Updating Mac apps: still shitty

I think the Mac App Store is awesome - it sure beats the crap out of sites like macupdate.com. After buying my first app through the store I was bewildered why buying and installing software hasn’t always worked like this. I’ve spent more on desktop software since it’s come out than I had cumulatively beforehand*. 

However, upgrading an app without going to the store kind of blows.

What happens now:

  1. I get a notification within an app
  2. It takes me to a web site like this one that gives me some info about the app
    Great, thanks - I’m already using it. 
  3. I click on the button to look at the app in the Mac App Store
  4. The app store opens to a screen with the  app, telling me what I just saw on a web site, and shows that it’s installed.
    There is no clear indication that the app has an update available
  5. I go to the updates section of the App Store, and press an update button for my app
  6. I’m prompted for my Apple ID and password
    Seriously? this is a free update! (same issue with iOS store..) 
  7. The App Store then downloads the update
  8. The App Store notifies me I have to quit the application that needs an update
  9. I wait some more for the app to install (presumably overwriting the existing app)
  10. I have to re-launch the app
    Really??  You made me quit the app.. you know I want it open!

What should happen: 

  1. I get a notification that there is a new version within the app
    It’s important that I only get these notifications when there are actual user-facing updates. See Adobe products** 
  2. I have the option to see details about what’s new - possibly rich content 
  3. I choose to install it, piss off or that I’ll do it another time
    It’s important that if I tell it to piss off that it actually pisses off. See Adobe products 
  4. The app lets me know it’s updating
  5. The app is updated and running

Yes, I understand that this is quite a bit harder to pull off, but this is what people pay the premium for: the absence of bullshit while dealing with their computer. 

    * this is a combination of the convenience of the app store and my growing a conscience 

    ** I would write up something like this criticizing Adobe installers, but I’m not sure Tumblr supports enough bullet points

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    1. criticalthinking posted this