Skype for iPhone not coming to Canada
Posted by Sep Seyedi in Canadian News on March 31st, 2009
This is definitely bad news!! That’s right, Skype for iPhone is NOT coming to Canada. According to Chaim Haas, a public relations representative acting on behalf of Skype, it’s going to be released in every country except for Canada. It’s still unclear as to why it’s not being released here and whether the CRTC is interfering.
This really needs to change! Canadians deserve to be able to use this application over WiFi in order to save costs - especially long distance charges. I really don’t see a reason why it’s not being permitted in Canada. Does it have anything to do with it not being able to connect to our 911 service? I am not sure but if it is the case - it’s just an application. Your main phone application on the iPhone is not being replaced and would still work and would allow you to make your emergency calls. Furthermore, could they not detect anyone dialing 911 and pass it through to the iPhone application? This is certainly doable using the iPhone SDK and the docs are right here.
I don’t get it… if anyone has a good explanation or knows why this it’s not being permitted here please do let us know and leave us a comment here on the Plastic Mobile Agency iPhone Corner. I just hope that it’s just a delay!!
This just in: Skype is coming to the iPhone
Posted by Melody Adhami in iPhone Application on March 30th, 2009
Speculations and rumors have been flying around for months and finally the news is confirmed and is set to be announced on Tuesday at the 2009 CTIA event. That is correct folks, Skype is coming to the iPhone. The details can be found in the Wall Street Journal and the summary is as follows:
- The way it will work is that the calls will be enable for use with Wi-Fi networks and calling over the 3G network will not be enabled
- Voice calling is free to other Skype users
- Any call made to a land-line will cost 2.1 cents per minute
- The application is a native iPhone app and will be available for the iPhone and iPod touch.
- You will see SkypeIn, SkypeOut and skype Chat
Although many new exciting features will be available, there will be some enjoyed features that will not be on the iPhone and may come in the next version. Setting up a conference calling group, purchasing SkypeOut credit directly, file transferring, Skype voice mail and being able to field a second incoming Skype call are some examples of missing features.
Plastic Mobile Agency will be at the CTIA this week and we are looking forward to the full details of this news. Check back during the event which takes place April 1-3 for the event updates.
Plastic Mobile Agency’s take on native iPhone apps Vs. web apps
Posted by Melody Adhami in iPhone Application on March 30th, 2009
We all know that that you can’t have a conversation about iPhones and not mention iPhone applications but we can’t help but wonder if there is a benefit to native application vs. web applications. Our view is that there are benefits to both native and web apps and we have listed them below:
Native Application benefits:
- Distribution channel through the iPhone application store
- The application can run faster
- Richer animation and games can better be done with native apps
- There is access to GPS unit and accelerometer which are pretty cool features
- Loading time is not as long
Web application benefits:
- Cross platform as you can support multiple browsers so your handset reach can be much greater
- Build process may be less challenging as experience in web development is much greater than iPhone development
- Barrier to entry is much lower as there is no need to download the application
- No need for the users to upgrade the applications as there is no downloading
The best way to determine which suits your needs is to really focus on understanding your target audience the use of the application. If your application is a game and you really need the rich graphics and downloading is not a barrier as most gamers are accustomed to downloading then a native application is probably best. If you are a news agency and your users are vast, your target audience does not have a narrow age range or a specific technical capability level, it would probably be best to go with mobile web. Your biggest challenge with the web app would be your distribution model as there is not a specific location to find your application. You would need to put forth a great effort to drive people to your web app through online, print and other such forms of marketing.
We, Plastic Mobile Agency, often find that an analysis of the desired application against the business requirements and target audience is the best way to determine which path to follow.
Facebook Connect is now available for your iPhone
Posted by Melody Adhami in Facebook Connect on March 30th, 2009
It sounds like its big news, you can connect your Facebook users to your iPhone, but what does this really mean and how is it useful?
So here is the deal. If you are a developer or a marketer looking to develop or improve your current application, you can now do the following:
- Users will be able to connect their Facebook account and information with your iPhone app
- Users can connect and share experiences with friends who also use your iPhone app
- Share user information and actions on your iPhone app with friends on Facebook
So in other words, you application can take advantage of the vast network that Facebook has created and essentially you can circulate your application like wildflowers
I can already see game developers and gaming companies going crazy about this feature and link. Imagine you download a racing application that allows you to find your friends that are online and on their iPhones and race your friends. Better yet gossip about the best dressed Oscar nominee with all your friends on the mobile during the live event.
The possibilities and benefits of facebook connect seem limitless and only time can tell how far we take this capability. One thing that is for certain is that, if used in the right fashion and targets the right audience; the benefits will undoubtedly be enjoyed.
Top 10 must have iPhone apps
Posted by Melody Adhami in iPhone Application on March 29th, 2009
Since I feel that one of the most prominent features of the iPhone is the ability for developers to develop native applications, I am going to start my blog with the must have apps available in the iPhone App store or on iTunes. Although I have not had the chance to go through them all and since the list of applications is constantly changing, this is really the most up to date and extensive that I have been able to come up with. Also, I live in Canada so the applications that I see and have access to may be different from others.
Facebook - Facebook is a classic and others don’t really likes to think this application should be in the top 10 but I think credit should be awarded to them because of both its success and the ease it gives users in updating and browsing through this application.
Shazam- I am sure everyone has been listening to that song they love and somehow they NEED to know what it’s called and who the artist is. Shazam does just that and then gives you other options such as finding it on iTunes. The best part of the application is that it works even in the faintest conditions.
Twinkle- With Twitter going through its massive adoption, everyone is looking for a way to update their twitter via their iPhone. Twinkle allows you to do that. The great part of owning an iPhone is that you can update your twitter from your mobile through applications and you don’t need to pay for text message.
Remote- This application allows you to control iTunes on your desktop through your iPhone. It may seem so simple but have a party, carry your iPhone and over WIFI control your music through iTunes.
Ocarina- This was one a kind when it was first released. Ocarina allows you the ability to
Motion X Poker-This is one of the better poker applications and uses some of the very cool features such as the accelerometer.
Sketches- This is an old concept brought to the new mobile channel-good old drawing. This app allows you to sketch on your iPhone or even on photos that you have taken on your iPhone.
Google Earth- I don’t think much needs to be said about this app other than Google has done it again. This application is the iPhone version of Google earth and the application speaks for it self. If you haven’t seen it…go download it.
iSteam- This is a completely useless application but I found it so amusing that it need to get mentioned. The application is launched with a screen that looks as though it is covered with steam. You can then proceed to use your fingers to draw into the steam. Once you are done drawing or all the steam has been removed, you can blow into the microphone and the graphical steam will once again form on your iPhone. Very fun and imaginative!
Urbanspoon-This is one of the first few apps that I remember seeing on the iPhone and it serves it purpose. The application detects your location (city) and then lets you search or randomly find a restaurant near by. We are in Toronto and the list seems pretty comprehensive. If anyone else in different cities has a different experience with it, we would love to know.
It seems that as time progresses, the applications become far more sophisticated and the functionality becomes far advanced. The great thing is that we are now seeing marketers starting to realize the power of iPhone applications and companies like Coke, Audi, Chanel, Ralph Lauren are using this new channel as a way to reach their customers.
-Melody Adhami
Our iPhone blog is up and running
Posted by Melody Adhami in iPhone Blog on March 29th, 2009
As part of our service to our clients and to keep an update of everything that is going on in the iPhone space, we are starting a Blog that focuses on the iPhone, iPhone applications, updates and anything else that impacts iPhone users, iPhone developers, mobile media, brand and product marketers and anyone else who’s work or play revolves around the iPhone.
Our goal with www.plasticmobileagency.com blog is to provide iPhone specific updates however we also see a great importance in truly understanding and providing updates on the mobile industry in general. Our blog located on the Plastic Mobile Agency Website provides a well rounded story of the mobile industry including upcoming conferences and events throughout the world.