799764 - Don't let mobile apps be installed on desktop

Status: RESOLVED WONTFIX

(Marketplace Graveyard :: Consumer Pages, defect, P3)

Description

[Christopher Van Wiemeersch [:cvan]]

We've been having users install apps on desktop that are actually only compatible for mobile and/or tablet.

Here's an example of a negative review for Twitter commenting on its poor desktop support:

http://f.cl.ly/items/2q2u1j1t0P2q0c0i1F3a/Screen%20shot%202012-10-09%20at%204.21.37%20PM.png

And since we're not listing device compatibility, users are not aware that the developer has explicitly listed the app as compatible for only Mobile and Tablet:

http://f.cl.ly/items/0s1q2q1a1j1E250g2R1S/Screen%20shot%202012-10-09%20at%204.22.16%20PM.png

We should definitely start surfacing this info to the users.

Comment 1

[Maria Sandberg [:mushi]]

I know I've asked this before and I forget the answer - sorry. Why are we showing apps on desktop Marketplace that are not listed as desktop apps?

Comment 2

[Christopher Van Wiemeersch [:cvan]]

(In reply to Maria Sandberg [:mushi] from comment #1)
> I know I've asked this before and I forget the answer - sorry. Why are we
> showing apps on desktop Marketplace that are not listed as desktop apps?

So from your desktop you can browse mobile/tablet apps, write reviews for mobile apps, and so forth. The name "Marketplace" already implies that developers can sell their apps here (which they can't - yet). If we start showing *only* desktop content, this will mean that (a) with app installs disabled on desktop you cannot install any desktop app while you're limited to browsing *only* dekstop apps, and (b) app developers will be submitting apps for mobile, tablet, and desktop but won't be able to see their app detail pages on desktop.

Comment 3

[krupa raj[:krupa]]

One of the Q4 goals we have is to add the "Send to mobile" option. This way, people who prefer to browse in comfort on their desktop, can do so.

Comment 4

[Maria Sandberg [:mushi]]

Got it - okay, let me rephrase my question. 

Why are we allowing users to install apps on desktop that are not listed as desktop apps? If we are allowing developers to restrict what platforms their app is available on, should we not stick to what they selected? I understand the reason to have the listing viewable from desktop, could we in addition disable the install on a per app basis so some apps are messaged as "not available for your platform"?

Comment 5

[Christopher Van Wiemeersch [:cvan]]

(In reply to Maria Sandberg [:mushi] from comment #4)
> Got it - okay, let me rephrase my question. 
> 
> Why are we allowing users to install apps on desktop that are not listed as
> desktop apps?

Good call! And assuming apps are re-enabled on desktop, yes, I shall change that. Thanks for pointing out what in hindsight should've been obvious ;)

Comment 6

[Christopher Van Wiemeersch [:cvan]]

And OMG when send to phone comes out, this will be so sweet.

Comment 7

[Christopher Van Wiemeersch [:cvan]]

Since all app installs are disabled on desktop, this isn't priority. But it should be fixed by December for sure!