App Store shifts toward "Try Before You Buy" for free apps
updated 11:15 pm EDT, Thu August 5, 2010
Transition seen as step against piracy
Apple has launched a new section in the App Store dedicated to "Try Before You Buy" apps. The initial change appears to be limited solely to labeling, as the new section essentially links the the existing "lite" versions of apps.
Many free versions of pay apps offer limited capabilities as an incentive to upgrade, or imbedded advertisements as an alternative source of revenue. It is unclear if Apple is planning to allow developers to take advantage of business models common in the desktop software business, such as full-featured trials that are automatically disabled after a limited trial period. [via 9to5Mac]
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2001
Good!
My one and only real complaint about the App Store is that there aren't enough apps that address the problem of "try before you buy." This is a step in the right direction by having Apple focus developer attention on how useful free "lite" versions can be in generating buzz and selling the "real" product.