David Swan
Wednesday, 01 July 2009 10:58
Your IT -
Mobility
Page 1 of 2
There is great money to be made from iPhone apps development, it’s the answer to software piracy and developing for Android will be a nightmare. These are the thoughts of one of the most successful independent iPhone and Mac widgets developers in the world.
Marc Edwards heads iSlayer, claimed to be the "biggest mac widget
developer in the world", and designs and develops iPhone apps for his
new company Bjango. He shares some interesting thoughts about the new
iPhone and software piracy, has one big complaint about the App Store,
and gives a developer’s perspective about why developing for Android
would be such a mess.
Founded in March 2005, iSlayer has had phenomenonal success in the
field of Apple widgets, with three number 1 widgets on Apple's Top 10
list, and over 15 million downloads. He is the widget world's Beatles,
but his apps are surprisingly simple. His most famous is a Mac system
usage monitor, iStat Pro, which has become a staple download for any
serious Mac owner.
Edwards' latest ventures have been into the crowded jungle of iPhone
apps with new company Bjango, a four member team which has experienced
similar success with a mobile version of iStat.
iStat has hit number two on the iTunes Top 10 downloads, which is
impressive, particularly despite the bevy of bikini and fart apps.
Despite my assumptions, though, according to Edwards being an iPhone
developer is no easy ride.
"We all pretty much work seven days a week, and I quite often work twelve or more hours a day. But it's a lot of fun."
Bjango's other apps, including world clock app Cities and DJ app Beats,
are niche products but are generously priced, not to mention
aesthetically beautiful, something that would have come from Edwards'
years as a freelance designer. Each app only costs a dollar or two and
are all similarly lavished with bright purples and blues, particularly
Matches, which is a memory match game targeted at kids.
Clearly, these clever little apps are a labour of love for the team, and Edwards spoke passionately of his body of work.
CONTINUED Page 2
LATEST HEADLINES FROM YOUR IT
