Apple Updates App Store -- Less Words, More Screenshots

Apple has begun rolling out an update to the way the iTunes (on Windows or Mac) shows the App Store, including fewer words and more screenshots. Rather than the lengthy app descriptions of old, iTunes now shows only the first two lines, with a "more..." tag that needs to be clicked to reveal the rest (time to tighten up that text, developers!). Instead of one screenshot at a time, iTunes also now shows a series of scrollable screenshots, similar to how the on-device App Store began showing them with iPhone 3.0.

iTunes 9 gave media a makeover, so it's nice to see Apps get the same treatment. iTunes 9, also like iPhone iTunes and App Store, transitioned to WebKit and HTML, CSS, and JavaScript for the UI. So, Apple can update it at any time without needed to provide a new version for users to download. Exactly the reason they're promoting WebKit UI for apps in general (when and where they make sense) during their Tech Talk World Tour.

Again, it's rolling out, so a lot of apps still show the old pages. If you can find the new look, however, let us know what you think. Better for buyers? How about developers?

(via TechCrunch)

Rene Ritchie
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Rene Ritchie is one of the most respected Apple analysts in the business, reaching a combined audience of over 40 million readers a month. His YouTube channel, Vector, has over 90 thousand subscribers and 14 million views and his podcasts, including Debug, have been downloaded over 20 million times. He also regularly co-hosts MacBreak Weekly for the TWiT network and co-hosted CES Live! and Talk Mobile. Based in Montreal, Rene is a former director of product marketing, web developer, and graphic designer. He's authored several books and appeared on numerous television and radio segments to discuss Apple and the technology industry. When not working, he likes to cook, grapple, and spend time with his friends and family.