Windows 8 is not shattering any sale records, but the app store is definitely experiencing plenty of activity. Since the launch of Windows 8 back in 2012, the Windows Store has managed to surpass 50,000 apps submission, which is not bad for a newcomer.

The unofficial tally was announced by MetroStore Scanner, a website that prides itself in keeping up with the happenings in the Windows Store. Despite the new found number of application submissions, Windows 8 still has a lot to do if it should ever want to catch up with the likes of Android and iOS. So far, many popular applications are missing, and only just recently, the official Twitter application was included in the store.

The number of new applications submitted daily has fallen from over 400 in December, to just over 150 in February. However, the new "Keep The Cash" promotion by Microsoft has pushed that number up to 280 submissions per day.

The "Keep The Cash" promotion is pretty impressive, as it rewards developers with a cash bonus of $100 per application submitted to the Windows or Windows Phone Store. Developers have the chance to make up to $2,000, as the promotion limit developers to 10 app submissions. Moreover, developers need to move quickly, for this promotion is only for the first 10,000 apps, and the time period for these submissions are between March 8 to June 30.

Furthermore, developer submissions must be new and unique to take advantage of the "Keep The Cash" promotion.

All in all, Microsoft is doing a good job getting developers onboard the Windows 8 train, but it is not enough. Popular applications are still missing, and the platform is lacking that one killer application that users are unable to find anywhere else. Microsoft may be forced to spend more than it wants to if it wishes to keep up with rivals.