Lukas Mathis on iTunes 11
Lukas nails the usability issues with iTunes 11 - i’ve been running into the exact same things using the software, assuming I was just used to the old sidebar paradigm. It’s the inconsistencies with the way the new elements are implemented that is making things difficult.
I do applaud the new store layout however.
The Mac App Store’s future of irrelevance – Marco Arment
Must-read on the worrying withdrawl of OSX applications from the Mac App store. Perhaps the issues raised here are only currently relevant on a professional application level, but after seeing the ‘race to the bottom’ in the iOS appstore, I can only conclude that this is an extremely valid point.
2 months ago I made the decision to forgo all Appstore purchases where possible, based on the following comparison:
Direct Download Benefits over the App Store:
- Supports the Developer directly without Apple taking a 30% cut
- I’m able to get a discount on major software updates, which is currently impossible in the App Store
- Possibly critical Updates are unhindered by review delays
- Developers are able to achieve out-of-sandbox functionality
- Multiple license purchases are possible
App Store Benefits over App Store Purchases
- Bulk software re-installation is easier
- Software updates are marginally more convenient
- Required for the app to implement iCloud storage
That’s it*. The fact that iCloud integration can be effectively swapped with Dropbox integration really doesnt leave much in the way of enticements for Appstore purchases (or distribution), and to be truly honest, I prefer knowing an update to an app is available when I am using it, but I can also see how maybe that’s not everyone’s cup of tea.
The thing is, it is entirely possible for the appstore model not to suck, just look at Steam.
*There is also the remote possibility for indie developers to start turning over serious moneys™ by hitting the featured page & top 10 lists (see angry birds)- however with 28 out of the 73 total links (38%) on the featured page in the (NZ) Mac Appstore going to Big A’s own software, and operating system, this becomes even more of an impossibility.
It’s as if we’re all in a car that Don is driving down Speculation Lane like a reckless drunk, careening over the curbs of fact and knocking over the mailboxes of believability.
I avoid linking mac articles like the plague, but if you wanna read one, the macalope is consistently entertaining. Good job of calling out the sheer muppetry of the majority of tech journalism these days.
The Macalope Weekly: Busted businesses | Phones | MacUser | Macworld
Valve brings Steam to OSX - This announcement is huge - One of the main arguments in the OSX vs PC debate just got hit out of the park - with the ability for cross platform/ cloud-based save game files and games purchased on one platform transferable to the other, as well as simultaneous title releases, this is a huge notch in the belt for apple/valve.
True, the hardcore legions of gamers who MUST have the latest graphics cards wont be swayed and the premium cost of macs will probably still influence the choice of system in netcafe’s. But to the casual gamer like me, this is great news.
It’s on like Donkey Kong.
(via Valve Brings Hit Games, Steam Service to Mac | GameLife | Wired.com)
PS. I’m reconfine on steam - See you in April.
A wonderful collection of glass-fronted folder icons, The best part, however, is the x-ray modification for quicklook - a custom modification which shows the contents of a folder when quick look is invoked - preview it here
Very, very cool
BootXChanger nifty little gui for changing your OSX boot graphic.
Triax Turbo Touch Commercial , familiar much?
The jig’s up apple.
(via destroytoday)
Panic Software is having a 3-day 50% off sale.
Panic make extremely good mac software, and if you havent already got Transmit 3 - hands down the best osx ftp client out there, go get it now.
Personally, I will be adding Candybar to my collection.
Autofill your ipod/phone
Details on how to access the new autofill feature available with the latest iTunes 8.1 update.
Useful if you are too lazy / random to specifically select individual songs to transfer!
