Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, Bad Apple, App Store
Apple and the App Store: meme of the moment
It's been a couple of months since I first posted my thoughts on the iPhone App Store review process and called for greater objectivity, transparency, and consistency from Apple. Apple's review process has become the meme of the moment this week. Here's a quick run-down of some of the big (and less big) stories out there at the moment:
Engadget
Ryan Block, with the help of Geek Lawyer (and TUAW buddy) Nilay Patel, looks at the App Store review system and finds it lacking. (Full disclosure: I had a very minor hand in this post.)
Joy of Tech
Here's Joy of Tech's hilarious take on the App-Store review process. (Thanks, Jonathan K!)
Mobile Chat
The authors of Mobile Chat are offering refunds, as they can't tell if or when they will ever be accepted to the App Store with a functioning product.
LateNiteSoft
Here's a thoughtful essay about the "Cruel Economy of the App Store." It's really a terrific read.
Macworld
Don't ascribe malicious intent to what can be explained by incompetence and too-rapid growth of the App Store, suggests this Macworld writeup.
![TUAW [Cafepress]](http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.tuaw.com/media/tuaw-cafepress-promo.png)
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Jash Sayani said 12:53PM on 9-26-2008
The flowchart be Joy of Tech is just hilarious!
Reply
Petar Smilajkov said 1:21PM on 9-26-2008
iBetaTest.com community will enable a much better apps to be published, and therefore less chance for failure. Developer/Beta Tester Community and we just opened up the registrations for beta!
:)
Reply
caleb said 1:27PM on 9-26-2008
1) Anti competitive business practices.
2) Conflict of interest.
I can't remember that last thing that made me as mad/frustrated as the Apple app store debacle other than politics.
Reply
Rubbinz said 1:52PM on 9-26-2008
I've gotten fed up with the whole thing. Dumped my iPhone already and am currently building my next system. Undecided if I'll install OS X on it though.
The iMac is going to get stripped down tomorrow so I can rebuild a different system with the CPU, HD and ram and use it as a media server with my Xbox 360. Bye, Apple.
Reply
jason mark said 2:01PM on 9-26-2008
It really sounds like a bunch of programmers have issues, and need to relax and let things shake out. Apple is still defining their policies, training their staff, scaling to handle the volume of requests, etc.
One person might err on the side of caution (not letting something come through), another might err on the side of negligence (I am Rich)... but this will settle down over time.
In addition I'm sure they have clear guidelines about infringing on Apple IP, for very valid reasons, and while it's likely these will be relaxed in the future, it would be silly for them to use significant resources on the fringe cases, instead of focusing on the best use for the most people.
Just relax all...
Reply
KarlW said 4:27PM on 9-26-2008
There are new ways to sell applications emerging. I just downloaded the 'knots' game from my phone (twister for the iPhone). It uses ads at the end of the game to make money, making the game itself free.
I quite like that. The ads are quite respectful - they don't bother you whilst you're playing the game. I don't know how good the return is, but if it's viable, I'd like to see more developers choosing that route (so long as it remains as unobtrusive as knots).
Knots is also quite a good game. I'd recommend it.
Reply
maarten.vancoile said 5:52PM on 9-26-2008
Could you point me to even ONE negative remark made by Mobile Chat devs on the App Store review process?
They have been enormously positive, forgiving and even thankful. The only setback they've encountered is that the review process takes aprox. one week, which is perfectly understandable and maybe even favorable.
I believe you're putting oil on a fire that not necessarily exists among developers. Though there does seem to be some commotion among some users. That, however, is unrelated to actual issues, but is fueled by articles like this.
Though I wouldn't mind more clarity from Apple ;-).
Reply
oshawapilot said 6:52PM on 9-26-2008
The mobilechat devs are surely pulling their hair out in reality (I can feel their pain in some regards), but putting on a brave face to the public because of the NDA and the fact that, in the end, they're still running a business and simply flipping out about things wouldn't come across very professional.
I read the Macworld article and I'd have to say that I'm 100% agree with it - the Appstore is currently something with massive potential for success, but is being steered down a path to potential disaster instead.
Waffletower said 6:53AM on 9-27-2008
The review process does not take one week. It is variable. Our app was put up after 13 days. Other developers have experienced more than 3 weeks. I can understand that the review process takes time given the complexity of the task -- software testing, legal research etc. But it currently takes 3 weeks to get an email response from Apple regarding App Store business as well. I find that on the unacceptable side of the continuum myself.
navstar said 6:14PM on 9-26-2008
Really, you shouldn't use the words "hilarious" and "Joy of Tech" in the same sentence unless you include the word "not"
Reply
nufemasta said 11:52AM on 9-27-2008
These posts about how long Apple takes to review Apps and how disappointed people are about the whole process are really getting old. It is also no surprise that the author of this post is Erica. Goodness people, give it a rest. If you don't like it, take the advice of the gentlemen above, stop involving yourself in it.
Thx...
Reply