Apple moves to limit reviews, browsing at App Store
updated 01:25 pm EDT, Mon September 29, 2008
App Store crackdown
Apple has made important changes to how iTunes users can use the App Store, investigation shows. Whereas visitors were previously able to browse in broad categories, covering free, iPhone- or iPod touch-only apps, users can now only filter by conventional criteria, such as genre. The change could significantly affect the App Store, as free software -- like Last.fm -- has proven to be extremely popular, but may now be more difficult to find.
Visitors can also no longer write a review of an app without having downloaded it, and must sign in to the iTunes Store before writing. The move appears designed to cut down on spurious one- and five-star reviews, whether written as a joke, or in order to boost or harm sales of a particular program. Such reviews do not directly affect the visibility of titles however, as they are normally sorted by name, download volume and/or launch date.
OMG and darn
09/29, 01:57pm reply
OMG NO WAY! You have to have purchased a program in order to review it? That's illogical! Wait, no it's not.
And as for not being able to browse by "Free Apps" any more, that sucks. The browsing options were already limited in the App Store as it was, now it's just genre? We need a decent search function ("free" "ipod touch compatible" "search string").
rsande
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: May 2004
Finally!
09/29, 02:29pm reply
Thank you Apple. I was tired of posts from 12 year olds complaining that the cost of an app was too high.
Guest
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Nov 1999
Re: Finally!
09/29, 03:40pm reply
What are you talking about??? $4.99 is just too much money for this App! It's worth more like $2. What a rip-off! Hit Yes if you agree!
testudo
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2001
Re. Testudo
09/29, 04:14pm (1 reply) reply
And what do we hit if we have no idea what you're talking about?
I think you're being facetious, in which case Guest's "Finally" post actually supports your view. He/she's saying that they are tired of 12 year olds complaining about the cost of apps that are clearly inexpensive.
trevj
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Dec 1999
$$$
09/29, 04:25pm reply
Come on Apple, blocking the searching of just free apps smacks of nasty money making tactics, show us some respect. People like the feel good factor of a free app and not giving them to them is just a nasty tactic on your part.
This is exactly the problem with a closed ecosystem where there is no distribution model, it is open to Apple attempting to force us into paying for what is available elsewhere in the store for free.
rytc
Mac Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2001
You can still browse
09/29, 05:33pm reply
To browse free apps on the App Store, search the iTunes Store for "free". In the browser which opens, select Applications and you'll see all of the free applications.
A couple of more keystrokes but it's still there (for now).
bgerson
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Sep 2008
Apple = Cancer
09/29, 07:36pm reply
It's growing, it's greedier than ever, and is going out of control. Let this Computer "GIANT" die then resurect so it can love its fanbase once more with a genuine "for the people" agenda, or just wait 'til open source rips them a new A$$4ole.
APPLE WHICH WILL YOU CHOOSE?... "for now it will be the A$$40LE please".... you got it, comin' right up!... yours!! haha
sic of Apple
BOYCOTT APPLE -support the Developers and End-Users!
Guest
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Nov 1999