Filed under: Software, Internet, iPhone, App Store
PromoAppCode hopes to be one-stop shop for iPhone promo codes
It's no secret that the current methods of trying out iPhone applications before purchase is very cumbersome. While Apple has bestowed the ability for developers to issue promo codes, there is still the matter of taking the time to actually track down those codes for applications that you want to try.The folks at TickleSpace Inc. hope to make this process a bit easier by providing a place where developers can directly connect with potential customers and give them those promo codes. PromoAppCode.com recently opened its doors to developers, and TickleSpace hopes that the site will be an easier way for people to try out apps.
"With 10k+ apps in the store now, developers want more ways to get noticed and power users want more ways to find and get great apps," said TickleSpace's Amanuel Tewolde.
When you sign up for the forum, users can peruse the list of applications available in the forums and add the apps they want to try to a wish list. Developers can view user wish lists and send them the promo code directly, Tewolde said. Developers will also be able to keep track of the codes they've issued and who has listed their apps on their wish list. They would also be able to communicate directly with those users for feedback, an incentive for developers to try the site, Tewolde said
As of Monday night, there was several pages of applications available. I added one to my wish list and we'll see what happens in the next few days. It's an interesting idea, and definitely one method of getting promo codes out to a willing group of testers. However, there's still some limitations - mainly the Apple-imposed ones. Developers only give away 50 codes per application version, and demand can quickly exceed available codes. What do you think of this method of distributing promo codes? What other methods do you think would work? Let us know in the comments!
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
David B Turetsky said 11:17AM on 12-09-2008
I tried the URL, but got a 404. Is it live?
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Megan Lavey said 11:33AM on 12-09-2008
Do the URL without the www. I updated the post as well. It worked with the "www" last night, so they must still be tweaking it as well.
Dave Wood said 11:27AM on 12-09-2008
Sounds like a dumb idea. The point of the Promo Codes is so that developers can give media people, such as TUAW bloggers access to try the application without having to build ad hoc certs etc. Not so that people can try an app before they buy it. The Promo Codes are one time use and give the user the full app for free. Not a trial of the app that might then convert to a purchase.
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Puppy80 said 1:11PM on 12-09-2008
I think it's a good idea, it's a way for developers to get their apps out there to reviewers or the general public that might be interested in trying their app and submitting a review on that app to the app store.
Amanuel Tewolde said 2:04PM on 12-09-2008
Dave,
The 50 promo codes are nothing if will help a developer get more buzz and discussion around the app. The other thing we tried to do is have an easy way to track who you gave promo codes to so you can get valuable user feedback.
Cheers.
Josh said 11:33AM on 12-09-2008
Site 404s like David said.
And I agree with Dave, it's a stupid idea. The point of those codes is so reviewers don't have to pay for all the apps they review.
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Megan Lavey said 11:35AM on 12-09-2008
It just got fixed. Try the link again. Sorry about that!
Trevor said 2:21PM on 12-09-2008
Ilium Software used there blog to give out 10 promo app codes last week. I though that was pretty cool (even though I didn't spot it in time to get one).
http://blog.iliumsoft.com/?p=669
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