Mac App Store
Could 1Password make the jump?
I'm sure it's none of my business, but I'm incredibly curious as to the current climate at AWS concerning the imminent launch of the Mac App Store. 
Being a fairly advanced computer user, I'm not even sure if buying desktop software from a unified App Store makes sense for me. I use beta software; I like being able to mess around with things; and, frankly, a lot of the software I use probably wouldn't even be approved by Apple.
As far as developers are concerned, I'm sure a lot of it depends on how Apple develops and implements its policies for this new channel, but after your experiences with 1Password and 1Password Pro in the iOS App Store I thought you folks might have some thoughts to share with the community, even if it might be premature to discuss any plans or announce an actual product.
Of course, there are still a lot of unknowns, but that's what makes it interesting. I'm sure there are others wondering some of the same things. Are you guys as excited as we are?
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Comments
Team Member
Well I think the store would be ok for apps like 1P. What about all bookmarks and knox you could argue on one hand they duplicate some things like the OS or MobileMe. Even 1P but I think it would be a streach for any of them. Which duplicating things like the OS would run afoul of the terms if im not mistaken. But thats just like you said most of my apps wouldnt be approved either.
Not being a developer mind you I am just saying it could be a slippery slope for some apps.
Personally I dont think there would ever be a question about 1P.
I am with you tho I like beta apps.
Team Member
Do you smell that? We've got some fresh ideas cookin'!
Generally, we try to surprise and delight our customers rather than build expectations only to have things change at the last minute. There have been some great ideas around the ol' water cooler, but under penalty of "death by stereo" I can say no more.
Although, we may have to table the socks thing. The Mac App Store guidelines specifically prohibit footwear.
Team Member
I completely understand. This was exactly why I spent a year of complete secrecy as I waited for my girlfriend's contract to expire so I could get her an iPhone. Sometimes when you're excited about something it's hard to keep your mouth shut, though!
I am crushed. I was really hoping to goad you guys into announcing their release with the launch of the Mac App Store. It would have been so beautiful, but I guess I will have to continue installing my own socks for the foreseeable future.
See this post-launch topic:
1Password and the Mac App Store
Team Member
I'm going to reply to your post here, Mike, because it wouldn't fit well if I merged it with the other thread.
However, to other readers, as sjk mentioned, we've posted our current thoughts on the Mac App Store in a pinned topic, and we'd love to hear your comments over there!
Personally, I have a feeling that Apple's doing this to get rid of "upgrades" altogether. I've been holding my breath for a long time waiting for upgrade pricing capabilities to come to the iOS App Store and then the Mac App Store, but I might just die if I hold it much longer. I don't think Apple intends to ever support upgrade pricing. They've reduce the price of their Pro apps so that they'll be a more attractive instant purchase, but if a new version is released, there won't be an upgrade path. You'll just pay for the new version.
"Unfortunately," we, along with most other developers, like to treat existing customers to a reduced price when upgrading to a newer version. It is only "unfortunate" because it means we can't be quite as excited about the Mac App Store as we could if we could still support our customers to the same level that we do today.
See above about upgrade pricing, but yes, we are still hoping that upgrade pricing will be introduced. We're just not holding our breath. I guess we'll know for sure when iWork '11 is released, huh? Our task now is to figure out how we can both conform to the Mac App Store style and still support our customers well. See the other thread for more details about that.
That's great to hear, Mike! Thanks so much for posting your thoughts!
Team Member
I too am of the opinion that upgrade pricing is just not in the cards as far as Apple is concerned. I'm not sure what you meant by the reference to iWork, though. I'm pretty sure Apple has never offered upgrade pricing for that package. As a matter of fact, I believe only the "pro" apps (Final Cut, Logic, etc.) were available for a discounted price for existing users. iLife sure wasn't (then again, it's free with every Mac...)
It seems like the iOS App Store (and by extension the Mac App Store) are Apple's bid for commoditization of software, the way that they have packaged and sold hardware as fully integrated systems since the Apple II. The best examples of this are the iMac, the iPod, and the iPhone/iPad. You don't see them offering upgrade pricing when you buy a new nano to replace your old one. This seems like a conscious decision, based on a firm product philosophy.
Besides the obvious financial benefits of full pricing for all product releases, I can imagine that it can be quite a support hurdle to deal with upgrade pricing. It could also be confusing from a consumer standpoint. This way, the price is the same for everyone -- and Apple's cut doesn't change either. Is that 30% off of net or gross? This way, it doesn't matter.
Team Member