Apple Changes App Ranks, Rejects Pay Per Install 94
tlhIngan writes "Recently, Apple changed their App Store ranking algorithm to stop ranking apps by download counts and instead use something else, akin to the recent Google changing of their Marketplace ranking algorithm to give more weight to apps' actual usage. As a side effect, Apple has also started rejecting pay-per-install apps ('freemium' apps that request the user to install companion apps to earn in-game currency). These apps were often used to game the charts by artificially inflating the download count and raising the ranking of the app in the App Store. No word on how companies like TapJoy (one of the largest 'culprits') will react."
"Freemium"? (Score:3, Insightful)
Seriously, "freemium"? That has to be the worst mangling of the English language since "doorgasm."
Re: (Score:2)
Oh, I thought malmanteau [xkcd.com] was pretty goofy. :-P
Re: (Score:2)
Seriously, "freemium"? That has to be the worst mangling of the English language since "doorgasm."
Freemium is a perfectly cromulent word.
Re:"Freemium"? (Score:4, Insightful)
I'm surprised anyone on Slashdot is old enough to have had doorgasms. Or floydgasms. Or stonegasms.
Although, you've gotta give to to kids today. Given my choice, I'd prefer a gagagasm anyway.
Re: (Score:3)
Compare:
"Freemium is a business model that works by offering a basic product or service free of charge (such as software, web services or other) while charging a premium for advanced features, functionality, or related products and services."
with
"In economics, a damaged good (sometimes termed "crippleware" or product with "anti-features") is a good that has been deliberately limited in performance, quality or utility,[1][2][3] typically for marketing reasons as part of a strategy of product differentiation.
Re: (Score:3)
I think there's a fancier name [merriam-webster.com] for the ancient tradition of giving unappealing things a more appealing name. As far as I can tell, this "reality 2.0" has been around for all of recorded history.
Re: (Score:2, Funny)
Re:"Freemium"? (Score:4, Funny)
So you're saying we need a more appealing word or phrase meaning "euphemism"?
Re: (Score:2)
> your shit gets all retarded.
Well at least we can all agree that constipation sucks.
Re: (Score:2)
And there was a time in this country, a long time ago, when reading wasn't just for fags and neither was writing. People wrote books and movies, movies that had stories so you cared whose ass it was and why it was farting, and I believe that time can come again!
Re: (Score:1)
and I believe that time can come again!
...possible! I did hear talk about a second coming. No, wait, that was about something else I think.
The most important thing in schools nowadays seems to be saluting the flag and singing a national anthem.
While I guess a comeback in education quality is possible (at least in theory), my advice is, don't hold your breath.
Re:"Freemium"? (Score:4, Funny)
I believe that you have just taken a Synergistic Comparable Post Opportunity.
Syncompoop for the 2.0 folks.
Re: (Score:2)
Yes, it most certainly is crippleware. You do not get all the benefits, unless you pay for them. You're "given" just enough to get you interested in the good stuff, you're hooked, so you start paying for the extras. That's what demos were all about, and shareware, and all the rest of the gimmicks. If the online game gives you ALL of the features and benefits, then asks if you would care to make a donation, then the game would not be crippleware.
I happen to play Runescape. I can play for free. But the
Re:"Freemium"? (Score:4, Insightful)
While I agree that Freemium isn't new, I don't think that it meets your definition for 'crippleware'. For instance, Dropbox, Pandora and Rhapsody both offer free services that are enough for a majority of users. Dropbox has a 5-9% rate (depending on who is giving the numbers) of paying customers... the rest are using the free product. The free product isn't crippled, or have 'anti-features'... The only thing you pay for is additional space. Rhapsody offers free stations, and a limited ability to listen to specific songs. Pandora gives free stations, and a limited ability to skip over songs you don't like. Hell, even Redhat offers it's OS as 'Freemium'... you get 'premier support' if you pay for it ;-)
Demo != freemium
Shareware != freemium
Economics evolves as well, trying to keep up with technology. Things change, regardless of how much grumpy old men complain about it.
Re: (Score:2)
You also aren't allowed to call it Red Hat unless you pay for it :). You must have been meaning to say PNAELV (Prominent North American Enterprise Linux Vendor).
Re: (Score:1)
Re: (Score:2)
Read Orwell's 1984. There's a nice piece on language in it....
O RLY?
Re:Well, I doubt they'll like it. (Score:5, Insightful)
Right? I can't believe some store owners want to have a say in what they sell.
Isn't this America?!?!?!?!
Re: (Score:1)
The problem is that they're not deciding what they sell, they're deciding what you can buy or use. Well, not me, I don't have an iPhone, and not those that have theirs jailbroken, but for a significant portion of the iPhone user base, this means that those apps are no long available.
Re: (Score:3)
Actually, they're targeting a rather annoying practice of app X saying "Hey, download App Z and get a free W".
Usually the suggested app is a complete piece of crap, but by having a more popular app push it, they might get more downloads than they otherwise would have. You just know that app X is getting paid to shill for other apps and getting a benefit for becoming rather tedious.
I've actually found this to b
Re:Well, I doubt they'll like it. (Score:4, Insightful)
How is this different from what any store does? If I go to Sears I may not be able to buy the same stuff I can get at Target. Walmart may choose not to stock albums by certain groups or NC-17 videos. In a slightly closer model, I can't get all the xbox arcade games I want to play on my WII or even my PC.
Given that there are other smartphones out there with other stores, in what way is Apple's behavior different from any retailer. They choose what they stock. If you don't like it, go somewhere else.
Re: (Score:1, Interesting)
There is no problem with Apples app store.
The problem is iPads, iPhones and iPods.
The real problem is people that own a home that they can ONLY furnish from Ikea.
WTF?
We would not allow that anywhere else in our lives.
Then again if you are fully aware with the situation and buy the device knowing its limitations then more power to you.
And. If you are an idiot who spends money on things with no information other than "It looked cool and all my friends have it."
Then you got what you deserved.
Re: (Score:3)
We would not allow that anywhere else in our lives.
Printers, game consoles, and proprietary razor/blade systems to name three such other examples most of us let into our lives.
Sure, you can often often use non-approved inks in printers by getting syringe based refill kits. But if we're allowing hacks, then you can also Jailbreak an iPhone.
Re: (Score:2)
> Sure, you can often often use non-approved inks in printers by getting syringe based refill kits
Are you serious?
Refilled ink cartridges are avaialable everywhere, they may not be as cheap as doing it yourself but they are out there. And the yare pretty decent these days too.
Re: (Score:2)
Refilled ink cartridges are avaialable everywhere, they may not be as cheap as doing it yourself but they are out there. And the yare pretty decent these days too.
But they still void the warranty on your printer. At least the manufacturer doesn't try to brick it if they find out.
Re: (Score:2)
YET.
I'm sure they would love to get away with that, and other devices are setting the precedent. It's only a matter of time.
Re: (Score:2)
Only in your ass-backwards country. Here, the manufacturer has to prove that that the third party component is what damaged the product.
Hang on though, it's the same there, in America! [wikipedia.org]
No, they don't void the warranty.
Re: (Score:2)
Same applies to jailbreaking an iPhone.
Re: (Score:1)
Re: (Score:2)
Methods to jailbreak an iPhone and app stores to use once you have done so are just as available. They're still both hacks. Neither are approved by the device manufacturer, they say they'll invalidate your warranty, but you're free to do them if you want.
Re: (Score:2)
Clearly we need Open Source Shaving to free us from the grasp of proprietary shaving solutions that are designed to take control of our razors away from us. A Free/Libre razor solution would ensure that shaving people everywhere can enjoy choice and power in their shaving life. One might even say that Free Shaving is a fundamental human right.
RMS should get on this.
Re: (Score:3)
The Linux of razors is the straight razor. It always works, doesn't require proprietary blades, and is very powerful. And if you don't know how to use it, you can end up in a world of hurt.
Re: (Score:2)
That is probably the best Linux to non-geek item comparison I've ever seen ... and I don't even like Linux :)
I'd argue the 'always works' part ... but equally so for both Linux and the razor ... you can easily screw both of them up by mistreating them.
Re: (Score:2)
You've seen the man, right? Do you think he even knows what a razor is?
Re: (Score:2)
All the more reason why he needs to get involved with Open Shaving! We can give the man a safety razor, sell him a support contract to go with it, and in a year or two, he'll be ready to evangelize for Free/Libre Shaving and will have some kick-ass before/after pics! I see wins all around!
Re: (Score:2)
You have seen pictures of RMS right? I doubt he even knows what a razor is let alone the tyranny of living under P&G iron rule.
Re: (Score:2)
Who better to evangelize for Open Shaving! With a safety razor, an optional support plan, and a freshly shaven mug, who wouldn't be convinced? It might even make him a more credible spokesman for Open Source Software, outside of geek circles of course.
Re:Well, I doubt they'll like it. (Score:5, Insightful)
While I wouldn't call people idiots I think this is the key point. Right now you either are saavy enough to know what you're getting and not buy an iPhone/iPad if it doesnt fit your needs or not techy enough that you'll never miss what you don't have.
I also think ever since the early days of video games we've let this into our lives repeatedly. If I wanted to play Sonic, I needed a Sega. If I liked Mario Bros more, I bought NES.
In my experience, the decision was basically similar to this. I got an iPhone because it did what I wanted and had a large and established app store. I knew it wouldn't have everything but nothing does. If the value of having something not availble though Apple is high enough, I can switch phones.
Re: (Score:1)
What would you call people who spend hundreds of dollars on something that they have no knowledge of?
I think that situation is made for the word idiot.
Re: (Score:3)
Virtually all consumer electronic devices suffer from that problem. I don't see any easy way to change the software on my microwave, for example. I don't even see an easy way to install another OS on Android phones, which are supposed to be the most geek friendly of all.
I do agree it is a real problem, but I don't see how it is specific to Apple. The PC is one of the few consumer devices that can be "furnished" by other vendors.
Re: (Score:1)
Hmmm.
Is it against the law for you to change the firmware on your microwave?
Because Apple, Sony and Microsoft all want you in jail for modifying the hardware you buy.
Not the same at all really. Is it?
Re: (Score:2)
A computer is a computer. It doesn't matter what form factor it is in.
Re: (Score:3)
The problem is iPads, iPhones and iPods.
The real problem is people that own a home that they can ONLY furnish from Ikea.
WTF?
We would not allow that anywhere else in our lives.
Really? Try purchasing (from 1995 - 2005) a PC without Windows.
Or try purchasing
I posit that your idealized view that we should always have options and freedom of choice (which I agree with) is an un-natural situation, it's only enforced by governmental regulations, international free standards, and group action.
Both consumers and businesses really want functionality (that's usable) first. Folks (and businesses) often don't have time or capacity to actually review competitive options unless the cost of th
Re: (Score:1)
But could they take you to court for uninstalling windows?
Was there a federal law 1995-2005 that could put you in prison for changing your video card.
Once the long arm of the law steps in and smacks you upside the head for daring to modify things you own the world needs some fixing.
Re: (Score:2)
The real problem is people that own a home that they can ONLY furnish from Ikea.
And how is that a problem? It's their choice, leave it to them.
Re: (Score:1)
Read the whole post. :)
Or not.
But you do not sound nearly as smart if you only read part of a post and then attempt to slam it by making a point already in the post.
Again though. As I stated.
I you posted that full well knowing the limitations of attacking without reading then more power to you.
Re: (Score:2)
Read the whole post.
I did.
But you do not sound nearly as smart if you only read part of a post and then attempt to slam it by making a point already in the post.
I asked a question that was not answered in the post.
Again though. As I stated. I you posted that full well knowing the limitations of attacking without reading then more power to you. :)
That series of sentences - if you can even call them that - don't make any sense.
Re: (Score:2)
How is this different from what any store does? If I go to Sears I may not be able to buy the same stuff I can get at Target. Walmart may choose not to stock albums by certain groups or NC-17 videos.
It's different in the way that you can go to Target to begin with.
And yes, the PS360Wii situation is similar, but people overall don't give a crap because most of the world sees consoles as overpriced toys rather than productivity tools. Which was how companies marketed smartphones, and PDAs before that, until the iPhone came around.
Re: (Score:2)
Re: (Score:3)
they're deciding what you can buy or use.
Well...
Well, not me, I don't have an iPhone
So what's the problem, then? Apple has a nice smartphone, but they don't even come close to controlling the market. Buy a different phone, right?
Re: (Score:2)
The problem is that it's not like a normal store. If Walmart refuses to carry a game because it's violent, you've got other options. However if Apple doesn't want you to have an app for whatever reason, you have to void your warranty in order to install it.
Which is the point, this isn't like a normal store this is one where Steve Jobs tells you what you can and cannot buy.
Re: (Score:2)
The problem is that it's not like a normal store.
How is that a problem? It's not supposed to be like a normal store.
Re: (Score:2)
If Walmart refuses to carry a game because it's violent, you've got other options.
Games is your example? Sony, Nintendo, and MS have absolute and total control over the catalog of games on their systems, and then you have the additional preferences of Walmart to contend with.
Re: (Score:2)
The problem is that they're not deciding what they sell, they're deciding what you can buy or use.
Really? I must not have seen the law that says that all Earthicans must buy an iOS device.
Can you cite the Statute or Executive Order where that was made the law of Planet Earth, or even the USA?
What are the penalties for NOT purchasing an iOS device? Some sort of Jail time, I'd imagine, right?
Oh, wait...
Re: (Score:2)
* Apple reacts with a heavy hand.
* Others take the cheaters' place in the app rankings.
* Wash, rince, repeat.
Re: (Score:1)
It is "That is".
Re: (Score:1)
You mean "It is 'That is.'."
Re: (Score:2)
I am here only because I want to quote the above poster, who said, "You mean 'It is "That is."'"
Actually, to be more pedantic/picky/what-have-you, I don't think you use two periods. I believe the period inside the quote (the one for "That is.") works for the rest (the "You mean" sentence).
Re: (Score:1)
Re: (Score:2)
Well, to at least some extent, punctuation inside quotations is enough to end the sentence that includes the quote. For example:
He replied, "That's what I said!"
Nobody would write this:
He replied, "That's what I said!".
Similarly, then... if the quote includes a quote, you don't include extra punctuation; e.g., it should be something like this:
He replied, "And then I said, 'That's what I said!'"
You would not write:
He replied, "And then I said, 'That's what I said!'.".
In other words, if you are termi
Re: (Score:2)
Perhaps rather than an emotional reaction ("This sucks!"), the author meant TapJoy will react by coming up with another clever mechanism to game the system?
Ignore the apple haters (Score:4, Insightful)
Ignore the apple haters, as you should in any thread. They experience an inverse effect of the JOBS RDF, where their personal reality bends and distorts until Apple is always wrong. It makes them do dumb things like promote flash and hate unified, consistent UIs.
Anyway, I'll be glad that Apple is changing their rank system. Searching for apps in the interface is useless because companies gaming the system put endless piles of utter, complete crap. If browsing on the phone pretty much only the hand-picked featured items are worth a look.
Re: (Score:2)
I'm guessing from the tone that it's those of us that refuse to recognize the perfection of St. Steve and his magical turtlenecks and how he just wants everybody to be happy in his utopian society. Or something like that.
Re: (Score:2)
posting to undo mis-moderation
Re:Ignore the apple haters (Score:5, Interesting)
If you haven't seen many Apple haters, you've been avoiding the apple threads.
Apple haters typically refuse to consider that an Apple product might be bought for good reasons. They come up with minor issues (such as non-user-replaceable batteries) to claim that Apple products are bad. They frequently claim Apple computers are way overpriced, comparing the Mac price with the cost of other computers with similar CPU and memory specs and ignoring other features. They often mock any praise for Apple as being due to Steve Jobs's reality distortion field or a desire to have a sexual relationship with Jobs.
I find them just as annoying as Apple fanbois, and more common on Slashdot.
Re: (Score:2)
Your point is salient, but your specifics are, I think, a little too forgiving. Non-replacable batteries and crappy output ports *are* an issue for anyone who doesn't consider a $2-300 electronic gadget "disposable" every year. That said, I did buy an iPod classic since I have the technical knowhow to fix the issues myself and you can't beat it in price-per-gig.
Other than "OSX," (which is of debatable value. As they say/said in the Monsetary, "All OSes Suck") most of the "Other Features" of Macs you mention
Re: (Score:3)
User-replaceable batteries have tradeoffs, in that the necessary casing is bulky and either leads to a larger and often less convenient product, or reduced battery size. My first iPhone went three years before dying to something other than the battery. The cost to replace is fairly reasonable, considering what I've paid for specialized batteries before.
Many people find Mac OSX to their liking (I prefer Ubuntu, myself), and buying a Mac is the only straightforward way to get it. Furthermore, features l
Re: (Score:1)
Re: (Score:3)
But now you're comparing an old candybar phone to a smartphone - of course a 10 year old Nokia phone will last forever (especially with a new battery on it) - those old candybars ran for ages before you needed to charge them. When smartphones came along, even with the bigger battery capacity, the battery life went down because the power consumption was much higher (more powerful CPU, big screen, wifi radio, GPS chip etc).
My iPhone 3G is still working fine to this day with good battery life. I'm sure the bat
Re: (Score:2)
I didn't look into it too much, in other words I don't know if the iPhone 3g applies, but Apple does swap out the battery [apple.com] if you take to an Apple Authorized Repair centre.
You should also have looked into whether or not you could have had the battery replaced for free, a year seems a little too short for the battery to lose more than half its operational life. My third gen iPod touch, obviously not the same thing, which I've owned for more than a year still gets me more than 12 hours of music playing time a
Re: (Score:2)
I've seen more people refuse to consider that an Apple product might be bought for idiotic reasons than the other way around. You say your MBP was the best bang for your buck you could find, ten people jump at you with not-so-comparable Dells and Toshibas while a Thinkpad user sulks in the corner.
You say your mother bought himself an iPhone as a fashion accessory, however, and a hundred people jump out of the woodworks to "correct" you on how the iPhone is really the best phone out in the market, and how sh
Re: (Score:2)
Re: (Score:2)
You say your mother bought himself an iPhone
I don't care about your private life, or what his name is!
Wow, a useful app store change (Score:1)
no more PetWars? (Score:1)
TitanWars? Other lame-o-wars game getting into the "top apps" list simply because they confer in-game benefits for Elimnate/We Rule players?
GOOD RIDDANCE.
Rankings (Score:2)
I wonder what they're using now to base the rankings. The wording of the summary is bad; Apple is not monitoring how many times people open apps etc. My guess is that it's likely how many ratings the app got in the app store and what the average rating was.
Re: (Score:2)
In case of Google (no experience with Apple in this respect - and anyway the linked article is as much about Google as it is about Android), I can think of a few points they can include. I suppose these data points will also be available to Apple for their apps.
Re: (Score:1)