Apple’s App Store has finally given developers the ability to release up to 50 promotional codes for their applications, allowing them distribute their apps to press and friends free of charge directly through the App Store.
While the feature may seem like a minor addition to most people, it will be a boon for developers looking to help spread the word about their new applications. Before now, developers looking to share their application with the press or friends would need to include them as part of Apple’s Ad Hoc program, which lets developers test their applications before they are deployed on the App Store. This was inconvenient, as the Ad Hoc program requires the UUID (a unique number tied to each device) of every phone that was participating, which most people don’t know how to find in the first place.
Image from MacRumors
This is a step in the right direction for the app store (as is the introduction of an all-time listing of the most popular apps), but there are a number of features that are still noticeably missing. For one, there’s still no way to effectively try out an app before buying. Many developers have resorted to producing ‘Lite’ version of their apps that lack some functionality, but this is an unrefined solution that just litters the store with multiple copies of nearly identical apps.
Another one of the store’s flaws is the lack of any way for a developer to determine when their application will actually be available. It’s become an accepted fact that applications will lie in App Store purgatory for a few days (or more) before they get approved. But instead of giving developers a day’s notice before these applications go live, Apple simply posts the app whenever it gets around to it. Without the ability to defer the launch to a specified time, developers are unable to set embargo times and pre-brief press.
Update: Developers can set a release date for their applications, but they typically don’t know if their applications will have been reviewed and approved in time. To remedy this, they often the release date far in advance and then change it once the application has been approved. Jeff Scott of 148apps has discovered that developers can use the new promo codes to give access to the apps through the App Store as soon as the application is approved, even if the release date hasn’t arrived. This will be an even bigger help for sharing apps with press and friends.
For more, check out the original report on MacRumors here.
Developers have had to resort to sending donations in the form of PayPal for my website(so that I can purchase and review them).
This will be much easier to manage both for developers and reviewers.
I like iPhone App Store,but i have no more informative about them.
I like iPhone App Store but have no more information about them.
Thanks for bringing visibility to some of the “opportunities” to make the app store more Developer-friendly. Hopefully Apple will take notice.
Another reason why some developers offer a free “lite” version is to later upsell the users to their paid app(eg the “fremium” strategy)
bout time… if this came out a few months ago, maybe i’d care more.
cool feature
I agree, Apple should really give us a way to let people try our applications before buying them.
I’m pretty sure at the end this would advantage apple as well cause people will buy an higher number of pricy apps cause people won’t be afraid to try them.
Great move forward. Yeah to the apple app team.
This is a step in the right direction, but things are not moving quickly enough for this holiday season. The App Store should have the same level of functionality as the rest of iTunes. Just a simple (and useful for the holidays) Gift this App is not available yet.
Another nice to have would be an ability to organize apps in your iTunes and on your iPhone/iPod Touch. Something like folders so you can keep the silly conversation starter apps (Light Saber, you know you have it!) without having to scroll through them to get to the useful apps. That’s also akin to iTunes’ ability to organize your music into playlists.
Make the App Store as good as the rest of iTunes!
Saw it pop up in the interface yesterday! Great addition.
About the embargo/deferred launch; you CAN set a release date when you submit an application for approval. This doesn’t mean it will be reviewed before that date but it’s easy to set it somewhat in the future and change that date when your application is approved.
I am still wondering if I can do an iphone app to offer my limo hire services to clients in london, any suggestions guys !!!
cool offer during xmas
Finally, I can launch a beta program for my iphone apps!
We’ve discovered another great use for promo codes — giveaways. Who doesn’t love free stuff? Taking a queue from Major Nelson on Twitter, we’ve started giving away iTunes promo codes for iPhone apps that we get from developers on our Twitter stream.
Cheers,
Jeff
http://148apps.com
http://twitter.com/148apps
Pretty cool… at least for me to give all my friends free copies of one of my apps haha.
Also, Apple’s review process has gotten much better now. A recent App update only took about 2-3 days to go from submission to approval and release. Of course this was for an “update”, but even that used to take weeks…
If you’re an iPhone dev looking for a simple way to manage your promo codes, check out the easy widget implementation folks like Heidi Roizen of Skinny Songs are using (http://www.skinnysongs.com/). Email iphone [at] baconmarathon [dot] com for more info.
I’m still sitting in limbo. My app was submitted on November 4th. It’s specially designed for the holidays… nothing but ‘in review’.
I’ve called Apple, emailed them… nothing. They really should give you a schedule or an update or something.
You can get hundreds of paid iPhone apps for free and legally using http://promodispenser.com
The site gives away promo codes with a single button click. No lottery, no sweepstakes. The service is absolutely free for users and developers. No strings attached.
Promo codes are uploaded by the developers of the apps.