Apple Mac App Store goes live

Apple Mac

Apple opened its Mac App Store today as it promised to do in December, but users will need to have the Snow Leopard OS to gain access.

Those lucky enough to be on Snow Leopard will be able to access the new emporium once they update to Mac OS X v10.6.6. They can then rifle through over 1,000 apps which have been made available on launch.

All users need to do is get hold of the right software, perhaps shelling out 25 or more in the process, head onto iTunes and get downloading.

Developers, who were able to start posting apps for the store in November, will get 70 per cent of sales revenue from their apps and will not be charged for free apps.

"With more than 1,000 apps, the Mac App Store is off to a great start," said Steve Jobs, Apple's chief executive (CEO).

"We think users are going to love this innovative new way to discover and buy their favorite apps."

The apps fall into various categories, including education, games, productivity and utilities.

The introduction marks another moment in the app store wars, with Google's Android Marketplace growing at rapid speed.

Earlier this week, Amazon made its first move in the space by opening the door to developers for its Appstore for Android.

Tom Brewster

Tom Brewster is currently an associate editor at Forbes and an award-winning journalist who covers cyber security, surveillance, and privacy. Starting his career at ITPro as a staff writer and working up to a senior staff writer role, Tom has been covering the tech industry for more than ten years and is considered one of the leading journalists in his specialism.

He is a proud alum of the University of Sheffield where he secured an undergraduate degree in English Literature before undertaking a certification from General Assembly in web development.