One of the strengths of iPhone is
the now famous iTunes store, which helps you buy
applications/music/movies/TV shows seamlessly. Lot of companies have tried the
concept (which is not new) as old as 10-15 years back, for example Microsoft has tried
it multiple times (Zune, Windows Player) in the past. The winning difference has been
the flawless execution and the simplicity that Apple has delivered. Apple has managed
to satisfy both ends - with their clout they got the big media companies to
sign uniform pricing's and they also made it easy to get the casual developer on-board.
The formula from Apple was simple - you make the application, we manage the hosting,
delivery, installation, payment gateways, legal/taxation, etc. The developer gets
70%, Apple gets 30% - a neat deal for both parties. And Apple's new iPhone OS3 is
pushing the envelope much further - check out this cool
preview of iPhone OS 3 or here
in YouTube.
Few months after my purchase of my iPhone, I searched for some applications. I found
thousands of applications in their store, but I was looking for something that will
be useful for me and not clutter my phone. A phone for me primarily is for Voice,
SMS, Camera, email & web browsing (in that order of priority). I was not sure
on the number of applications that will be available for India - as so far many of
the American companies have avoided dealing with copyright/licensing/taxation trouble
for India market. They feel the trouble is not worth for the size of the Indian market
for these (how wrong they are). Traditionally Indian mobile users have not
followed the global trend (and other advanced Asian markets like Korea and Japan)
in purchase of applications, games, music & movies, but that I think is due to
content for their taste not being available. Since iPhone store is one of the biggest
USPs of iPhone, is probably a reason iPhone
has sold only 20,000 units in India since its launch.
In iPhone store I found a plethora of apps to be bought for India, there was no shortage
- I have tried few iPhone apps and the shopping experience from the phone was great.
The apps I use regularly are two (both free)- TwitterFon and Skype (recently
released). I also bought a Tetris game for $4.99. Regarding the apps, I found TwitterFon
to be very convenient to use, I am finding myself twittering more when I am outside
the office - waiting for something in a queue or participating like y'day in a boring
session for CIOs by IBM India. About Skype for iPhone it is great to note that in
India it works over both Wi-Fi and 2G connections. The quality of Skype calls using
iPhone is great and the convenience of speaking with a mobile phone anyday for me
is better than a headset or holding a USB Skype phone.
Read the complete post at http://www.venkatarangan.com/blog/2009/04/22/iPhone+And+IPhone+Apps.aspx