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App store

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App Store (also called Application Store, App Market, App Marketplace, or App Shop, among others) is a digital application distribution method designed to provide application software to users.

Similar to a content distribution an app store delivers software designed to fulfill specific purposes in a user-friendly graphical interface without the use of physical media. Like most digital distribution platforms, app stores, along with their downloadable content, have risen in prominence throughout the early 2000s and are now one of the more common methods of software acquisition for users. The service provided by the app stores allows users to browse through a carefully selected list of tested and approved applications from first- and third-party developers for use on a variety of platforms such as mobile, desktop, or gaming environments.

App stores are now available with a variety of specific platforms that are designed to cater to the needs of their corresponding mediums, namely for downloading applications and software to mobile, computer, and gaming devices.

History of the App Store

The term “App Store” dates back to the original introduction of the iOS App Store for Apple, inc. The store was originally founded in 2008, but does not predate earlier ventures and concepts undertaken by other companies.

In 1998, the first app store began with the introduction of the Advanced Packaging Tool. APT was a free user interface that handled the installation and removal of applications on Debian GNU/Linux systems. This tool was the beginning of software distribution portals and focused on developers for the user base.

In 2002, CNR, or One-Click & Run was introduced on the Linux platform. CNR was a free, one-click software delivery service catering to not only Linspire CNR assisted users in finding and downloading software to run on their computer. The database boasted a wide variety of software that ranged from the everyday standard to software that provided highly specific functions.

By 2008, CNR had a library of more than 45,000 titles and had seen more than more than 9 million applications installed.[1] ITWorld compared the launch of the Apple App Store with CNR, stating, "the concept of a single-stop location from which you could download applications wasn't invented by Apple (the Lindows Linux OS had a desktop version, called "Click 'n' Run)". [2]

Since 2008, several app stores have opened for various other platforms and mediums. Cloud app stores have been established as well with a focus on providing cloud applications through various portals like SalesForce, Amazon, and Google Apps Marketplace.

In March 2012, Facebook announced App Center, an online mobile store which sells applications that connect to Facebook. The store will be available to iPhone, Android and mobile web users.[3]

On 7 June 2012, Facebook launched its App Center to its users. It will help the users in finding games and other applications with ease.[4] Since the launch of the App Center, Facebook has seen 150M monthly users with 2.4 times the installation of apps.[5]

Various App Store Mediums

PC

PC-specific app stores are a digital distribution platform that are reliant upon the operating system they support. Many apps are available through these stores for the PC user. Common PC App Stores include: Rasberry Pi Store, Ubuntu Software Centre, Mac App Store, Windows 8 Store, Pokki, and Allmyapps.

Cloud

A cloud application store is similar to an app store in that it is a digital application distribution method designed to provide cloud computing Common cloud app stores include: AppDirect, SkyAppMarket, Google Apps Marketplace, Chrome Web Store, and Salesforce AppExchange.

Mobile App Stores

(For a list of mobile distribution platforms see List of mobile software distribution platforms)

Several mobile-based application distribution portals have opened up since 1999 to distribute mobile-based software and applications. Well-known mobile app stores that are OS-specific include: Google Play for Android, iOS App Store for Apple, Inc., and Windows Store for Windows.

Third-party platforms can be OS-specific but offer more flexibility in app offerings. Well-known third-party app stores include: Amazon Appstore(2011), GetJar(2004), Cellmania(1999), and more.

Gaming

Several gaming app stores have been designed to offer users access to applications such as Netflix, Hulu, Pandora Radio, as well as apps for game play. Common gaming app stores include: XBox Live, Steam, Dsi Shop, PlayStation Store, and Nintendo eShop. In early 2013, Sony plans to release its new PlayStation Shop in order to “officially bring its Sony Entertainment Network (SEN) stateside”,[6] allowing users to download digital media such as movies, TV shows, and other video content.[7] The service is currently available in beta form in Europe.

TV

With the introduction of Smart TV, several big-name companies are starting to equip their products with native digital distribution portals. The Samsung Apps Store was the first TV-specific digital distribution portal and opened up in June 2010. It is specific to Samsung native Smart TV platform. LG opened up its own TV-specific app store in 2011 to service its own Smart TV lineup.[8] At CES 2013, Opera announced plans around "updating its Opera Devices SDK and TV App Store to include more TV-optimised web options."[9] The new app store will have over 100 HTML 5 web apps with more on their way and designed with TV compatibility in mind.[9]

Controversy over “App Store” Trademark dispute

Apple has filed trademark disputes against GetJar and Amazon over the term “App Store”.

Apple VS Amazon

For the Apple vs Amazon trademark dispute, see: Apple Inc. litigation

Apple VS GetJar

In 2011, Apple sent cease and desist letters to GetJar for Copyright infringement, trademark infringementand unfair competition over the use of the term “App Store.”[10] GetJar has since responded, claiming their product was started “by developers for developers in 2004 as a beta testing platform” as well as a means of “formally distributing free apps in early 2005”, and maintain that they are “among the pioneers of the modern direct-to-consumer (D2C) app store distribution space when the iPhone was just an R&D project”[11]

According to GetJar: In 2008, Apple “filed to register App Store in 2008 with the USPTO and were denied the mark and given a “provisional” registration under the condition that they could TM App Store if nobody opposed the registration. Well it just so happens that Microsoft among others did oppose it.”[12]

GetJar has, in response, started a social media campaign aimed at focusing awareness on this situation, as well as to further criticize Apple’s intentions toward trademarking the term “App Store”[12]

See also

References

  1. ^ Robertson, Michael. "Apple You Didn't Invent the Apple Store" (PDF). Retrieved 5 January 2013.
  2. ^ Fruhlinger, Josh. "The App Store: Apple's Latest Gift to the IT World". ITWorld. Retrieved 5 January 2013.
  3. ^ "Facebook app store launches amid mobile revenue worries". BBC News. May 10, 2012.
  4. ^ "Facebook to launch App Center". The Times Of India. 8 June 2012.[dead link]
  5. ^ "Facebook Says It Now Has 235M Monthly Gamers, App Center Hits 150M Monthly Visitors". TechCrunch. 2012-08-14. Retrieved 2012-12-26.
  6. ^ Dent, Steve. "Sony hopes to turn on PlayStation web shop in US this month". Retrieved 10 January 2013.
  7. ^ Smith, Mat. "Sony launches web store for PlayStation games, movies and TV shows (update: Europe-only, PS3 downloads work!)". Retrieved 10 January 2013.
  8. ^ Larsen, Rasmus. "LG'S TV APP STORE IS NOW OPEN". Retrieved 17 January 2013.
  9. ^ a b Kameir, Rawiya. "CES 2013: Opera shows off new smart TV tools, discusses future plans". Retrieved 17 January 2013.
  10. ^ MUNNS, Anthony. "Apple v GetJar "App Store" Cease And Desist Letter". MobileInquirer.com. Retrieved 5 January 2013.
  11. ^ Booton, Jennifer. "GetJar Latest Victim in Apple's 'App Store' War". FoxBusiness.com. Retrieved 5 January 2013.
  12. ^ a b Mork, Patrick. "GetJar To Apple: We're Not Going To Take It!". Retrieved 5 January 2013.
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