Apple and Facebook started the ball rolling and have directly paid out billions to developers to date. Insatiable hater vituperation aside, the iOS space is still far n’ away the most lucrative and innovative place for devs to be. However, like so many created in Silicon Valley innovations, the app-conomy has taken on a life of its own, reshaping how software is made, sold and used.
These days it seems even toaster ovens ship with Angry Birds installed. Thereupon, there are mobile time wasters and then there’s Epic’s game changing title that’s only available on the iPhone and iPad, which marries truly stunning 3D graphics and innovative player interaction — quite naturally, Infinity Blade is bringing home to booty as a result.
‘Tis the season to over eat and laze about, yet you need not let the time go completely to waste. Curl up with a nice iBook and listen to free internet radio. Or, why not shop, shop ’til you drop. How’s about a few laughs a la Apple’s hot new digital assistant, Siri — your new iPhone 4S is a source of endless amusement.
My son’s first generation iPod touch died a couple months back. As soon as the prognosis was clear, he was very clear — “Dad, I want a new one for Christmas.” No hesitation, no hemming and hawing over alternatives because this is the cool device kids want.
If your iOS development model can be summarized by the words “show me the money,” then you need to sit up and pay attention. Whereas last year at this time paid apps accounted for the lion’s share of the cash, freemium is the new black and savvy developers are coding appropriately.
In general, Apple’s approach to security and piracy is one that emphasizes low prices and minimal barriers to entry. “Helping honest people stay honest” are usually words one associates with this low-impact approach — is it enough?
Call it sheep for the fleecing if it helps keep you regular, but the real import of this news is that the app sector is maturing, rapidly so. Whereas pay-to-play apps once represented a plurality on the App Store, an overwhelming majority are now free (if you don’t make any in-app purchases).
As a developer, you may prefer Android’s attenuated version of “open,” but nothing compares to cashing that check. Blorge has brought you the news that iPhone, iPod touch and iPad are much more willing to pay for apps and twice as likely to click on in-app ads — now we close the circle.
From the unscientific study department comes this list of great iPhone and iPod touch games for tween boys — my 10-year-old son and his idevice toting pals have very definite ideas about what’s wicked cool and just so much nasty drool. Put on your rain slicker, because this is gonna get messy.
Developers, developers, developers are what you need to succeed and the one-time market leader is losing the battle for these all important hearts and minds. Thereupon, three top names in the mobile app development space are taking their skills elsewhere.
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