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Chrome Web Store needs to list geo-restrictions
Now that it has finally launched, it's been a lot of fun playing with the apps available in the Chrome Web Store. There is, however, one pretty big annoyance that I'd like to see rectified. Right now, there's no way to tell whether or not certain apps will work in your country -- like MOG.
There's nothing in the Web Store description for MOG that it's U.S. only, and there's no note in the sidebar where Google displays the version number, language, and payment details. If I see the MOG app and the install button on my screen, I'm going to assume that I can install -- and use it -- in Google Chrome. I gave it a go just to see what would happen, and I wasn't really surprised when MOG didn't work.
Still, for the less-savvy Chrome user who winds up in the Web Store after seeing the shiny icon on his or her new tab page, it's going to be quite frustrating. There will likely be a lot more comments posted like the ones you see on MOG: "A warning would be nice." "You should tell us it's only available in a few areas."
There's nothing in the Web Store description for MOG that it's U.S. only, and there's no note in the sidebar where Google displays the version number, language, and payment details. If I see the MOG app and the install button on my screen, I'm going to assume that I can install -- and use it -- in Google Chrome. I gave it a go just to see what would happen, and I wasn't really surprised when MOG didn't work.
Still, for the less-savvy Chrome user who winds up in the Web Store after seeing the shiny icon on his or her new tab page, it's going to be quite frustrating. There will likely be a lot more comments posted like the ones you see on MOG: "A warning would be nice." "You should tell us it's only available in a few areas."
So how about it, Google? Let's start making sure that Chrome Web App developers list any geo-restrictions.
Comments
3
Subscribe to commentsannoyingposter4Dec 10th 2010 9:55AM
the internet is open and should never be geo restricted. hence, the google web app store should never be artificially restricted by geography either. however, a little caveats section could be added under the description with these types of side notes. along the same lines, platform restrictions could be included in there as well. (i noticed the google talk app only works for chrome os)
arochesterDec 10th 2010 12:17PM
Yes. There it should be very clear in the Web Store that some apps will not work outside the US. I'm in the UK. No Pandora. No Hulu.
octoberasianDec 10th 2010 12:35PM
As the previous poster said, it should not be georestricted but at least create a separate section in the store for it such by country.
This is what annoys me the most of when it comes to finding legal music and videos on the internet-- they're all blocked by stupid-copyright restrictions. I want to buy music from Europe and Japan but I can't do that in ITunes because of these georestrictions. The same goes with videos on Youtube or live streaming from other countries.
They should just revamp the entire goddamn archaic copyright and trademark system because it's too ridiculous in this time and age. At the very least Google could make an example of this and not georestrict its apps.