I think we should be able to change App Store icons. Thoughts?

[cellocello]

Good points. What if Apple didn't change the core icon file inside the package but had a temp folder where icon aliases are stored? Could you do it then? I'm thinking about a WinterBoard type setup except through iTunes. You just click on the app you want to have a new icon and Get Info. Then replace the icon in iTunes and click Sync.

I guess you mean something like the 'album art' property of an MP3 file?

 

[Knowlege Bomb]

Yes, it does.

Whether or not you enjoy them is irrelevant. There are posting rules that do not depend on what you do or do not find enjoyable. Read any thread started by TheSpaz and you will find the overall atmosphere is that posters are tired of his crap. Nothing has happened yet, so it's time to get more proactive about it.

If you're so hellbent on enforcing the rules around here maybe you should get with Arn and request become a moderator so you can do something about it rather than coming into his threads and contributing and whining about them at the same time.

 

[DaGreat01]

I dont know, i think i would be a little pissed if i were a developer that worked my a** off and spent a lot to make an app to then have someone change the icon...

 

[TheSpaz]

I dont know, i think i would be a little pissed if i were a developer that worked my a** off and spent a lot to make an app to then have someone change the icon...

Why would you care though? They bought the app... you got the money.

Also, we can change icons in OS X too... without hacking. Do Mac developers get mad when I change their crappy icon so that it doesn't look like junk in my Dock when I launch it?

 

[Knowlege Bomb]

I dont know, i think i would be a little pissed if i were a developer that worked my a** off and spent a lot to make an app to then have someone change the icon...

I think what he's getting at, though, is that these developers aren't working their asses off on the icons and it shows.

 

[robbieduncan]

Why would you care though? They bought the app... you got the money.

Also, we can change icons in OS X too... without hacking. Do Mac developers get mad when I change their crappy icon so that it doesn't look like junk in my Dock when I launch it?

Sure, but what about free apps that are basically adverts with company logos and the like as part of the icon?

Also the icon is part of the ongoing marketing for that developer. Seeing the icon on someone else's phone may trigger a memory later and another purchase may be made. The developer may have a "series" of apps with similar icons and therefore changing the icon may stop you making the connection with the other apps.

The list of possible reasons that a developer might want you to use the icon they design is long. But at the end of the day this is something that could be done, but I personally don't think Apple will anytime soon.

 

[Eso]

If you're so hellbent on enforcing the rules around here maybe you should get with Arn and request become a moderator so you can do something about it rather than coming into his threads and contributing and whining about them at the same time.

On the contrary, I specifically stated my purpose is no longer to whine but to take action, which is productive and improves the quality of the forums:

Posts that violate any of the forum rules should be reported to the forum moderators by clicking the Report Post icon (Image:Report.gif) on the bottom left of the offending post. You will be given a form in which to describe the problem.

Tips for reporting posts:

1. To report a problem with a thread, report any post in the thread.
2. If you are unsure whether a post should be reported, report it anyway; the moderators will decide whether action needs to be taken.
3. If you are reporting a duplicate thread, please provide a link to the previous thread.
4. You will not receive a reply to a Post Report, but every report is reviewed. If you require a reply, use the Contact form.
5. After reporting an offending post, avoid replying to it, so you don't give it more exposure or make more work for the moderators.

Thank you to those who report posts needing moderator attention. Your work improves the quality of the forums.

As far as icons go, why stop at the icons? When the UI of an app is ugly, should users be able to skin them so they look better? I think that if they allow changing the icon they should allow skins for apps too. Apps with good-looking icons tend to have good-looking UI and vice versa. How an app looks v. how one performs is a factor in decided on an app. I really don't think that users who care more about looks than function are going to have much of a problem.

 

[Unspoken Demise]

Wow, its like if I don't get on the Spaz's case about a thread, someone else invariably will. Huh, I think I've just created Unspoken's Law.

Spaz, if it came down to poll as to whether or not you should be banned, I would, and I shudder to say this, not vote against you. I would just encourage you to lighten up on the OCD nature of your posts. This thread is how all your threads should be. Its a legitimate topic anyone can notice and discuss. I think you should just carry on as you were. No mod will take Eso (or any one member) seriously anyways, when it comes banning someone for such a non-serious offense.

2 pennies.

 

[matttye]

Apple should allow the entire phone to be skinned. Look at how many people are thinking about buying another phone because they're bored of the phone's UI. Then think about somebody being bored of an audio player like winamp - they'd just get a different skin!

 

[TheSpaz]

Apple should allow the entire phone to be skinned. Look at how many people are thinking about buying another phone because they're bored of the phone's UI. Then think about somebody being bored of an audio player like winamp - they'd just get a different skin!

I don't see many people thinking about getting different phones because of the iPhone UI getting boring. Where are you getting this information from?

Also, I wouldn't be upset if Apple offered a graphite variation like in Mac OS X, but they'd never allow theming. They don't allow theming in OS X either. Apple hates themes.

 

[Blueline29]

It really would be nice to be able to do some customization of the iPhone's UI. I can't even tell you how many hours I spent messing around with various themes for both my Curve and my Bold, coordinating all of the icons, setting up slideshow wallpapers, that kind of thing. It was kind of fun and was nice to be able to switch things up when I got bored with seeing the same screen for more than 3 days in a row.