January 7th, 2010.
With the recent introduction and opening of Apple’s
Mac App Store, I have decided to change significantly my
plans regarding Echo, the all-new iTunes companion app
I’m working on.
The Mac App Store has been received incredibly well by not
only Mac users but also Mac developers. Users love the ease
and safety of purchasing and installing applications the
Mac App Store provides, while the developers have generally
applauded the way it simplifies the process of distributing
their software. The whole thing is taking off like a
rocket, and it is expected that a great deal of sofware
will be distributed exclusively through Mac App Store.
I want Echo to be where the users are -
where they discover exciting new applications and are able
to get them easily. Mac App Store is a high-profile store
that will soon be built into every new Mac. That’s
where the users will be. That’s why Echo will
be a Mac App Store exclusive - I’m not
planning on making it available any other way.
It will take some time, there’s no doubt about it,
but I really want to make Echo to be the best of the Mac
App Store - beautiful, easy to use and yet powerful -
something I can be proud of. I need to re-evaluate a lot of
aspects, including the user interface so it will feel fresh
and well thought out. Everything must also fit into the
standards and requirements Apple has set for applications
distributed through Mac App Store.
As the earlier estimated timeframe for Echo’s
completion (the year 2010) didn’t quite hold,
I’m not giving any estimates this time - I
don’t want to take any pressure to get it done, I
don’t want to be forced to innovate and my resources
are time-wise limited since I’m developing on my free
time. But rest assured - you will see a finished
Echo in the Mac App Store. I’m still convinced it
will be worth the wait.
Until next time, take care!
-- Tuomas of t92design.