Premium Apple App Store? Mac App Store?

[MacBytes]

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Category: Opinion/Interviews
Link: Premium Apple App Store? Mac App Store? (http://www.macbytes.com/link.php?sid=20090324115607)
Description:: There are rumors that Apple is planning on introducing a “premium” section on the Apple App Store for selling more expensive third-party programs. The idea has some merit.

Posted on MacBytes.com (http://www.macbytes.com)
Approved by Mudbug

[Tallest Skil]

Premium? Meh.

Mac? Don't. You. Dare.

I am not letting Apple dictate what I do and do not install on my computer.

[hankolerd]

I am not letting Apple dictate what I do and do not install on my computer.

I don't think having a mac app store would mean only those applications would be installed, but more just a place to digitally download all of your software, think of something similar to what Steam has done for pc games. :apple:

[Tallest Skil]

I don't think having a mac app store would mean only those applications would be installed, but more just a place to digitally download all of your software, think of something similar to what Steam has done for pc games. :apple:

They already have that. (http://www.apple.com/downloads)

Therefore, a Store assumes that the level of control is taken one step further.

[lftrghtparadigm]

They already have that. (http://www.apple.com/downloads)

Therefore, a Store assumes that the level of control is taken one step further.


yep. Absolutely. And it's bad bad bad bad bad.

[Saladinos]

Premium? Meh.

Mac? Don't. You. Dare.

I am not letting Apple dictate what I do and do not install on my computer.

I suspect Apple will launch a Mac App Store. Obviously, it's not going to be the only way to install application on a Mac. It's just going to be another distribution method for smaller developers to get noticed.

And if you want to be in the store, you'll go along with Apple's rules. If not, you can distribute it yourself.

[BenRoethig]

A Mac app store would be a great idea if Apple could get over their control issue.

[notjustjay]

I think a Mac app store would be a great idea.

It would certainly not be exclusive -- if it were to become the ONLY way to purchase and install software on a Mac, then you'll quickly see me install Windows on my MacBook Pro and walk away from Apple. But the concept of a directory of featured software you can purchase and download is not new.

Like the iTunes Store and the iPhone store, both ideas were not invented by Apple or particularly innovative but were executed very well and made it easy for bands, podcasters, and software writers to get their stuff out there.

Writing an app is one thing. Getting it out there is another. It's easy for your app to drown in a sea of other apps and websites. And then if you want people to pay, you have to take PayPal (which not every buyer wants to use), set up your own merchant account for taking credit cards, or be at the mercy of some of the other app stores, whose cut could be 50-70% (for THEM, not for you).

I know from experience that even a low-volume credit card account costs $10-25 a month, plus an additional $20/month for gateway services, plus the cost of the SSL certificate and static IP, plus the cost and hassle of operating the online storefront itself (nevermind the potential security and liability issues if your store is ever hacked).

[libertyforall]

Well, the iPhone & iPod Touch ARE computers, mini ones at that...


Premium? Meh.

Mac? Don't. You. Dare.

I am not letting Apple dictate what I do and do not install on my computer.

[speakerwizard]

if you click on the apple in the menu bar, there is 'mac osx software' which links to the apple download site, so more or less an app store.

[mikeinternet]

As far as a Mac App store. I think it's a great idea as an additional option for purchasing software and getting it on your computer. This would cut down on packaging for one thing.

But, a 'Premium' mobile app store? Does not make any sense. Just makes things confusing. The featured section already gives more attention to apps supposedly better.

[DaveRivera]

All I can say as a developer is PLEASE GOD YES! Make a Mac App store!

[Eric5h5]

They already have that. (http://www.apple.com/downloads)

No they don't; that's nothing like the App Store where you have everything in one place and a nice simple "buy" button, where you're just dealing with one company and don't have to go through hundreds of different third-party payment methods. This (macgamesarcade.com) is more like it, but it's only for games.

--Eric

[bobsentell]

It'll probably be similar to the Microsoft Store where you download ISO files to create your own install disc. But knowing Apple, they may set it up for only remote access.

[Tallest Skil]

And if you want to be in the store, you'll go along with Apple's rules. If not, you can distribute it yourself.

Then... what's the point? No sane developer is going to subject themselves to Apple's restrictions if they are allowed to market elsewhere.

Well, the iPhone & iPod Touch ARE computers, mini ones at that...

Can you run HandBrake on them? Can you run Final Cut Studio on them? Nope. We're talking about real computers here.

All I can say as a developer is PLEASE GOD YES! Make a Mac App store!

:confused: Dee-lusions.

[dvince2]

Then... what's the point? No sane developer is going to subject themselves to Apple's restrictions if they are allowed to market elsewhere.

Can you run HandBrake on them? Can you run Final Cut Studio on them? Nope. We're talking about real computers here.


1. why *wouldn't* they? Apple can be restrictive on the iPhone/iPod because they're essentially the gate keepers. Nothing can run without their signature, so they have a nice little monopoly over whats available (i know, not the correct defn of monopoly. and theres Jail Breaking,, yada yada yada).
They would *know* that to remain competitive when making a mac app store, there would have to be little to no restrictions on what types of apps could go in it. And as a developer, its amazing to have such an easy mode of distribution.

2. My PC can't run Final Cut Studio, is it a computer? By definition, a computer is just a machine that takes input and performs some action, and then outputs.

[Tallest Skil]

2. My PC can't run Final Cut Studio, is it a computer? By definition, a computer is just a machine that takes input and performs some action, and then outputs.

No, it isn't. :rolleyes:

Seriously? Come on. I picked generalized desktop programs.

[notjustjay]

Then... what's the point? No sane developer is going to subject themselves to Apple's restrictions if they are allowed to market elsewhere.

Assuming similar conditions to the iPhone store -- Apple takes 30% cut and takes care of everything else -- I think I would definitely take it! I write my program, write up a description, upload it to the App Store, and sit back and watch the cash come in.

Otherwise, I'd have to:
- buy a domain and establish an account with a web hosting company ($100 a year to start, more if my app becomes so popular that I need to pay extra bandwidth charges)
- develop and maintain the website (and make it look GOOD so it looks credible)
- maintain my own version control, release notes, older versions
- Spam the heck out of all the search engines, SEO, etc., otherwise nobody knows that my app even exists!
- Come onto all the Mac forums and say "Hey everyone, if you're looking for an app that does ___, try mine!" (because if I don't champion my app, who else will?)
- Hope that review sites, blogs, pick up on it, love it, and spread the word
- Set up ZenCart or some other shopping cart system for purchasing my software off my website
- Deal with PayPal, or set up a merchant account for credit card transaction processing (and possibly pay $50 a month for the gateway/merchant fees, on top of about 3% per transaction)
- Deal with fraudulent card numbers, chargebacks, and deadbeats
- Deal with security issues, hacking attempts, security flaws in my cart software

Yeah, I'd go with Apple.

[JoshJosh117]

Assuming similar conditions to the iPhone store -- Apple takes 30% cut and takes care of everything else -- I think I would definitely take it! I write my program, write up a description, upload it to the App Store, and sit back and watch the cash come in.

Otherwise, I'd have to:
- buy a domain and establish an account with a web hosting company ($100 a year to start, more if my app becomes so popular that I need to pay extra bandwidth charges)
- develop and maintain the website (and make it look GOOD so it looks credible)
- maintain my own version control, release notes, older versions
- Spam the heck out of all the search engines, SEO, etc., otherwise nobody knows that my app even exists!
- Come onto all the Mac forums and say "Hey everyone, if you're looking for an app that does ___, try mine!" (because if I don't champion my app, who else will?)
- Hope that review sites, blogs, pick up on it, love it, and spread the word
- Set up ZenCart or some other shopping cart system for purchasing my software off my website
- Deal with PayPal, or set up a merchant account for credit card transaction processing (and possibly pay $50 a month for the gateway/merchant fees, on top of about 3% per transaction)
- Deal with fraudulent card numbers, chargebacks, and deadbeats
- Deal with security issues, hacking attempts, security flaws in my cart software

Yeah, I'd go with Apple.

Exactly. I'd love the App Store as a consumer also because it is easy to browse, there's plenty of free stuff, it's easy to buy, and it's all in one place.

[Saladinos]

Then... what's the point? No sane developer is going to subject themselves to Apple's restrictions if they are allowed to market elsewhere.

Yes they will. The AppStore on the iPhone levels the playing field because even small developers can get exposure based on the merit of their application. Apple handles all the promotion and distribution for you. Most of the Mac apps out there are hard to find because they're on independent developer's websites and poorly promoted. Putting them on an AppStore would massively increase their exposure.

I think it'll work like iTunes. The store isn't the only way to get music in to the application - you don't even ever have to use the iTunes store. But it's an integrated, well thought-out service, with lots of music that's easy to find, so people use it.

[notjustjay]

Yes they will. The AppStore on the iPhone levels the playing field because even small developers can get exposure based on the merit of their application.

Exactly!

Think about it. Did you ever think it could be possible to have something YOU wrote featured in a nationwide TV commercial? Or be earning tens, if not hundreds of thousands of dollars because you worked hard at a good idea?

A few years ago these success stories were reserved for the exceptionally lucky few. Now with the iPhone App Store, it could happen to anyone.

[Benguitar]

Premium? Meh.

Mac? Don't. You. Dare.

I am not letting Apple dictate what I do and do not install on my computer.

My. Thoughts. Exactly. :):cool: