With CES going on this week we were expecting some great things in the world of technology. Some we expected, some we've yet to hear about and some came out of nowhere.
What we expected: 3D GIANT televisions, new tablets, and lots of smart phones.
We are also obviously very excited about the new addition of the Mac app store. After huge success with the iOS app store (iPad, iPhone, iPod), Apple has launched the Mac app store. It has a similar purpose, but sells apps for the Mac, price points are in line with the mobile store, but slightly higher due to the more robust nature of Mac apps versus iOS apps. This has potential to change the way most software is distributed (hard forms of product, versus software download and retail/indy release versus Apple releasing). To get more information straight from the source check out
Apple's website. To find out more from the tech side, check
this out.
What we weren't expecting was more competition in the Andriod app market. The Android app store (Market) has not been as successful as the iOS app store. The Android Market has an image of containing lower quality apps as they have no approval process in the Android market, any developer can add an app to the store. In somewhat of a surprise release, Amazon has decided to introduce it's own Android app store. The Amazon app store would operate more like the Apple app store. All apps will be submitted for approval before their addition into the app store. Amazon will handle all billing and will pay developers a cut based on sales. Read more
here.
We're happy to see some competition in the Android market as we are hoping to start developing for those platforms as well. We're always looking for new challenges and ideas and Amazon has now provided us with what looks to be a more organized platform for selling apps.
Also unexpected, a joint release from Polaroid and
Lady Gaga(NSFW video). They have glasses that take pictures and video as well as a bluetooth printer you can use to print pictures from your cell phone.
Read about it.
What we did not hear from CES: no iPhone for Verizon, yet. All in due time. We will patiently wait on your announcement Steve Jobs.