Despite Apple’s current closed stance, leading Windows Mobile software publishers are very keen on developing for iPhone
If you’ve used a phone or PDA that runs Windows Mobile, you’d probably agree that one of (or the) best thing about it is the enormous range of applications available. Just about anything at all you want to do on your device, there’s an app (or usually more than one) that does it. And that is obviously THE big missing piece of the puzzle for a lot of us on the iPhone so far.
So I was curious about what some of the leading publishers of software for Windows Mobile are thinking and planning in terms of developing for the iPhone, and decided to talk to a handful of blue-chip companies. This was not a formal survey or a very large one; just a quick chat with a handful of leading publishers who produce titles in a range of areas, such as games, PIM programs, digital wallets, and lots more, and who provide a good ‘pulse’ on these topics.
And I’ve been pleasantly surprised to find that most of them are very keen on producing applications for iPhone. Some even have projects in the works already!
Read on for more details and some great quotes on iPhone dev plans …
Here are some of the thoughts of the software publishers I spoke with. The quotes that are not attributed are from those who preferred to remain anonymous for now.
On Apple Opening Up & Producing an SDK:
"I think that the “Apple Approved” idea is the most likely way that software could be offered for the iPhone/iTouch. …"
"At some point I’m sure they will provide an SDK and get a development program in place, but it could take a while, so I wouldn’t expect to see it in the very near future. As ever with Apple, a surprise could be just round the corner!" – Howard Tomlinson, CEO of Astraware
"I think eventually they’ll make client-sdks available to developers looking to create applications running on the iPhone. Perhaps not for this first release, but for its next "update".
"As for an SDK, we don’t expect that and aren’t planning on it. The sad reality, and something that has been true for a very long time, is that only a small percentage of consumers even KNOW that they can install software on their devices. Of the ones who do realize this, only a small percentage of them install and use more than a couple of applications beyond those that come on the device. Looking at it from this perspective I just don’t see any motivation for Apple to offer an SDK. At best, I can see them opening it up to development by major brands (EA, Nintendo, Adobe, etc.) but I don’t see any advantage for them in trying to support an SDK for “everyone” and deal with the inevitable problems that poorly written titles can cause.”
On Whether They Have Plans to Port Apps / Produce Apps for iPhone
" …if Apple provides us with a method of getting onto the device, even if it requires some manner of certification, we would certainly be interested in that and would work for it."
"Once there’s a business model in place for iPhone games, I’m sure that many of our titles will be considered for porting." – Howard Tomlinson, CEO of Astraware
"We are closely monitoring the happenings around the iPhone to understand whether it could become an opportunity for us as a venue to make our titles, and possibly new titles, available to users."
"I can definitely say that this is a new exciting device and once Apple will have it opened for third party applications this is an option we will be exploring."
" … if Apple came out with an SDK we’d put everything into it." – Alex Kac, CEO of WebIS (makers of Pocket Informant, FlexWallet, and VoiceMinder)
On Current Plans for the iPhone
“We think the iPhone, and the iTouch along with it, represent an important entry into the PDA/Smartphone market. These are devices that appeal to both the mass market and traditional PDA users. While they have their limitations, the reality is that they do 99% of what the typical consumer wants to do with their PDA, and do it in a way that is so elegant and simple that it sets it well apart from anything else on the market. So yes, we are absolutely exploring how we can offer our products to iPhone/iTouch users.
"The new iPhone platform definitely seems exciting and opens up some great new opportunities but at this stage we still don’t have any specific plans for iPhone development. The main reason is the lack of official support from Apple’s side …"
" … we might have something iPhone users could use and enjoy right in the iPhone’s web browser relatively soon."
Finally, from Alex Kac at WebIS again:
"Yes, we are working on something right now, Web 2.0 wise."
And … when I asked Alex whether their Web 2.0 offering would be in an area that we already associate with WebIS, the answer was Yes. That’s good news, as WebIS’ programs are always top notch.
So there you go. Not surprising that these publishers would be paying lots of attention to the iPhone platform, as the iPhone sales figures continue to impress, but nonetheless very nice to see that there is real enthusiasm and even some plans already in the works!
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