In an unanticipated move underscoring the unique vision of Microsoft, the tech behemoth is preparing to pivot away from the traditional path of native app launches. Instead, their game-changing mobile store will be launched via the web, marking an innovative progression in the world of technology and mobile gaming.

Microsoft's new web-based approach enables them to creatively circumvent the stringent policies that are known to restrict app stores. The aim is clear: to offer a platform that transcends borders and offers global accessibility. This innovative strategy is set to confer compatibility with both iOS and Android systems, thus covering an all-inclusive user range.

Microsoft is all set to kickstart the launch with crowd favourites, including "Candy Crush" and "Minecraft". This initial focus on popular games from Microsoft's first-party portfolio, however, is merely the surprising opening chapter. The tech giant has a larger scheme in place to gradually invite third-party developers to extend their offerings to the platform.

The decision to begin with a web-based store echos Microsoft's commitment to accessible technology. The company hopes to leverage the unique advantage of universal accessibility, which simultaneously works around varying global regulations on app distribution.

The President of Xbox, Sarah Bond, confirmed the development, stating, “In July, we are going to be launching our mobile store experience. We’re going to start, actually, by bringing our own first-party portfolio to that. So you’re going to see games like Candy Crush and Minecraft represented in that experience. We will then extend this capability to partners, enabling them to take advantage of it and offer a truly cross-platform, gaming-centric mobile experience."

This cutting-edge strategy challenges the conventional app distribution frameworks established by tech giants - Apple and Google. It also presents an exciting glimpse into the potential future of cloud gaming, hinting at the significant role it could play in distributing games over the web.

Despite this bold step, the complete realization of Microsoft's ambitious vision - which includes third-party support and an array of store functionalities - still seems to be on the horizon. This initial launch phase bears the weighty responsibility of proving the feasibility of web-based game distribution, while paving the way for more extensive expansions in the future.

Notably, within the EU, iOS users now possess sideloading capabilities due to local regulations forcing Apple to allow third-party app stores. Microsoft’s web-based strategy thus serves as a clever workaround to these limitations, steering the company towards a more universally accessible gaming experience.

This revolutionary move by Microsoft holds the potential to transform the future of mobile gaming, app distribution, and technology as a whole. The rest of the industry will undoubtedly keep a close eye on this innovative endeavor, as it unfolds the chapter of a new era in mobile gaming and app stores.

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