One of the biggest complaints we have had about Nokia’s Ovi Store is the fact that it has been deucedly user-unfriendly, looking more like a random listing than a series of apps that can make one do so much more with one’s device. Well, Nokia seems to have taken all the user feedback to heart and has rejigged the Ovi Store interface – both the mobile client and the desktop version too. And while we do not see it slaying the likes of the App Store or the Android Market yet, it certainly is a lot easier on the eye now.
The most significant change in the mobile client is the fact that the rating system is now five star instead of the rather restrictive three star one that existed earlier. Now, you can actually give a more accurate reading, instead of having to choose between the rather extreme options of 0,33, 67 and 100. Another useful tweak is the fact that only those who have downloaded the app from the Ovi Store can comment on it or rate it. While this does keep random and malicious commenters off the scene, it is also kinda restrictive, as one cannot comment if one has got the app from another source (the developer, good old GetJar.com, and other sources), but all in all, this is a move for the better, especially as it not only lets you know that the person commenting on the app has downloaded it, but also shows you the device on which he/she downloaded it. We also like the better organised screenshots section, with one large screenshot followed by some smaller ones (which can also be expanded if need be).
On the desktop (https://store.ovi.com/), the interface looks a lot cleaner, though we found the fact that we had to enter the model of our device before we could browse the app goodies on the site. Search has also been improved, with results of apps being searched for showing up with details in a neat list.
There will be those who will prefer the categories-based interface of the Android Market, where you get to see the categories up front and then move on to the apps. The Ovi Store works by dropping you right into the recommended apps section – a quicker way to get into the apps, but perhaps a bit too direct for some users.
Nevertheless, the new Ovi Store interface is definitely a step in the right direction. Now all it needs is lots and lots of apps.
Nice info!
You said it right – Ovi Store, now just needs killer apps!
But may I add – they are running out of time add to that Ovi is already late & out of steam. Ovi is coming up with nothing great for people to wait for killer apps.
It is pathetic as NOKIA never really caught up with the times. Nokia should have been like Apple. A gaint like Nokia ignored what customers needed in todays times.
Nokia customers have moved & will move (like me) away from Nokia. There is not one (even average) Symbian “To-Do/Productivity” App available.
Look at these Apple Apps:
http://culturedcode.com/
http://www.rememberthemilk.com/
Good Luck OVI
My last Nokia… everyone is saying that!
http://tom.goskar.com/2009/07/10/to-do-managers-on-symbian-s60-where-are-they/comment-page-1/#comment-8446