So, his one bit of proof is that the LiveScribe digital pen's app store didn't work?  A digital pen is very firmly a <i>peripheral</i> in the minds of users.  Since it lacks its own display, it's going to be very hard to position it as a <i>platform</i>.  Do users use it to unify data from other devices?  Do users <i>currently</i> think of it as something to install stuff on?<p>No, LiveScribe is not going to have a future in App stores.  But a Tablet device might do very well with one.  The downside of App Stores is control.  But the upside is the same.  Do modern consumers want the chaos of the free market, or do they want safety and convenience?  There will be constituents for both.  But right now, safety is something that is still lacking for personal computing.<p>My prediction: there will be more App Stores.  These App Stores will only be viable for <i>platforms</i>.  Once they are widespread, there will be a backlash, but the App Stores and their highly controlled platforms will be a fixture in our digital future.