We will deliver Fon11 local apps
Michael – We (Mo’Blast) have been thinking about this for a while now. We started with local apps (on Windows Mobile and Nokia S60 using Java), and then we shifted to mobile Web (using the iPhone as a reference platform). We considered staying just in mobile Web. In the end, we decided that we are going to build local apps.
Why? The first reason is a go-to-market reason. We can’t get on the carriers’ decks and now iTune’s deck without a local app. I was hoping that the Apple SDK announcement might change the playing field. Now that Apple is also managing the deck like other carriers, I have decided that I will create local-app versions of our Fon11, OpenLandmark, and other future apps.
There is also a second reason. A European carrier has been telling me that by not shipping local apps, I’m leaving money on the table. People are willing to pay 5 Euros per download for useful applications, such as with location support and a faster user interface. If you do the numbers (given the huge carrier subscriber base), the revenue can be quite substantial for developers.
Actually, it’s not that bad to create separate local apps for the iPhone, Windows Mobile, Nokia, and Andrioid (not available yet) because of the interface builders. Forget about having a common local app code base. It’s not possible to create a user experience that is consistent with all devices. We already experienced the pain with Java 2 ME fragmentation. A common Java code for games is possible. There’s no way for social or business applications. Games have their own navigation. Apps must conform to the device’s navigation.
To play in both, developers must create a robust Web-based backend that can service both local apps and mobile Web platforms. This is very important. Carrier-grade scalability is key, especially on the carrier’s deck.
Regarding only one local app at a time, it’s not a big issue. The app can invoke an API on startup. Presence state can be managed with a time-out feature. It would be nice if we could update the inbox numbers on the Face page (like on the top right corner of Phone, Mail and SMS icons). I have not gone thru’ the API doc in detail. Does anyone know?
