Apple has a way of making bold leaps forward in the name of progress that seem risky and crazy at the time. However, once the dust settles and it's clear what they're actually up to, these moves tend to make complete sense. We're hoping that this is the case with Apple's latest change: They've altered the Downloads page on their site to reflect a shift toward their Mac App Store.
On the surface, this might not seem to be a big deal, until you realize that there is no way to search for cool third-party apps the way you used to be able to do at the old site. Instead, all apps will now be contained in the Mac App Store, which exists as part of the Mac operating system. There are a couple of bummers about this.
First, those of us running a pre-Snow Leopard OS don't have access to the Mac App Store at all. Secondly, third-party developers can no longer offer their apps for free; it will cost $99/year simply for the privilege of having an app on display.
This seems more of an extension of Apple's policy of locking themselves off from the world, in the same way that they don't let just anyone tinker with OS X's innards. Is going even more insular a good thing for the company? Will there be a developer outcry on this new regime? Let's keep an eye to the future while we pour one out for the old Downloads page.
Via Macstories
wgmg35
July 15, 2011 at 7:03am
I don't have a problem with the MAS.
There is nothing stopping someone from setting up a Mac software repository of their own and letting folks add their software (or links to it) there.
I will have a serious problem if I have to start jail-braking a desktop or laptop system just to get software that Apple doesn't approve of (for whatever reason).
baltwo
July 14, 2011 at 8:25pm
Apparently, you missed the link at support dot apple dot com slash downloads. While it doesn't cover 3rd-party apps, it does point to Apple's updates somewhere else other than the MAS. BTW, I agree that this only get stuff via MAS is going in the wrong direction.
mc4o1993
July 14, 2011 at 8:22pm
The App store is a great thing for your average (non-technical) customer. no more wondering if this app is ok to download, no talking gramma through mounting the .dmg and running the installer. your average user doesn't understand the concept of a disk img/iso .. no more serial numbers to remember or keep track of... AND it gives a very inexpensive way for devs who can't afford their own hosting/marketing.. lowers the point of entry for developers. I've found a ton of useful utilities on the app store, that I might not have found if i had to hunt around.. definitely would have given pause before entering my CC number on some radom site ive never seen for software from some vendor I've never heard of. single shop means my CC isn't sent all over the net, and the apps have been vetted.. so at worst they suck.. but they only cost a couple bucks in the first place.
the benefits outweigh the cons.
MINZ
July 14, 2011 at 4:07pm
I say Fooey to the Mac App Store You will Just Loose My 25 Year Business, Just as BAD as the Creepy Ipod Ipad App Store set-up. Zig-Heil OBey the BOSS, Big Brother is Watching Every Move.
