Posts Tagged ‘apple iphone’
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?
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.
