Microsoft has taken the first step towards "universal" apps that work across Windows and Windows Phone - by syncing prices across the platforms.
The move has surprised some developers, who have seen the prices of their Store apps changed with little warning.
"This week we began rolling out the behind-the-scenes infrastructure changes in support of announcements at last week’s Build conference," Microsoft announced over the weekend, a few days after the changes had rolled out. "This includes the consolidated price tier structure, which is the first change that will be noticeable to you, as your app prices may have changed as a result."
Microsoft explained that app prices might have changed for two reasons. The first is to "simplify" pricing by making apps cost the same on Windows and Windows Phone.
Second, new pricing points of $0.99 and $1.29 have been added for Windows apps after Microsoft noted that "apps priced in this range represent 55% of Windows Phone paid transactions today".
Developers not in the US may also see pricing changes due to foreign exchange and tax adjustments. "This is an action we take periodically," Microsoft noted. "You can expect to see some changes in your app pricing, in some cases lower and in others higher."
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