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Ahead of OS X Lion, Mac App Store Sales Numbers Still Comparably Small
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Interesting
When I went to my iMac this morning, I noticed that the Mac App Store showed I had an update. The interesting thing was that the App Store wasn't running or active (no blue dot below it on the dock.)
When I opened it, an update to Alfred was listed. Alfred was running on my computer. So, either a program that is running can inform the Mac App Store that an update is available, or the App Store can go out in the background and determine which updates are ready.
I just thought that was pretty cool.
When I went to my iMac this morning, I noticed that the Mac App Store showed I had an update. The interesting thing was that the App Store wasn't running or active (no blue dot below it on the dock.)
When I opened it, an update to Alfred was listed. Alfred was running on my computer. So, either a program that is running can inform the Mac App Store that an update is available, or the App Store can go out in the background and determine which updates are ready.
I just thought that was pretty cool.
Being new here, I know you can't know this, but *LTD* is a caricature poster. The guy just likes to have fun and posts marketing drivel to make it seem Apple is always right, no matter what the story or spin he has to put on it. The guy is not here to actually post what he thinks is true.
What was non-sensical about my post ? We have 2 facts here :
- MAS isn't doing as good as Apple had hoped.
- Lion will be distributed exclusively through the Mac App Store.
This leads me to believe that the 2nd fact is related to the first. Apple decided that by forcing a big number of Mac users to sign in to the MAS for Lion will increase its visibility and relevance. While you're in there getting Lion, you might see something else you want and get it. By doing that, you're "discovering" the MAS.
Loss leaders, grocery stores do it all the time. What's so non-sensical about that ? Instead of just insulting other member's posts, why don't you provide insight about why you think they are non-sensical ?
The App Store would be a failure on iOS too if Apple didn't make sure that it was the only way to buy software on the device rather than just making it better than it's competitors.
I haven't, and won't ever, buy anything from the Mac App Store. I couldn't counternance encouraging Apple to bring the anti-customer attitude they've used the iOS store to proper computing platforms.
Phazer
I haven't, and won't ever, buy anything from the Mac App Store. I couldn't counternance encouraging Apple to bring the anti-customer attitude they've used the iOS store to proper computing platforms.
Phazer
I don't necessarily agree with 'post-PC era' in this case. We're still using computers here.
It's true on the level of mobile phones, but not true for the laptop or desktop -- it's still a computer, which is all a 'PC' is.
If we all stopped using desktops and laptops in favor of iPads and iPhones, etc., then yes, it's a post-PC era... but until that happens (which I highly doubt), then I don't know if that's true.
Concerning someone's comment about not upgrading to Snow Leopard -- the performance boost is noticeable! I finally upgraded about a week ago... plus, you get back 7+ GB of hard drive space -- so even if you don't get Lion, Snow Leopard is worth the $30. And if you do want to upgrade to Lion at some point, you do have the option to. But I do agree that <needing> to upgrade to Snow Leopard first is retarded.
Maybe I'm not one to talk, because I just upgraded to Snow Leopard. But oh well, I like it.
On the flip side for the developers out there -- snow leopard has seemingly removed the issue Leopard had with continually deleting the X11 windowing software that you need when working through the terminal over ssh when updating your software. That was really really annoying.
I've always noticed the mac app store to "lag" behind a little bit. I'm not referring to lag over the internet. I'm talking about app store lag.
All the apps do seem to be a bit pricey. Surely, there are major differences between prices of mac apps and iOS apps. And I can see the reason. A computer, overall, has more tools, more processing power, a larger screen, a keyboard to fit your hands. An iPhone or iPod Touch is smaller with less HD space, a smaller screen, and less processing power. You are going to be able to do less with an iOS device than with a Mac, thus they are priced lower for that reason.
I think it may also be that the "richer" people will own a Mac than a Windows PC because Macs are usually more expensive. But a greater number of people (regardless of financial characteristics) purchase an iOS device. Thus, the price of a Mac App will be significantly higher to keep up with the assumption that people who own a Mac are willing to purchase a more expensive app.
Although, there are people like me who can't afford to make such expensive purchases. While I would love to have that game or app, I simply don't see a great enough need to have it for such a high price. Out of purchasing 13 apps thus far, Lion will probably be my most expensive purchase on the Mac App Store. I mean, I've seen apps that are $50. I would buy a PS3 game for $50, but never would I buy an app for my Mac at that price. For one, I can't be sure my purchase will not be a total rip-off like I can for a PS3 game.
I realize that it's all supply and demand. The price for an app is the price where the supplier is making the most profit. The only way to lower the price is to demand more of it or for Apple to eliminate (or at lest reduce) their 30% cut. Demand will go up if more popular apps are available. If the Mac App Store is to become the central hub for buying apps for your Mac, ALL apps need to be purchased and downloaded from the Mac App Store. However, this requires participation from many companies that won't allow this, such as Microsoft Office. The problem is that 30% CUT!!!
All the apps do seem to be a bit pricey. Surely, there are major differences between prices of mac apps and iOS apps. And I can see the reason. A computer, overall, has more tools, more processing power, a larger screen, a keyboard to fit your hands. An iPhone or iPod Touch is smaller with less HD space, a smaller screen, and less processing power. You are going to be able to do less with an iOS device than with a Mac, thus they are priced lower for that reason.
I think it may also be that the "richer" people will own a Mac than a Windows PC because Macs are usually more expensive. But a greater number of people (regardless of financial characteristics) purchase an iOS device. Thus, the price of a Mac App will be significantly higher to keep up with the assumption that people who own a Mac are willing to purchase a more expensive app.
Although, there are people like me who can't afford to make such expensive purchases. While I would love to have that game or app, I simply don't see a great enough need to have it for such a high price. Out of purchasing 13 apps thus far, Lion will probably be my most expensive purchase on the Mac App Store. I mean, I've seen apps that are $50. I would buy a PS3 game for $50, but never would I buy an app for my Mac at that price. For one, I can't be sure my purchase will not be a total rip-off like I can for a PS3 game.
I realize that it's all supply and demand. The price for an app is the price where the supplier is making the most profit. The only way to lower the price is to demand more of it or for Apple to eliminate (or at lest reduce) their 30% cut. Demand will go up if more popular apps are available. If the Mac App Store is to become the central hub for buying apps for your Mac, ALL apps need to be purchased and downloaded from the Mac App Store. However, this requires participation from many companies that won't allow this, such as Microsoft Office. The problem is that 30% CUT!!!
Apple also seems to forget that there still folks out there with stone age internet speeds. Took me whole day to get Motion and its extra files. I'm looking forward to the Lion download already.
Bad idea to make MAS the exclusive distribution channel.
Exclusivity is how apple pushes its market.
Here is my take on why small numbers.
1. A lot of the apps in the beginning were ports from their iOS (iphone, iPad) application. So if you had it on an iDevice, then why would I want a duplicate on my mac if it did not offer better features.
2. No physical media backups or a way to back it up. So if I am paying >$10 I worry if my computer were to crash. Install would be costly in both time to re-download and cost to those who have bandwith caps..
3. Caps on bandwith from ISP's.
4. The app store came out in the middle or late in an OS cycle, so everyone already had their apps from Leopard and upgraded for Snow Leopard by the time the App store came out.
5. Does not support below Snow Leopard, so those running older machines or OS are left in the cold. Even some Windows Products will still run on XP SP 3.
6. The better, full featured apps like Adobe, Microsoft, and a few others are not allowed in the App store. So you have two problems. 1 - third party who offer downloads from their website with an option to back up or physical media sales still resulted in better software and purchase options. 2 - It is taking time for all the software developers to re-write their apps to meet the App store guidelines and rules. And then they risk losing 30% if purchased through the app store, versus keeping 100% if sold outside of the app store.
7. Apps on the app store are very seldom geared toward professionals or enterprises.
8. Takes to darn long to search for what I want. A google search for a type of software is quicker. In the app store, I have to know the category, name, or developer. I cannot just type in a partial description and return results. And then when results are returned, I only get an icon, name, and rating. I have to click on each one to read the description. Where-as a google search will pull one to 5 lines from a well written website, making it easier to scan for what I am looking for.
Don't get me wrong, I downloaded a lot of apps from the app store, but that is only either because they were free; or I found them via a google search and chose the app store route because it was easier and did not have to supply my credit card to a developer I did not know.
Oh # 9. While I never experienced this myself, it seems that due to the apple approval process - some have complained that the app store version is 1-3 versions behind what the developer has as an official release on their website. Updates are sometimes quicker from the developer directly than waiting on the app store approval process. This is especially annoying if the update is a critical bug or vulnerability (virus, phishing) fix.
Just some of what I have heard. Not all are my experiences.
1. A lot of the apps in the beginning were ports from their iOS (iphone, iPad) application. So if you had it on an iDevice, then why would I want a duplicate on my mac if it did not offer better features.
2. No physical media backups or a way to back it up. So if I am paying >$10 I worry if my computer were to crash. Install would be costly in both time to re-download and cost to those who have bandwith caps..
3. Caps on bandwith from ISP's.
4. The app store came out in the middle or late in an OS cycle, so everyone already had their apps from Leopard and upgraded for Snow Leopard by the time the App store came out.
5. Does not support below Snow Leopard, so those running older machines or OS are left in the cold. Even some Windows Products will still run on XP SP 3.
6. The better, full featured apps like Adobe, Microsoft, and a few others are not allowed in the App store. So you have two problems. 1 - third party who offer downloads from their website with an option to back up or physical media sales still resulted in better software and purchase options. 2 - It is taking time for all the software developers to re-write their apps to meet the App store guidelines and rules. And then they risk losing 30% if purchased through the app store, versus keeping 100% if sold outside of the app store.
7. Apps on the app store are very seldom geared toward professionals or enterprises.
8. Takes to darn long to search for what I want. A google search for a type of software is quicker. In the app store, I have to know the category, name, or developer. I cannot just type in a partial description and return results. And then when results are returned, I only get an icon, name, and rating. I have to click on each one to read the description. Where-as a google search will pull one to 5 lines from a well written website, making it easier to scan for what I am looking for.
Don't get me wrong, I downloaded a lot of apps from the app store, but that is only either because they were free; or I found them via a google search and chose the app store route because it was easier and did not have to supply my credit card to a developer I did not know.
Oh # 9. While I never experienced this myself, it seems that due to the apple approval process - some have complained that the app store version is 1-3 versions behind what the developer has as an official release on their website. Updates are sometimes quicker from the developer directly than waiting on the app store approval process. This is especially annoying if the update is a critical bug or vulnerability (virus, phishing) fix.
Just some of what I have heard. Not all are my experiences.
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I've bought a few things from it (Pixelmator, some iLife apps) as well as downloaded some free apps like TextWrangler.
I just purchased Paperless and I did not do it through the app store because it was $50 in the store, and $25 (50% off) direct from the developer.
Lack of promo code abilities and transferring out of store purchase to the store is a big draw back to me, I'd love to have all my software stay up to date through the app store, but don't want to re-buy the software to do it.
It makes sense about the promos though, at $50 the dev gets $35, if they did a 50% promo they'd only make $17.50, but the same promo direct and they make the full $25.
I just purchased Paperless and I did not do it through the app store because it was $50 in the store, and $25 (50% off) direct from the developer.
Lack of promo code abilities and transferring out of store purchase to the store is a big draw back to me, I'd love to have all my software stay up to date through the app store, but don't want to re-buy the software to do it.
It makes sense about the promos though, at $50 the dev gets $35, if they did a 50% promo they'd only make $17.50, but the same promo direct and they make the full $25.
Already got it.
I've had my iMacs and MacBooks far longer than the App Store has been around. I already own most of the Apps I need or want (in the range of 60 - 70). As a result, I've only purchased 3 new Apps from the App Store. I'm surprised the App store is selling as much Mac software as they are. Most sales must be to people that are switching over from PC to Mac or newbies.
I've had my iMacs and MacBooks far longer than the App Store has been around. I already own most of the Apps I need or want (in the range of 60 - 70). As a result, I've only purchased 3 new Apps from the App Store. I'm surprised the App store is selling as much Mac software as they are. Most sales must be to people that are switching over from PC to Mac or newbies.
The approval process was faster than I thought it would be. Sure, it's not instant, but it's certainly easier than sending updates to a Brick and Mortar store.
I'm not too impressed with the software in the Mac App Store. If they want to get things going on in there, here are some apps that might increase activity...
- Halo for Mac
- iWork 11... or is it going to be iWork 12?
- Pac-Man Championship Edition DX
Pixelmator seems to be doing really well on the Mac App Store. I'm surprised that there aren't more apps like that... inexpensive alternatives to higher priced software.
As for the Internet thing... if you don't get unlimited Internet access where you live, maybe you should move.
Ermm...iOS devices are simply vastly more popular than OSX ones, so I don't understand where the suprise about Mac appstore being dwarfed by iOS one comes from.
That's because the mac app store is lame. Good luck finding something you need on there, it's like trying to find an iOS app without knowing exactly what you are looking for.
Ermm...iOS devices are simply vastly more popular than OSX ones, so I don't understand where the suprise about Mac appstore being dwarfed by iOS one comes from.
This. It's pretty simple.
Once again, this situation is a microcosm of the general shift taking place industry-wide.
Either that, or the fact that an iOS device is a hell of a lot cheaper to buy than a mac.
I have read a lot of his posts. And I came up with this conclusion on my own. Please don't say "I don't know cause I am new here". There is a little truth in every attempt at humour. The trick is trying to pick out the truth from the BS.
So I will stand by my remark that I think *LTD*'s posts are just fine in my book.
Amen! I have over 90 apps on my Mac Pro (so I'm already pretty saturated. Maybe room for a utility app or two). When I launched Mac App Store, it showed 6 apps. So will they only show up if I buy them through the app store (which seems logical, but doesn't help me)?
How will I ever upgrade (not update, which is usually free or cheaper) the apps (at a cheaper price, yes) I already have through MAS? If they make that my sole route of software purchase/update/upgrade, what about the apps I already have?? Do I have to buy them all over again at a higher price so I can be plugged into MAS?
And I pretty much don't buy software unless I can demo it first. Maybe if it's a dollar I'll buy it anyway, but maybe not. I would need to know a free "Lite" version was essentially the same as the paid version, except for [fill in the blank]. Personally, I prefer a time-limited full-featured demo.
I'm confused, and I've been using Apple products for 28 years. This is not exactly intuitive.
Apple can push MAS as hard as it wants, but until it addresses these issues, the MAS is never going to be a resounding success.
App Store
The restrictions of having to use the Apple App Store for iOS programs + the lack of my 3rd gen iPod Touch to connect with my all Apple WiFi network on my Macs made me purchase an Android phone from Sprint. App Store or nothing = No App Store = Apple products.
At least at the present time the Mac App Store is optional for most of us. But that will be changing with the release of Mac OS 10.7 Lion. There we'll be forced into using the Mac App Store. Will this be like the iOS App Store that has kept me away. Back in 1984 I chose a Mac mainly because it did not have an Intel processor in it. I compromised myself in 2006 with a purchase of a 1st gen Intel Mac Pro. Now the Mac App Store if forced upon us like it is being with the next Ma OS update will that be the beginning of the end. Being a 27 year Mac User changing is not in the books. Going a decade without a new Mac has been done before.
Apple has now become the type of company that MicroSoft is. About all we have left is Linux. My son-in-law is a Linux User, so much so that their dog is named Linux, making him the only non-Mac User in the family.
We need choice. If the Mac App Store just gives us more choice then it is probably a good thing. If it with the Mac OS Lion 10.7 update just the beginning of forcing to use it with no other choice then I would say that the Mac App Store is or will be a bad thing. With Steve Jobs long, long history of wanting to control everything you do the Mac App Store is just another step in that direction.
The restrictions of having to use the Apple App Store for iOS programs + the lack of my 3rd gen iPod Touch to connect with my all Apple WiFi network on my Macs made me purchase an Android phone from Sprint. App Store or nothing = No App Store = Apple products.
At least at the present time the Mac App Store is optional for most of us. But that will be changing with the release of Mac OS 10.7 Lion. There we'll be forced into using the Mac App Store. Will this be like the iOS App Store that has kept me away. Back in 1984 I chose a Mac mainly because it did not have an Intel processor in it. I compromised myself in 2006 with a purchase of a 1st gen Intel Mac Pro. Now the Mac App Store if forced upon us like it is being with the next Ma OS update will that be the beginning of the end. Being a 27 year Mac User changing is not in the books. Going a decade without a new Mac has been done before.
Apple has now become the type of company that MicroSoft is. About all we have left is Linux. My son-in-law is a Linux User, so much so that their dog is named Linux, making him the only non-Mac User in the family.
We need choice. If the Mac App Store just gives us more choice then it is probably a good thing. If it with the Mac OS Lion 10.7 update just the beginning of forcing to use it with no other choice then I would say that the Mac App Store is or will be a bad thing. With Steve Jobs long, long history of wanting to control everything you do the Mac App Store is just another step in that direction.
There is a lot about the previous two posts that I agree with. I wonder if Apple will say that users have to upgrade (debatable term) to 10.7 in order to use the Mac app store? I think that there are surely some very easy ways to fix or correct some of the problems with the Mac app store as it currently is. They could put in place a system where you could register your apps with the store if you have a serial number for your current product. Surely there is a way that this can be done. Personally, I do not like the idea of being locked into a closed system that is totally controlled by Apple. It does make me wonder if this is where we are headed. I do not agree that we are in a post pc era. Maybe that is the direction that Apple has chosen to go, but I choose to not go there.
It's not a question of everybody. It's a question of how many. And how much it costs Apple.
If a lot more people shop over the internet, and it's cheaper to sell stuff to them (no inventory costs, no shipping costs), why bother selling stuff to the smaller market at a lower profit?
Let some other company make less money per customer with fewer customers.
Sorry, but you are being supremely melodramatic.
If you don't like MAS, don't buy from it. Simple as that. No one is making you do anything.
And you are making it sound like it's going to give you herpes. It's just an online store for software; use it, don't use it, whatever.