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The Value Of “Pro”

The Value Of “Pro”

I say ‘Pro’ makes more sense only if you develop an app that has two versions, one free and one paid and the free version is made to be a scaled down version that can stand on its own (meaning you don’t run out of “levels” as you would in a game). You are in effect giving away a full version of your app for free, and selling a version with more features as a ‘Pro’ level which is in line with what the consumer mind expects.

Either route you go I doubt you will get rid of the rude comments that plague the App Store.

Game developers won’t stop using the “Lite” tag. But I also can’t picture an “OmniFocus Pro”. The Mac App Store is going to be an interesting subject.

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The Value Of “Pro”

The Value Of “Pro”

I say ‘Pro’ makes more sense only if you develop an app that has two versions, one free and one paid and the free version is made to be a scaled down version that can stand on its own (meaning you don’t run out of “levels” as you would in a game). You are in effect giving away a full version of your app for free, and selling a version with more features as a ‘Pro’ level which is in line with what the consumer mind expects.

Either route you go I doubt you will get rid of the rude comments that plague the App Store.

Game developers won’t stop using the “Lite” tag. But I also can’t picture an “OmniFocus Pro”. The Mac App Store is going to be an interesting subject.

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“The Mac App Store Isn’t For Today’s Mac Developers”

“The Mac App Store Isn’t For Today’s Mac Developers”

But a huge new market is about to open next door. And yes, it’ll probably be dominated by Angry Birds and other inexpensive, often trivial apps. When this happens, a lot of traditional Mac developers are going to look down on it. But those with a bit of free time to develop their own inexpensive, often trivial apps might have a different viewpoint entirely when they see their sales numbers.

Marco Arment nails it.

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A Black Menubar in Lion?

A Black Menubar in Lion?

Neven Mrgan:

A suggestion for Mac OS X Lion: since the team is trying to integrate the menubar into the desktop a bit more, to make it less prominent - the translucent menubar was an attempt at just this - why not go all the way and make it black?

I’ve always wanted such an option, and it would fit with the latest trend of monochromatic icons. The new Airs don’t come with black bezels, though.

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The Importance Of AppleCare

The Importance Of AppleCare

Others will tell you they’ve owned several Macs, without AppleCare. This is the same lot who never purchases “extended warranties,” which they consider “scams.” To them I say that AppleCare is an exception, especially since Macs are increasingly difficult or impossible to get into. Still others will say that Apple ought to include 3 years’ worth of protection with every Mac they sell. Perhaps, but the world as it exists is often disappointing compared to the world as we wish it existed.

And Stephen Hackett’s reply, who worked as Lead Mac Genius at Memphis’ Apple Store:

I know all of this, and I buy AppleCare for my computers. Why? Because stuff breaks. And when Apple stuff breaks, it can be expensive. Unlike a PC that might use a separate board for everything, Apple’s all-in-one logic board approach makes for expensive out-of-warranty repairs.

Computers break. Like it or not, buying AppleCare would be a wise move.

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The Most Awesome Screensavers for Mac

The Most Awesome Screensavers for Mac

While the hype about screensavers has certainly died down, mostly due to iOS coolness, people still use them. I agree, they’re wasteful, but still nice to look at. Yesterday, internet superstar Steve Streza asked his followers for screensaver recommendations. I tuned in to his mentions, and then did some digging around on the interwebs, and here’s a few that will definitely keep your screen occupied.

The Polar Clock one is a thing of beauty. Check out Steve’s bundle here.

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AnandTech’s Epic MacBook Air Review

AnandTech’s Epic MacBook Air Review

While both models are extremely light, the 11-inch MacBook Air is portable perfection. It’s the closest thing to an iPad with a keyboard (short of an iPad with an actual keyboard). I’m afraid that’s where the comparison ends. Despite what Apple would have you feel, the new MacBook Air is no more an iPad than its predecessor.

If you need to read another review about the new Airs, make sure it’s this one. Insightful and unbiased. [tip: print the page as .PDF and read it on your iPad]

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AppleScriptObjC Explored by Shane Stanley

AppleScriptObjC Explored by Shane Stanley

AppleScriptObjC Explored by Shane Stanley is the most advanced, thorough, and in-depth documentation for the creation of AppleScript Objective-C applications. Utilizing a hands-on approach, the book guides you step-by-step through the process of integrating the power of Cocoa into your AppleScript applets and applications, demonstrating each concept and technique in fully editable and annotated example projects.

Recommended. [via DF]

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How To Setup A Home Surveillance System Using FaceTime

How To Setup A Home Surveillance System Using FaceTime

Run this script on your Mac when you leave the house, you can call your Apple ID from your iPhone 4 phone number. The script will auto answer the FaceTime call, allowing you to check in on things. When you hang up, FaceTime will quit, and the script will continue to listen for incoming calls. When you get home, stop the script and FaceTime will no longer auto-answer your calls.

Clever.

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