When Apple recently launched Mac App Store, people rejoiced and at the same time apprehensive about it. Online sales are becoming bigger each day with new apps added daily. However some people concerned with security and piracy.
Mac App Store and other online app stores can learn a thing or two from online game stores such as Good Old Games and Valve’s Steam Service. Steam in recent years became the PC game marketplace of choice.
App Stores must be developer-friendly. They should help the small programmers get in the action but quality must not be compromised. Apple failed in this department as they deny some apps from being posted but at the same time junk are found in the Mac App Store.
People don’t like buying the same stuff twice. If a user pays for an app on his mobile device, the user must also be allowed to use it on his desktop or laptop. GOG and Steam offer ways to install software on different devices.
Lastly, software offered by the store must be compatible on different platforms, if possible. Some users work on different computers. Steam has SteamPlay, which features titles that work on both the Mac and PC.
Thanks for writing this article. It is my belief that Android app stores must create value for the platform, developer base, and user community in order to thrive and sustain.
Our startup BloomWorlds, is developing Android’s family friendly app store that will hlep Android parents find safe, secure, and appropriate app for their children by utilizing our vetted submission process.
We welcome any questions and appreciate your opinion.