latest tech news latest equipment computer gizmo hi tech technology electronics

Apple has redesigned the App Store for the iPhone and iPod touch, bringing the online store in line with the rest of the iTunes shopping experience, emphasizing screenshots and logos and downplaying developer marketing copy. The previous version of the store had a brushed silver background, with developer copy at the top of the page and screenshots at the bottom. The new site is brighter with a white background and includes hyperlinks to other apps by the same developer. But developers now only get three lines to describe their products.

Other than harmonizing the appearances, does Apple have a hidden agenda in the changes? Some observers speculate that the smaller space for marketing copy is an attempt to stop developers from loading up descriptions with keywords designed to improve their results in search queries.

User-Centered Design

“Last July, the company gave developers the ability to add search keywords in hopes that it would reduce that practice,

but whether that latest move is any indication, it seems likely that hasn’t worked out as well as Apple had intended,” Macworld’s Dan Moren wrote.

Tim Bajarin, principal analyst with Creative Strategies, doubts that was a guiding motivation. “The goal of updating the App Store is to manufacture it simpler for society to understand what the app will do and thereupon highlight its price and form it easy for one-click purchases,” Bajarin said.

“This does bring all of the apps in line with the new remodel concept, and it should help folks invent more informed buying decisions in the future,” Bajarin added.

Whether the redesign was aimed at helping developers or just customers is largely irrelevant, as the change looks like it will be a net boost for software makers. “Ultimately, it is great for the developer in that it more accurately highlights the benefits of their product and…

Original post by dhiram