Installing a Mac App Store app over a non-App Store version

Apple released the Mac App Store today, and I was curious how it would deal with "upgrading" an app already on the Mac to a newer version from the Store. Since I run Evernote 2.0, I used the free Evernote 2.01 from the Store as a test. 

The upgrade was uneventful in that it worked as I expected. I had the app running during the install to see what would happen: 

  • App downloaded and displayed its progress in the Dock. 
  • When it came to the end of the progress bar, the Store brought up a dialog box saying I must quit the running app before the install could complete. 
  • As soon as I quit the app the install finished. 
  • Since there was already an Evernote icon on my Dock it didn't add a new one, but rather bounced the existing one to show the install was complete.
  • Launch the app, and all data, preferences, etc. were maintained. 

In short, it worked like any other update except that I had to quit the app instead of getting an "install and relaunch" dialog. 

Aside form whatever other changes come in 2.01, there is one especially noticable change. When Apple says the Mac App Store must be used to deliver updates to its apps they aren't kidding. 

Evernote 2.0 Menu and Preferences:

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Evernote 2.01 Menu and Preferences: 

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Once you make the leap to the Mac App Store version, it takes over the update process. 

I have no issue with this, and in fact having one place for updates is something I love about the existing App Store. Still, it does make it clear there's a distinction between the two versions of Mac apps. From a web site, updating presumably remains built-in, but from the Store it's handled via the Store's own update facility. I suspect this difference will eventually lead some developers to stop offering a web download for the Mac.

Tagged App Apple Evernote Mac App Store Software Upgrade

Dear AT&T: February 19, 2011? Better check your computers.

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Word is out that early iPhone 3GS buyers are getting their eligibility date for upgrades moved up from November of this year to June. Not everyone has it yet; it appears to be rolling out slowly.

I checked mine, and I don't have it. Then again, I don't have November either. I have next February. Huh? Where the heck did that date come from? I bought the 3GS on Day 1. From AT&T. But I'm not eligible until February? This could get ugly…

Tagged ATT Upgrade iPhone iPhone 4

Microsoft Does Good: Windows 7 Upgrade Program

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A lot is being made of the leaked Best Buy memo that outlines Microsoft's Windows 7 upgrade program. It looks very good, but some of the story doesn't seem to be getting out, so I'll add my $.02. Keep in mind that the Best Buy memo has not been confirmed. I think it's reasonable, so I'm proceeding from the notion it does in fact outline some of Microsoft's plans for Windows 7 upgrades.

New PCs

It was obvious to anyone whose been there that a line would be drawn on the calendar by Microsoft after which buying a new PC would entitle you to a free upgrade to the new OS. Typically, that line is drawn maybe a couple months before release, so I was expecting it to be around late August. The problem is, that would bypass the back to school season. Most PCs for back to school are not bought at the last minute -- in September -- they're bought over the Summer. By setting the cutoff date to June 26, with one brilliant stroke Microsoft has eliminated, as much as possible, any effect waiting for Windows 7 may have had on a back to school purchase. Yes, this means MS is giving away free Windows 7's for four entire months of PC sales, but with Vista's bad reputation it was a great bone to throw new student shoppers, especially with the economy as it is. Very smart. Microsoft clearly means business with Windows 7.

Upgrades

For those who already have a qualifying Vista version, Microsoft is making available on the same date (6/26) a "presell" of Windows 7. It's only $49 for the upgrade to 7 Home Premium, and $99 for Professional. Sweet. If you have a qualifying Vista release, in my opinion it's an absolute no-brainer to spend the $49 or $99 for the upgrade. Run, don't walk to your nearest dealer and get this! The bad news about the "presell" is that it's only until July 11. Just 16 days. Don't delay on this, get it while you can.

Not Just Best Buy

The memo makes it clear this isn't just be a Best Buy gig: "Other retailers will also offer the presell...". So you should be able to find a local dealer or online outlet to take advantage of the upgrade offerings.

What About XP?

The memo doesn't really make it clear. While the PC guarantee is Vista only (pretty much all new PCs come with a Vista license anyway), I'm not sure about the "presell". I know Microsoft is making available "upgrades" from XP to Windows 7 (though a clean install must be performed, Windows 7 won't upgrade XP "in place"), but I've heard nothing about pricing. I'm not sure what will be in store for XP users (like me) in terms of "upgrade" pricing. Microsoft may feel you used XP up to eight years; you got your money's worth, so they don't owe you much in terms of a price break. They may also feel the "presell" offer is a way to potentially reward Vista users who suffered through that OS (whether they actually suffered or not). In a way, I can see either point. I think we'll have to wait to see what, if anything, Microsoft will do in terms of price breaks for XP "upgrades" to Windows 7.

Bottom Line

XP aside, the new PC guarantee is great news no matter how you analyze it. So is the "presell" for savvy Vista shoppers who know about the limited availability and snap it up in time. These moves are bold enough for me to hope Microsoft opens themselves up for those 16 days and lets XP users in on the "presell" too, but I'll have to see confirmation on that. If XP is not included, well, that's roughly two-thirds of Windows' installed base. Let's hope Microsoft finds a way to treat us right, and not simply use us to fund the excellent Vista upgrade offers.
Tagged Microsoft Software Upgrade Vista Windows 7 XP
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