Demo versions have always been a big part of software download stores on the Internet – just not so much for the App Store, which in the end, created an environment of “lite” versions and, if we believe Mashable, also software piracy. Piracy is unlikely to go away entirely, but there is now a new try before you buy section in the App Store that may discourage piracy somewhat. And, Apple quietly introduced Genius as a new feature for the App Store.
Apple was never especially receptive for demo versions and that has not changed yet. However, lite versions are now specifically available in a try before you buy section. You can always argue what may have prompted Apple to introduce the feature. Perhaps it was just about time, considering the fact that there are more and more users and more and more apps – and sometimes you just don’t want to pay before you have not seen what an app can do. Mashable, however, believes that Apple may think that this category may prevent a scenario of would-be pirates – users who just don’t want to pay before they have tried the app.
The iPad App Store now has a Genius tab, enabling users to find new apps depending on the Apps they already have. While the feature was added quietly and there isn’t much information available, it appears that the Genius feature only recommends apps with a 2-star rating or higher. That is rather unfortunate for those apps that do not have a rating yet, but surely helps to get to the higher quality apps first. However, it means that good ratings will get even more important for apps and while the Genius feature is marketing help provided by Apple, it requires that you do your homework first – and get a good rating in the first place.
For those who keep count, there are more than 225,000 apps in Apple’s App Store.