Apple integrates online store into Mac OS X Tiger application

Running out of ink? The Apple online store carries several varieties, as users of the company's next-generation operating system may soon find out.

If recent builds of Apple's Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger operating system are any indication, it appears that Apple Computer may start integrating its online store into Mac OS X applications.

According to sources, a refreshed version of the company's Printer Setup Utility (4.0) is being distributed with the latest builds of Tiger. In addition to sporting a streamlined aqua interface, the application presents the user with a handy function to quickly purchase printer supplies.

Screenshots: Buy Supplies; Printer Browser ; Add Printer

The option, which is available only after a user has selected a printer, will launch the Safari web browser and search the company's online store for ink cartridges that are compatible with the selected printer.

It's unclear whether the final version of Tiger will ship with this Apple Store implementation. Last year, the company was reportedly experimenting with third party support for its Software Update mechanism, but eventually decided not to include the feature in current versions of Mac OS X.

Follow AppleInsider on Google News

19 Comments

carson o'genic

said about 19 years ago

As long as this doesn't turn into some major in your face promotion I'm ok with it. Thankfully, taste usually wins over in your face advertising when it comes o Apple products. The big exception, IMHO, is quicktime with that stupid splash screen asking if you want to upgrade every time it is launched.

mpmoriarty

said about 19 years ago

Having an option that is out of the users face and allows them purchase more ink cartridges for your printer that is out of the way is a good idea.

Subtle marketing of the Apple store I really don't care about. Especially if it actually helps the user.

MIke

scott

said about 19 years ago

Yuck. Unprofessional.

nicky g

said about 19 years ago

Unprofessional? For selling your product or service? Isn't that what professionals tend to do? It's not like they're preventing you from going to other sources for supplies.

stingerman

said about 19 years ago

awesome. apple needs to do this more. if they can make money this way, it will mean that the price of the software will get cheaper as it drives sales to their online store.