Apple Begins Accepting Mac App Store Submissions

[koobcamuk]

Does anyone know how Apple will handle currently existing licences?

For example, say TextMate decides to sell through the App Store but I already purchased a licence a long time ago. Will there be some sort of transfer process so I can re-download through the App Store or hook into the update system?

I haven't read anything about that so I'm curious 🙂

99% sure you'll have to re-buy everything again.

 

[koobcamuk]

You should be using Time Machine, or some other backup software... Unless you enjoy the prospect of having to reinstall all your apps, and redo all your documents, many of which probably can't be redone...

If you have corrupt permissions or a corrupt installation of OSX, Time Machine is somewhat useless.

 

[koobcamuk]

The App Store will likely work and big companies will place their software on it (but I don't think Apple will accept them, the terms look very restrictive). The big comapnies will just raise their price as way around giving a Apple 30% cut. Funny thing is, since its Apple-related and many people are not computer-savvy, there will be plenty of people who will pay these inflated prices.

I just have a feeling that the Mac App Store is going to dilute the quality of Mac applications. We're gonna plenty of crap fill it up, like clocks, calculators, and period calendars.

And how is Apple going to stop people from pirating their Mac Apps (by using an Installous-type application). Right now, the vast majority of people don't use Installous because you need a JB iPhone/iPod/iPad and the vast majority of iDevices are not JB. However, with a Mac, it's already "jailbroken", so what's to stop people from developing an Installous-type and having the masses use it? Morality?

I also wondered this. Having said that, my iOS devices are jailbroken anyway, so you know where I stand on that one!

 

[roadbloc]

I love the idea of the app store as it is very successful with Ubuntu and iDevices. I do think 30-70 split is a bit too much for mac apps though. I think 20-80 or even 10-90 would be more appropriate.

We'll just have to wait and see how it pans out, but I am certainly excited for it.

 

[koobcamuk]

I love the idea of the app store as it is very successful with Ubuntu and iDevices. I do think 30-70 split is a bit too much for mac apps though. I think 20-80 or even 10-90 would be more appropriate.

We'll just have to wait and see how it pans out, but I am certainly excited for it.

Why are you excited?

Mac OS is becoming more and more locked down. More and more like iOS. This is not a good thing. It might be a good thing for my mum, who hardly computes or does anything other than email and IM on her computer, but for actual users, this sucks. I can see me returning to Windows in about a year or two 🙁

Applications that I need to use for my job, such as Igor Pro (wavemetrics) are written in 64Bit for Windows, but not for Mac. Things like this really suck. There are fewer and fewer reasons for me to own a Mac these days, which is a real shame 🙁

 

[BaldiMac]

Cry me a river. One doesn't get into a business with the expectations of 100% profit margins.

Host your own application.

I think you were agreeing with me, so I'm not sure what the crying was about.

I don't think big name software like Microsoft Office or Adobe Photoshop suffers from a lack of exposure.

Then why do they sell through so many other retail stores? The Mac App Store would be beneficial for the same reasons. Only more.

Why are you excited?

Mac OS is becoming more and more locked down. More and more like iOS. This is not a good thing. It might be a good thing for my mum, who hardly computes or does anything other than email and IM on her computer, but for actual users, this sucks. I can see me returning to Windows in about a year or two 🙁

How has Mac OS become more locked down recently?

 

[apple1990]

Why are you excited?

Mac OS is becoming more and more locked down. More and more like iOS. This is not a good thing. It might be a good thing for my mum, who hardly computes or does anything other than email and IM on her computer, but for actual users, this sucks. I can see me returning to Windows in about a year or two 🙁

Applications that I need to use for my job, such as Igor Pro (wavemetrics) are written in 64Bit for Windows, but not for Mac. Things like this really suck. There are fewer and fewer reasons for me to own a Mac these days, which is a real shame 🙁

Good luck with that. This is where Apple see the future of computing and so far they have been correct. If they get it wrong, then I'll just move to windows but I really like the way they are going.

 

[mox-]

I hope they opens the Mac App Store to iOS Developpers..

I paid 100$ for a developper license (iOS).. I don't want to pay 200$/yr I already have to share profits with Apple

 

[Bernard SG]

Why are you excited?

Mac OS is becoming more and more locked down. More and more like iOS. This is not a good thing. It might be a good thing for my mum, who hardly computes or does anything other than email and IM on her computer, but for actual users, this sucks. I can see me returning to Windows in about a year or two 🙁

Applications that I need to use for my job, such as Igor Pro (wavemetrics) are written in 64Bit for Windows, but not for Mac. Things like this really suck. There are fewer and fewer reasons for me to own a Mac these days, which is a real shame 🙁

What the hell is "becoming locked down" in Mac OS???

 

[redgaz26]

You act like the idea was originated by Apple. There is already a Mac App Store: http://appbodega.com/

and its pretty good, I just downloaded it to have a look, it notes what apps you already have, said there was an update out for vlc player and it downloaded and installed the update right there without me opening vlc!!!
sort of how SJ said it would - but this aint his😀😀

 

[marksman]

It will be interesting to see how this works out.

My main concern is why big name software developers would have any interest in the app store. What do they need an app store for? If they submitted their apps to the app store, all they would be doing it giving 30% to Apple. Why not just keep selling it through their own website?

Because that is where the customers will be and that is where the competition will be.

Sure they can spend even more money to overcome the App Store, but they will still be allowing competitors to come in and steal marketshare from them who previously were no real threat. Without a presence there, they can't really present themselves as an alternative to the upstart competition, and thus they end up losing market share.

Sure they might try to get away with it, and some will succeed, but many will either see it is the right place to be to begin with, or learn soon enough.

 

[apple1990]

and its pretty good, I just downloaded it to have a look, it notes what apps you already have, said there was an update out for vlc player and it downloaded and installed the update right there without me opening vlc!!!
sort of how SJ said it would - but this aint his😀😀

Very nice, I never knew it existed!

 

[alent1234]

It will be interesting to see how this works out.

My main concern is why big name software developers would have any interest in the app store. What do they need an app store for? If they submitted their apps to the app store, all they would be doing it giving 30% to Apple. Why not just keep selling it through their own website?

selling on your website isn't free
5% - 15% to the credit card company and fraud losses
server and IT other expenses
write and maintain the applications and websites

 

[C. Alan]

I see this being huge for the small / indy developer. For only 30%, you will have Apple handing the marketing, and payment processing. I think this will be huge.

 

[0815]

99% sure you'll have to re-buy everything again.

Guess you are 99% wrong than.

It's even better than conventional downloads: you can install that app on every one of your computers as long as it is authorized with your AppStore ID. (which only a few applications right now allow)

 

[0815]

Why are you excited?

Mac OS is becoming more and more locked down. More and more like iOS. This is not a good thing. It might be a good thing for my mum, who hardly computes or does anything other than email and IM on her computer, but for actual users, this sucks. I can see me returning to Windows in about a year or two 🙁

Applications that I need to use for my job, such as Igor Pro (wavemetrics) are written in 64Bit for Windows, but not for Mac. Things like this really suck. There are fewer and fewer reasons for me to own a Mac these days, which is a real shame 🙁

How does it become more locked down? You become more choices. This is in ADDITION to the current way of buying applications - no one is taking that away from you.

Guess you are wrong again.

 

[bizzaregood]

I'd like to see minecraft in the store 😀

THAT is a game that needs spread 😛

Minecraft 🙂

 

[TuffLuffJimmy]

How does it become more locked down? You become more choices. This is in ADDITION to the current way of buying applications - no one is taking that away from you.

Guess you are wrong again.

Except the App Store could out compete independent developers. This would make the App Store basically the only place to get applications. It seems likely that one day it will be the only place.

 

[Piggie]

Question:

What would Apple say if you also sold your App (I'm going to call it a program as calling everything an app is starting to grate on my nerves) outside of it's app store.

Say for example, I write a great game called "Angry Pigs"

I put it on the App stor, but I also say you can come direct to my download site and get the game 10% cheaper if you do come to me direct.

That way the buyer saves 10% and I make 10% more from the sale.

Would Apple ban me from doing that?

If so they are asking for exclusivity in selling my app.

 

[kas23]

Question:

What would Apple say if you also sold your App (I'm going to call it a program as calling everything an app is starting to grate on my nerves) outside of it's app store.

Say for example, I write a great game called "Angry Pigs"

I put it on the App stor, but I also say you can come direct to my download site and get the game 10% cheaper if you do come to me direct.

That way the buyer saves 10% and I make 10% more from the sale.

Would Apple ban me from doing that?

If so they are asking for exclusivity in selling my app.

I don't think there is any exclusivity agreement in place. So, it makes a lot of sense to have your App on iTunes while keep selling it elsewhere (for cheaper).

 

[TuffLuffJimmy]

I don't think there is any exclusivity agreement in place. So, it makes a lot of sense to have your App on iTunes while keep selling it elsewhere (for cheaper).

Next time read the App Store policy before posting.

 

[0815]

Question:

What would Apple say if you also sold your App (I'm going to call it a program as calling everything an app is starting to grate on my nerves) outside of it's app store.

Say for example, I write a great game called "Angry Pigs"

I put it on the App stor, but I also say you can come direct to my download site and get the game 10% cheaper if you do come to me direct.

That way the buyer saves 10% and I make 10% more from the sale.

Would Apple ban me from doing that?

If so they are asking for exclusivity in selling my app.

You can sell it outside of the MacStore, but not for cheaper than in the MacStore.

It is your choice:

- if you choose to take advantage of the MacStore infrastructure offered to you by apple, you can use it, in return you are not allowed to sell the app otherwhere for cheaper

- if you want to pay yourself to setup the infrastructure for selling, downloading, payment, update mechanism, review system, ... etc you can choose to do so and sell it for whatever you want.

 

[res1233]

If you have corrupt permissions or a corrupt installation of OSX, Time Machine is somewhat useless.

That's why I said "or other backup software". Time Machine does have its problems. But, I have never had any significant problems with it, so i recommend it.

 

[blackpond]

Question:

What would Apple say if you also sold your App (I'm going to call it a program as calling everything an app is starting to grate on my nerves) outside of it's app store.

Say for example, I write a great game called "Angry Pigs"

I put it on the App stor, but I also say you can come direct to my download site and get the game 10% cheaper if you do come to me direct.

That way the buyer saves 10% and I make 10% more from the sale.

Would Apple ban me from doing that?

If so they are asking for exclusivity in selling my app.

I doubt you would be banned. That said, the more interesting question is, if Angry Birds for iPhone was available for research, download, installation etc. through safari at http://www.developername.com/angrybirds/download.html, would anyone ever get it there if it was already in the one-step purchase app store?

 

[Piggie]

Thanks for replies.

I was comparing this to how some other systems work including virtual worlds, where you can make and sell items to others.

In such a system, they allow you to advertise your created items on their system and they take 10% of the sale.

Which I feel is a lot more sensible amount.

But also they do not control the price you wish to charge for the item elsewhere.

Price fixing by Apple? Not allowing the creator to do as he/she likes with their product.