Developers and iPhone 4 are killing the iPad

[chrono1081]

Thank you for this post. Very informative—you put things into perspective.

You're welcome

I hope it didn't scare any potential developers into thinking game development is only for the super rich since you can defray a lot of the costs such as:

Instead of Maya, use Blender.
Instead of Logic, use Garage Band.
Get rid of ZBrush and model only in blender...etc

However I can tell you from personal experience the cheap route is rarely the best route since certain software is designed to work specifically with each other and greatly speeds up the workflow (ZBrush -> Maya -> Photoshop -> Unity3D). Getting a game done fairly quickly that is of high quality is what to aim for.

Not to mention once you have the initial software and hardware costs out of the way it really only costs you time and upgrades.

 

[allmIne]

Aside from the rebuild resolution points above, it's probably worth noting that a whole genre of apps I find useful on the iPhone such as Linkedin, Tweetie, Facebook, &etc are pretty much redundant on the iPad simply because I now have a 9.7" browser. For me, it's unlikely I'd want iPad specific versions of web-based functions/sites simply because it's not difficult to use the browser to access the web in all its glory

The iPhone apps which provide an interface to web-based functionality are very useful because the device is small, and there's not a great requirement for an iPad version because the device is relatively big and extremely usable as a "net book" equivalent from that pov.

Informative post, thank you

 

[yyy]

Just wondering, what kind of apps are missing from the iPad app store? It seems to me like there are plenty of great apps in there.

 

[kernkraft]

I think many developers expected different specs and many worry that an upgrade will come soon with significant differences.

But as somebody pointed out, the main market is still the iPhone and just as importantly the iPod Touch.

The iPad has always been a difficult thing for me. I don't actually think that they will sell as many as they predicted.

 

[MattWylde]

Just wondering, what kind of apps are missing from the iPad app store? It seems to me like there are plenty of great apps in there.

Can you name an iPad ONLY app that you'd recommend to your friends that isn't a game? Netflix and Wired are the only ones that I can think of. All of the other apps are basically blown up versions of iPhone/iPod apps. Not exactly the experience many are hoping for.

 

[flyguy206]

The iPad is still very new only 3 months old.

 

[MattWylde]

There are many good, informative posts here. Thanks guys. It's good to understand things from the devs perspective.

 

[corriewf]

There are many good, informative posts here. Thanks guys. It's good to understand things from the devs perspective.

This is capitalism at it's finest. You would have to be stupid to only develop something for the iPad when you can make money on both devices.

 

[jeffy777]

Can you name an iPad ONLY app that you'd recommend to your friends that isn't a game? Netflix and Wired are the only ones that I can think of. All of the other apps are basically blown up versions of iPhone/iPod apps. Not exactly the experience many are hoping for.

Yes, many apps are blown up from the iPhone versions, but often that makes for a fantastic experience on the iPad, compared to a lackluster experience on the iPhone. For instance: Even though iBooks and Goodreader are not iPad ONLY, who really wants to read books and magazines on a tiny iPhone screen? Those apps are brilliant on the large iPad screen though.

 

[Consultant]

There are about 12500 iPad apps on the iTunes store. I think this is a great number, considering that the iPad is so new. I am sure that more and more great apps will come to the platform. One of my favorite apps has been submitted to the app store and is pending approval. Pocket Informant for the iPad is coming! I am sure this will be just one of many great apps to come.
When iOS 4 gets released for the iPad, then we will see even more great apps and games.

Exactly. Over 12,000 apps in 3 months.

The OP sounds impatient.

 

[lillianad]

Can you name an iPad ONLY app that you'd recommend to your friends that isn't a game? Netflix and Wired are the only ones that I can think of. All of the other apps are basically blown up versions of iPhone/iPod apps. Not exactly the experience many are hoping for.

I think Corkulous qualifies. Excellent app that takes advantage of the iPad screen size.