The Microsoft Store has updated its policy towards distributors, and even if they arrive later than would be desired, they will eventually do so abuse of certain limits more or less common in the Windows application store.

According to gHacks, the new Microsoft Store policy users will love it because they take their sideBut not so much for some developers or distributors because they will prevent them from trading, in some cases in a somewhat delicate way.

But let’s better explain what change is, because the holder gives for what he gives. Specifically from now on Disable Excessive Pricing in Microsoft Store. What is an exorbitant price? The term itself speaks for itself, and there are smart people waiting to be trapped by a careless person by setting exorbitant prices for applications they don’t deserve.

So developers won’t be able to price their applications the way they want? Yes and no: they can, but with the limits set by common sense … and the moderation of the Microsoft Store. In other words, all those cheeky people who took any application and gave a price much higher than the same category in the hope that some careless person would buy it without paying much attention to it is over.

However, the most delicate and defining element of the new Microsoft Store policy is free applications and especially open source.

Microsoft Store: no more fees for free apps

How is it. The Microsoft Store will not allow you to sell free applications. This means that apps that can be obtained for free outside the store will not be able to request payment. Not even open source applications, which is the most sensitive aspect of this measure.

It is common for open source applications and free applications – which may not always be the same – as is known – to be more or less known for being distributed through third-party stores, usually linked to a specific platform. And it is common that they do it with a price. There are many examples: applications that cost money in the Microsoft Store or Google Play, but can be downloaded for free from the respective websites and even in alternative stores.

F-Droid is one of those sites where you can find open source applications on Google Play that cost money, completely free of charge

Why are developers doing this? It’s a way to help fund a project: if you want it for free, visit my website; if you prefer the convenience of the store, pay. It’s so simple. However, this procedure endsat least in the Microsoft Store.

Is it fair? Because the question of whether it’s legal is quickly answered: it is. The Microsoft Store is not a public square. As for whether it’s fair … It will depend on who you ask. For me, it’s open source software doesn’t have to be free, but if it does, it should be free in all the scenarios in which it works. Among other things, because he plays with security.

Of course, being grateful is good, and any user of open source applications would do well to donate something from time to time, because nothing in this world is really free. You may not pay for it, but the developer does it in his own time. The same goes for free non-open source applications.

In addition to the potential controversy caused by this change, Microsoft Store will put an end to other abuses that have occurred regularly, in addition to open source applications: no additional copies of the original open source applications. And yes, there have been many examples in recent years.

The example of GIMP is obvious

This is how it is explained: open source software allows certain licenses – precisely because of its licenses – such as copying, distribution and sale by third parties outside of its official developer. Take the great video editor Kdenlive as an example. Anyone can take the source code for it, rename it, upload it to the Microsoft Store and charge for it. It is legal and legitimatealthough moral debate is a different story.

What happens now is when the Microsoft Store is flooded with cloned open source original applications that not only confuse users but can lead to security issues due to poor maintenance or outright malicious behavior. Not only can they damage the image of the official developer, but they can also damage the average user.

If the proposed changes are made, Microsoft Store will delete all clones of open source applications, thus supporting the download of the original applications that are available.

Again, this is a controversial clause, but it benefits users, trusted developers, and we’re still not talking about public squares, even though key distribution points like the Microsoft Store, Google Play, or App Store also can’t be a farm because of their importance to the software and services ecosystem. relevant platforms.