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Microsoft readies Windows 8 for launch as Windows Store hits 82 new markets

The 'last significant milestone'

Microsoft readies Windows 8 for launch as Windows Store hits 82 new markets
Microsoft has opened the Windows Store to developers in 82 additional markets, bringing the total number of supported markets to 120 worldwide.

Referring to this step as the "last significant milestone" in the rollout of Windows Store, Microsoft stated that its aim was to enable developer opportunity "everywhere there's a developer with desire."

The Windows Store will launch for consumers alongside Windows 8 on 26 October, and will serve as an app marketplace for desktops, laptops and tablet devices running Windows 8 or Windows RT.

Ready for launch

"Throughout the Windows Store preview stages, we've seen fantastic interest from individual developers, large development houses and component and service providers," explained Ted Dworkin, partner program manager for the Windows Store.

"We've seen a great increase in both the number and diversity of apps—all during our preview milestones, before broad availability of the OS and before even the first production Windows 8 PC is in the market."

Those interested in developing for the Windows Store can find out more at the Windows Store Dashboard.

Microsoft notes that its development tools are free, its SDK is ready and there's a comprehensive suite of support material available for developers.

[source: Microsoft]
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