NYT: Apple Moves to Tighten Control of App Store

[BuddyBoy]

Originally Posted by snipenekkid

Well apparently publisher in Europe don't get it either:

http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/new...an-publishers/

I especially agree with this statement:

Many publishers who previously relied on web-based forms for handling subscriptions are confused with Apple’s stance. “Some say they feel betrayed,” Piechota said. “They believed that it would be a great way to access content from newspapers and magazines. So they hyped the iPad, and many of them invested in apps for it. By promoting these apps, they promoted the device. Publishers in fact helped to make the iPad successful on the market.”

[Maggie Leung]

BuddyBoy, thanks for laying out the scenarios. Those are the kind of possibilities that tipped me over to another platform in the future. I agree that Apple is being vague on purpose, to try to figure out how to maximize its profits under the inside/outside app sales.

[RockdaMan]

Still betting this all blows over, and that Mags never goes through with her platform switch.

[DiapDealer]

Originally Posted by RockdaMan

Still betting this all blows over, and that Mags never goes through with her platform switch.

That may very well be. But even if that is how it plays out, it won't un-justify this conversation (thread) and certainly won't make you the "winner."

In fact, if it does blow over, it may be because of sentiments expressed in this thread (and similar sentiments being expressed around the world) finding their way to the right ears.

[snipenekkid]

Originally Posted by Maggie Leung

BuddyBoy, thanks for laying out the scenarios. Those are the kind of possibilities that tipped me over to another platform in the future. I agree that Apple is being vague on purpose, to try to figure out how to maximize its profits under the inside/outside app sales.

Big second on that sentiment and to BB as well. Best we can say is we left no turn un-stoned. Leaves us with a bunch of "stoned" turns but hey, it's Super Bowl Sunday so munchie goodness abound.

Me? I have Pandora tuned to my Frankie, Julie London and Alan Parson's channel and my mug of nice freshly brewed up Turkish coffee, ok, my 3rd or 4th mug and it's only 5:40AM...

[RockdaMan]

not interested in being the winner. just amused at how quick supporters are to get outraged when its been shown time and time again that Apple does listen to them if they are patient enough.

as someone said though, its superbowl Sunday. go steelers!

[DiapDealer]

go steelers!

That explains soooo much!

[RockdaMan]

go steelers!!

[LagunaManiac]

Originally Posted by fjtorres

There are two issues here:
1- in-app purchases which have never been allowed. If this is the issue: Bad Sony! It is hardly a change of policy. It may be an obnoxious policy but it is already in place. Don't like it, don't deal with Apple.

.

The notion that Apple has never allowed In-App purchases is absurd. Check out the way that our iFlow Reader works. You better hurry because if Apple requires us to pay a 30% surcharge on sales, we are out of business.

Let's all try to imagine what would be happening if Microsoft said that they wanted a 30% cut of all items purchased using a program running on Windows. There is no conceptual difference whatsoever. The only difference is that Apple had the foresight to provide the only way of loading apps onto your device so they could set this trap.

[elcreative]

Go Steelers... and I'm in the UK... munchies and Jack Daniels soon... and no sleep...

[BuddyBoy]

Originally Posted by RockdaMan

Still betting this all blows over, and that Mags never goes through with her platform switch.

I certainly hope the ruckus raised will cause Apple to retreat to a more user friendly stance, as you yourself suggested may happen.

Nevertheless, I will say that this latest episode has tipped the balance and I am planning to consider Android alternatives going forward. Because I'm a developer, I'm lucky enough to be able to upgrade annually to be able to code on the latest platform. I suspect I won't be moving to the iPhone 5 this year and will instead explore Android developing. From the looks of it anyway, based on handset sales, it may prove to be a larger market, and hopefully one not so crowded with marginal apps that cloak my "brilliant creations."

this from a guy who hasn't even submitted an app to Apple yet!

[Maggie Leung]

Originally Posted by LagunaManiac

Let's all try to imagine what would be happening if Microsoft said that they wanted a 30% cut of all items purchased using a program running on Windows. *There is no conceptual difference whatsoever. *The only difference is that Apple had the foresight to provide the only way of loading apps onto your device so they could set this trap.

Yup, I figure all companies look out for themselves; some are just better at it than others.

It's a tough choice for developers, deciding whether to get into bed with Apple. On one hand, the big customer base is very tempting. On the other hand, Apple essentially holds all the power. Given Android's momentum and growing market share, I would choose Android over iOS now if I were a developer. Much greater freedom to control your livelihood is key, IMO.

For me, switching away from Apple as a customer is relatively easy. All my laptops and netbooks are Windows-based. I've spent next to nothing on Apple apps, and my books and music aren't tethered to Apple.

If I time it right, I should be able to sell my iDevices abroad for more than I paid. If I end up waiting longer, depending on how long it takes for Android devices to meet my needs, I will have used my existing iDevices long enough to have gotten my money's worth. (Actually, it's hard to believe that my iPad is nearly a year old.)

I still appreciate that Apple put tablets front and center in the marketplace. I'll keep benefiting from that even without being an Apple customer. And as long as Apple remains competitive, that also serves me as a tech consumer. No matter which companies I buy from, I want lots of competition in the marketplace.

[RockdaMan]

" I will say that this latest episode has tipped the
balance and I am planning to consider Android alternatives"

You wouldn't be a good businessman if you didn't. Lots of people develop for both platforms, including Google.

[tomsem]

Originally Posted by LagunaManiac

The notion that Apple has never allowed In-App purchases is absurd. Check out the way that our iFlow Reader works. You better hurry because if Apple requires us to pay a 30% surcharge on sales, we are out of business.

Let's all try to imagine what would be happening if Microsoft said that they wanted a 30% cut of all items purchased using a program running on Windows. There is no conceptual difference whatsoever. The only difference is that Apple had the foresight to provide the only way of loading apps onto your device so they could set this trap.

In iFlow Reader, you initiate selection of a book to purchase within the app, but it launches a browser window to complete the purchase (I just double checked this). So it is not essentially any different than any of the other apps since the purchase is not completed within the app itself. The guidelines say nothing about 'just browsing' within the app itself.

Still, Apple seems to be insisting that the two (purchase in app or purchase in browser launched from app) are morally equivalent. They aren't but that is what they are saying.

[BuddyBoy]

Originally Posted by RockdaMan

" I will say that this latest episode has tipped the
balance and I am planning to consider Android alternatives"

You wouldn't be a good businessman if you didn't. Lots of people develop for both platforms, including Google.

Too true, though mobile apps is such a small part of my business right now. For me, the android switch is likely to be more as a user than a developer. As a user I don't really appreciate the way Apple always seems to be trying to push the tolerance envelope until such time as the users revolt and/or regulators start getting involved. Restricting apps with laughably transparent excuses to try to obscure their personal gain; trying to restrict developer tools in order to ratchet up some personal Jobsian feud, until the regulators start questioning them and they back down; "Don't hold it that way."; and now the content issue.

And I'm a guy who LIKES Apple products!