apps

Blog Post: Google Makes It Rain Rejections

I love this article, mainly because it proves something Apple fans have been saying for years. While it is nice to have a big open field to play in, you can’t be upset when the local weirdos come over to throw the frisbee.

It’s been all over the news today, but a ton of apps have left the Google Play store. I don’t want to gloss over the fact that not all were at the behest of Google, most of them were.

Now that services such as Applause can actually quantify that the quality of apps are higher for iOS, looks like the Android owner decided to do something about it.

I have actually come to appreciate some of the perks associated with Android lately. When most of your team walks around carrying HTCs and Samsungs you start to ask why. The argument against the platform is niche, and can seem a bit elitist. I’ll admit it. When over 60k apps get booted because of spam or quality, however, the argument becomes germane again.

Blog Post: Google Makes It Rain Rejections

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Blog Post: A different take on the war of map apps

In full disclosure, once Google Maps was re-released in the iOS App Store, I added it to my home screen and haven’t looked back. Every once in a while, Siri makes me use Apple’s version, but that’s it.

The Cupertino giant has the same problem as other tech companies in that they can’t find enough good talent. It’s unfair to make them catch up to Google who is years ahead in development and resources.

Perhaps Apple decided to change the tenor of the pace by altering its focus.

The shared link today comes from GigaOm details the recent purchase of indoor location startup WifiSlam by Apple. This industry is not an unknown to Google, they already employ it in many countries in public locations. If Apple could get a step ahead of their main competitor in this space, however, think how the conversation could change in regard to mobile applications.

WifiSlam uses wifi signals to position devices within a 2.5 meter radius of your location. Just think how that could change app development in the next few years.

I’m not naive enough to think this could be in time for iOS 7, but what about next years WWDC? Interesting indeed.

Blog Post: A different take on the war of map apps

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Blog Post: Apps That Real People Use

All of this conjecture is a bit easy to pose after the fact, but I am amazed when I read articles like this offering from Forbes. Apparently, the highest rated apps based upon current analytics are pieces of software that have features people will actually use.

Of course, that brings up the very relevant point: just how exactly do you know which features people want on their mobile device?

The short answer is, it depends. Since this article is in the retail industry, lets use that as an example. Mobile devices are meant to connect people who would otherwise not be. For retailers, usually that means getting them into the store. If you can utilize some sort of digital retailing system, or rewards based upon location, that drives traffic to the building.

The days of half-built mobile platforms are gone. If you don’t want to end up like the infamous in this article, know your brand and increase its awareness with an app people will love telling their friends about!

Blog Post: Apps That Real People Use

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