Jeff Keacher:
Reviving an old computer is like restoring a classic car: there’s a thrill from bringing the ancient into the modern world. So it was with my first “real” computer, my Mac Plus, when I decided to bring it forward three decades and introduce it to the modern web.
In 2040, will people try to connect 27-year-old iPads to the web?
Dan Counsell:
An app’s name, and the keywords it uses are some of the biggest influencers in search results; all the research I’ve done suggests that the download volume acts as a multiplier on the name and keyword match. For example, If two apps have the same keyword (and rating), the app with the most downloads will come out on top — I’ve experienced this first hand with Clear for iPhone & Clear+ for iOS.
These are some good tips by Dan for third-party developers. I think the bigger theme is that the App Store is now so large, apps have to be treated like websites for a search engine with optimization tricks. This also explains why so many developers run regular promotions or agree to “free app of the week” initiatives (either official or not) – download numbers matter for long-term survival.
I’m a big fan of Kirby Ferguson’s old Everything Is A Remix series and I can’t wait to see what he’s been working on. This case study on the iPhone does a good job at pointing out how the iPhone was really a revolution and what happened after it.
The second update for Evernote’s line of products makes life easier for Mac owners who are working on Retina displays. Skitch has been updated with an option that can turn off hi-res images, which halves the DPI and makes the image easier to send over mediums like email. Cleverly, Skitch will still retain the original image size client-side, syncing the full version with your Evernote account.
Grab the Skitch update from the Mac App Store.
In the first of two updates, Evernote for iPhone and iPad got a nice update yesterday that mainly benefits premium members. Premium members can now scan in an unlimited number of business cards that are converted into editable contact notes, which can be further updated with info from your LinkedIn account or address book contacts. Presentation Mode lets you present your notes as full screen presentations over AirPlay. Non-paying members can add 5 business cards and try Presentation Mode for 14-day days. Lastly, they’ve made a change to the quick note function, letting you choose whether ideas get siphoned into your business notes instead of a personal notebook.
Check out the App Store listing for all the relevant update info, and check out premium plans here.
If you’ve ever wanted to automate an action based on your location, now’s your chance to improve your quality of life through IFTTT on the iPhone. Android devices have had the ability to trigger various functions thanks to apps like Tasker and Microsoft’s own on{x} (if that’s still a thing), but IFTTT’s bringing location-based automation to the iPhone. Chris, our deals guy, found this particularly great recipe if you’ve ever wanted your iPhone to play superhero theme music as you arrived at a location. Combine that with flashy lights and… well you get the idea.
We’ve written about IFTTT before, and you can download it on the App Store for free if you want to try it yourself.
Maybe it’s too early to start thinking of New Year’s resolutions, but Kevin Rose (an investor) tweeted that FitStar now has an iPhone app. As far as fitness apps go, this looks nice. FitStar 2.0 is redesigned for iOS 7, has programs that don’t require any workout equipment, and has courses tailored to getting you to your desired level of fit, whether it’s losing weight, adding tone, or building muscle. A one-year premium membership is also only $29.99 for a limited time, making it much more affordable than a gym membership. Check out FitStar, their programs, and pricing here.
Also worth mentioning: Fitocracy. Fitocracy has some neat ideas around community, gamifying workouts, and also offers various programs from fitness trainers.
Ken Yeung on The Next Web provides the rundown on Square’s new Connect API for merchants.
With the new API, merchants are able to retrieve activity reports for their processed payments, refunds and deposits. Square says that what it will not provide is the ability to accept payments — it’s only for reporting purposes. It’s also limited to pulling data from a single account, so no market research capabilities are available.
The Connect API is strictly for merchants who want to keep tabs on their sales, but it’s nice to have nonetheless if you’re selling products using Square readers or online via the Square Market.
This week, free of British tyranny, Federico and Stephen discuss iBeacons, Feedly, Federico’s friends and Stephen’s new business idea.
A discussion about tortellini, my friends’ iPhones, and business ventures in the same episode? Find out how here.
