Mac App Store - Update please!
So I've got a mac and with it comes 'the Mac App Store'. We've all heard about it but what's it like for the user? Besides that potentially every mac app in the universe could be served through that common place, what's it like when an app, for instance, updates?
I think it's pretty bad. Compared to what I'm used to. See, many apps built and made outside 'the Mac App Store' uses a framework called Sparkle or some implementation that works in a similar way. What it does is make updating simple: when the app launches it usually checks if a new version exists, and if it does, shows information about the new version and asks if you want to update or not. If you choose to update the app will download the new version and when you are ready, it will close the app and launch the new version. Almost automagicly. And it works really well.
Now apps bought through 'the Mac App Store' doesn't have that functionality. It doesn't tell you that there is an update instead you must open 'the Mac App Store'-app and there see if there are any updates. And if you choose to update you must remember to close the app you are updating. Sure, that isn't a big thing but considering how good and effortless Sparkle is, and how widespread it is, I'm amazed that Apple haven't implemented something similar.
My only guess is that they want you to check back into 'the Mac App Store' often so you buy more apps. Regardless this isn't a step forward but a step backwards.
It sort of reminds me of Microsoft Windows... and we certainly don't want that now do we? ;)
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