🚀How I released my App for Free (💪🧠Muscle Brain)

#ai #webdev #nextjs #productivity

Intro

Hi! I'm just an ordinary web developer who is encouraged by Claude Code everyday saying You're absolutely right!🤖 As a web developer, one of my dreams was to release my own app. Last time, I participated in "KendoReact Free Components Challenge" and made a brain training app. ↓
https://dev.to/webdeveloperhyper/how-to-boost-your-brain-for-free-muscle-brain-534h
It was super fun to make my own app. So this time I added many features, updated my app, and challenged releasing my app.🚀

Google Play vs App Store vs Microsoft Store

At first, I was thinking of releasing my app on Google Play. It was because, I heard that Android's market share is about 70% and iOS's is about 30% around the world. So releasing on Google Paly would reach more users than App Store. Also, registration fee was $25, and I needed to pay only the first time. However, I learned that I need more than 12 testers from 2023.11.13 to release. It was quite hard for me to prepare such testers and gave up.😭

Next, I wanted to release on App Store and searched for it. App Store does not need testers. However, it costs $99 every year.💸 IT was too expensive for a beginner like me and gave up.😭 Also, certification process of App Store looked stricter and longer than that of other platforms.

Then, I looked at Microsoft Store. It was free for individual developers and no tester needed. So I made up my mind to release my very first app on Microsoft Store.😀

How to release your app on Microsft Store for Free

Please follow the official documentation for details. ↓
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/apps/publish/?tabs=individual%2Cmsix-pwa-getting-started

Open a developer accounts
Individual account is free.🤑 Government-issued ID and selfie were required. In my case, I used my driver's license.
Reserve your app's name [MSIX/PWA]
In my case it was "Muscle Brain".
Create your app submission [MSIX/PWA]
My app was made by Next.js and KendoReact. I added a manifest.json and deployed on Vercel (free plan). After that, I converted it to MSIX using PWA Builder. You can convert your website to MSIX package by inputting your website URL. ↓
https://www.pwabuilder.com/
After that, I inputted a lot of information about my app, such as app name, app description, app images, screenshots, etc in Microsoft Store and submitted.

Muscle Brain - Ultimate Edition

Now let me explain about my lovely app.

💪🧠How to Boost your Brain for Free (Muscle Brain - Ultimate Edition)

Muscle Brain is an ultimate Working Memory training game that stimulates your brain. Based on scientifically-proven N-back methodology, this game challenges you to remember, manipulate, and recall number sequences. No need to be afraid of the hard training. Mr. Brain, hero for everybody will support you alongside the game and save the day! 😀

With high Working Memory you can:
🙆 Handle complex tasks easily
🙆 Improve multitasking and focus
🙆 Boost creative thinking and problem solving

Game Features:
🧠 Unlimited Mode - Train your brain until your limit and burn out
👶 Practice Mode - See the answers as you learn the mechanics of the game
🎵 Rhythm Mode - Time your inputs to the rhythm of Mr. Brain
⚙️ Settings - Adjust shift direction, shift count, and number length for maximum effect
💯 Score Tracking - Beat your best score and recreate a brand new brain

100% Free - No Ads, No Tracking, No Sign-Up Required

Rhythm Mode, Score Tracking, Flashy Animation, Exciting Voice Effect were added since last version and updated to ultimate edition.

Muscle Brain is FREE on Microsoft Store

https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9NG572QMV56M

Feedback Welcome

I would love to hear about your experience using my app.👂 If you have any ideas for the next update, bug reports, or any other feedback, feel free to comment on this post. Or, you can contact me directly via X (in my DEV Community profile).

Outro

I'm happy that I could release my own app on Microsoft Store.😆 I would like to keep updating it and also create a brand new app. Furthermore, I hope to release an app on Google Play and App Store in the future.

I hope you learned something from this post.
Thank you for reading.
You're absolutely right!🤖