews for Windows Store application style. While some are confused by the platform as it looks like made for touch, others think it is very easy to use.

Microsoft has just begun by offering a preview of Windows 8.1.

Coming on to Windows 8.1, Microsoft has unveiled the long awaited Blue update of its Window 8 platform a few days back. There were several upgrades in both tablet and desktop versions. N tablet version, Start button can be found on the left lower corner of the screen that cannot be disabled. It’s not the Start menu you used to know, but it’s something and it brings a sense of familiarity. Start screen can be customized with different sized live tiles. Windows 8.1 now has more wallpaper options; even moving ones to make your screen jump to life and even your locked screen can feature a slideshow of images. IE browser has been updated to be more touch-receptive and allows for multiple tabs on a single window as well as side-by-side browsing for cases when you want to compare products or services.

Even in the desktop version, The Start Button is also present in the desktop version but there are other features not available on the tablet version. Windows-X menu has a number of new additions such as a setting to replace its two Command Prompt links (standard user and Administrator) with equivalent PowerShell links.