I’ve been writing mobile apps for roughly 4 years. I’ve seen dozens of apps come from concept to completion, and I’ve learned many lessons along the way. Here are the top 5 things I wish I knew when I first started out making iOS apps. Ready? Let’s go! 1. Your icon and name will make…
Microsoft wants to own the living room with the Xbox One
Today Microsoft announced their new console, the Xbox One. The demo relied on heavy integration with cable television, multi-tasking, mobile phones, kinect, and voice commands. A demo of the product introduced “Snap mode”, a side-by-side multi-tasking type interface that allows the user to simultaneously watch television, play games, have a Skype call, use Internet Explorer,…
Top ways speaking engagements will put your app in front of customers
If you look at the top of my website, it says I am an expert on all things mobile. I want to clarify first what an expert is, and what an expert is not. An expert is NOT someone who knows everything about a topic. An expert IS someone who has relevant experiences to share….
The console question noone is asking
Most of the people I encounter these days with a tech startup are focusing on the web or mobile. They either have an idea that they want to push out to the app store, or a web service which may or may not have a mobile companion. The tech world as the startup scene sees…
The next big thing is already available in your local toy aisle
I had this realization long ago that all new technologies seem to first surface as a lower-key version that exists mostly as a toy. If you think about the great innovations of our recent history, you may think of things like the internet, computers, or smart phones. But, before you could buy an iPad, you…
Making apps that spread
I hear tons of app ideas that seem like really great ideas, but lack one critical feature: virality. It’s not just marketing speak, creating virality is something you should be responsible for if you are making an app without a huge budget. I’ve done a lot of research on users of my apps, of my…
Open sourced startups
When a software startup fails to turn a profit they’re usually left with some newfound knowledge, maybe some debt, and a big chunk of unused code. Why should all that engineering work go to waste just because that particular business failed? Many startups recognize this and have made their software free and open source. I…
Designing mobile apps for children
Mobile apps designed for children are becoming very popular as a result of the intuitive design of the iOS and Android touch screen operating systems. Never before has software been so accessible for pre schoolers, and elementary school students. However, there are some things that you should take careful consideration of when designing apps for…
Growing your audience by empowering users
What is it about apps like Instagram that result in such explosive growth? I think it is fair to say that most social networking apps and sites have grown organically. The apps receive word of mouth from users who enjoy using their software. So those with the most explosive growth must simply have the highest…
Top 10 Lessons Learned from Launching iPhone Apps
Much has been written on the topic of launching iPhone apps, and software products in general. I have read a good bit of this info over the years and have tested many theories for how to successfully launch, and have come up with a list of what worked for me. So this is my personal…