The App Culture
Back in the day, downloading software over the Internet and installing it was only for the most techy among us. Paying for that software was even more outlandish. But since Apple launched the App Store in 2008, users of the iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad have discovered that shopping for, downloading, and even paying for software isn’t just easy, but fun.
Mon, October 03, 2011
Macworld — Back in the day, downloading software over the Internet and installing it was only for the most techy among us. Paying for that software was even more outlandish. But since Apple launched the App Store in 2008, users of the iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad have discovered that shopping for, downloading, and even paying for software isnt just easy, but fun.
I was never a fan of the word app, which was short for application, originally manifested on the Mac as application program. It was computer-industry jargon for a piece of software that is specifically being applied to a singular task. Yuck.
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But Ive had to give in and learn to love the app: it doesnt mean any of those things anymore. Now it just means easy-to-download stuff, and its a concept that has broken through to the masses in the way that electronic software distribution or shareware or downloads never did. We now live in a culture of apps. When I visited San Diegos International Comic-Con this summer, I saw clear evidence that apps have crossed over into popular culture.
Earlier this year, Apple introduced the Mac App Store. Its an attempt by Apple to bring the same joie de download found on iOS devices to the Mac. And for good reason: Id wager that the majority of people whove bought a new Mac in the past five years have never downloaded any add-on software for their computer. Just among my friends and family, I cant tell you how many times I have discovered Macs that contain only the programs that shipped with the computer, plus occasionally a boxed copy of something (usually from Microsoft or Adobe).
First with Snow Leopard, and especially with the release of Lion, Apple has tried hard to expose these users to the concept of downloading Mac software. The Mac OS X 10.6.6 update didnt just enable the App Storeit added its icon to the most prominent place on your Macs Dock. Its still there by default in Lion, and of course Lions new Launchpad feature is designed to be a friendly place to store all those new Mac apps youve bought.
Then theres the fact that the Lion upgrade itself is available as a download from the Mac App Store. There are no doubt lots of reasons why Apple decided to go that route, but Ive got to think that one motivator was to get people used to the idea of buying and downloading software from that Mac App Store interface.
