Unfair practices in the App Store?

The App Store might be only a few days old, but it has already proven itself to be a viable and potentially lucrative outlet for developers. With so many apps (and more being added all the time) for sale, getting exposure is extremely important if a developer wants to stand out in the crowd. Unsurprisingly, the market, especially in the games sector, is very competitive. But is the quest to compete leading to some unfair, and ultimately consumer unfriendly practices? Note: All of this data refers to the U.S. App Store, I'm unsure of the situation in other parts of the world.We got a tip from an iPhone developer, who requested anonymity, about some shady techniques being employed by some developers to obtain a higher app ranking in the App Store. As it stands right now, if you choose to browse the App Store in iTunes, not using the search but using the "All iPhone Applications" category, apps are visually displayed in alphabetical order. Well, they are supposed to be displayed in alphabetical order. As it stands right now, only five of the 21 titles displayed on the first page actually fit that criteria -- and they are the last five apps on that page.Some developers have figured out that adding a symbol or space before the game name will promote the app to the first page. Thus, Solitaire City, which alphabetically should be on page 26, is the very first app listed in the store. Other tiles like Whack the Groundhog, $0.99 Sudoku and 'ColorRise 3D' are all listed on the first page, instead of where they should be cataloged.Gallery: App Store HijinxContinue reading Unfair practices in the App Store?Permalink | Email this | Comments

Thoughts on the iPhone App Store review process

Should Apple have approved "I Am Rich"? Pretty much everyone agrees that it's a useless application. But once approved, should they have pulled it? Jason Kottke says it should stay in the App Store. He argues that Apple should be providing an open marketplace rather than a hand-selected boutique. Say what you will about Apple's App Store shortcomings (no shopping carts? What were they thinking!), iPhone consumers are split between those who'd prefer greater oversight and those who'd rather let the free market decide. Follow the jump for more thoughts about the App Store review process.Continue reading Thoughts on the iPhone App Store review processRead | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Opinion: Apple should reset all App Store reviews

Now that Apple has done the right thing by requiring people to purchase an iPhone app before posting a review at the App Store, Peter Cohen thinks the company needs to take the next step: zap all the old reviews from the Store.

App Store successful, but shows flaws

Apple's App Store for the iPhone and iPod touch has been a big success so far. But there are still numerous usability issues that might hinder further growth.

Apple Sets App Store Launch Deadline for Developers

In typical Apple fashion, the iPhone SDK program and App Store application process has been clouded in some uncertainty about launch dates and details of the approval process. Today, Apple finally gave developers a firm deadline of July 7th ...

App Store or Installer.app? The choice is yours.

Section: Apple, iPhone + Communications, iPhone, iPhone SDK & Apps, OriginalsThe App Store comes out in about a week and promises to awe iPhone users with a library of awesome, Apple supported applications. Whether Apple’s idea to include this came from enraged consumers or the rush they were seeing towards jailbreaking is not known. However, in the end, Apple is still going to have to compete with Installer.app to provide the same user experience. The question is, will you still jailbreak your iPhone when the App Store is knocking at your door? Reasons to use the App Store Apple must inspect every application they are to offer through the App Store. This will insure that the apps available are of high quality to users. Also, since this whole platform was built and is supported by Apple, large companies such as EA have hopped on board and promise to offer games and applications you could never imagine from jailbroken apps. I don’t see Monkey Ball coming to Installer.app anytime soon. On top of this, Apple’s system will most likely be kinder to your device since Apple is doing all they can to keep background processes to a minimum and battery power to a maximum. Even with software updates, the App Store won’t break like Installer.app usually does. I personally will be choosing this route. Reasons to jailbreak Some people hate the idea of the semi-closed platform that Apple is offering, and that is reason enough for them to jailbreak. Also, because it is supported by open source gurus, you know all of the apps will be free of charge. With no screening process and tons of developers, you can find an app for almost everything (even iPhone porn, if you’re into that). Also, most of the developers like to constantly update their applications and stay in contact with their users, and help will be a simply Google search away. The choice is yours. Will you be taking the Apple way and using the App Store, or will you go out on a limb and jailbreak your shiny new iPhone? Just keep in mind, Apple probably won’t want you using the jailbreaking method, so it may be harder for developers and hackers to crack the iPhone’s security like before. Full Story » | Written by Josh Holat for Appletell. | Comment on this Article »