Apple's Mac App store went live yesterday, as an update for Macs running OS X 10.6.
The Mac App Store was announced by Apple CEO Steve Jobs, at an event on 20 October, when he demonstrated the upcoming version of OS X, version 10.7 (also called Lion).
Version 10.7 will feature many interface elements and operating principles seen on Apple's mobile devices running iOS 4. The Mac App Store is intended to be a single-click purchase-and-install portal for Mac computers, much like the iTunes App Store is for its mobile devices.
With the prices listed in dollars, and controlled by Apple, local users can enjoy a few bargains. The three applications comprising Apple's iWork productivity suite are available for a total of $60 (R410 at the current exchange rate). A boxed copy of iWork retails for R799 in local shops. Similarly, the iLife creativity suite sells for R499 here, while the three main applications are available on the Mac App Store for $15 (around R100) each. This is also the first time the applications in these suites can be purchased individually.
SA's Apple distributor, Core Group, says it will reconsider pricing for these packages.
The South African version of the Mac App store features most applications that can be found on the US Mac App store, with the notable exception being games.
Core Group communications manager Taryn Hyam says the games and certain other software need to be rated by the Film and Publications Board. Whether that software will be rated and added to the local app store is up to Apple, she explains.
Software developers who opt to have their software featured on the Mac App store get to choose for which regions the software will be available. This means local developers can still have their software available on this central repository, and available to South African customers.
The Mac App store will not replace conventional software downloads and installation. It is only intended as an easier way for less technical users to gain access to applications for their computers. Users will still be able to purchase disc-based software or download applications from developers' Web sites.
Core Group says it will offer training for both the Mac App Store and the iTunes App Store. Customers can get information on these training sessions at iStores.
Certain applications will not be available on the Mac App Store, specifically those that require non-standard APIs or libraries to run.
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