Changes with advent of Apple's new App Store

I think the new App store and its effect on Mac users is being rather underplayed. There isn't much talk or concern as we await its introduction.

From what I understand, it could have a monumental effect on users such as ourselves. We could see a great paradigm shift on how we obtain many of our applications, both mainstream and not mainstream. I think by far most of us use many applications which we don't find in the typical "big box" store. This includes all the utilities we've routinely downloaded from developer sites, and even from Apple's own download site (which announced was closing yesterday).

Now, it seems that we'll have to get all those free applications in the new App Store as developers will probably switch their distribution model (according to the pundits). As well, the pundits suggest that Apple will have immense control over what survives in the market place as they exercise veto power over applications that either don't meet their restrictions, or just don't make money for Apple. The effect will be snowballed as new users become accustomed to getting all their non-mainstream apps from the new App Store (much in the way that we generally have gotten used to getting all our dashboard widgets from the Apple download site in the past).

I am interested hearing whether people here think that the net result of all this will be reduced choice, as Apple chooses for us what will predominate. It's no secret that Apple is going to market the App Store big-time.




.

 

My take on this is that Apple will control what you get to run on your computer even more than they did in the past and I don't like it at all...
Having said that there are some genuine advantages in terms of compatibility and stability with this tight control over the software that could result in a more reliable platform for the average user. There is no denying that OS X's user experience has been better than Windows for most people out there, so there may be some logic to the madness. I personally use Windows, Linux and OS X computers daily and I have no problems with any of them... I prefer the openness of Linux but really like the polish of a Mac and I use Windows most of the day at work (plus my kid's computers) and it's just fine.
The bottom line is that if Mr. Jobs restricts what people can use on their computers too much without a tangible improvement in reliability and stability, no matter how pretty Macs are consumers will look elsewhere...

 

Apple will have to relax some of its ultra strict rules if they want it to be come as popular as you think it may be... right now, there is tons of good software out there that is not eligible for the App Store, and never will be.

 

the model they have for the mac app store is actually really good. you can get software from them or from other sources.

it is "steam" for applications on the mac. steam is super popular, and after a short time, some apps may only be available on steam. however, there is still plenty of competition and applications which are available elsewhere. many applications are available in both places.

ultimately, as long as apple doesn't lock down the OS, as long as they don't force you to use their app store, it's just a good thing. it will etch out a certain portion of the market, but it won't take over. It will also draw more developers to the platform.

 

The problem with the App Store is that is is very much against cross platform coding. The only apps allowed are apps specifically made for Mac OS X.. meaning if someone is using coding and libraries that will help make their software for multiple platforms, they are up the creek for the store... they must write a total specific Mac only version, which really turns away a lot of potential app makers.

 

If I ever found an app that wasn't just some overpriced game (ie. angry birds) I might actually care.

So far the only iPhone apps I've seen that are worth while are Netflix and GPS.

 

LOL @ calling a super addictive game that gets free DLC forever and costs $0.99 expensive.

I have 170 games since the app store started - probably cost me $50. Some were better than full priced PC games I have bought.

 

just out of curiosity how many gigs does 170 games take up. i was thinking of picking up a 32 gig ipad 3g

 

Well, if the games are 1MB each, then 170MB's. If they are 2MB's each then 340MB's and so and so on.

 

It depends on the specific games. Some, like Fruit Ninja, are just a couple megabytes. NHL 2K11 and Need for Speed Hot Pursuit are 200-300 MB.

 

Unlike the iphone where you have to basically jailbreak it to use 3rd party apps obtained outside Apple's distribution model, I see the Mac App store as a win/win. Many apps will continue to be available in the wild in a business as usually approach, and you have a centralized, certified means of obtaining apps via Apple. In turn, it will allow developers looking to perhaps make a bit more coin to hawk their wares to a larger audience searching a centralized, authorized repository of software.

 

I understand where you're coming from for this, but from what I've seen over the years, is that there are a LOT of mac only applications out there.

The problem to be honest, is that I would have never come across them if it wasn't for blogs and sites that recommended a certain program that caters to certain issues on the mac.

I'd say the app store will help out these devs who are currently making mac only applicationss reach a larger marketshare, as more and more uses will see these applications and give them a chance.

And while there are a lot of applications out there that are cross platform, it seems like they made the decision to go cross platform, not for sales, but for functionality.

Hopefully though it will spur mac developers to continue making and updating applications, as they see more users buying and using their programs