Looking over the dozens of photo apps I've got on my iPhone, I think it's time to give app creators a bit of advice.
1. If you want to charge me for an app, charge me and DON'T give me a 'free' app that opens up asking me to upgrade before I've even had a chance to try it.
2. Look at other apps and please don't duplicate features that are generally available in a zillion other apps.
3. Please don't give me an app that creates black and white images and call it worthy of being. It isn't.
4. Folks who like "retro" or "lomo" or "holga" effects probably aren't interested in your creating an app that emulates what they do. Their whole reason for being is to do things the old fashioned...darkroom way.
5. Provide clear instructions. Looking over some apps I haven't used in a while makes me wonder how to do anything with them.
6. Make something I'd love to say WOW over, even if you have to charge a little more for it.
7. Make it easy to get an image into Facebook, Twitter, and Flickr.
8. If the app description isn't going to be in English, provide a warning before I download it. I have nothing against foreign language apps, but I don't like finding out after I've paid for it.
Hope this helps...a little.
Anybody have anything to add on the subject?
Re: 8 Tips for iPhone Photo App Makers
I have to disagree with your inclusion of number 4!
The emulation of such "lo-fi" effects appears to be very popular. Although I'm tiring of seeing entire photos galleries with the same effects applied to all images, the whole aesthetic of lo-fi is appealing to novices and seasoned hobbyists as well.
I like having the _option_ of using these effects, but personally, I prefer to use effects from several apps on each of my images.
Re: 8 Tips for iPhone Photo App Makers
Happy to see that folks actually are reading the blog. :)
I figured that some folks would object to that. I understand that some want those features. I'm just getting tired of every app offering basically the same features.
I think that many developers
I think that many developers need more than these 8 tips. I am checking the "recent release" section in the photo category (App Store) everyday and there so many trash apps... looks like people are making them just cuz they are bored. If you ask me about the tips, I would ad: Make navigation simple and the interface attractive and don't overpromise. You see so many apps that promise way more than they actually give:))))
Re: I think that many developers
I check into the App store everyday as well. Actually, I'm getting bored with what is offered. Either the Apps look like they have little or no merit or they duplicate what other Apps already do. :(