Progressive Web Apps Prompt Microsoft Store Refresh

The Microsoft Store has been given a fresh new look at Microsoft introduces more Progressive Web Apps. According to reports, the Windows 10 app store is now available to beta testers ahead of a main release – within the new store which is being tested now, a number of Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) have been noted.

According to a report published by Tech Radar, there are quite a few changes to the Windows 10 app store interface. Users will notice that there is now a ‘Reveal’ option which showcases what users can interact with.

This effect, known as a fluid design feature, is further to the blurring effect, Acrylic, that most will already have seen and helps to modernise and improve the user experience.

When you access the Store on a standard PC, the search box is now hidden, though it will still appear by default for those users browsing for new apps from a mobile device. Smaller changes include revised fonts and easier navigation via back buttons. This last change also makes it easier to scroll through user reviews – yet another sign that Microsoft has focused on enhancing the user experience with its latest incarnation.

One of the most notable, and most exciting aspects of the new look Windows 10 app store however is the addition of several more Progressive Web Apps. We’re big fans of these apps here at Eazi-Apps and it seems, Microsoft agrees! The Tech Radar report cites a Windows Latest article, which stated a series of new PWAs had been uploaded. It is expected that these apps will play a bigger role in the future and there are already industry suggestions that they’ll feature much more prominently when the main Windows 10 update is rolled out later this year.

While there are only a limited number of PWAs at present, it’s very promising that Microsoft has added new Progressive Web Apps as part of its Windows 10 app store overhaul. As with all Progressive Web Apps, the new additions will be apps implemented as native software. This means they’ll have the functionality of an app with features such as notifications for users, rather than simply being something that runs in the browser window.

We’ll keep you posted when the new design comes out of preview mode and becomes available to all Windows 10 app store users.