The Right to Install My Own Software

I recently got a friendly reminder from an application I use extensively on my computer called Growl.  If you own a Mac, you probably use Growl as well.  It is a great notification engine that lots of other applications use to send messages to the user from background services.

The reminder was about the fact that I needed to update the application, something I have not done since I updated to the latest Mac OSX.  The reminder was nothing new, and it happens all the time for various applications.  What was new for Growl, however, was that the update was only available through the Apple App Store for Mac.

It’s a subtle shift, and seemingly unimportant. The App Store makes it easier.  The App Store means it’s been reviewed.  Those are all good things.  Right?  Furthermore, most apps are still available through the previous distribution channel of downloading a DMG.  For now.

What are we giving up for the convenience of having all applications distributed through the App Store?  Apple now has control over application distribution in the same way they have control over content distribution for other forms of media on their other devices.  We have already seen that Apple is not afraid to block apps that violate either their sense of propriety or business relationships that they value highly (remember Skype and Google Voice?)

I like to have full control over my PC.  I also really like the Mac OSX operating system.  Is it possible that at some point in the very near future that those two ideals will be incompatible?