TOKYO (MacHouse) – Every software product you find at Mac App Store is supposed to have gone through Apple’s software review process. And there are many rules. If an app crashes, apple will reject it. The app will also be rejected if it accesses an unauthorized area of the system. If the description of an app mentions the availability of a fully functional trial version, this app can also be rejected. Rules are tough and unclear.
![]() Screenshot 1 – Source: CNET |
Meanwhile, I had some spare time and visited former VersionTracker. Then something caught my eyes. I have heard of a Mac software title called Bento. It’s a product developed by FileMaker, a subsidiary of Apple, Inc. And it has gotten just two out of five stars. (See Screenshot 1.) And I wondered why it’s rated that badly? Reading one of the user comments, it says
Can’t open database and can’t use the mobile app without IOS4
They charged me $49 plus tax to break my software. I need my money back.
Another comment says
Cannot use software upgrade. Crashes upon start up. Bento’s support forums show other cases with same results. Many suggested workarounds without results. Only fix was to reinstall earlier version and restore from backup. Lost hours of productivity.
Wait… Is Bento sold at Mac App Store? In fact, it is. If you enter ‘Bento’ in the search field, you can easily locate it. (See Screenshot 2.)
![]() Screenshot 2 – Source: Mac App Store |
![]() Screenshot 3 – Source: FileMaker |
After reading those negative comments, I was curious as to whether or not the application really crashes. So I visited FileMaker’s discussion board. And one topic catches my eyes. It’s titled Crashing after upgrade. (See Screenshot 3.) And one writes
Hi,
I have just installed Bento 4. The app is crashing as soon as launched; a window is informing me that Bento has crashed and wish to send a report of the crash. When I click on the send button, nothing happens. I can right-click the dock to quit the app.
Nothing seems to correct the problem: fresh db, old db imported from a backup, or deleting the 3 prefs files.
A solution anyone ?
Daniel
PS: I am working on a new MBP with the OS set to Canada (french).
There are at least 7 other people reporting the same crash issue. Remember that Bento 4 was released less than 24 hours ago.
So now the question is this. Why is Bento available at Mac App Store in the first place? More than several people have confirmed that the application crashes within 24 hours after release. Did Bento skip the review process because it’s developed by Apple’s subsidiary? There are only two possibilities to explain the reason why an application that violates App Store Review Guidelines (2.1 – Apps that crash will be rejected) is found at Mac App Store.
- The reviewer did a horrible job or simply closed his/her eyes.
- Bento never went through the review process.
Well, we wonder how Apple explains it?