Until recently, the best most app developers could do when someone writes a bad review was take a deep breath and count to 10. If their app or mobile game was created for Windows Phone, however, Microsoft is now offering them other ways to respond.
After some initial pilot testing, Microsoft said it would be offering developers the capability to talk back to users who post comments via the Dev Center. The company had previously launched this facility exclusively in the U.S., and only for reviews posted from Windows Phone 8 and 8.1 devices.
Developers on Twitter sounded like they were breathing a sigh of relief at Microsoft's decision.
Finally, we can all respond to user reviews :) http://t.co/utd7urIdON #wpdev
— Stephan Arenswald (@brainchest) August 13, 2014
Several couldn't wait to get started with opening up a two-way dialogue with their users.
I just responded to some of my Windows Phone app reviews: http://t.co/EJtaKkkPsb #wpdev
— Stephen Enloe (@enloes) August 13, 2014
Having fun responding to app reviews on Windows Phone now :D
— Jay Bennett (@JayTBennett) August 13, 2014
Microsoft's move may, in fact, put more pressure on the more popular mobile OS providers to do the same.
When Apple give us this opportunity? "Windows Phone Developers Can Now Respond to App Reviews" #review #appstore http://t.co/5OCOdRFf80
— Edouard De Witte (@edewitte) August 12, 2014
And even if they weren't keen on engaging with reviewers themselves, developers were joking about getting their peers started or developing more empathy with those who use Windows Phone apps.
Unleash the @scottisafool! RT @thebeebs: Windows Phone developers. You can now respond to your app reviews. http://t.co/90DWCfR72y #MSDev
— Dan Thomas (@DannyT) August 13, 2014
All Windows Phone developers can now reply to user app reviews - http://t.co/M0AFIBwz5L - Now I can also cry a river with my users.
— Arafat Tehsin (@arafattehsin) August 13, 2014