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by Lotaris

In-app purchasing is set to become the dominant source of revenue for apps, ahead of revenue for paid-for apps and advertising, according to a new report by Gartner. The report predicts that in-app purchasing will increase from $4.5 billion (17.2% of all app revenue) in 2013 to $36.8 billion (48.2%) by 2017. Distimo’s research indicates that in-app purchasing revenue already accounts for 76% of iPhone app revenues in the US.

The dominance of the Apple App Stores and Google Play Store, together accounting for about 70-85% of app store revenues, and the benefits of launching in multiple stores, is described in the blog post “The Future of Alternative App Stores” of 3 September.

We believe that the biggest barrier to developers launching their apps or games in multiple stores and platforms is the complexity in each store (with unique policies, functionalities and APIs) and the additional effort in preparing their apps for each store.

Our advice to developers who are considering launching their app on more than one store is to build the in-app purchasing functions of the app (such as the business models, virtual goods catalogue management, checkout and merchant of record)  to be as store independent as possible. The in-app purchasing functionality provided by each store is easy to use but very specific to that store, arguably creating the greatest store stickiness. Fortunately, there are tools available to provide developers with the in-app purchasing functionality independently of stores, whilst working within store policies.

The Business Model is the 1st element of in-app purchasing, which can be provided independently of stores. Stores typically provide subscription, freemium, fixed period and perpetual models. In fact the developer could have even greater business model flexibility, if the store business model mechanism is not used. How about free trials, usage-based models, and more varied subscription models such as opt-in and opt-out?

Virtual Item Catalog Management is the 2nd element of in-app purchasing, and can also be provided independently of stores. In “The Perils of In-App Billing” blog post of 30 May by Simon Slee explains how the virtual goods management functionality of stores is tightly coupled to the store, and advising developers to look for solutions that help them manage their digital catalogue billing across a wide variety of stores.

Checkout is the 3rd element, and refers to payment for the in-app purchases. This is where store policies vary from being totally closed to store independent checkout, such as the Apple App Stores and Amazon app store, to totally open, such as the Opera Mobile Store, Windows Store and Windows Phone Store, and those that allow it in certain cases, such as the Google Play Store which allows store independent checkout for digital content that may be used outside of the app.The ideal tool would provide the flexibility to the developer to specify store checkout or store independent checkout, depending on the store and its policies.

Merchant of Record is the 4th element, which means that the store will be the actual seller, taking responsibility for the settlement of sales and other taxes in each country, such as the Apple App Stores, Amazon app store and Samsung Apps, whilst others do not, such as the Google Play Store. Some stores provide this functionality in a very limited list of countries, such as the Windows Store and Windows Phone Store.

In summary, in-app purchasing can be largely managed independently of the stores, the main touchpoint with the stores being the store checkout, which is mandatory in some cases.

LotarisLotaris in-appCommerce is a developer tool which aims to reduce complexity for developers across platforms and ecosystems by providing an independent in-app purchasing service through a single API (also reducing the learning, implementation, test and maintenance overhead for developers). in-appCommerce provides independent business models, virtual item catalogue management, checkout and a merchant of record service.  Developers have a single console to centrally configure and view analytics and settlement reports for their app across platforms and stores. The tool supports Android, Windows and Windows Phone, and Lotaris is now working towards iOS and HTML5 support.

in-appCommerce currently supports store independent checkout, such as for the Google Play Store (in certain circumstances),various 3rd Party android app stores, Windows Store and Windows Phone Store. As of next month, it will support store checkout, starting with the Google Play Store. The store checkout feature will provide checkout options and guidance to the developer based on each store and its policies.  For more information: http://www.lotaris.com/overview

Lotaris is the leading independent in-app commerce provider monetizing apps and reducing complexity for developers across platforms and ecosystems. Lotaris developed its commerce platform over the past few years to service its large enterprise ISV customers, but is now making it generally available to all developers through its comprehensive Lotaris® in-appCommerce service.  

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Any act of construction is no easy task. It takes incredibly talented engineers, months of planning and preparation, and the perfect set of tools. Several years ago, two of the most important and necessary tools that you could possibly have were a pen and a book of paper. Today, however, the pen and paper duo has been replaced by digital technology. There are now mobile apps for every area of construction that not only accomplish what the old tools could, but the tools of today can do much, much more. Many of them can also be easily downloaded from the Google Play store directly to your Android device. Most commonly, property developers will need to make sketches of all types. Here are three apps that will help you do just that.

Rilievo

When you are on the job, you do not want to have to carry around several notebooks just so that you will have a sketch out of each one of them. This app offers a solution to that problem: digital storage. All you need is your Android phone. Rilievo is a beautiful app that allows you to instantly sketch any layout you need for a project. Its simple interface, as well as the ability to take a screenshot of your design, makes the app a joy to use. You also can – depending on your quality of vision – edit the size of the in-app text to your preference. All you have to do is download, open, and tap away! The app is only $3.74, and it is definitely worth it with its rating of 4.6!

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=it.studioundici.rilievo&feature=search_result

AutoCAD 360

From the makers of the incredibly popular desktop software comes the mobile version: AutoCAD

 360. The first thing to notice about this app is that it has a great 4.3 rating, and it is absolutely free! Yes, that is right: the mobile version of the desktop software, which costs thousands of dollars, is totally free. With the mobile version available from Google Play on Android devices, you have the ability to open 2D and 3D drawings uploaded to your free AutoCAD account online, use the GPS on your phone to move around your 3D model, create new models, and much, much more. The creators of AutoCAD also offer upgrade packages starting at $4.99 a month for AutoCAD Pro, and they offer AutoCAD Pro Plus for $99.99 per year.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.autodesk.autocadws&feature=search_result

Lets Construct Suite

Lets Construct Suite is an app designed specifically for the quintessential, professional developer. This app is full of construction-specific calculators. Do you need to know what load a certain beam of steel can support? This app has got you covered. Along with several other calculators, it also has other apps built in to quickly test simple constructions, such as Frame Design, Weld Design, Beam Design, and many more. It will show you exactly how certain designs will handle certain pressures and much more. It has received an average review of 4.3 stars and accordingly has an $8.99 price tag. It is a great app no matter what project and should definitely be tucked into every professional’s pocket.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=dakopro.dakosoftware.nl&feature=search_result

Featured images:
  •  License: Image author owned
  •  License: Image author owned
  •  License: Image author owned

The author of this post, Jenny Wadlow, is a part of the team at Ultra, a company that specializes in property development approvals. She likes to indulge in yoga and pilates to stay fit. Follow her on Twitter @JennyWadlow.

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From Samsung:

Dear Seller
Thank you for using Samsung Apps Seller Office; we deeply appreciate your support for our service.We would like to inform you of some changes to the Terms and Conditions of Samsung Apps Seller Office. Please read the revised Terms and Conditions, as they could affect how you use the service.

The details are as follows:
1. Terms and Conditions to be affected: Terms and Conditions of the Samsung Apps Seller Office
2. Revisions

 

Categories

Before revision

After revision

1. Your use of our Services

 By using the Services, you can make content and other software applications (“Applications”) produced by you available to customers. We use two different business models when licensing your Applications to customers. In the countries listed in section 19.10(a) (“Commissionaire Countries”), we licence our customers directly. In the countries listed in section 19.10(b) (“Agency Countries”), you will licence the customers. In both cases, Samsung or its designee (being a Samsung affiliate or a third party) will collect the revenues (if any) arising out of the transaction. By using the Services, you can make content and other software applications (“Applications”) produced by you available to customers. We use two different business models when licensing your Applications to customers. Those countries listed in Section 19.10(a) shall be referred to as the Commissionaire Countries (“Commissionaire Countries”). In the countries listed in section 19.10(b) (“Agency Countries”), you will licence the customers. In both cases, Samsung or its designee (being a Samsung affiliate or a third party) will collect the revenues (if any) arising out of the transaction.

6. Revenue Share and Tax

 6.1
(a) VAT or other sales taxes in cases where Samsung licences customers directly		 6.1
(a) VAT or other sales taxes in cases where you distribute your Contents in the Commissionaire Countries using our Services
3. View Full Text of Terms and Conditions
* Terms and Conditions : View
If you do not explicitly express your refusal of the changed Terms and Conditions by the date of effect, or if you use the service after the Terms and Conditions are changed, you will be deemed to have agreed to the changed Terms and Conditions.
If you do not agree to the changed Terms and Conditions, your privileges in using “STORE” could be restricted or suspended.

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From Samsung:

Dear Seller
Thank you for using Samsung Apps Seller Office; we deeply appreciate your support for our service.The changes detailed below will be introduced as part of our ongoing commitment to service improvement.
 Effective from
– September 12 (THU)
 Major changes
1. Addition of GroupPlay to Device Recommendation Items
– GroupPlay has been added to the Auto Detection Items for Android.
– Auto Detection Item for Android : API, App ID(Package Name), Version Code, Version Name, Telephony Only (Call/SMS), VoIP, NFC, Faketouch, GroupPlay
2. Notification regarding service suspension of support for Internet Explorer 7
– Some of the functions may not work properly in Internet Explorer 7 or lower version browsers, and those browsers will no longer be supported.
– Samsung Apps Seller Office is optimized for Internet Explorer 8, Internet Explorer 9, and Chrome.
– If you normally have Compatibility View enabled in Internet Explorer 8 or Internet Explorer 9 browser, you must disable Compatibility View in order to use the service properly.

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As one of the fastest growing economies in the world for the last two decades and a population of 90 million, Vietnam is seen as one of the most promising places for investors and entrepreneurs alike. With almost 70% of the country´s population aging between 15 and 64, the country has up to 60 million potential clients for any industry and service, of course including mobile.

Looking at all the opportunities, I dare to say that mobile developers will be surprised especially by the current growth of the smartphone market. According to a recent Flurry report, Vietnam is the 2nd fastest growing smartphone market by active devices, beaten only by Columbia. It has shown a growth rate of 266% (01/2013, YoY).  China in comparison, thought to be know as the largest smartphone market, no longer leads the world in growth. In January this year, it reached 209%, ranking the 6th largest in the world

Vietnam has more than 130 million mobile phone subscribers and about than 35 million mobile users, out of which, more than 6 million are using smartphones. The country is hungry for connectivity, communication and modernization. The market is expected to have 3.5 million additional smartphones in this year.

Android market growth (Source: Flurry)

With such impressive figures, of course, the behaviors of Vietnamese smartphone users are interesting to have a quick look at:

  • There are 6 million smartphones in Vietnam, 70% run on Android, 20% on iOS. The remaining are RIM and Windows Phones.
  • Top 5 activities in internet mobile phone: reading news (82%), searching site (67%), instant messaging (48%), social network (35%), listening to music (35%) .
  • The numbers of users accessing the internet by mobile phone increased sharply since 2010 by 26.3%. There are more than 15 million people accessing the internet via mobiles, which stands for 48%  of total internet users in the country.
  • 57% users access to internet by Wifi .
  • There are almost 2 million tablets in Vietnam’s market, most of them run on Android and tablet market is booming, too.

Vietapps free logoAdditionally, the most important user behavior from my perspective that should be taken into consideration by any mobile developer who wants to go into Vietnam market is that Vietnamese users have the tendency to hack/ jailbreak their phones. Free is the very important criterion since the country is still poor with a GDP per capita just slightly above $1,500.

So how does this potential in growth apply to a mobile developers business? 

From my own personal experience of running “Vietapps Free”, a free app that provides Vietnamese users every day a free app in English and in Vietnamese, I have some pieces of advice that I would like to share with devs who want to go into the market:

Business model: As mentioned previously, paid-apps might work in the Vietnam market, but free-app would be better as almost everyone hacks their phones. So, the business model is the very first thing that developers should think over. An example for this kind of business model is We Chat, the Chinese communication app, which was (!!!) very popular in Vietnam. The app was launched “free” and advertising was the preferred model. The very first step of this app was to build a massive user base, than it could apply ads as it had done in China. However, since there are some recent conflicts between China and Vietnam, Vietnamese have changed from using this app in place of others.

In the case of Vietapps Free, the business model and the idea behind it is the model of “app recommends other apps” like “Free app a day”. To make it more attractive to Vietnamese users, the app recommends both selective, high-quality apps in two languages: Vietnamese and English every day.

Localization: It is needless to say that localization plays a huge role in the success rate of an app. The market of Vietnam is booming faster and faster and is hungry for high-quality apps. However, the local developers still do not seem to be able to build very high-quality apps because of lacking initial investment as well as experience. So, many “global apps” could gain a great deal of users in Vietnam by localizing their apps, even with just translation their apps description into Vietnamese. In Google Play publisher console, developers can do this by “adding translations” in their descriptions and localize other meta data i.e. screenshots and videos. It would make the app more user-friendly, and cover more keywords in the local market.

Google Play localization

With the app Vietapps Free, our team tried to localize the app as much as possible, thus make the app meaningful and more friendly for Vietnamese users. The main colors of the apps are yellow and red with a big yellow star in the icon because of the national flag colors, which make Vietnamese users think that this app is Vietnamese app at the very beginning. Additionally, the number of the app recommended in “Vietapps Free” are limited by number 9 as this number is considered the largest, meaning “lucky” in Vietnamese culture.

Distribution: Google Play and Apple Store are, of course, the primary app stores in VN, but there are others too which have a local audience and reach. Two famous app stores in Vietnam are download.com.vn and appstore.vn. The former is the store for all kind of software and mobile apps and links back to Google Play or the Apple App Store. The latter is the biggest local store for hacked phones. Users can download many paid-apps to their tablets and smartphones for free. However, this app store distributes only Android and iOS apps.

Another thing that developers should consider, is to distribute via alternative app stores. In addition to the local stores, it will help an app to reach Vietnamese users outside Vietnam. However, to publish an app to many app stores simultaneously is not an easy thing. Each store has different requirements and standards regarding the account setup, the meta data required and the reportings provided. In case of “Vietapps Free”, our team looked for both local app stores as well as international ones. Thanks to CondeNgo, a very friendly and easy service to manage uploading apps to 20+ app stores all over the world. With more than 4 million Vietnamese living abroad, who integrate more and more with the local culture and economy, alternative app stores will be distribution channels to approach this community.

Anh Hoang Duc works for Stefan Bielau Consulting: “I hope that my own experiences help you somehow to have an overview of some ideas to consider to come into the Vietnam market. If you have any question or comment, feel free to share them with me: hoangducanh89@gmail.com.”

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The “ber” months are here, and this is a sure sign that Christmas is just around the corner. As early as now, you’re probably planning when you’re going to do a general home cleaning. This project can be quite challenging, especially if you’re going to do the job on your own. But nowadays, even if you don’t have anyone else to help you out, you can somewhat rely on certain phone apps to assist you as you plan your cleaning project. By using these applications, you can better organize the work that needs to be done.

cleaning supplies

1. Useful Cleaning Tips ($0.99)

This app offers how-tos and general cleaning tips that you can use if you encounter common problems, like a blocked drain or stained tiles. There are comprehensive details about how to clean and organize kitchens, bathrooms, clothes, and even leather items. Recommending or sharing the provided tips is made easy because you can do this through Facebook or Twitter, or share helpful info with your contacts too. This is compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch.

2. Clean Freak Cleaning Schedule ($0.99)

Again, this is compatible with Apple devices, and it’s a great help for busy moms who certainly have a lot on their minds. The application helps you in itemizing and scheduling your chores so that you won’t feel overwhelmed by everything that you have to do. The Clean Freak has a rotating checklist that shows you when a certain task was last done. This way, you’ll know when you need to clean, say, the bathroom, kitchen or bedroom again. The app also makes it easy for you to add and delete tasks or move them or change their rotation.

3. Good Housekeeping @Home (Free)

Good Housekeeping is one of the most well-known and trusted names in home management, and with their app, valuable tips from this reliable brand become readily available to you whenever you need them. Using your iPhones or iPads, just flick your fingers for helpful info about common stain or cleaning problems. Also, feel inspired by the home decoration ideas that the app offers.

4. Green Shine ($2.99)

Green Shine offers great eco-friendly tips to those who want to keep their homes sparkling clean without using harsh chemicals. For instance, instead of using artificial compounds to clean your leather couch, the app will suggest that you use linseed oil and white vinegar. There are easy-to-do recipes and comprehensive instructions for cleaning. You’ll also find info about how to get rid of stains and how to deal with other more challenging clean up issues. Because you’ll be using natural substances to clean, the app is really helpful if you have kids at home or if you’re pregnant. This app, which you can get through iTunes, can aid in keeping you and your family safe from common yet dangerous cleaning chemicals.

5. Rumgr (Free)

Available on iTunes, this is a great app for anyone who needs to get rid of clutter. Using this application, you can readily put used items that you no longer need on sale. So, instead of staging a garage sale, you do the selling online, which is a more convenient and time-saving approach. Take pictures of items that you want to put on sale and price them. Use Rumgr to promote these through social networking sites, like Twitter and Facebook, or you can create a preferred list of friends to whom you want to sell your things to.

Citations:
Featured images:

Claire Flint is a full-time freelancer and a stay-at-home mom who has an avid interest in home management. She blogs about her experiences and discusses issues about storage, CleanSweep Services, Inc. services, and interior decoration as well.

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From Samsung

Join “Trusted Seller Program”, NOW!!!
Most of developers agree that the best way to get fast testing result is through self testing before submitting application to store. We got that! And that’s why we just started “Trusted Seller Program”.
After passing 10 consecutive new applications, you will be the member of the Trusted Seller Program.
 – New applications only, not including applications having the same framework just by changing passive content, like font, theme, eBook, or series applications.
 – It is mandatory condition to submit “Self checklist” for applying the “Trusted Seller Program.
(http://developer.samsung.com/distribute/app-certification/self-check-list)
What is offered by the program?
The application will be distributed within ONE day if it complies with the condition.
You are welcome to also forward this invitation to interested colleagues of yours.

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Ever since the $1.9 billion purchase of 91.com in July by Baidu, many people who hadn’t paid much attention to app stores outside of iTunes and Google Play have all of a sudden taken notice. Since the health of the alternate app store ecosystem is an area near and dear to us, we felt it to be a good time to speak to and where we see things heading in the future.  Why are these stores important to developers? What role do they play? How should publishers position themselves for the future with alternate stores?

First, many people ask why these alternate stores even exist. We often hear “why would anyone use anything other than iTunes or Google Play?” Depending on who you ask iTunes and Google Play account for 70-85% of the non-Chinese app download market. Furthermore, with no Google Play store in China, the largest consumer market in the world is dominated by alternate Android app stores.  So we believe the right question for a developer to ask is “Do you want access to the other 15-30% of the market that the big 2 don’t own?”

Alternate App Store

Alternate stores exist for a number of different reasons. Some, like carrier and OEM stores, are legacy stores from the pre-iPhone days. Others like Amazon Appstore are innovating and taking advantage of key competencies that they have over incumbent stores. Yandex and Baidu’s stores are strategically positioned to help their parent companies compete against Google. Still others are social networks where users share and comment on apps. The reasons for being are quite varied but what they all share is a desire for great content to offer their users.

This week Google announced that they would no longer allow 3rd party in-app payment processors in the Play store for the majority of digital goods purchased through apps in the store. We believe that this change, along with new in-app commerce technology enabling multiple payment providers to be included in a single billing SDK like that being offered by Lotaris, have the potential to fundamentally shift the landscape for alternate app stores. The Google Play changes will force payment providers who either depend on mobile or want to get into mobile to find new outlets for their developers’ apps to be distributed and they’re likely to invest heavily for that business. Secondly, if Lotaris is successful or Yandex with their open source in-app billing initiative is successful, then it will open up new revenue streams for many app stores. Most stores make money by selling feature placement. In-app billing is a potentially more profitable revenue stream and would likely lead to new innovations, more customer acquisition efforts and more stores opening up. This is good for stores, good for publishers and will ultimately be good for consumers.

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From Samsung:

Dear Seller
Thank you for using Samsung Apps Seller Office; we deeply appreciate your support for our service.The changes detailed below will be introduced as part of our ongoing commitment to service improvement.
 Effective from
 – Thursday 29th August, 2013
 Major changes

1.

 Input Video ID for YouTube URL
 – Standard YouTube URLs have the following format: ‘http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=(video ID)’, where the video ID consists of 11 alphanumeric characters.
 – The changes will allow you to enter a YouTube video ID to register or edit a new application.

2.

 Addition of PayPal as payment account
Now you can receive your payment via PayPal!
Change your payment method from wire transfer to PayPal by the end of this month, and get a $20 gift card that you can use buying contents on Samsung Apps and Samsung Hub.
 – In addition to the bank transfer method, PayPal will be added to the methods of R/S payment for seller.
 – We would like to encourage you to use the service as you can reduce the transfer fee when you use PayPal.
 – New commercial members: select PayPal as payment method
Existing commercial members: My Profile> Edit Profile > Change payment account to PayPal
However, in countries where PayPal is not available as a transaction method, payment options may be limited. After we make the payment, PayPal is responsible for processing it transferring to you.

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From Google Play

Making Google Play a great community for users is an important part of helping build a successful platform for you as a developer to distribute your apps. From time to time, we update our content policies as part of an ongoing effort to provide a secure and consistent experience for users. We strive to maintain clear guidelines for you as developers, to help us grow this platform and engage with those users.

This email is to notify you that we’ve made some changes to our policies; here are some highlights:

  • Streamlined the ads policy, with guidance on interstitial ad behavior, and a new “System Interference” provision, which prohibits ads in system notifications or home screen icons, and requires user consent when an app changes specified settings on a device
  • A revised hate speech policy that provides more comprehensive coverage, while recognizing Google Play’s role as a platform for free expression
  • Clarification that the gambling policy extends to all games that offer cash or other prizes; that virtual goods and currency in games are subject to the payment processor policy, that incentives should not be provided to users to rate an app; that artificially inflating an app’s install count is prohibited, and that the Google Play Program Policy applies to all developer information or content made available on the Store.

Please review the Google Play Developer Program Policy to see all the changes and make sure your app complies with our updated policies.

Any apps or updates published after this notification are immediately subject to the latest version of the Program Policy. If you find any existing apps in your catalog that don’t comply, we ask you to fix and republish the application within 30 calendar days of receiving this email. After this period, existing applications discovered to be in violation may be subject to warning or removal from Google Play.

We recognize that some developers will need to change their app and advertising practices to comply with the revised policy, but we believe these changes will help ensure all users and developers can maintain confidence in the standard of apps available on Google Play. Our aim is to foster a high standard of app behavior, so you will be able to take advantage of Google Play as a successful platform to distribute your apps and continue to grow your business.

Regards,
Google Play Team