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Research firm Pfeiffer recently released a report on app store maturation that compared Apple, Google, and Amazon. The report, “2013 App Store Maturation Shootout,” showed strengths and weaknesses from all three. However, Apple still won out over its competitors by a landslide.
According to the report, Apple topped the list in the Discovery Assistance category. That is, the ability to enhance discovery of apps for a great variety of users and interests. Apple scored 44 out of 100 points, while Amazon scored 8.4 and Google scored 2.25.
Apple also had the highest score for the Evaluation grid, which analyizes eight characteristics, including content curation and presentation of individual apps among others. Apple scored 67.5 out of 100, while Google scored 42.5 and Amazon scored 40.
Apple needs work in two key categories. Google outranked the iPad maker significantly in the Search category. Pfiffer’s test was based on basic search criteria, such as natural language search, support for search operators, searches containing typos, and advanced search options. Google scored 33 out of 100, while Apple scored 25 and Amazon scored 14.
Additionally, Apple lost to Amazon in the User Experience Friction, which effects what users can or can’t do. For example, online retail has done away with borders, allowing consumers from all over the world to shop wherever they like. Apple restricts purchases of App Store content to one region per iTunes account. Amazon’s worldwide AppStore store scored 26 out of 100 in this category while Apple scored 24 and Google scored 14.
Pfiffer’s report pointed out that none of the app stores come close to being where they should be, ideally. Apple scored the highest with 53.1 points out of 100, but that is only slightly above half of the points it needs to be the perfect app store. It looks like everyone has a lot of work to do to improve app discovery and purchases.
[Via: AppleInsider]
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