It isn't easy competing with Apple and Google for developer attention, even when you're a software company like Microsoft.
The company ended the year by releasing a report showing substantial growth of its app store, Windows Store, along with its more specific Windows Phone Store for smartphone apps. The news was good: The company showed 110 percent growth in overall downloads compared to 2013. That should be impressive to developers, right?
Well, for some it was:
Games now account for 42% of all downloads on Windows. And growing! More: http://t.co/KG0qAmirz3 pic.twitter.com/l84iO7NO67
— Oleg Pridiuk (@iWozik) December 23, 2014
Others seemed impatient for Microsoft to take steps that would further improve its competitive position.
According to MS, only 65% of #WindowsPhone devices run 8.1, update promised to roll out to everyone during the summer http://t.co/HpwRuQnjON
— Igor Kulman (@igorkulman) December 23, 2014
A number of comments on Twitter applauded Microsoft for arming developers with useful information.
Good to see Microsoft sharing this data http://t.co/slHnYNqAEK Even if they are stepping into "our territory" :) #wpdev #windev
— Alan Mendelevich (@ailon) December 23, 2014
Data is power; so here are some windows phone store statistics #generic #stats http://t.co/ET7rwQ1w2u
— Edwin Klesman (@EeKayOnline) December 26, 2014
Then there were those who simply scoffed at the notion of growth in the Windows app space.
@TechCrunch did any extra 11 people download something?
— Jason Whitehorn (@falseprime) January 1, 2015
And despite the growth, Microsoft may have more marketing to do for developers to get them interested in its platform.
@TechCrunch last year I didn't even know it existed
— Warmachine69 (@dalyncd) January 1, 2015