14 DAY TRIAL // Apple is featuring three announcements for Apple developers via its redesigned News and Announcements page on the Apple Developer web site. In anticipation of the Mac App Store's release, Apple has added a Mac developer section to developer.apple.com/news.
Until now, a News and Announcements section was available solely on the iOS Dev Center at http://developer.apple.com/news/ios/.
Apple now combines iOS and Mac developer news and announcements via a redesigned interface at http://developer.apple.com/news/.
As shown in the screenshot above, Apple makes it possible for viewers to read iOS-only news, Mac-only articles, or have all the updates displayed in a single column.
The most recent activity appears to be focused on Mac apps that are to be featured in the forthcoming Mac App Store.
The Mac App Store was officially introduced by Apple during its October 20 keynote.
“The Mac App Store will be opening soon,” Apple confirms.
“You can get ready by submitting your Mac apps for review now. Log in to the Mac Dev Center for details on setting up an iTunes Connect account, creating Apple-issued Mac Distribution Certificates, and preparing your apps for the review process,” the Mac maker tells developers.
Those enlisted in Apple’s Mac Developer Program will also gain access to iTunes Connect with the purpose of distributing their apps on the Mac App Store.
Apple explains the purpose of iTunes Connect, saying “This suite of web-based tools allows developers to submit and manage their apps, check the status of contracts, set up tax and banking information, and obtain reporting on sales and downloads.”
As there are many iOS devs who already have a paid account with Apple, these people gain immediate access to the Mac-centric area without having to create a separate account.
They will, however, need to click through the Paid Applications Agreement in iTunes Connect, should they plan on submitting paid apps for the Mac App Store.
Finally, the App Store Resources Center is also open now, according to a separate announcement by the Cupertino, Calif.-based electronics and software vendor.
As developers would expect, the App Store Resource Center contains details on setting up an iTunes Connect account, the metadata devs will need to submit along with their app, how to assign keywords, what to expect during the review of an app, and managing updates.
Programmers are promised a wealth of information to assist them in preparing their apps for submission to the Mac App Store.