I’m sure all of you know about the new Metro UI in Windows 8 which is built up mainly from apps. Microsoft demonstrated just how easy it is to build these apps and all the new elements that they add to the Windows operating system. Microsoft also confirmed that the only way to legally get these Windows 8 Metro Apps will be from the Windows 8 App Store.

Is it just me or does this scenario sound familiar? It looks like Microsoft are following Apple here, by limiting where you can get apps for your PC. One of the main reasons people prefer Windows is because it’s so open, anyone can develop an app or program for it and install it. It doesn’t have to go through a long painful certification process which wastes time and money. I can download a program from anywhere on the web, and if a developer feels like charging me for it, I can buy it through them directly.

Windows 8 Metro Apps Will Only Be Available From Microsoft's App Store

If they go from open available apps to app store only, they will get immense negative feedback.

The app store is a good idea but, shouldn't be the only way to get apps.

The Microsoft App Store will include free, free trial and paid apps. The reason for only having apps in one place is not only ensuring a basic benchmark for quality & usability but also the certification process which is used to help reduce/prevent malicious apps.

From Computerworld:

Dworkin also told developers that Microsoft will vet each submission and ensure that Metro apps are malware-free. "We will examine every application that will be submitted to us [and] we will run a virus check and a malware check on every application," Dworkin said.

Although Long Zheng uncovered the 30% figure in an MSDN article, Microsoft still has not confirmed that will be the case.

No clue, mikedl. I do not use any Apple products. From my point of view, the question about alternate sources is whether they will vet the apps to ensure they are malware free.

[start rant]
When anyone restricts your freedom of choice "for your own good" I see huge warning flags...
Next is "we know better what you want/need", and then "fill out the forms explaining why you think you need that software or hardware, we will reply after the mandatory three month waiting period".

If I wanted someone to tell me the software and hardware I need, I'll buy apple (note the mouse over).
[/rant]

Unless MS wants to be called MicApple, I hope they take a slightly different approach.
'You can get fully tested and safe Metro software from the MS app store or take the risk upon yourself and get freeware / open source software.'
Then give the recommended checks you should be doing for non-app store software.