Appstories

Federico and John speak to actor David H. Lawrence XVII about his app Rehearsal Pro, which helps actors rehearse for parts, how understanding his audience has helped the app find a large following among professional actors, and how some of its more famous users have become its best marketing.

Ten years after Scott Forstall suggested web apps as a ‘sweet solution’ for would-be iPhone developers, Federico and John look at the state of non-native apps, the trade-offs inherent to them, and discuss examples of non-native apps they like, and a few they don’t.

Federico and John consider the effect on third-party apps of PDFKit, the system Markup extension, changes to Notes, and password AutoFill for apps.

Apple announced a redesigned App Store for iOS 11 at WWDC. Federico and John take a look at the upcoming changes, the challenges Apple will face producing original content about apps, and consider what it will mean for users and developers.

John and Federico consider the pros and cons of competing with, and what it takes to succeed against, Apple’s free, built-in system apps and highlight some of their favorite alternatives.

Federico and John interview Adriaan de Jongh, the co-creator of the hit iOS and PC game Hidden Folks about the creation and design of the game, its unique sound design, gaming on mobile, and an exclusive look at what’s next for Hidden Folks.

Federico and John cover more app pricing models including tip jars, patronage, fan clubs, bundles, and in-app merchandise sales.

Federico and John interview Brian Mueller, the creator of the CARROT series of apps, about how he got started, the origins of CARROT, a corgi with a top hat and monocle, and his new CARROT game, Artificial Superintelligence.

How app subscriptions work, the pros and cons for consumers and developers, and examples of apps using creative subscription models.

Federico and John talk about the iTunes Affiliate Program and its importance for app discovery and independent curation with Kevin MacLeod of AfterPad. The episode was recorded before Apple’s clarification of changes to the program.

Federico and John interview Jean MacDonald and Grey Osten, the co-founders of App Camp for Girls – an organization that helps middle-school age girls get started with app development.

Federico and John discuss setting up a new iOS device, whether they do a clean install with new iOS releases, the first apps they install, and tips and tricks to make the process easier.

Federico and John introduce AppStories, talk about apps that made a difference in their lives, and highlight apps that have caught their attention recently.