Apple’s Mac App Store – What’s It All About?

We have just heard notification from Apple that they will be launching their 'Mac App Store' come January 6th, 2011.

There is a lot of people already talking about what this will mean, how successful it will be, and how it will change the way we obtain software for our Mac's.

So what's it all about? If you're a bit confused here, don't worry. We were to start with, but after some research, we've got all the juicy details.

It's Just Like The iPhone App Store - But It's For Your Mac.

Firstly, lets get something straight. The Mac App Store isn't there so you can run iPhone Apps on your Mac. That would just be pure sillyness . So, best you shift out of that mindset and onto this one:

The Mac App Store is a one central store where you can purchase software for your Mac.

If you own a mac you'll no doubt have a bunch of software on it that you use everyday. Common items like Firefox or Chrome web browsers, perhaps Garageband and/or iPhone from the iLife series. Less common but specialised packages such as iSale, the eBay auction creation tool specifically designed for the Mac.

These will now all be available on the Mac App Store. Along with hundreds to thousands of other OSX Applications. All in one place. Smart, right?

How This Will Change The Way You Purchase Your Mac Software.

No doubt about it, this will change the way you purchase your mac software. Previously, each mac software developer had it's own website, where you would go and purchase the software. Now, a quick trip to the Mac App Store will bring you to all the latest software releases available for your mac. There will be no need to tediously hunt down the software you are after, find it's website, enter all your personal details (payment / address / etc...) and finally download the software on to your mac. No more of that.

This will be a real time saver...

Another obvious benefit to the Mac App Store is that of choice and awareness. We will be exposed to more software options, in a better way.

Just like the iTunes App Store, we will have access to a showcase of Applications that are easily sorted so we can find exactly what we need. We'll be able to check out the reputation of a Application simply by checking the user reviews. If a Application is a dud, we'll know about it. No more downloading trials to see if a piece of software is really going to do the job we require of it.

This review system will also provide developers with quick, real time feedback. Have you ever submitted a bug report to a software developer? Nope, me neither. The benefit of the user reviews on the Mac App Store is that developers will have the opportunity to make better software, and fix problems faster. If they don't, they'll lose business. If they do, they'll produce better software which will in turn get higher ratings and more Application purchases from happy customers.

The Mac App Store Is A Smart Move From Apple, And A Win / Win For All Of Us.

We think this is a great move from Apple, and almost intuitive business decision that will change the way we choose and purchase software. With the framework of the App Store already setup, users will easily know how to go about finding what they need.

Adoption rate will be slow to start with, but over time, more and more people will choose to buy via the Mac App Store due to it's ease and simplicity. We've also imagine this will help drive software prices down, as successful software developers that produce quality software will benefit from a larger customer base. All, in all, we'll be looking forward to the Mac App Store come January 6th, 2011.