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App Store Lets $1000 Do Nothing Application Through
Tuesday, August 5th, 2008 at 4:00 PM - by Jeff Gamet
The number of iPhone and iPod touch applications available at the App Store may be growing daily, but that doesnt mean every title coming out is worth the price of admission. Armin Heinrichs I Am Rich is a perfect example: for US$999.99, it displays an animated ruby on your iPhone or iPod touch screen -- and thats all.
The App Store is Apples iTunes-based distribution system for authorized third-party iPhone and iPod touch applications. Since it is the only Apple "blessed" distribution method, competition between similar applications is strong.
I Am Rich |
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Assuming there is a willing buyer that understands exactly what I Am Rich does, which, according to the developer "always reminds you (and others when you show it to them) that you were able to afford this," then the nearly $1000 price tag may be fine. For the rest of the App Store market, however, high-priced do-nothing applications send a strong negative message.
Developers and customers are likely to start questioning Apples screening process, although I Am Rich probably doesnt violate any of the companys software product restrictions. One customer review, for example, stated "I dont know what else to say. Apple, please stop letting craptacular apps like this through your vetting process. What happens if I have 1-click turned on? $1000 zing!"
Since clicking an App Store Buy App button automatically purchases an application, that makes it easier for someone to accidentally spend $1000, which is a potentially painful and costly mistake.
In this case, the developer may be hoping for a few sales to pad their bottom line. Whats more likely, however is that I Am Rich was released as a publicity stunt to help promote Mr. Heinrichs other App Store offering, a calculator application. The I Am Rich description alludes to that, too, by stating "If its to expensive for you - check out my other apps - they are all much cheaper."
While I Am Rich probably meets Apples requirements for App Store distribution, it doesnt seem to meet the companys implied standard of quality based on its price and functionality. Deciding if specific applications are "good enough" based on their features and price point, however, may not be a path Apple wants to go down.
Blocking high priced applications that dont serve any purpose could turn into a public relations headache for Apple if rejected developers started to complain, and that would likely be a bigger problem for Apple than approving applications like I Am Rich. Instead, dealing with user comments like "This is the kind of App that you let through? What is wrong with you? Seriously" will likely be easier because, like it or not, there probably isnt anything in Apples App Store terms and conditions that prevents programs like I Am Rich from being distributed.
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