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With over 600,000 apps offered in the iOS App Store, Apple has faced a growing problem of helping users discover new software. The Cupertino, Calif.-based iPhone maker recently implemented a pair of tweaks to fix the problem.
The App Store and Mac App Store have started promoting “Editors’ Choice” apps prominently on their main pages, The edge and The next web found on Thursday. The new “Facebook Camera” app was one of the apps to receive the title on the App Store, while the smart address book app “Cobook” was praised on the Mac App Store.
Along with the curated app picks, Apple also appears to have launched a new promotion as part of its app pick of the week. The official App Store Twitter account sent a message Thursday, releasing “Cut the Rope: Experiments” as the app of the week free download. Arcade Touch reports that, as far as he can tell, this is Apple’s first such promotion.
While it’s unclear whether Apple will continue to offer a free app each week, the offer joins several other app discounts and promotions over the Memorial Day long weekend. Big-name studios and indie developers have slashed their software prices for the holidays.
Apple likely has more features in the works to help customers find the right apps. Earlier this year, the company acquired Chomp, an app search engine for iPhone, iPad and Android. In April, reports surfaced that Chomp was no longer working on Android phones.
The accuracy of App Store app rankings has also been a concern for Apple. Last year, the best apps lists were revamped after the company quietly changed its ranking system. Apple has warned developers against using ad services that guarantee placement on App Store charts.
“Even if you are not personally engaged in manipulating App Store charts rankings or user reviews, using services that do so on your behalf may result in the loss of your membership in the Apple Developer Program. Program,” the company said in a note.
Some developers have reported being approached by companies offering to use a “bot farm” to fraudulently increase downloads of an app in order to place it in the App Store’s top 25 list.
