Attn: Developers Can Now Send Promo Copies Of Apps
December 3, 2008 by Ryan Ray
Big news as I woke up today. In fact this little tidbit, but significant new development, made me want to shriek like a little girl. Sort of like those girls that are at a Jonas Brothers concert…Imagine that coming out of me, a 21 year old man. Atleast I like to think of myself as a man. Times like that though make me wonder… Anyway enough of that! Here’s what’s happened today, Apple now allows developers to send promo copies of their apps to ANYONE. If you still don’t understand let me spell it out.
Fact: Apple now allows developers to send out promo copies of their applications to ANYONE
Response: Holy smokes! Are you serious?!
This comes as fantastic news to bloggers, and to the press. I’m so excited as this now makes it easier for the world of iPhone app reviews. Atleast cheaper as I’m not personally out of pocket buying apps to review, nor is the developer if they decide to send me an app to review. Before this welcomed change either I would buy an app that I felt worthy of review. Which in reality means I bought apps I personally wanted, because I didn’t want to buy an app I would never use or thought it was useless, etc… Or I would beg a developer to send me an iTunes gift card for the price of their app. The developer, not knowing me at all, had to trust I wouldn’t then take those 10 dollars they gave me and buy a CD I’ve wanted off of iTunes (Speaking of Jonas Brothers…)
Apparently there are some stipulations though that apply to these promo copies. The developer is limited to 50 promo codes, and they are only valid for four weeks after being generated. They do reset the counter though each time an update is released for the app. Also this feature is only available in the US iTunes store, hopefully coming to other stores as well. I don’t see any of this as a problem so far, but some developers don’t appreciate the 50 code limit. If you think about it some developers have insanely popular apps and can easily burn through 50 promo codes sending them to iPhone websites and the press. Also some developers have voiced their opinion in wanting a way to demo the iPhone app. Personally I’d love that ability as well. If Apple could scheme some way to release apps that would self implode on themselves after a set period of time. That then protects the developer from giving away totally “Free” copies of their app. They could just send bloggers a demo app that lasts for two weeks. That then gives the blogger two weeks to play with the app and review it before it conveniently deletes itself once it’s time is up.
With all of that said, I’d definitely love to take advantage of this new feature. If you want to send me an app then please do send a code to ME HERE. As a enticement I will even do video reviews for your app, hah. I love reviewing apps, as if you couldn’t tell, so send them my way. For you non developers out there, what are your thoughts on this news? Good or bad? As always thanks for stopping by and reading.
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