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.

App Store for iPhone already a hit with developers (USATODAY.com)

USATODAY.com - Apple CEO Steve Jobs expected to launch his App Store - the online venue for third-party iPhone and iPod Touch applications - with 200 software offerings; he ended up with more than 500.

App Store has gone live

Section: Apple News, Retail & Apple Store, iPhone + Communications, iPhone SDK & AppsYes, it is true. Apple has launched the App Store, the NDA is lifted and now everyone can finally talk about their applications! The store went live this morning with about 550+ applications, ranging from Super Monkey Ball to an Abacus (for only $0.99, you can count and calculate on this fully customizable abacus!). If you would like to get in on all of the App Store good-ness, downloading iTunes 7.7 (Apple’s site still lists 7.6, but Software Update has 7.7) will let you purchase applications from the store. At the time of writing, there wasn’t an “official” link to the App Store from the iTunes homepage, but you can access it by following one of the links above, or by going into preferences of 7.7, and checking the box that will have “Applications” show up in your iTunes sidebar. Searching for an application in iTunes will also bring up it’s information page. There is quite a selection available right off the bat, so those of you who have iPhones and iPod Touches have plenty to play around with. Now all that’s left is for Apple to release the iPhone 2.0 update so that you can actually use these applications on your device. Keep an eye out on the App Store, as more applications are expected to be added in the coming days. Full Story » | Written by Greg Healy for Appletell. | Comment on this Article »