Idea for an App? Avoid the Trap!

 

Everyone seems to have the next latest and greatest idea for an app. If you truly believe you have an idea for an app that is clever and creative, here are some things you need to know.

Adam Jones, from RareWire, was a guest speaker last week in the course I teach: "Technology in the Classroom: Applications and Implications".  He discussed the history of apps and current status of the ever growing phenomenon with the 'Appconomy". He also is the founder of TapTeach. This organization encourages teachers to develop the ideas for an app they dream of using in the classroom. Teachers work with professional app developers to support bringing to life their ideas to use the app in the classroom. Through the purchase of their app creation, teachers are able to raise funds for more technology integration in their classrooms. Win-Win for everyone. Teachers often feel they do not  have the technology they need and here is a system which allows them to raise the money they need to provide the resources our 21st century learners need.

Are you inspired to get your app out there? I have categorized his information as "The Good", "The Bad" and "The Ugly" to help those interested gain a wider understanding of app development.

The Good

• 100+ Million iPads have been sold since it's birth in 2010. Obviously the iPad is on fire and growing in popularity. This accounts for 91% of web traffic.
• App development is projected to increase at an incredible rate as 185 Billion apps are predicted to be in circulation by 2014.
• 8 + Million apps sold to educational institutions.
• Three different app stores you can develop apps for:
• Apple App Store
• Google Play (Android)
• Windows Mobile

The Bad

• Educational apps only account for 10.5% of all apps in the app store. While there is a process to publishing your app, the category 'educational' can often include apps which actually have no educational value at all.
• 68% of app developers earn $5,000 with their MOST successful app.
• There are three different platforms to develop your app, which can be confusing and misleading:
• Native: $$$, fully featured device access, programmer needed, fastest and distributed through the App store.
• Hybrid: $, fully featured device access, native speed, front end, distributed through
• Web: $, partial device access, fast speed, front end creation, distributed though Link Economy.
• It typically can take 10 weeks on the backend and 8 weeks on the frontend to create and develop an app. It is not something you are going to do on a Sunday afternoon. However, there is a push to move the app into circulation sooner than later and continuously update it based on reviews and test audiences.

The Ugly

• 80% of app developers do not make enough money to support a business.
• Google Play deleted over 60,000 apps earlier this year. Higher restrictions and expectations for apps are on the rise. The Apple App Store reps actually have said "we don't need anymore fart apps".
• Even though you have the idea, you, most likely, will need an app developer to push it into play. Finding the right platform and host can be tricky. If you are serious about your app idea read these two articles:
• Mistakes to avoid
• Too much

We know the term "there's an app for that!" However, you may just have the next best app idea which could change the lives of those who are looking for the latest and greatest.



*Special thanks to Adam Jones! Check him out via the links provided above.