Dynamic Typo

Apple recently started rejecting “Cookie Cutter Apps”.  I’m left wondering what was the reason for this policy?  Maybe Apple had seen one to many Duck Apps and decided to start pushing back.

Although I could not agree more that you need to create an engaging application that provides some kind of value proposition I’m left wondering what this means for the brochure or business card applications.

Does this change the ongoing debate that your business needs to have an iPhone App in much the same way that you need to have a website.  This was even a CES panel discussion topic last year.

The rule of thumb that I’ve been using is to leverage whatever platform you are building on. Even if you are developing a better iPhone flashlight try to use some of the features that make an iPhone an iPhone. Such as touch enable a few things, use some advanced scrollview tricks, or how using CoreAnimation to add that extra pop.

At the end of the day, no matter if you are building a brochure app or the next big iPhone game you need to engage your users and leave a memorable ( in a good way ) impression.

Got the next great iPhone App Idea?  Maybe you’re working on one or lucky enough to have made it to the App Store already.  Either way, how do you track where the market is going? 

I’ve been using the magic eight ball approach hitting the web trying to read as many reviews and rates as I could. 

Thank you MobileCrunch for your article on PositionApp.  This iPhone App aggregates all of the trend data for you and displays it back by country, category, and position.  You can even add favorites so you can watch what your app is doing.  The graphics are pretty outstanding for this kind of app. 

Best part, it is free for a limited time. Not sure what the limited time is so get it while you can. 

My only complaint is I wish this was available as a desktop application.  It is nice that I can view it on my iPhone anywhere, but if you are doing market research the 320 x 480 screen is alittle small.  Or maybe this is just another excuse to get an iPad.

You can download PositionApp from iTunes here [iTunes Link]

Need some inspiration?  Give “The Four Hour Workweek” a read.  This is required reading for anyone looking create a start-up or change what or how they approach life.

Tim Ferriss has an interesting take on how to focus on what's important in your life and offers techniques to be more effective.  In his book, The 4 Hour Workweek, he outlines his life strategy and discusses his success and failures.

This is a great book, I highly recommend that you get the book or audio book.  You can read a few sample chapters on his blog here.

He also was invited to speak at TED and has a great talk about how to “Smash fear, learn anything”.