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Part-time apps developers getting rich

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21–30 of 54 posts

Re: Part-time apps developers getting rich

#21

Ugg, I just want to get into the program. I applied two weeks ago. Has anyone heard anything on how long it takes, or if they're even accepting new developers for the app store?

yes, they are accepting new developers. Still no certain time frame for how long it takes.

Re: Part-time apps developers getting rich

#22
post #14

Earlier quoted context omitted.

You mean Aurora Feint? http://www.aurorafeint.com/ http://www.gizmodo.com.au/2008/07/iphone_apps_we_like_aurora...

I like aurora, but unless there's something since I last updated it's just a mediocre bejeweled clone right now.

Good point.

So what would an interesting MMO on the iPhone be like? And how would you account for lag, disconnects, etc.

Re: Part-time apps developers getting rich

#23
post #18

Earlier quoted context omitted.

But the question is, why would you choose to solve that with an iphone app, instead of just a website? I can see the point in iphone apps that use features you can't get in the browser, like access to gps or the accelerometer etc, but other simple apps seem to be there just because they can be, rather than filling any real need.

ironically enough, an iPhone app would probably be more successful. A website would require marketing, but an iPhone App does its own marketing, through its name, icon and the community word of mouth. Plus there are advantages in UI design that could make a native app more helpful in getting the info quicker.

That part is true, however, creating a webapp means it can be used on the iPhone, lots of other phones, games consoles, laptops, etc etc etc

Re: Part-time apps developers getting rich

#24
post #23

Earlier quoted context omitted.

ironically enough, an iPhone app would probably be more successful. A website would require marketing, but an iPhone App does its own marketing, through its name, icon and the community word of mouth. Plus there are advantages in UI design that could make a native app more helpful in getting the info quicker.

That part is true, however, creating a webapp means it can be used on the iPhone, lots of other phones, games consoles, laptops, etc etc etc

Maybe this is actually the Steve Jobs closed system vs. Android open system sort of debate. Sure, you could make a webapp, but could you make a lot of money off a webapp? If you only had the time to work on one, I know which one I would pick. There may be more users of those other platforms, but how do you get them to use your app? Apple's closed system does a lot of the work for you.

Re: Part-time apps developers getting rich

#25
post #18

Earlier quoted context omitted.

But the question is, why would you choose to solve that with an iphone app, instead of just a website? I can see the point in iphone apps that use features you can't get in the browser, like access to gps or the accelerometer etc, but other simple apps seem to be there just because they can be, rather than filling any real need.

ironically enough, an iPhone app would probably be more successful. A website would require marketing, but an iPhone App does its own marketing, through its name, icon and the community word of mouth. Plus there are advantages in UI design that could make a native app more helpful in getting the info quicker.

A website would require marketing, but an iPhone App does its own marketing, through its name

This is a myth. And people will realize in a couple months once there are tons of apps in the App Store. You will need marketing wherever you go. For word-of-mouth, your app needs to be really stellar. And that is true, everywhere.

I suspect the more appealing part about the App Store is that more people will want to actually pay for your app right away if you provide them with enough quality. It feels like the expected payoff with the App Store would be higher for individual developers this way as opposed to making viral apps on facebook and monetizing via ads.

Re: Part-time apps developers getting rich

#26
post #4

You can always find someone who does well and make a news article out of it. I didn't do nearly as well. :) My take on it is that you can succeed in the following ways: 1. Have an already established brand in other platforms 2. Be first in some area (too late now) 3. Somehow establish critical mass of users to have a lot of reviews/downloads. Lot's of reviews - top ratings - lts of eyeballs. 4. Have an app that peopl…

5. Have some really unique features (they will get duplicated though)

Someone told me "You have limited time to make money". Does that time give you enough money? Or can you add another unique feature in that time? I'd like a business that lasts for all time - like coke/wrigley - but technology revolutions make it impossible. However, it is possible win one revolution...

Unmet demand is the incentive for copying - without oxygen, no competitor can beat you. Do you neglect, alienate or reject any market segment who wants/needs your product (including being too expensive)? Do any aspects of your product (including links in the chain of purchase) turn off customers?

For online software, lots of clever people can reverse engineer it; and customers can learn about it, trial it, adopt it and integrate with their lives/businesses. These are buffers, not "barriers to entry". It takes some time, but doesn't stop competitors - if there is unmet demand.

The best way to stop your competitors from serving your customers... is to serve your customers.

Re: Part-time apps developers getting rich

#27

Ugg, I just want to get into the program. I applied two weeks ago. Has anyone heard anything on how long it takes, or if they're even accepting new developers for the app store?

I applied the day that the iPhone SDK came out and was invited last week. (Woot!)

I have no connections to Apple or any Apple development companies. So it looks like they are finally allowing normal devs in.

Re: Part-time apps developers getting rich

#28
post #25

Earlier quoted context omitted.

ironically enough, an iPhone app would probably be more successful. A website would require marketing, but an iPhone App does its own marketing, through its name, icon and the community word of mouth. Plus there are advantages in UI design that could make a native app more helpful in getting the info quicker.

A website would require marketing, but an iPhone App does its own marketing, through its name This is a myth. And people will realize in a couple months once there are tons of apps in the App Store. You will need marketing wherever you go. For word-of-mouth, your app needs to be really stellar. And that is true, everywhere. I suspect the more appealing part about the App Store is that more people will want to actuall…

I don't think its a myth. Apple really has done a lot of the marketing on behalf of developers. Everyone iPhone user knows where to get their iPhone apps. Just that right there is huge. Yeah, you still have to work hard outside the store, but setting up the location, the trust (no need to worry about Apple) and the ease of use is a marketing marvel that webapps just don't have. I think its hard to ignore the advantages. Going above and beyond that will help you immensely, but at least you don't have to replicate Apple work.

Re: Part-time apps developers getting rich

#29
post #11
post #4

You can always find someone who does well and make a news article out of it. I didn't do nearly as well. :) My take on it is that you can succeed in the following ways: 1. Have an already established brand in other platforms 2. Be first in some area (too late now) 3. Somehow establish critical mass of users to have a lot of reviews/downloads. Lot's of reviews - top ratings - lts of eyeballs. 4. Have an app that peopl…

2. Be first in some area (too late now) I don't think that will be true. Ever. You can always innovate.There are always new things to do. Or old things to do in new ways. Or so says the idealist in me. But your other points are really good, especially the marketing one. Just making a very solid app isn't good enough for the iPhone platform. You need a carefully thought out marketing strategy. Edit: I guess the market…

I agree with the disagreement. Google was late to search, the iPod was late to mp3 players, the iPhone was late to smart phones, YC was late to investing, etc, etc, etc.

Re: Part-time apps developers getting rich

#30
post #4

You can always find someone who does well and make a news article out of it. I didn't do nearly as well. :) My take on it is that you can succeed in the following ways: 1. Have an already established brand in other platforms 2. Be first in some area (too late now) 3. Somehow establish critical mass of users to have a lot of reviews/downloads. Lot's of reviews - top ratings - lts of eyeballs. 4. Have an app that peopl…

2. Be first in some area

- there's always a "blue ocean" where you can innovate - read up on The Intersection (The Medici Effect)

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