With the rollout of the Windows 8 operating system expected later this year, millions of desktop and laptop PCs will get kill switches for the first time.
Microsoft declined to answer questions about the kill switch in Windows 8 other than to say it will only be able to remove or change applications downloaded through the new app store.
Any software loaded from a flash drive, DVD, or directly from the Web will remain outside Microsoft’s control.
* Why is my 1st thought, "I hope hackers don't gain access to the kill switch!" LOL!
Kill switch is something that ALL modern App-Stores contain. This is nothing new and comes from the fact that They are running the curated store and thus could be sued by anyone hurt by Malware infested Win8-Store-Apps had they not had a kill switch. The kill switch (traditionally) is part of the store's update system and takes place as a forced update to the app.
While Usually I would speak up against kill-switches in non-malware situations it is up to the Store-Running-Company to make that choice (However they should expect to refund any payments made through said Store-Running-Company (Including In App Payments if so processed through the Store)