Former Apple exec says people, not algorithms should help curate the App Store
Since the App Store first launched in 2008, developers have earned over $1.3 billion. Despite this, it isn’t easy to find success in Apple’s digital playground. The reason? Home to 1.2 million active apps, the App Store remains difficult to navigate.
Jean-Louis Gassée believes he has found a solution. In an open letter to Apple published on his website, the former Apple executive says the App Store should be more like Reddit.
He notes:
Instead of using algorithms to sort and promote the apps that you permit on your shelves, why not assign a small group of adepts to create and shepherd an App Store Guide, with sections such as Productivity, Photography, Education, and so on. Within each section, this team of respected but unnamed (and so “ungiftable”) critics will review the best-in-class apps. Moreover, they’ll offer seasoned opinions on must-have features, UI aesthetics, and tips and tricks. A weekly newsletter will identify notable new titles, respond to counter-opinions, perhaps present a developer profile, footnote the occasional errata and mea culpa…
The result will be a more intelligible App Store that makes iOS users happier.
This makes a lot of sense, especially to those yearning for a more streamlined App Store. Unfortunately, I don’t expect Apple to take Gassée’s advice.
Gassee worked for Apple from 1981 to 1990 before being fired by then-CEO John Sculley. He replaced Steve Jobs as head of the company’s Macintosh development team.
In 2012, Gassee told The Guardian that Apple shouldn’t be considered an inventor. Instead, he believes that the company simply perfects existing products.
He recently served as a consultant for Nokia.
Via: Cult of Mac