Unification across Microsoft Platforms

published by davepermen 11 years ago on Thursday, 06 February 12014 HE

There's still lot to do. This is an angry rant.

Since Windows Phone 7, I registered myself as a developer for Windows Phone. To do so, I had to verify myself using a copy of my Passport. This made sure, I'm over 18, and, I actually exist.

Given that proof, I could start publishing apps, and even make money with them.

All was well.

Then, Windows 8 came a long (and Windows 8.1). Platforms are similar, but not equal. Development needs PCL to share (some) code. Good enough? Maybe. For now.

Finally, dev accounts got merged (it's all one Microsoft account, in the end). So paying once, I can develop for both targets. Great. Till today.

In the windows phone dev center, there's a notification for Windows Store development:

But then, it starts:

A valid credit card? Why? I don't have to pay ("Learn more" tells me that). It's only for verification of my age, and my existence. This shows later, as I really don't have to pay

And then, the credit card verification step. Again, it's written: "You won't be charged for the subscription".

My debit card with prepay doesn't work. Apparently, that doesn't verify I'm 18. Or existing. It's a Master Card, but not master enough, apparently.

But the main point is simple: WHY do I have to verify myself again? Microsoft knows I'm older than 18 (I'm 30 by now). They know I exist. I already verified myself. It's one Microsoft account, after all.

I know their merger of all their platforms into one takes time, and much efford. This is just one tiny step, which shows the annoyance of not being there yet.

Now I need a Credit Card. Something that doesn't happen quickly and cost money. For verifying something that's already verified…