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Apple introduces iAd Gallery app four days late

by Erica Sadun Apr 5th 2011 at 5:30PM

When next someone asks you, "Hey, what is the top app I should put on my new iPhone? Can you recommend something that will be insanely useful, offer lots of long-term functionality and really show off my device?"

Consider how much you dislike this person. Then, if they really deserve it, recommend Apple's new iAd Gallery app.

This free application offers "Great ads. On-demand. In your pocket." The application allows users to view and interact with Apple's stable of paid advertisements, as if nothing less would be sufficient to demonstrate our complete lack of a life.

This app is really only appropriate for the most, uh, loyal Apple fan. Of course, it's also a way for Apple to potentially nudge/guilt hesitant iAd buyers into joining the club.

That's because iAd Gallery may help sell Apple's fledgling (and some say struggling) service to a broader market. What purpose does this app serve (other than to make people laugh out loud) if it's not to let advertisers review existing ads before dipping their own toes into the water? Sure, existing advertisers can see their ads playing on a real live iDevice, but that's not enough motivation to release a whole appful of them.

The advertisements in iAd Gallery do appear to be broader and more comprehensive than those you may encounter randomly in ad-supported free applications. This wider coverage may allow those potential advertisers to help plan their own campaigns.

Caution: iAd Gallery is rated 12+ for infrequent/mild alcohol, tobacco or drug use, or references.

[via Business Insider]



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When next someone asks you, "Hey, what is the top app I should put on my new iPhone? Can you recommend something that will be insanely...
 

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puttyapp

http://itunes.com/apps/puttyapps all the free apps have ads

April 11 2011 at 9:34 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Halloween07Sux

I'm not surprised they need an app to demo ad's "Apple" has most probably made. I mean charging six figures just to get involved with the iAd's campaign is absurd. The original idea was to display iAd's within app's, when tapped, would allow user's to view and even interact with said ad, then, when finished the user could close the ad and return back to the app where they left off. I hope the companies that paid are seeing a return on their investments to Apple.

April 08 2011 at 9:52 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
SinistarSA

It's cool to see what the iAds are all about without having to leave an app that I actually was in working. I looked at the "new" ones and think the Geico one is pretty well done. Anyone else have a favorite?

April 06 2011 at 11:36 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Chris Henry

I'm going to download this right now. I want to see what the Apple standard for advertising is, and then I want to learn how to build these Ads myself. Nothing wrong with this at all. It's no less useful to the average user than iFart 10 point whatever, despite the fact that it's clearly not aimed at the average user. I can't see this appearing in Apple staff picks or top free downloaded apps anytime soon, just the way it was intended.

April 06 2011 at 10:51 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Josh G

Just downloaded the app and it's great except for one thing. They don't have an in-app purchase option to remove ads! I mean, come on Apple!

April 05 2011 at 10:50 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
hmlong

Apple can build an entire app just to play iAds, but can't be bothered to do a simple set of free "toggle" apps that would let a user quickly and easily turn on and off WifFi, the Personal Hotspot, and Bluetooth?

What the heck?

Want to turn on Bluetooth on an iPhone?

1) Go Home
2) Launch Settings
3) Scroll down to General
4) Tap General
5) Tap Bluetooth
6) Slide switch
7) Go Home

Repeat all of the above to turn it off again.

vs

1) Go Home
2) Tap Toggle Bluetooth app

I'd do it, but Apple restricts access to the needed APIs. Come on Apple, make some toggle apps. Please?

[Queue the obligatory jailbreaking comments.]

April 05 2011 at 9:57 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to hmlong's comment
gormster

*Cue* the grammar and spelling nazis.

April 05 2011 at 11:34 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
adobephile

Part of the reason iAds haven't caught on as well as they could is most likely that it's hard to explain just what an iAd is--or could be.

Steve Jobs made an attempt to explain and demonstrate a couple in one of his keynotes, but mere words are inadequate to explain.

You have to experience the a whole array of iAds to really get the idea of how they work. This iAd gallery app gives the viewer a chance to do so, all in one place.

I think it's a great idea and can only help potential advertisers to both learn what others have done and to get ideas of what they could do.

April 05 2011 at 8:58 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
bjwanlund

Well, this is a perfect app IMO. I haven't picked up any iAd-compatible apps yet... this will be my first.

BJ

April 05 2011 at 6:48 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Facchinibr

Requires iOS 4.2.6. :(

April 05 2011 at 6:44 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
jackson.myers

It makes sense to have an app that demonstrates what iAds look like. Nothing wrong with that.

April 05 2011 at 5:42 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to jackson.myers's comment
Eric

That was my point at Engadget. This isn't for a typical iPhone user, it's for someone considering buying mobile advertising.

April 05 2011 at 5:55 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Buy an ad here

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