So I’ve installed the iphone 2.0 software (on my non 3G iphone, for now) and have some thoughts about the iphone apps and the app store.

I think that while the app store is going to be the defacto hub for distributing apps for the majority, it has some downs.

First, as the number of apps continue to grow, the app store just seems awkward for navigating and finding new apps. Also it’s becoming increasingly hard to tell the crap from the good, with the only aid being the marginally helpful user reviews. I think the blogosphere and word of mouth are going to play a huge role in the success of iphone apps. Seeing and hearing how an app has been useful for someone else is so much more credible when trying to decide what to invest time in installing and trying out.

Second, I have a hard time seeing myself paying for any iphone app, ever. The only exception is perhaps something that I’m already invested in. Are iPhone apps just supporting cast members? I vote yes for a couple reasons. I think the greatest value of a mobile app is the greater accessibility that comes with mobility, and it’s just not worth $10, especially when there are iphone web interfaces and even more so once the jailbreaked installers take off. Also, if I were a software developer, why would I want to limit my audience to only iphone customers? I think these factors are contributing to why you see many more “iphone versions” of apps and iphone interfaces for existing apps, than pure iphone-only apps. I’d put money on the iphone app market continuing in that direction.