Mac App Store to Open January 6th

[blue22]

great idea Apple!

I'm sure the initial release of the Mac App Store will have it's fair share of bugs and growing pains, but generally speaking this is a great idea!

Yet I don't understand why some folks are feeling down about this feature?! If you are comfortable shopping online, then what's the difference being able to now buy software via the internet for your Mac?! If anything this makes life a whole lot easier for you. So don't hate, appreciate!

 

[reomi]

Epiphany?

Quite sure its just a coincidence, but Jan 6th just happens to be the Epiphany.

A cynic might suggest that someone thinks quite highly of the mac app store if they selected this as opening day.

Certainly will do lots of business opening day. Maybe this way they can squeeze just a little more from those of us giving gifts on Jan 6th instead of Dec 25th.

 

[ct2k7]

Well the good thing is we don't have to worry about the naysayers, the Mac App store is on it's way and should prove to be very successful. The usuals say negatives about Apple's ideas and then Apple's ideas end up as winners.

You'll have to agree that not all Apple's ideas are successful. I don't know if it will or not be successful. I'm not really sure that I'll find great software, most of those I find to be suiting to my needs are non-free software: require a specific license.

Success isn't a measurement of how good a think is, perception is.

 

[Doctor Q]

App licensing

The announcement says

Purchased apps can run on all of your personal Macs and updates are delivered directly through the Mac App Store so it’s easy to keep all of your apps up to date.​

Exactly how will the licensing work? Does it replace whatever licensing methods were previously used by app vendors with one that Apple controls? Do we have to "authorize" computers? What does "your personal Macs" mean? Does that include Macs used by or shared with family members?

If these questions have already been answered, please direct me to the answers.

 

[arkmannj]

"The App Store revolutionized mobile apps," said Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO. "We hope to do the same for PC apps with the Mac App Store by making finding and buying PC apps easy and fun. We can't wait to get started on January 6."

Umm... why PC apps? Why not Mac apps?

For now I think he just means "personal Computer" in the broadest meaning (that includes Macs)

I would not at all be surprised if they launched a store for Mac first, but later did launch a PC (as in windows..and maybe someday linux) store and here's why:

1) Apple has learned that content distribution across platforms can be very profitable (iTunes for example)

2) Assuming Apple would include many controls and such in the PC store too would likely mean apps would created in a way that would either basically mean they create the App for Mac first (XCode) then port it to PC. Or the restrictions may (indirectly) make the PC apps trivial to port to Mac/iOS.
Apple may even require the apps still be made through XCode or something, and maybe they will build a win32 compiler or something?

- basically, get more developers on board without jumping around on a stage yelling "Developers! Developers! Developers!"

 

[HLdan]

You'll have to agree that not all Apple's ideas are successful. I don't know if it will or not be successful. I'm not really sure that I'll find great software, most of those I find to be suiting to my needs are non-free software: require a specific license.

Success isn't a measurement of how good a think is, perception is.

Well I certainly didn't say ALL of Apple's ideas have been successful but if you look at their track record they have had tons more winners than most other companies. Heck, nobody but Apple has had a successful tablet-like device and they were the last to bring it to the market. But rather than deciding that you might not find any suitable software before the App store lands why not think positive about it? Just ask yourself, how could this possibly not be a win for most?

 

[MACWhite]

I am assuming that this will be a download via Software Update or through apple's website. If so (and you don't like the idea of "closing" Mac OS X) then here is my simple one-step solution:

DON'T INSTALL IT!!

I for one like the idea of the MAS and will download it!

 

[swarmster]

In a way , he is partially right. If the MacAppStore becomes so successful, it replaces existing websites such as MacUpdate et al, then Apple will have achieved a Pseudo closed OSX. Unless your not a small company, i.e., microsoft, the only place users will look for apps will be the appStore... if you app isn't on there, it won't sell.

The majority of apps found on Mac will have been approved by Apple and thus following their rules. Apple will have the control they've always wanted.

Of course, OSX will still be open as it is now, but if the vast majority of apps available have been vetted by Apple there isn't that much of a difference.

I agree. Furthermore, I found the original poster's argument by way of rhetorical questioning weak. How does encouraging sales and encouraging application discovery 'open' an operating system? Take the iOS platform for example, Apple has evidently encouraged sales and app exploration via it's well-known App Store with several thousands of apps on it. Yet, we all know that iOS is a proprietary, closed wall system.

Are you calling the question rhetorical because you don't want to answer it? Opening an additional avenue for app delivery does not close an OS. There is no such thing, even in the hypothetical, of a "pseudo closed" operating system.

Websites exist as a way for programmers to reach users looking for programming. An app store, particularly one (such as Apple's) that has specified they're only interested in distributing certain types of apps, is not the be-all-end-all channel for applications, so why would everyone close shop? And even if they did, what stops someone from opening shop? It's an "open" OS regardless, and saying it's now closed because Apple has opened a store requires far more justification than is being given since it's not at all logically intuitive.

The question, by the way, was how encouraging app discovery and sales creates a "closed" OS, not how that defines an "open" OS, which it of course does not.

 

[dakwar]

I am looking forward to the launch!

 

[Žalgiris]

So many assumptions there.

You see he has already reached the level of assumptions, the ones thinking that this will somehow lead to the closed Mac OS X are still in the wet fantasies level. See the difference?

 

[vincenz]

Still doubtful of it, but I'm looking forward to seeing how it works/what it offers.

 

[ct2k7]

Well I certainly didn't say ALL of Apple's ideas have been successful but if you look at their track record they have had tons more winners than most other companies. Heck, nobody but Apple has had a successful tablet-like device and they were the last to bring it to the market. But rather than deciding that you might not find any suitable software before the App store lands why not think positive about it? Just ask yourself, how could this possibly not be a win for most?

Let me draw up a chart later I should be able to provide more insight into what I'm talking about, so you'll have to bear with me.

I have thought about it, and I keep coming to the negative issues (maybe I've just had a negative day). It's a definite win for Apple, if it succeeds, but it probably won't fail to a degree. A centralised place for accessing devices is welcomed. I'm just not convinced that it'll work that well for me.

 

[misfit356tsw]

This is all intriguing. I will be watching intently.

 

[HLdan]

Let me draw up a chart later I should be able to provide more insight into what I'm talking about, so you'll have to bear with me.

I have thought about it, and I keep coming to the negative issues (maybe I've just had a negative day). It's a definite win for Apple, if it succeeds, but it probably won't fail to a degree. A centralised place for accessing devices is welcomed. I'm just not convinced that it'll work that well for me.

Okay, well that's a fair answer and understandably so but I think the Mac App Store will be the best thing Apple has ever done for the Mac. I've been a Mac user since Mac OS 8 and over the years the Mac has had one bad reputation (excluding price) and that's been for appearing to have a lack of software. It's just been a partial truth because MS's claim to fame is people getting too used to Windows and not looking for alternatives and those Windows customers think the software they use is only made for Windows and not Mac. Most of the time this is not true.
I've heard time after time up until this year that people still assume that MS Office is not available for Mac. Did those people actually check around to find the truth? Of course not. Maybe they don't do a lot of footwork in terms of shopping and maybe they don't Google for every piece of software they need. This is a good reason the Mac App store would be good for many.

I'm willing to bet most PC AutoCAD users that also have a Mac (that don't come to tech forums) don't even know that AutoCAD is now a full native (non-ported) app for the Mac. How would they know unless they go to the website? I've even heard a PC user say, "I don't think iTunes works on Mac".

 

[Stella]

I nor zstar never said that a MacStore will lead to a closed OSX platform. In fact, a closed OSX platform will do more harm that good.

Pseudo Closed vs Closed are not not the same things.

Are you calling the question rhetorical because you don't want to answer it? Opening an additional avenue for app delivery does not close an OS. There is no such thing, even in the hypothetical, of a "pseudo closed" operating system.

Websites exist as a way for programmers to reach users looking for programming. An app store, particularly one (such as Apple's) that has specified they're only interested in distributing certain types of apps, is not the be-all-end-all channel for applications, so why would everyone close shop? And even if they did, what stops someone from opening shop? It's an "open" OS regardless, and saying it's now closed because Apple has opened a store requires far more justification than is being given since it's not at all logically intuitive.

The question, by the way, was how encouraging app discovery and sales creates a "closed" OS, not how that defines an "open" OS, which it of course does not.

 

[0815]

the first step in closing Mac OSX

Why? It does not take away the option to install software from anywhere else. It is an additional way of distributing and getting applications that will make it even easier for the not so technical users.

And don't believe that BS that the next version of MacOS won't allow any other means of installing apps - that is stupid stuff put out there by mac hater.

 

[charlituna]

But not for we old fashioned PPC fellows!

It is great that you have a PPC that still functions for your needs. But let's face it, that is dead tech. Obsolete, way out of warranty etc. Expecting Apple to make everything compatible with it is just bogus. Especially when Intel became a requirement for everything but iPhoto in ilife as of the '08 version and Mac OS with snow kitty

The folks that still make PPC software will be able to release it any non App store way they wish with Apple's blessing.

 

[amorya]

The announcement says

Purchased apps can run on all of your personal Macs and updates are delivered directly through the Mac App Store so it’s easy to keep all of your apps up to date.​

Exactly how will the licensing work? Does it replace whatever licensing methods were previously used by app vendors with one that Apple controls?

Yes, it does.

A developer isn't allowed to use their own copy protection. A purchase of an app is tied to an iTunes account. The store leaves a receipt file, which the developer can verify the authenticity of. If the receipt is not valid, the developer has a way of calling up a box asking for the user's iTunes username and password.

As a side effect of this, there's no way for a consumer to upgrade to the app store version of an app from the one that existed before, without paying full price.

Do we have to "authorize" computers?

Yes, by entering your iTunes username and password.

What does "your personal Macs" mean? Does that include Macs used by or shared with family members?

It means any computer on which you've entered your iTunes username and password into the App Store. As far as I know there can be any number of those.

Amorya

 

[ilogic]

I am concerned..

Will developers have access to my Mac information, such as what type of Mac I am running?

I guess, I can pose another question, do developers now know if a user is downloading an app from an iTouch, vs iPhone?

 

[126351]

I can understand how, for a developer - this is great and exciting news. But as a consumer - I don't see it as exciting at all. The software I want and need or discover is easily found online for paid download or can be bought and shipped.

The fact that Apple is launching a store front might make it more one stop "shopping" - but I hardly find it incredible as a consumer.

If you've ever played Football Manager, you'll have experienced the painful patching procedure required on the Mac version of the game.

If the Mac App Store can eliminate that sort of thing with one touch updating, it's earned itself a place in the world.

 

[ct2k7]

Okay, well that's a fair answer and understandably so but I think the Mac App Store will be the best thing Apple has ever done for the Mac. I've been a Mac user since Mac OS 8 and over the years the Mac has had one bad reputation (excluding price) and that's been for appearing to have a lack of software. It's just been a partial truth because MS's claim to fame is people getting too used to Windows and not looking for alternatives and those Windows customers think the software they use is only made for Windows and not Mac. Most of the time this is not true.
I've heard time after time up until this year that people still assume that MS Office is not available for Mac. Did those people actually check around to find the truth? Of course not. Maybe they don't do a lot of footwork in terms of shopping and maybe they don't Google for every piece of software they need. This is a good reason the Mac App store would be good for many.

I'm willing to bet most PC AutoCAD users that also have a Mac (that don't come to tech forums) don't even know that AutoCAD is now a full native (non-ported) app for the Mac. How would they know unless they go to the website? I've even heard a PC user say, "I don't think iTunes works on Mac".

This is my first Mac, so I'm still getting used to it. One thing I am in dire need on is a good PHP IDE. I have resolved this by using Windows 7 via Parallels Desktop in Conference mode. I too seem to be having a hard time finding Mac apps, but I realise that most of the apps I use have Mac equivalents anyway.

The Mac App will solve one problem with the Mac, for outfacing potentials: by showing off the potentially amazing software that's available on the Mac.

I would happily slap that person who said that they thought iTunes didn't work on a Mac. AutoCAD, they started off Mac only right? I wonder why they didn't continue to support the Mac. Whatever the reason, it's very positive to hear that the software availability on the Mac is increasing.

 

[Stella]

Try http://macupdate.com

If the software isn't there, then its probably not available for OSX.

For PHP, have you tried Eclipse with PHP plugins?

This is my first Mac, so I'm still getting used to it. One thing I am in dire need on is a good PHP IDE. I have resolved this by using Windows 7 via Parallels Desktop in Conference mode. I too seem to be having a hard time finding Mac apps, but I realise that most of the apps I use have Mac equivalents anyway.

The Mac App will solve one problem with the Mac, for outfacing potentials: by showing off the potentially amazing software that's available on the Mac.

I would happily slap that person who said that they thought iTunes didn't work on a Mac. AutoCAD, they started off Mac only right? I wonder why they didn't continue to support the Mac. Whatever the reason, it's very positive to hear that the software availability on the Mac is increasing.

 

[samcraig]

Try http://macupdate.com

If the software isn't there, then its probably not available for OSX.

I must not be the geek some people want to paint me for visiting macrumors. Because until today - I had never heard of nor visited macupdate.com

 

[charlituna]

I pray for an app that will allow me to keep the mail function of mobile me and bin the rest.

An app is not what you need. There a tons of email apps that work just dandy with me.com accounts

What you need is an option of either mail only for free or mail only for a lower price such as only $10 a year.

the first step in closing Mac OSX

Not at all. Closing the OS would require Apple saying that you must go through their store if you want to make apps. And any 'jailbroken' apps void your warranty etc

This is an option. Period. Stated by Jobs, in public and on the record. It is for those folks that can't afford the massive costs of their own website, servers etc. Or don't want to get lost in the mire of the dozens of sites like version tracker etc. And that is all. Those that don't need such help are forced to take it.

As said on the other thread - New iWork January 6th?

We shall see. But even if there not a new version just being able to buy it in parts is useful to some. I have no need for Numbers or Keynote at the moment so being able to buy just Pages works for me, even if it is the old one.

Do we know how is the Mac app store is supposed to work - will the apps show up on your desktop like they would the home screen of an iPad? I was under the impression that wouldn't come until we had Lion next summer...

No that won't show up until Lion.

As I gather it, they will be in your applications folder just like always. The useful trick is that if there is an update it will appear in the OS Software Update just like the OS and Apple Apps do. Rather than the dozen of different ways that the apps handled that function before.

If you want other apps, you'll still have to go to MacUpdate or the developer website.

That assumes that those other apps are using such things. It is possible that any app, even a so called 'professional' one could choose to use the App Store. Rather than as you seem to think only apps for kids and frat boys.

In a way , he is partially right. If the MacAppStore becomes so successful, it replaces existing websites such as MacUpdate et al, then Apple will have achieved a Pseudo closed OS

That statement and your contention that apps not in the store won't sell, making the OS closed just defy logic.

'Closed' refers to one thing and one only. And that is Apple or whomever restricting the game to 'my way or the highway'. Even if it is just a game of 'it is not illegal but we won't device your stuff if you do it'.

If it happens that sone developer doesn't join the store that is fine by Apple. If her stuff doesn't sell it will be because either it was crap or she was too lazy to put real effort into marketing it. Not the store

 

[Stella]

That statement and your contention that apps not in the store won't sell, making the OS closed just defy logic.

'Closed' refers to one thing and one only. And that is Apple or whomever restricting the game to 'my way or the highway'. Even if it is just a game of 'it is not illegal but we won't device your stuff if you do it'.

If it happens that sone developer doesn't join the store that is fine by Apple. If her stuff doesn't sell it will be because either it was crap or she was too lazy to put real effort into marketing it. Not the store

Your not understanding my point. Once again, "closed" and "pseudo closed" are not the same thing.