While we have a nice selection of apps on the Marketplace, we can certainly always use some more. And not just random apps but specific ones for certain services. The question is how do we let devs know?
One way is to simply vote. And now you can. Using the third-party service UserVoice, anyone can create a site that allows people to solicit feedback from customers and that's exactly what Scott Dorman, a Microsoft MVP, has done with Windows Phone Marketplace Requests. Folks can go there, type in an app and others can vote, it's really that simple.
Of course what does that mean? Well, it certainly is a way to gauge interest in apps but since this is not a Microsoft site and has no affiliation with the Windows Phone Marketplace, there's nothing really binding here. Furthermore, while many of us would like a Hulu app for Windows Phone, third-party devs can't access proprietary services, so requesting one here may not be the best way to get their attention.
Certainly feedback is good but in the end, there's only one thing that will bring more apps and services to Windows Phone: marketshare. When Microsoft's OS starts picking up steam, devs and companies will notice and respond accordingly. Until then, feel free to vote away.
Source: WP Marketplace Request; Original handout image via Shutterstock
Reader comments
Unofficial Windows Phone Marketplace request site launches
You're right, third-party devs won't have access to internal systems, but the intent here is to let the official companies (like Hulu) know how much interest exists so they have, hopefully, an incentive to build an official app. If there are open APIs that can be used, it also gives third-party devs some ideas of what apps people want...but that's a side benefit not the primary goal.
I really wish some devs would just port over their apps from other OS's.
the fact that a site like that exists makes me kind of sad.
Looks like I'm off to express my desire for hbogo!!
i just want an app that tells me how much 3g data i used a month and how much wifi, i get the feeling that my carrier robs me ¬¬
gage??????????????
might want to check your spelling there
i'm not gonna register on that site... can anyone else please also include scumm (Script Creation Utility for Maniac Mansion) when adding to that list?
tnx ;)
Just curious as to why you wouldn't register? You just sign on with your live (or other email) account and vote. Its not a scam.
they seriously need to make an app that tells you battery life percentage.........
you can see your battery percent in the settings, under battery saver
What is the sites URL?
http://wprequests.uservoice.com/forums/149122-general
The uservoice site is legit.
Just posted one and it was yanked. Stipulation is that it has to be an App from a known developer over on teh iOS or Droid stores that is not actually here in teh Marketplace.
I posted I would like to see more apps related to firearms and the competitive shooter. We just recently got Ballistica but that's about the only thing in Marketplace right now. I don't belong or go to the other sites so I don't actually have the other details about Developers and such so my recommendation was declined by the operators there. I just did a quick search of one of the sites to get developer names and program titles to see if that makes a difference or not.
At least it shows they do watch these and will hopefully keep the site from becoming a anti WP comment area. I could easily see the potential for troll attacks.
Works great, once I figured it out......... and read the guidelines.......
Good setup to add an app, give a little detail and move on to the next one.
I'm trying to keep the current forum only for official app requests and am working with UserVoice now to see what I can do about setting up additional forums for more general app requests like the one JohnMcD348 submitted.