IDFusion launches Bodega

IDFusion has launched Bodega, software that lets users purchase and download a variety of applications for Mac OS X. The program is starting with 150 titles, to which IDFusion has said it will soon be adding more. The company is consciously trying to avoid the problems of the iTunes App Store, which has had numerous complaints regarding rejections. Apple's decision to reject Google Voice last week prompted an FCC inquiry.

IDFusion says it is interested in accepting as many apps as possible, provided the code does not endanger a computer. The approval process is claimed to be definitive, allowing titles to be posted within days. Again unlike the App Store, IDFusion says it will not take a cut of sales, and instead depend on revenue from advertising. Users can post reviews of the apps they have bought.

The App Store surpassed 1.5 billion downloads last month and currently hosts more than 65,000 unique apps. Some apps have gained widespread success, such as the Flick Fishing game, which was the first app to attain 1 million downloads. The game costs $1 and allows users to make additional in-game purchases.

Also competing with the App Store, the Cydia Store, a third-party app portal, reached $250,000 in revenue last week after four months of operation. The portal's creator, Jay Freeman, stated that the app portal has generated more than 50,000 purchases and several developers have made $10,000 in their first week of sales. Many developers frustrated over issue with the App Store have begun selling their apps from third-party app portals, despite the questionable legality of using Apple's iPhone SDK to create the apps.



IDFusion notes that it has kept in contact with Apple to ensure it will not compete with a Mac App Store. Bodega is available for free.

by MacNN Staff