More recently, Google launched the Chrome Web Store, which contains apps, themes and extensions for the Chrome browser. And computer maker Acer has announced Acer Alive, a platform where users can find and purchase Windows software as well as multimedia content. The Acer Alive store software will be pre-installed on Acer computers but is not yet available in the U.S.
Face Time (Mac App Store)
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"[It's] an idea whose time has come," says Al Hilwa, an analyst at research firm IDC, adding that it's "almost inevitable" that users will see more branded app stores selling software that runs on notebooks and desktops. "The idea of using a store to promote a platform and its development community is too good to pass up." (Next: Mobile roots)
Because users of full-fledged computers don't face such barriers when searching the Web, Baker thinks app stores will have a tough time catching on as a means of selling software in the notebook/desktop market. "App stores for computers would have to have a demonstrable advantage over searching for products directly on the Web. Since computers offer more open ecosystems than tablets or phones, it is fairly easy to bypass an app store and download applications directly," he says.
Of course, Favre has a personal stake in that argument, and many would disagree with him. Still, it's clear that app developers and companies that are launching or planning to launch app stores are betting that a significant portion of software for all computer devices will be sold through an app store. "Over time, app stores will be how most software becomes distributed," says Hilwa.
* Acer Alive: To be pre-installed on Acer computers, the company's software download storefront will not only offer apps, but also entertainment media including music and movies. Acer Alive was scheduled to launch in the United Kingdom and Italy in December, and in the U.S. later this year. Queries to Acer about the status of the Alive launch had not been returned by the time this story went live.
Apple might not have learned its lessons yet and faces another fine in the Netherlands. The multinational technology company received its tenth fine from the Dutch watchdogs over app store regulations. 2ff7e9595c
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