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Apple’s new app store: coming to a screen near you

Eve Troeh Dec 17, 2010
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Apple’s new app store: coming to a screen near you

Eve Troeh Dec 17, 2010
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TEXT OF STORY

JEREMY HOBSON: Apple has announced another big product launch for early next year. But if you want to get in on the action this time you won’t have to stand in line. And that’s the point.

Marketplace’s Eve Troeh reports.


EVE TROEH: Apple’s new App store opens January 6 on a screen near you. This new one will sell applications for your laptop or desktop computer.

So, you can get that iPhone light saber on your MacBook Pro? Maybe. But technology writer Chris Null says it’s bigger than that.

CHRIS NULL: We’re talking about applications that can run from $10 to hundreds to thousands of dollars, from Microsoft Office to Adobe Photoshop.

Apple’s expected to take 30 percent of all app store purchases. Null says software companies will pretty much have to give in. Because the app store will be the way Mac users pick computer programs — the way they now pick music on iTunes.

NULL: It is exactly like iTunes. You’ll be able to make a one-click purchase and download it immediately.

Software companies have offered online downloads for years of their own products. What’s new here is that Apple will sell everyone’s programs for them, and get a big cut.

I’m Eve Troeh for Marketplace.

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