Windows 10: I purchased a fake app, malicious program off the store. No refunds available on app...

Disgruntled User_549 · Aug 10, 2023

Hello,Lifelong user here, never had an issue with the microsoft store for windows til today. I purchased a program called PrintScreen - Fast Screen Grabber. Was supposed to be a program that let you capture screens as a .png with a single key press. Price was $2.00 USD. It has 5 star reviews, and no negatives. I assumed it was safe to try. I did no research about the program beforehand.Program downloaded and opened. It was a little window that looks like visual basic 5.0 work from the ancient days. Has a couple fake drop down menus that do nothing, and program itself "seemingly" does n

:)

FordGT90Concept · Aug 10, 2023

Apple Claims Steam Link App Violates App Store Guidelines

Here's what Valve is contending with:
App Store Review Guidelines - Apple Developer

The ones that stand out that may have caught Steam Link:

2.5.5 We will be reviewing on an IPv6 network, so if your app isn’t compatible with the IPv6 addressing, it may fail during review.
2.5.6 Apps that browse the web must use the appropriate WebKit framework and WebKit Javascript.
2.5.7 Video streaming content over a cellular network longer than 10 minutes must use HTTP Live Streaming and include a baseline 192 kbps HTTP Live stream.
2.5.8 Apps that create alternate desktop/home screen environments or simulate multi-app widget experiences will be rejected.
Click to expand...

3.1.1 In-App Purchase:

If you want to unlock features or functionality within your app, (by way of example: subscriptions, in-game currencies, game levels, access to premium content, or unlocking a full version), you must use in-app purchase. Apps may use in-app purchase currencies to enable customers to “tip” digital content providers in the app. Apps and their metadata may not include buttons, external links, or other calls to action that direct customers to purchasing mechanisms other than in-app purchase.

Any credits or in-game currencies purchased via in-app purchase may not expire, and you should make sure you have a restore mechanism for any restorable in-app purchases.

Remember to assign the correct purchasability type or your app will be rejected.

Apps should not directly or indirectly enable gifting of in-app purchase content, features, or consumable items to others.

Apps distributed via the Mac App Store may host plug-ins or extensions that are enabled with mechanisms other than the App Store.

Apps offering “loot boxes” or other mechanisms that provide randomized virtual items for purchase must disclose the odds of receiving each type of item to customers prior to purchase

Click to expand...

3.2.2 Unacceptable

(i) Creating an interface for displaying third party apps, extensions, or plug-ins similar to the App Store or as a general-interest collection.

Click to expand...

4.2 Minimum Functionality
Your app should include features, content, and UI that elevate it beyond a repackaged website. If your app is not particularly useful, unique, or “app-like,” it doesn’t belong on the App Store. If your App doesn't provide some sort of lasting entertainment value, or is just plain creepy, it may not be accepted. Apps that are simply a song or movie should be submitted to the iTunes Store. Apps that are simply a book or game guide should be submitted to the iBooks Store.

4.2.2 Other than catalogs, apps shouldn’t primarily be marketing materials, advertisements, web clippings, content aggregators, or a collection of links.

4.2.3 Your app should work on its own without requiring installation of another app to function.

Click to expand...

So yeah, there's a lot of reasons why Steam Link would get rejected.

App submissions and approvals is a thing between developer and Apple. Valve intentionally let this information leak probably because Apple's restrictive guidlines will never allow Steam Link to be on the store. Valve is hoping the Steam user base makes a lot of noise so Apple grants Valve and exemption. I doubt it will work. Apple loves control and Steam Link is a portal into the Linux/Windows ecosystem. Even if Steam Link were exclusive to Mac OS, Apple would likely demand Valve use Mac OS's remote desktop features rather than Steam Link.

I'd be shocked if Apple allows it.

Brink · Aug 10, 2023

Microsoft Offer Refunds on Digital Purchases at Windows and Xbox Store

Microsoft this week quietly introduced an important new feature called self-service refunds for its Windows Store and Xbox Store. Soon, those who purchase apps or games digitally will be able to get a full refund if they move quickly enough.

The feature is currently available only to Xbox Insiders, but it is coming soon to all Xbox One and Windows 10 users.

“You’ve spoken, we’ve listened,” a new in the Xbox Insider app reads. “In support of offering gamers the freedom of choice, we’re making changes to the Microsoft Store purchase experience by offering customers a simple way to instantly return digital products like games and apps through account.microsoft.com.”
Click to expand...

Read more: Microsoft to Offer Refunds on Digital Purchases at Windows and Xbox Stores - Thurrott.com

AllenKuo · Aug 10, 2023

How can I get refund of money from microsoft for fake Windows App?

I bought this app: Sumatra PDF Reading Editor

Microsoft Apps

I thought it was an official version of Sumatra. But it's just a fake package.

I tried to get a refund in the refund section, however, this fake app apparently has a no refund option.

The Windows Store needs to avoid such misleading and fake software on the store.

Windows 10: I purchased a fake app, malicious program off the store. No refunds available on app...

I purchased a fake app, malicious program off the store. No refunds available on app...

I purchased a fake app, malicious program off the store. No refunds available on app...

I purchased a fake app, malicious program off the store. No refunds available on app...

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