Archive for the ‘Apple’ Category
Apps For Everyone… With Quality Content and An Audience
posted by Michael Schneider (Mobile Roadie CEO)Our catch phrase at Mobile Roadie has long been “apps for everyone” and our mission has always been to democratize the process of getting an app. No longer do you need to pay $10,000+ for a high quality app, or wait months for development.
We’ve been noticing, however, examples lately that don’t meet minimum quality guidelines for content and audience, and I wanted to take a minute and explain our threshold.
Quality content
This is the biggest one… make sure you have good content. What defines good content? You know it when you see it. Videos, music, news, photos, etc. that your users will actually care about. Don’t put in blurry photos, videos that don’t play on mobile, or single sentence news releases. Your content is the main reason people will come to your app – so make sure it rocks.
Quantity of content
In addition to providing the good stuff (quality content), you need to put in enough content in each section you choose to use that the user feels like it’s a complete experience. Don’t just add one video to your video section and say you’re done. Either flush out an area of the app, or remove it and add it later (with our fully dynamic tab system, you can add/remove sections at any time without resubmitting to Apple).
Audience
So you’ve got great quality and quantity content. You also need to have a solid audience. By “solid” I mean a) an audience beyond just you and your family (for example), and b) an audience that warrants the app being available for public consumption. If you need a private app for your organization, Apple has special certificates you can use for private distribution. If you need an app for only a few people, we can give you an “ad hoc” distribution.
Our process
Before sending your app to Apple, we quality check it internally. This includes checking both the quality and quantity of content, in addition to the functionality. We reject apps that don’t meet our minimum standards, because Apple is likely to do the same. If you get rejected, don’t worry – we’ll give you suggestions on what you need to change in order pass QA and be submitted to Apple.
The bottom line
We have one big goal at Mobile Roadie – to empower you with the tools to create beautiful, highly functional, high quality apps yourself. And we’re going to be releasing even more customization options in the near future. Get serious about your app, use our customization tools, and create something that will blow people away. Go for it!
Mobile Roadie and the iPad
posted by Michael Arcand
This weekend Apple is launching their latest in a line of new and revolutionary products, the iPad. Described by Steve Jobs as “magical” some customers may have concerns about their Mobile Roadie apps and how they will perform on the iPad. Well, we’re here to reassure you that the Mobile Roadie platform puts your app among the 150,000+ current apps that Apple says will run on the iPad. And we know (and have been hearing) that you are excited by the opportunities presented by the iPad as well.
While there may be some inherent challenges with increasing the resolution of videos and pictures from the current iPhone apps when displayed on the iPad (simply because of the resolution contained within the files themselves), we also want you to know that we will be working to maximize the performance of the Mobile Roadie platform to take advantage of the new features and opportunities presented on the iPad through the iPhone OS version 3.2. Look for future iPad support from Mobile Roadie, scheduled for the third quarter of 2010.
We know that the future of computing lies in the mobile web and applications that can access and provide quality information in the best possible format. Mobile Roadie is committed to doing just that for our customers – helping you to reach your best potential and put the best foot forward for your business, whether that is music, writing, conference presentations, etc. The bottom line is that as the requirements for future mobile applications change with advances in technology and new gadgets like the iPad, we’re here to help you along the way.
“Cookie Cutter” apps and Mobile Roadie
posted by Michael Schneider (Mobile Roadie CEO)There’s been a lot of chatter lately on Apple changing guidelines for so called “cookie cutter” apps. TechCrunch, PC Magazine, Wired and MacRumors all have reported in the last week on this so called “purge” of the app store.
First, let’s define “cookie cutter.” This refers to apps that follow the same template over and over. It also applies to apps that just pull in feeds that have no business being apps in the first place.
I’m not going to comment on specific competitors, but I believe as a result of the recent changes at Apple many of them will be out of business. The ones that are left are going to have to step it up, which is a good thing for the app store, for our business, and for consumers.
Mobile Roadie is not cookie cutter in any way. While we may provide a template, it’s a highly customizable template. Our customers can rename and reorder tabs any way they’d like. They can upload custom graphics and media, and of course content, to further differentiate their app. And they have the option of baking in custom features if they’d like from any outside developer they want.
I want to reassure our customers and partners that everything going on right now is a good thing for consumers and for Mobile Roadie. We are well positioned to adapt to ever changing standards, and this doesn’t hurt our business long term – it enhances it.
The Future is Here with the Apple iPad
posted by Michael Arcand
Apple’s big media event took place yesterday and put the rumors to rest once and for all … it is true, the Apple iPad tablet is here! This device is set to bridge the gap between a smart phone, like the iPhone, and laptop computers, like the MacBook. Steve Jobs made the presentation yesterday in his usual style and the crowd went wild. Demonstrations of several of the iPad features are very exciting for users and developers alike.
The higher level computing that is available with the iPad using the A4 chip (vs. the iPhone) will definitely raise the bar when it comes to what new native apps will be able to do on the iPad. And that is why Mobile Roadie is so excited about the iPad as well! We see this as an opportunity to help our customers take their online presence to the next level. Of course, all of the current apps available will be compatible with the iPad, but we will also be supporting native apps for the iPad as well.
Think of it this way: if you’ve been holding off on getting an app developed because you’ve been waiting for the next best thing … well, it’s here. Now what are you waiting for? Contact Mobile Roadie today to find out what you need to do to get your music, book, or business aligned with Apple’s newest and most revolutionary product, the iPad.
Don’t Get Frustrated, Put MobileRoadie to Work for You
posted by Michael ArcandTalk to any iPhone app developer or do a few searches on Google and it becomes readily apparent that one of the biggest issues surrounding iPhone app development is the approval process and the waiting time. Sometimes apps can be rejected for reasons that are later overturned after an appeal to reason. There are many examples of this type of rejection, but what can be even more disheartening to first-time developers or new business owners who want to get their own app into the Apple store is the waiting time. Some folks have waited six weeks or more for their app approval or rejection. At least two developers have quit projects in the last few weeks because of the iPhone app approval process, most notably Joe Hewitt who was working on the Facebook app. So where does that leave the band or business that is looking to put their name out there with an iPhone app?
We know you don’t want to have to go through all that frustration, and we know what it takes to get the job done. In fact we can happily say that MobileRoadie currently has a 100% approval rate with MobileRoadie apps submitted to the iPhone app store, with approvals averaging two to four weeks.
That’s why we think you shouldn’t let yourself get frustrated by the process, just put MobileRoadie to work for you and let us get the job done right – the first time.
So Just How Big Will Your iPhone Market Be?
posted by Michael ArcandYesturday a report was released by Admob, a company (now owned by Google) that analyzes data from ads served on mobile networks to glean insight into the mobile web usage of the 21st century. So what did this report have to say today about the Apple iPhone? Despite the fact that the company is owned by Google, who has its own stake in the mobile Internet through the Android OS, they didn’t hide the fact that the iPhone uses up a whopping 50% of all mobile data traffic as of October 2009. In case you didn’t get the big picture, let me put this in non-techie terms … one out of ever two mobile data transmissions (i.e., e-mail, IM, text messaging, website visits, etc.) take place on the Apple iPhone.
Despite the fact that the iPhone doesn’t dominate in sales numbers, this report would seem to indicate that the iPhone users are accessing the web and data services more frequently than other smart phone users. So what does this mean to you? It means that now is the time to get your web-based app into the iPhone App Store. Think about it … half of all mobile data travels through the iPhone. If your app uses data interactively, directs traffic to or syndicates information from your website, chances are 50/50 right now that your customer will be looking for you on the iPhone. And the percentage is growing. Soon, if your app isn’t available on the iPhone, it will be like trying to promote your band, business or product in a flea market.
So why not take a tour of MobileRoadie and see how we can help you get your hat in the ring so your business can get a piece of the iPhone data pie!
Amazon Kindle’s Newest Challenger: The iPhone?
posted by Michael Arcand
It’s hard to fathom all the different applications that an iPhone user has access to these days. Everything from useful time management apps to the senseless Pepsi app that recently got so much media attention (which was also subsequently pulled). So what would you guess is the highest category of iPhone apps on the market today? Believe it or not, its e-books. Yes, that’s right … e-books are more prolific in the app store than games. I know it’s hard to believe, but let’s take a look at the numbers and where they are headed.
Games led in the app store supply chain from August 2008 through August 2009, according to a report published by Flurry, an analytics company. Interestingly enough, however, in September 2009 a new category eclipsed games, fueled in its expansion by rising consumer demand. The category was e-books. In fact, Flurry noted that 1% of the U.S. population is already reading an e-book on the iPhone. They go on to predict that just like Nintendo DS sales were impacted by the iPhone, the same impact will be felt by Amazon’s Kindle sales. Only time will tell if they are right about that.
One thing we can be sure of is that the e-book is here to stay and its making a big impact on the iPhone platform. With millions of dollars flowing through the Apple app store, authors of any genre and status have a chance to sell their product and get their name out there. It’s just another example of how technology is literally leveling the playing field and allowing the entry level writer to compete against multi-book authors – in the same marketplace.
So what’s the bottom line? If you are an author, you need to leverage the iPhone popularity and platform to get your book out there in the marketplace. And MobileRoadie is here to help you do just that. It doesn’t matter how well known you are or how big your book is, we can help you get it packaged for the app store so you can ride the iPhone e-book wave. So what are you waiting for?
iPhone Making Moves on the BlackBerry
posted by Michael Arcand
When the iPhone first hit the smart phone market, most business users already had a smart phone, namely a Blackberry or Palm Pre. However, in just two short years Apple’s iPhone has gone from being a new shiny Mac fanboy toy to being a serious competitor with other smartphones, even in the business market. According to a report recently released by ChangeWave research, a full 30 percent of all smart phone owners are currently using an iPhone, compared to 40 percent with a BlackBerry and only seven percent with the Palm Pre (absolutely dismal numbers for the Pre, which once dominated the market).
So what is the driving factor behind the advance of the iPhone in both overall smart phone use as well as business? It’s the same thing that has driven successful products and referral marketing for years: customer satisfaction. According to a recent J.D. Powers study, Apple came in first place among smart phone business owners, beating out LG (second place) and BlackBerry (third place). ChangeWave’s report noted that 74 percent of their survey participants who used the iPhone were very satisfied with the smart phone.
The convergence of these two trends, the consumer and business sectors, can only mean one thing: continued growth for the iPhone and possibly the domination of the smart phone market within the next six to twelve months. The handwriting is on the wall. More and more people are moving from traditional wireless phones into the smart phone market. More and more businesses are seeing the advantages in customer satisfaction coming from iPhone users.
This all adds up to one thing for you. Now is the time to get on board! If you’re looking to catch the wave of incoming iPhone users and tap into the market that’s already there, then there is no time better than the present to develop an iPhone app for your band or website. Let MobileRoadie help you today to get started.
Apple Announces In App Purchase for Free Apps
posted by Michael Arcand
That’s right folks, this is the moment you’ve been waiting for. Apple announced today that they are now allowing free apps to use in app purchases. So what does this really mean? Only that one of the best concepts ever derived in marketing is now available to developers who are putting out free apps. What is that, you ask? It’s the upsell. Simply put, you can now give away your iPhone application with minimal functionality. You let the user know that there is much to be had in advanced functionality … IF they purchase the full version of the app. This has long been a standby for marketing of all types of products and services and it works very well. It’s just like the hook … they get to experience what you have to offer and see the big picture. Once they test drive your app (if you have a decent product or service), they’ll be hooked.
The reason this works so well is that unlike an initial app purchase, when a customer does an in app purchase the majority of the process takes place on the devs server, leaving you, as the developer, the electronic receipt. Interestingly enough, as suggested by MobileCrunch, this could actually have an effect in reducing app piracy, somewhat. While your app can be cracked and distributed far and wide, it’s difficult at best to forge an electronic receipt. However, the only way to verify each use of the app would be to check the electronic receipt against the copy on the dev’s server.
At MobileRoadie we look forward to offering this to our growing line of apps in the future. Be sure to stay tuned to our blog for updates and contact us with any questions.
Apple calls us about a nude cartoon, we’re impressed
posted by Michael Schneider (Mobile Roadie CEO)
Since March 2009 we’ve tried to be good partners with Apple, making sure our Apps conformed to their standards, looked great, and added value for the end user and our customers. We also paid attention to blogs like TechCrunch and others that shined the spotlight on specific stories of rejections, and tried to proactively adapt.
Yet, despite our best efforts, in the six months since Mobile Roadie has launched, the toughest part of the business has been explaining to our customers the seemingly inexplicable delays and reasons for rejection. Adding insult to injury, Apple was very slow to respond, or just wouldn’t respond at all, when we tried to right wrongs.
In the last 30 days, however, I’ve noticed a change. I was cautiously optimistic after reading about how Phil Schiller was becoming more active in high profile rejections. Then I got a call from a guy named Neil. Neil explained that he was reviewing one of our Apps, one that happened to have quite a few YouTube videos. He told me that 3 minutes and 42 seconds into the sixth video (which was a cartoon), that there was a scene with nudity. He politely explained that this violates Apple’s TOS and the App couldn’t be approved unless we removed the video. I logged in to the CMS and removed the video in real time, he thanked me, and less than 30 minutes later we got an approval notice.
For Apple, a company of tens of thousands of employees that is reviewing a rumored 2,500 apps a week, to call one customer about that level of detail inside one App is truly amazing.
Even more amazing, Apple has approved nearly all of our v2 upgrades less than two weeks after we began submitting them, including approving 22 Apps in one day last week (a record for us). This is good for our customers and good for Apple to get our upgraded product in the store.
I’m glad Apple is waking up and being more responsive to developers, especially developers like Mobile Roadie that have many Apps in the store. Now, if we could just automate code base upgrades without having to resubmit each App individually…
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