Thursday, August 22, 2013

Software : Over a third of BlackBerry's 120,000 apps are made by a single developer

Software : Over a third of BlackBerry's 120,000 apps are made by a single developer

Over a third of BlackBerry's 120,000 apps are made by a single developer

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Over a third of BlackBerry's 120,000 apps are made by a single developer

Earlier this year BlackBerry CEO Thorsten Heins touted a much-improved 120,000 apps in the App World store. What he failed to mention was that one single developer accounts for far more than his fair share.

According to a Berryreview.com report, developer S4bb has an incredible 47,000-plus applications residing within the company's understocked app portal.

The report also pointed out that, barring the first 20 or 30 submissions, S4bb's apps for BB10 and other versions of the OS, aren't really of a quality worthy a ringing endorsement from BlackBerry's CEO.

There's countless city guides, lock apps, audiobooks, phrasebooks, while there are a host of RSS feeds presented as basic applications. There's also the obligatory flatulence noise simulation app. Lovely.

Taking advantage

BlackBerry has been desperately trying to encourage developers to embrace its new platform, as it seeks to reel in Android, iOS and even Windows Phone.

It has been offering $100 (around UK£60, AU$111) per approved app, while top notch offerings can scoop up to $10,000 (about UK£6,385, AU$11,139) for when they're submitted to the app world

It appears one developer has figured out a way to take advantage that benefits neither BlackBerry, beyond the number boasts, or its users. Apparently, S4bb is not not the only one either.

BlackBerry spokesman Adam Emery said: "Developers in all app stores employ a number of different monetization tactics. BlackBerry World is an open market for developers and we let market forces dictate the success or failure of these tactics."

Hangouts turn handy: Google Helpouts to offer video chats with experts

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Hangouts turn handy: Google Helpouts to offer video chats with experts

Google has officially announced the rumoured Helpouts video chat service, which will put users in contact with an expert whenever they require help with problems or answers to a myriad of earthly questions.

The new Helpouts service, which will be powered by Google Hangouts, will provide assistance in a number of categories, with Home & Garden, Computer & Electronics, Cooking & Education, Health & Counseling, Nutrition & Fitness, Fashion & Beauty and Art & Music listed at present.

Experts providing knowledge will be able to charge - although the option is there to pass on their sage advice for free - with Google taking a 20% cut for matching up the helper and the helpee.

Share your passion

Those who make use of the service, which is currently in testing and not live to the public, can choose to pay by the minute or by the session and will be entitled to a refund if they feel the session didn't match their expectations.

In a post on its newly-live Helpout site, Google explained: "Ever wanted to share cooking recipes, speak a new language, or provide health tips? Helpouts allows you to share your passion, expertise and more through live video, right from your computer or mobile device!

"If you're a professional or an expert in a particular area, share your knowledge with people who want to learn from you by giving a Helpout. Scheduling is simple and handled right from Helpouts. You can allow customers to schedule a session based on your availability. Since Helpouts are hosted via Hangouts video calls, you're not tied to an office and you can connect with people around the world."

However, the Helpouts experts can't be any old know-all who thinks they can solve the mysteries of time and space after a few chardonnays. Google will require would-be helpers to provide proof of their knowledge through certificates, training and experience in the field.

Those interesting in registering for the platform can sign up to be informed when it goes live at the Helpouts homepage.

Android gamers now outspending Sony PS Vita and Nintendo 3DS counterparts

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Android gamers now outspending Sony PS Vita and Nintendo 3DS counterparts

Android smartphone and tablet owners are now spending more on games than is being outlaid on software for the Nintendo 3DS and Sony PS Vita consoles combined, according to a new report.

In more bad news for Sony, and especially Nintendo, spending on games on the Google Play has increased while revenue from games for dedicated handheld consoles has gone in the other direction.

Perhaps even more worrying for the console makers were the findings that the majority of Google Play spending took place in the Asia/Pacific market, including Japan, which is home to both Sony and Ninty.

Way out ahead of everyone is Apple, according to the quarterly AppAnnie and IDC Portable Gaming Report, underlining iOS' position as the dominant handheld gaming platform.

Continued shift

In a post on its site, AppAnnie wrote: "In this Q2 2013 report, we offer insights into the continued shift of consumer spending from gaming-optimized handhelds to mobile devices."

The news comes as Sony looks to give the PS Vita a new lease of life, by repurposing it as a companion device for the forthcoming PS4 console, as well as cutting the price to $199 and €199 in Europe (around £170, AU$219)

It is also marketing the device as a home for indie developers to easily self publish their wares and have secured a host of exclusive titles.

Will these moves improve the PS Vita's chances of a life less ordinary? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
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