JWZ and the Palm App Catalog, Part II • Hacker News Board

Re: JWZ and the Palm App Catalog, Part II

#41

Post by mbrubeck » Wed, Oct 07, 2009, 3:16 PM UTC

bhousel wrote: post #23

eb wrote: post #18

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Will it be possible for me to host the app so users can download directly from my server?

I doubt you'll ever see this, for security reasons. I'm just imagining a scenario where I install your app, and it decides to SMS all of my contacts with a bit.ly link to spread itself, send out emails and do whatever else it wants to. At least linking through Palm, they know who you are as the app author and can shut down the app if necessary and go after you if your app turns malicious.

Android allows this (users can download apps directly from third-party web sites). It just requires the user to check an "I know what I'm doing" box in the settings first.

Re: JWZ and the Palm App Catalog, Part II

#42

Post by joezydeco » Wed, Oct 07, 2009, 3:48 PM UTC

Raphael wrote: post #17

protomyth wrote: post #7

Earlier quoted context omitted.

You can see the start of this with the XBox market place where you buy downloadable games. If Apple had a app store for a next generation AppleTV, it would be a very interesting platform.

I really wish people would stop buying into closed platforms. Hook a computer up to a TV and be done with it.

I'm tired of telling friends and family how to install and maintain systems like "a computer hooked up to a TV". There's a reason why there are more TiVos out there than MythTVs.

Re: JWZ and the Palm App Catalog, Part II

#43

Post by protomyth » Wed, Oct 07, 2009, 4:04 PM UTC

leertaylor wrote: post #14

protomyth wrote: post #3

So, $99 fee and $50 per app for the "real" app store. I wonder how this is going to effect the developer's decision on what pricing should be and how feature filled the application will be?

The $99 fee is basically the same as what it costs to become a developer for the iPhone. The $50 fee for being listed in the official App Catalog is different, and feels like a good alternative to me since they also have the free distribution option. This should help avoid the App Catalog getting over-crowded with a ton of really poor cheap/free apps, and hopefully means the App Catalog will attract developers produc…

I think you are right on the effect. I bet a developer who hands over $50 will be a lot more uptight in delayed deployment of that app.

My main problem with the iTunes App Store from a customer point of view is I feel like I have tunnel vision and can't really see the app and comments. I wish I had something like the Amazon shopping experience.

Re: JWZ and the Palm App Catalog, Part II

#44

Post by protomyth » Wed, Oct 07, 2009, 4:07 PM UTC

Raphael wrote: post #17

protomyth wrote: post #7

Earlier quoted context omitted.

You can see the start of this with the XBox market place where you buy downloadable games. If Apple had a app store for a next generation AppleTV, it would be a very interesting platform.

I really wish people would stop buying into closed platforms. Hook a computer up to a TV and be done with it.

Closed platforms, for all their sins, are generally easier for consumers. The process to buy an app in iTunes is dead simple. Media Center PC's (for most people) require having a friend with patience and skill.

Re: JWZ and the Palm App Catalog, Part II

#45

Post by protomyth » Wed, Oct 07, 2009, 4:09 PM UTC

prawn wrote: post #15

protomyth wrote: post #7

Earlier quoted context omitted.

You can see the start of this with the XBox market place where you buy downloadable games. If Apple had a app store for a next generation AppleTV, it would be a very interesting platform.

If someone could build an alliance to get this into next-gen TVs without a standalone STB, they could rake it in. Weather and news apps, live TV guides with video previews, games, photo viewers, etc. Maybe a modular, generic box to include in the manufacturing process, with built-in wireless or ethernet plug, ability to update firmware via the net, and a central app store and paywall. Alternatively, just build it as…

I think Yahoo with their widgets had the best chance, but Yahoo is acting in the spirit of their name.

Re: JWZ and the Palm App Catalog, Part II

#46

Post by protomyth » Wed, Oct 07, 2009, 4:13 PM UTC

ErrantX wrote: post #8

protomyth wrote: post #6

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I am not sure I see the "open" trend. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if the future is the integrated hardware / software / store. Look at game consoles, iphone, and palm pre. The "open" computer might actually be a blip in computing history. (Please Note: I am not liking or advocating this trend)

I suppose it depends whether a reliable open platform (i.e. Android) gets established and achieves a critical mass of developers behind it. Could happen :)

My problem with Android is my general problem with Google. It seems like they are incapable of doing the kind of UI polishing required to have a great consumer product. Given how they have treated some of their UI people, I don't see this changing. You need someone with the authority of a Steve Jobs or Jonathan Ive to do real design. You can't just have pretty icons.

Re: JWZ and the Palm App Catalog, Part II

#47

Post by icefox » Wed, Oct 07, 2009, 5:48 PM UTC

hippee-lee wrote: post #39

icefox wrote: post #32

Earlier quoted context omitted.

If the app was on the device from the web or from a store it could remove their capability, but if the app is not yet on the device palm can easily upload a list of bad apps to not allow to run. Presumably this is what they would have to do with an existing app store app that went bad as a way to kill the one that have already been installed.

What if the list on my phone is out of date?

Then how would having bought it through the store done anything?

Re: JWZ and the Palm App Catalog, Part II

#48

Post by ErrantX » Wed, Oct 07, 2009, 7:40 PM UTC

protomyth wrote: post #46

ErrantX wrote: post #8

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I suppose it depends whether a reliable open platform (i.e. Android) gets established and achieves a critical mass of developers behind it. Could happen :)

My problem with Android is my general problem with Google. It seems like they are incapable of doing the kind of UI polishing required to have a great consumer product. Given how they have treated some of their UI people, I don't see this changing. You need someone with the authority of a Steve Jobs or Jonathan Ive to do real design. You can't just have pretty icons.

110% agree. It's the same gripe I have with Linux too.