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Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Most Expensive Apps in the App Store

Welcome to the World of Pricey iPhone Apps

How much are you willing to spend on downloading an app on your iPhone? Like others you must be interested in downloading free apps or apps that cost a minimal amount of 99 cents. But have you ever thought of downloading an app worth $1000? Yes I’m talking about the most expensive apps on the App Store. Serving as high-end concierges, many of these pricey apps are developed to give you a taste of sheer luxury, whereas, others are developed to resolve complexities in the medical field, education or agriculture sector.

Here is a list of the most expensive apps with incredible capabilities. Would you pay $999.99 for any of these applications?

1) BarMax (iPhone and iPad) – Priced at $999.99, BarMax, a multistate version, is a prep course for either the California or New York bar exam. It is created by a group of Harvard Law School alumni and iOS developers with an objective to help law students who need to pass state bar examinations. Loaded with 50 hours of audio lectures, a full-time study calendar and more than 1,000 questions from previous bar exams, the app offers portable study material to the aspirants. The other state-specific versions are in the working which will roll out in 2020.

2) iVIP Black ($999.99) – Have you ever thought of booking a private jet, yacht or private island? Do you wish for personalized attention at hotels or resorts? Then iVIP Black iPhone app is your escape to a superior lifestyle. Known as the millionaires’ app, the application is your license to a premium life. To own this app, users are required to certify that they have a net worth of at least $ 1 million.

3) Agro (iPhone/iPad, $999.99) – The app aims at assisting agronomists in creating and distributing field inspection reports. According to its description on the App Store, "No matter what field of agronomy you specialize in, vineyards, orchards, broad acre farming, sugar cane or small-time domestic, this app will save you time and increase your bottom line by eliminating duplication of paperwork."

4) Engine Connect (iPad, $999.99) – The iPad app helps TV weather forecasters, sportscasters and news anchors in manipulating animations and graphics such as weather maps on the television screen as viewers watch them.

5) iStutter (iPhone, $999.99) - This app helps stutterers with their speech. As per its description "It analyzes vocal fold activity and selectively provides delayed auditory feedback (DAF) when the user's speech is too fast or the user is stuttering."

6) Intuition Control Solo WolfVision - This great utility application will help in controlling video conferencing. Images from video conferences can also be saved, stored and emailed directly from the iPhone.

7) QSFFStats – (iPhone/iPad) $999.99 – Don’t want to miss the score of your football team? Download QSFFStats, an iPhone app which keeps you update with all the scores and stats of all the leagues. It uploads game by game statistics via email.
8) SongBook DS - $999.99 – Now control multiple networked music players through a single touch interface. It is still on the App Store, but the developers of this app have made a cheaper but the same version of it, which only costs $25.

9) CTC - ($999.99) – Capture the Charge, in short CTC is developed for the doctors in solving their charge capturing problems. It facilitates the transmission of Current Procedural Terminology and ICD medical codes. The app supports a database of more than 1000 CPT Service and ICD diagnosis codes, which allow for doctors to file the correct codes and avoid inaccurate coding costs.

10) MobiGage NDI - ($999.99) – The app is developed for the factory managers for the inspection of manufactured parts and assembly lines. It can also be used in measuring of materials in manufacturing plants like, production of airplanes and cars.

All these apps come with some special and extraordinary capabilities. The unique idea behind each and every app aims at maximizing user experience and helps them in achieving their personal goals, be it achieving success in State bar exams or getting unique privileges such as welcome packages etc.

For more information on iPhone app development and marketing strategy send in your email to marketing@ymedialabs.com







Developers Checklist for Creating Apps for Children



Latest FTC's Guidelines to Protect the Privacy of Children Using Mobile Applications


Last month Apple tentatively agreed to pay an estimated $US100 million ($98m) in kind and cash to US parents whose kids bought virtual fish, unicorns, fairies and make-believe money - at exorbitant prices - while using bait apps.

The incident alarmed Apple, and now the company is offering parental security feature to give parents more control over their kids’ activity on Apple devices.

The company could have avoided the unpleasant circumstances if the developers had made it evident to the parents that the app they have downloaded on their device comes with interactive features like in-app advertising.

There are many apps, available in Apple’s App Store and Google’s Android Market that offer little or no information to parents about the privacy practices. A number of apps come with interactive features, such as, advertising, the ability to make in-app purchases, and links to social media, without revealing these features to parents prior to download. Many of the apps available on the App Store and Google Play Store share personal information like; device ID, geo-location, or phone number. These apps shared kids’ information with third parties without disclosing these practices to parents.

The existing app ecosystem is not transparent when it comes to building apps for children. However, companies have started taking initiatives after a strict regulation passed by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

The FTC suggested smartphone companies and mobile app developers to be mindful of parental concerns, government regulations, and practice transparency with users of all ages. The commission also suggested:
• To incorporate privacy protections into the design of mobile products and services;
• The developers must offer parents, comprehensible choices about the data collection and sharing through kids’ apps;
• To provide better transparency about how data is collected, used, and shared through kids’ apps.

Apps introduce kids to a new form of learning, which can be made easy by using the play medium. Their intriguing features and engaging content have given a new dimension to the way kids learn today. Most of the kids use iPad and mobile devices without their parents’ supervision. Therefore, it is important for developers to provide a clear declaration to parents regarding what information is being collected for whom and for what purpose ?

The idea behind creating mobile apps for kids is to make learning a fun activity for children and not an annoying activity for parents. The developers must consider these privacy concerns, particularly when developing apps for kids.

For more information on iPhone app development and free quote send in your email to marketing@ymedialabs.com.




Thursday, February 28, 2013

How to Reach the Top of the App Store and Stay There


How To Target the Top 25 Apps Charts?

The number of newbies in the app world is growing exceptionally every day. Every business develops a new app with a dream of reaching the top 25 in the iTunes store, a difficult yet the most cherished dream. Getting your app the desired attention is difficult, as nearly 600 new apps are uploaded on the app store every day. The chances for each and every app reaching the top 25 are bleak. There is no secret trick to reach the top. However, devising an astute marketing strategy for your app may help you in reaching your goal.

If you too are targeting the Top 25 apps charts, follow the list of best methods to get your app its share of attention on the app store:

1) App store optimization – Top ranking in the app store can be achieved by app store optimization. Apps which are discovered through organic search generates a huge number of downloads. Therefore, keep an eye on the following:
• Keywords, that are mostly used for searching or identifying a category, must be strong as it represents the user search and must relate to the app category
• The app title must carry a relevant and highly sought-after keyword to maximize the app exposure. The app’s name must represent its function
• The description, wherein you can describe the benefits of the app or the key features to the users, using keywords in the text. The app description must be optimized for search on Google, Yahoo and Bing

2) Using Social Media – A marketing strategy is incomplete if it does not involve social media platforms. With an astute marketing strategy you can make your app viral on social platforms like, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and LinkedIn. Link these channels to your website or micro-site for the maximum effect.

3) Press Release – A press release at the time of launch will get your app the desired exposure. Therefore, release an introductory note laced with keywords (to improve the search engine visibility) and distinct features of your app. Don’t spill the information in the release, instead focus on the key points and features. Additionally, coincide the release date of app with the day when press releases are mostly read. Give a link at the end from where the users can download the app. You can also post the reviews on various social media platforms for maximum exposure.

4) Using Freemium Model – Free apps get more attention than the paid apps. Then why to shy from using a new technique, i.e. Freemium Model, where in you offer a free version to the user and the further content is offered either through in-app purchasing or subscription. The subscription technique is used in the content based apps like publications. But to achieve success through this technique, don’t forget to list the benefits of paid version in the app itself.

For more information on iPhone app development and marketing strategy send in your email to marketing@ymedialabs.com

What Made Instagram So Popular in the App World?


How to Become #1 in the App Store - Learn From Instagram's Success


Instagram was launched on October 6, 2010 and became #1 in the App Store within 24 hours of its launch. The photo app was declared the app of the week and also got a place on the cover of the Wall Street Journal. It also holds the record of quickest app to reach 1 million downloads within four months of its inception.

Surprised with all these stats? You must be thinking what made Instagram so popular with in a small fraction of time. So let me tell you the secret behind the huge success of Instagram, an online photo sharing and social networking app. Instagram is popular for a simple reason and that is, it makes clicking decent-looking pictures easy and fast.

Factors that helped Instagram in achieving incredible popularity in the app space

Presentation- Instagram presents pictures in an interesting way. Users can use various filters to show the feelings, memories and experience. Also, they get a chance to show their creativity by applying some filter on their click and making it visually appealing. Ordinary objects can be given a new look of art in a few moments.

Ease of sharing - Instagram is all about sharing. Users can share their pictures from a single screen. All the prominent social platforms like, Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Flicker and Foursquare are at your beck and call. Click a picture, edit, write a caption and you are ready to share your piece of art work on these social networking sites.

Community/Audience - Instagram is not all about going social. It has various communities which let the users connect to anyone from any country. This global community has helped Instagram in gaining more traction. Anyone can get immediate audience for their photos. Thus, giving its users a quick access to the whole world.

Access - Instagram lets the users maintain their privacy by allowing access to their close friends and family to share what they are doing on the app.

For more information on app development and marketing strategy send in your email to marketing@ymedialabs.com

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Best Practices for App Development Quote


How to Get the Best iPhone App Development Quote?


Looking to get an app developed for your business? Many businesses want to transform their ideas into an app. However, not all of them have in-house development teams. Here comes the role of app developers who have expertise in creating applications.

How to connect with iPhone app developers?

The internet connects you to the millions of iPhone app developers throughout the world. Once you send your requirements in the form of a quote to these app development companies your mailbox will be glutted with innumerable responses. But now the question is how to send an apt quote to get the crucial information like, cost, time to deliver the final product etc.

Following are some of the important points that you must add in your quote in order to get maximum information from the developer.

In-App advertising: If you are thinking of investing in in-app mobile advertising then mention in the quote as well to know the exact cost a company will charge you for this.

Web Services/CMS: If you want to save content/data on a server on which app will interact for some features then do mention in the quote that you need web services/cms.

No. of pages: Developing an information app then do let the developer know about the no. of pages required in the application.

Social integration: Specify if app needs integration with social media such as Facebook twitter etc. Also, do let the developer know about the type of integration you need, i.e. whether you want to use log in registration integration or you want to fetch personal data from Facebook/twitter as well

iPhone App UI Design: Don’t ignore this aspect while sending the quote. App UI design is the most important part to ascertain the cost and time factor. You can also help the developer by providing UI design related requirements.

For more information on iPhone app development and free quote send in your email to marketing@ymedialabs.com.

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

How to Hire an iPhone App Developer


Hiring iPhone App Developer Made Easy


Hiring a good iPhone app developer is by no means an easy task. You have to go through a lot of research to understand which company may work for you.

Ask these questions to yourself first

1. Will your app be a free or a premium version?
2. What is your budget?
3. What time frame can you live with?
4. Do you want a local developer company?
5. Are you open to global app Development Company?
6. What type of company are you looking for, SMB or Enterprises?
7. Have you thought of any monetization plan?
8. Evaluate all these with your budget

Once you have finalized on the above checklist, you can start your research work to find an apt developer company within your budget, location and ease of communication.

How to zero in on the Developer Company?

There are again some checklists for the company that you choose

1. Location?
2. No of Apps created?
3. Worked with Brands?
4. Store Ratings?
5. Testimonial
6. Ability to talk to a client?
7. Budget?
8. Timeline
9. Support/ Update
10.Discount if any if you come up for version update or app for other platform like Android

Take a note of the points and then compare the best three companies. I would advise to partner with a company who can offer dedicated project management, quality assurance & a clean polished design in addition to playing to their development strengths.


iPhone App Development Costs

iPhone App Developers are in demand and there is no argument on the fact that it’s not just that the developers are making money but Companies who have delved into app making have seen profit from their apps. Be it monetization – In App Advertisements in (Lite Version), or Revenue from downloads and In App Advertisement (Paid Version). Instagram and Angry Birds are just a few examples. iPhone App Development costs can vary by a huge margin. A simple app may cost you in the range of $1500-$5000 but a complex app with database and other advanced feature may cost you $50,000-$150,000.

How does it work?

A company can be charged in two ways either through a fixed rate contract or through an hourly rate which ranges from $100 -$200 based on the brand.

• Simple App - $1500-$5000
• More Complex or Recognized Brand App: $50,000-$150,000

One company is charging too low and the other too high?

This is a common question asked by most of the clients when faced with a company charging too high and another company maybe a little higher. The best way is to compare three top companies you have chosen. Also, keep in mind to ask each of these companies as to why they are charging to low or too high. You might actually get enlightened on few factors to which you were earlier oblivious.

The most important part of all – Design, Development and Quality Testing

To hire top iPhone app Developers, send in your email to marketing @ymedialabs.com

How to Search Top iPhone App Developers

Where Can I Find App Developers for iPhone?

Every entrepreneur dreams of creating high brand value for their product or services. With this dream in mind scores of ideas are turning into apps which find space on the App Store. The great revolution called iPhone app development has become the preferred approach for many to achieve their business goals. But there are many who shy away from venturing in to this new form of marketing. Most entrepreneurs are confused as to where to look for expert app developers.

Before plunging in to the vast iPhone space, it is important to understand your expectations from the app developers. Following aspects should be figured out even before you start searching for a suitable iPhone development team:

• The development cost
• Experience in developing iPhone and iPad apps
• Number of successful apps in their portfolio
• Non-disclosure agreement
• Time required in completing the product life-cycle
• And most importantly the support policy

Once you are aware of your requirements and expectations from the iPhone app developers, start looking for the experts. Few of the prominent sources that could help you in your pursuit to success are:

1) App Store: This is the best source as you can search for look-alikes apps developed and posted by developers throughout the world. Download these apps to know more about the work done by the developers. If you like their work, speak to the developers who created them.

2) Search engines: Use Google, Bing, Yahoo, AOL or Ask to search for top iPhone app developers in and around your area. Ask for their portfolios to learn more about work and projects they can handle. Once you come across the right team of developers, it is always good to meet them and discuss various questions that you have in mind. You can ask them if they have developed apps that are similar to your idea. Talk about your app in brief, but never reveal the details till non-disclosure agreement.

3) Independent research firms: Many independent authorities like sourcingline, bestwebdesignagencies and theymakeapps maintain directories and enlist top app developers on their site. You can also refer to the list of top iPhone development companies given on these sites. You can work with the best iPhone app developers with the help of these agencies.

4) Review sites: Read reviews about the app developers’ work, find their hourly rates, check out their work, contact them and hire them.

5) Professional Freelancers: Reach professional freelancers through Guru, Elance if you can work on the bidding model.

6) Forums and blogs: Search on various forums and blogs. iPhone blog forum, modmyi, everythingiCafe are the best sources to look for iPhone app developers.  Post your requirements and wait for the recommendations or answers from the members.

7) Social Media Platforms: You can ask your Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn friends/connections for recommendations. Additionally, you can check developers’ Social media profiles to take them on board.

Want to hire iPhone app developers? Send in your email to marketing@ymedialabs.com