Barrage of iPhone and iPod Touch Apps Coming Soon
Reports are pouring in saying that the Apple iPhone and iPod Touch's software developer kit (SDK) is nearing completion. The SDK will allow third-parties to develop and sell games, mobile utilities, and services for both the iPhone and iPod Touch through the Apple's iTunes Store.
I'm happy to hear things are apparently ahead of schedule for the SDK. Steve Jobs' initial deadline for release of the SDK is 10 days away.
(This utility IM+ for Skype is one of many upcoming apps for the iPhone and iTunes that can be found at Tiny-Code.com)
Other facts begin to unveil themselves regarding the SDK is that Apple has hired former renegade iPhone hackers to develop the SDK. A staff member of Tiny-Code.com, a Web site catering to unofficial third party installers released a general statement recently stating that they are working with Apple on the SDK. Apple quickly got the statement pulled.
Too Much of a Good Thing
Pretty exciting news, right? Not so much, I'm still a little worried about what happens after the SDK is released. Current expectations suggest that applications will be made available on the iTunes Store. That is all but fine, but with millions upon millions of aspiring coders and programmers out there looking to make a quick buck, wouldn't one expect to see a barrage of applications ranging from good, bad, and lame flooding iTunes and the iPhone and iPod Touch?
Take for example Apple's Widgets. There are currently 4283 different type of widgets available for download from Apple's Web site. I recently searched for a calculator and conversion widget and encountered 179 different options. How did I know which one was the best? I didn't, so I had to just start trying out Widgets for myself.
This is my biggest concern with the iPod Touch and iPhone SDK. Too many available applications will just release and relentless barrage that will make it impossible to find a very exceptional application to complete the task at hand. So Apple, find a way to regulate, please.
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Apple is likely already working on capturing and aggregating user reviews and comments, like Amazon.com or Salesforce.com's AppExchange. These will provide some "real-world" guidance to users before they try or buy -- and may provide all the "control" that Apple needs to deliver, and that the iPod/iPhone faithful want...
I have recently blogged about from perspective of user and from developer perspective (in anticipation of SDK). Completely agree with medortch's comments on amazon/ebay like rating and reputation system integral-ness as their current model on web site is pretty lame (recommended, new, etc.). Potential backdoor into marketplace strategy for them. Very smart.
Check out the post if interested:
iPod touch: Take two -- http://thenetworkgarden.com/weblog/2...ouch-take.html
Cheers,
Mark
I have recently blogged about from perspective of user and from developer perspective (in anticipation of SDK). Completely agree with medortch's comments on amazon/ebay like rating and reputation system integral-ness as their current model on web site is pretty lame (recommended, new, etc.). Potential backdoor into marketplace strategy for them. Very smart.
Check out the post if interested:
iPod touch: Take two -- http://thenetworkgarden.com/weblog/2008/02/ipod-touch-take.html
Cheers,
Mark