Comments on: What the Ringtone Era Can Teach App Distributors

By: Colin Gibbs

Colin Gibbs — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 16:48:44 +0000

I think you’re exactly right, Stuart, and I think there are big opportunities here for app stores that cater to specific groups — like parents.

By: Colin Gibbs

Colin Gibbs — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 16:45:10 +0000

As I wrote, Luc, parents are absolutely accountable for this kind of thing. But too few understand how easy it is for their kids to rack up big bills. And scary headlines about in-app purchases could become big problems for the mobile app industry.

By: vincentmac

vincentmac — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 10:08:55 +0000

Great article, however, I think you’re preaching to the choir here. I suspect most people who come to GigaOm aren’t that shady–at least I hope not.

By: Stuart

Stuart — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 01:27:57 +0000

It would be nice if people were aware of the real price. I prefer to pay for apps and games so I don’t get those ads and other things. One of the benefits of 3rd party app stores is that they can filter out such applications, like the isle in the supermarket that doesn’t have candy on it.

By: Luc

Luc — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 01:23:25 +0000

So, the parent either:
- gave an 8 year old her own iTunes account hooked up to a credit card
- gave her the password to their iTunes account or
- disabled iTunes prompts for purchases then let the daughter use the phone

That’s their fault. I have kids. They are obsessed with my iPhone. It’s passcoded so they can only play with it when I permit.