Full FeedHow Apple can make the App Store a better place for all of us
The App Store has been around for a while now, and has inspired many other phone manufacturers to create their own version of Apple’s application marketplace. It has not only made the iPhone 100 times more functional than it originally was, it has done so in a way that is simple for the end users. That said, Apple’s App Store still does have its flaws that could be fixed by Apple to make it even that much better. The good part about these lacking features is that they wouldn’t be all that hard for Apple to implement considering their experience in the online marketplace.
Trial Periods
With some of the applications in the App Store being somewhat expensive, it would be nice for Apple to implement some sort of trial system so that users could test an app before they purchase this. Not only would this cut down on the negative reviews in the App Store of users who purchased an app to be disappointed by it, but it would also encourage users to try more apps. With movie rentals in iTunes, I’m sure Apple is fully capable of integrating some sort of timed system that would render the app useless after the trial is up.
Straightforward Guidelines
When a developer submits their project to the App Store, Apple has complete control over what makes it in. There has been a fair case of errors in the past in this process, with certain apps not getting accepted when they should, and vice versa. This has caused some hesitation amongst developers as to whether their app will make it. With more clear guidelines (i.e. not just “no porn,” etc, but exactly what isn’t excepted), developers could relax a little bit more once they submit their app to the approval process.
These are just a couple of the more major improvements Apple could make, and I know there are a lot more. What do you think?
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beyond everyone’s complaint about the ratings accuracy-saw an app yesterday with 2 reviews, both 4 stars, and the average rating it showed was 2 stars. the original apple II could’ve gotten that right with its integer math processor-i’ve got a few of my own peeves…
1. search-sometimes it gives no results in itunes but finds it on the phone and vice versa.
2. arranging apps on iphone’s screens is desperately in need of a major upgrade-MAJOR. here’s what i’d like to see from apple or a developer:
in itunes:
a. show the iphone’s 9 pages with their icons in place as panels on one screen;
b. show non-loaded apps in their own section, the well, app bucket, whatever;
c. drag/drop icons from page to page and, to/from the unloaded section/pages;
d. roll over an icon and have it bring up its description from the app store…how many apps do you have that you’ve forgotten what they do or why you downloaded them?
e. option: have itunes update, in background, all owned apps, loaded or not; indicate which are newly updated; sync as usual
on the iphone:
Application Management-using the same press-hold to activate the icons:
a. hold and drag as usual;
b. hold and no drag, pop out page number list, 1-9, and merely roll to page number, like .com/.net/etc. in keyboard, to move the app; indicate full pages, allow override to slide it in anyway
App Downloads:
c. drop downloaded apps to current page, not at the first open slot; or, give page list for destination choice; indicate full pages, allow override to slide it in anyway
d. folders;
e. allow background ops for 3rd party apps;
f. open up with the connector licenses…what, 3 years into it, and virtually nothing to add to it. talk about leaving money on the table. billions.
g. add some volume to the speaker! low-bidder?
h. you’ve heard the rest…
Apple: loosen up a little, guys. so much capability and potential for the iphone, so much imagination just waiting for a chance to do some really nice, useful, significant programming for it. you don’t have to lower your standards, nor would we want you to, but the new ‘peanut’ has arrived and a repeat of the open vs. closed platform battle is here. please, don’t screw it up; you won’t have 30 years to recover from it this time.
on February 19, 2009 at 02:27 PM - LINK