In any innovation competition, a cash prize is a sure incentive. And word on the Korean street is that local telco giant, KT telecom, is not only offering 130 million won (about $116,000), but also gadgets and gizmos like the IMac, iPhone and iPad to entice application developers to submit their best work for a competition.
But for those developers looking to get their crafty hands on the prize goods, here is a little word of advice – ditch that reliable marketing motto “sex sells” and place this mantra on your fridge door; “quality not quantity”.
Apple recently decided to slam the breaks on the production of hundreds of second-rate, tasteless apps, making a sharp U turn in favour of apps that add value to the user experience. How much value remains to be seen, but it’s a good start.
In the last month alone, Apple removed 5000 apps deemed to contain sexually explicit content.
Of course, with Apple’s over 185,000 apps, removing a few dodgy ones is but a drop in the deep app ocean, and the Cupertino, CA firm still manages to create the illusion of wide and seemingly unending consumer choice, even if most of the other apps on offer are of little interest or use to the average Jo.
It makes no difference, because apps are a persuasive marketing tool for Apple, and keeps the firm at the forefront of the smartphone game, well ahead of the likes of Google’s Android, Microsoft’s Windows mobile, RIM, Nokia and others.
However, with the numbers game won, “there’s no need for Apple to have bigger numbers on its side as compared to quality applications” said Scott Schwarzhoff, vice president of marketing at Appcelerator. Indeed, if Apple really wants to innovate, the firm should be throwing its weight behind quality, meaningful apps.
KT has taken this to heart and is making its point clear to competition entrants. The contest will run from mid April until July 30th.
May the best quality apps win. Please.
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Carolyn Green, freelance contributor to RCR Unplugged, is a born and bred Scottish lass from the city of Glasgow. With a passion for travel and exploration, she currently finds herself in South Korea, rubbing elbows with the Korean locals in Daegu.
