IT Story

Apple debuts AppStore.com vanity URLs

It looks like iOS developers can now use AppStore.com URLs for advertising.

Creating easy-to-read short links to the App Store for your apps and company

You can also create easy-to-read links to your app using App Store Short Links, which use the AppStore.com base URL plus a specific form of your app or company name. This provides a simple way for users to find your apps on the App Store directly from your website or marketing campaigns. These short links are ideal for use in offline communications materials like print ads, TV spots, app trailers, radio ads and billboards.

The domain(Appstore.com/StarTrekApp) appeared on the Super bowl ad of Star Trek movie.

Apple Debuts New AppStore.com Vanity URLs For Developers During Super Bowl

AppStore.com links are not configurable, and the URL could be the company name(e.g., http://appstore.com/milkdrops/) or the app name(e.g., http://appstore.com/beentogether)

IT Story

iOS + Android = 92% of Smartphones

Strategy Analytics estimates that 92% of global smartphone shipments in 2012 Q4 were iOS or Android.

  • Android share : 51%(2011) -> 70%(2012)
  • iOS share : 23.6%(2011) -> 22%(2012)

iOS’ market share has declined slightly, but the number of shipment units is grown.

  • Android shipments : 80.6 million(2011) -> 152.1 million(2012)
  • iOS shipments : 37 million(2011) -> 47.8 million(2012)

It seems like the duopoly of iOS + Android is getting stronger.

Android + iOS Grabbed 92% Of Global Smartphone Shipments In Q4 2012 — Android “Undisputed Volume Leader”, Says Analyst

The worldwide smartphone industry has effectively become a duopoly as consumer demand has polarized around mass-market Android models and premium Apple designs

However, many challengers including Microsoft, RIM, Firefox, Ubuntu are preparing for the new smartphone OS war, and it would be interesting to see how it goes.

Android, Been Together

How to add a widget on the Home screen

[2013/11/17 Updated] Widget is disabled when you move the app to the SD card.

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Apps have no control on adding/removing widgets on the home screen.

The reason is simple. If any app can add a widget on the home screen programmatically, the home screen can easily be a mess.

So, the user should add the widget by himself, and it is simple.

1. Open App Drawer
1. Open App Drawer
2. Go to Widget list, select the widget and hold it on until the home screen appears
2. Go to Widget list, select the widget and hold it on until the home screen appears
3. Place the widget on the home screen
3. Place the widget on the home screen

 

Alternative way to add a widget on home screen.

Add Widget
1. There are several ways to add a widget and it could be slightly different by which Home screen launcher you are using. Tap on a blank space on the home screen and hold your finger there (long press) until the menu appears. Also, there could be a ‘+’ button or press the ‘Menu’ button and select ‘Add’ menu.

 

 

Find WIdget
2. Go to the ‘Widgets’ menu and find the widget you want to add from the list. You can layout it on the home screen.

 

 

Widget done
3. Finish!

 

IT Story

Android Is Popular Because It’s Cheap, Not Because It’s Good

Android Is Popular Because It’s Cheap, Not Because It’s Good

The last study conducted by the Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project shows that Android is the chosen smartphone of people without money. Among respondents, 22-percent of those with annual incomes below $30,000 were Android owners, as opposed to just 12 percent for iPhone. With those towards the lower-middle class, the trend holds: Android owns 23-percent of incomes up to $50,000, with iPhones at 18. The data makes it clear: the less money you have, the more likely you are to opt for an Android phone over something more expensive.

Android is for carriers and phone makers, not to provide the best experience for customers.

BeenTogether