With an interface overhauled to work best on touchscreen devices, Windows 8 can't reach its full potential if it lacks applications customers want to use.

No 99-cent Metro apps

Microsoft announced the tiers at which developers will be able to set prices for their Windows 8 Metro applications to be sold in the Windows Store.

While and Android users have become familiar with apps costing $.99, there will be no such bargain prices with Metro apps. The lowest tier is $1.49 and the highest publicly listed one is $4.99, although a says higher priced tiers are available.

On the plus side, the Windows Store will offer free one-week trials of any Metro app so customers can be sure they want to spring for the $1.49.