Apple Mac App Store now open

Apple launched the Mac App Store today with the latest OSX release (10.6.6). The Mac App Store looks and feels the same as the familiar App Store for the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad. Now Mac users can browse the Mac App Store to find new Mac apps by categories mimicking the App Store turning installation into a simple process of entering your iTunes password you use to buy apps or music and you download and install the new app instantly. The feature most people that use the service will enjoy is that you keep your apps up to date the same way you do for your iOS devices in that the Mac App Store will keep track of your apps and lets you know when the update is available.

Developers probably have mixed feelings about the Apple Mac App Store however. While the App Store for iOS devices has brought developers back to Apple and made developers some money, Apple retains 30% of the sales revenue for your apps. What does 30% of the developer’s sales revenue go towards? Developers do not have to pay additional marketing fees for having their app placed in a marketplace where people are browsing to buy. The people browsing the marketplace have already entered their payment information and are qualified buyers. Additionally, developers do not have to spend additional costs on hosting and credit card fees. Developers do have to join the Mac Developer Program for $99/year though as an extra cost.

Does Apple have another homerun on their hand? If you build it, will they come?

Check out the Geeks first look at the Mac App Store, some of our favorite Mac Apps and even check out a bug we found allowing you to circumvent having to verify your payment information.

Also, go see what a couple of our blogger (methodshop) buddies (livedigitally) said about the virtual opening.