The Android marketplace is getting big — there is no questioning that. Part of what makes mobile app stores successful is quantity — but it’s definitely not everything. In fact, when the ratio of bad apps outweighs that of good, it can actually hurt.
Instead of making tools that encourage people to create crappy meow apps, give developers better tools to build great apps. Compared to iPhone, and even Windows Phone 7, it’s a nightmare making applications that look and feel half decent — developers struggle making good stuff on Android.
Not only that, developers in countries like Canada and Australia are on the verge of boycotting Android due to the fact that you can’t charge for your apps once you’ve made them. If devs can’t make money, they aren’t going waste their time. What do you think of Google’s new tool?
New Google Release Could Change Everything. Will it? Chris Crum | Staff Writer
What if Creating a Mobile App Were as Simple as Creating a Web Page?
This week, Google released a new Google Labs project - App Inventor for Android. The product is designed to let anybody (as in non-developers) create Android Apps. This could go one of several ways. It could fade away into the graveyard of Google Labs projects that never became full-fledged products, it could get a handful of users, or it could change the web, the mobile industry, and user interaction with both very significantly.
Would you create your own mobile apps if you didn't need developer skills to do so? Let us know.
It's a simple concept, with enormous implications (even for non-Android users). The introduction of App Inventor has provoked a great deal of discussion around the web and with good reason. The product basically puts app creation into the hands of everyone (though you will still have to learn how to use App Inventor itself, as Jason Kincaid points out. Think Dreameaver for apps.) Businesses will be able to create apps on the fly. Consumers could be able to create apps that cater to their personal preferences, and therefore make their devices more useful. "To use App Inventor, you do not need to be a developer," says Google. "App Inventor requires NO programming knowledge. This is because instead of writing code, you visually design the way the app looks and use blocks to specify the app's behavior."
Simplification often leads to wider adoption. Look at what blogging platforms did for online content creation. Look at what Twitter is doing for news consumption (essentially what RSS has been doing for years). If people have a simple way to create apps quickly that can be used by users of any Android device, they are probably going to take advantage, and those apps will get users, and inspiremore app creation.
Too Many Bad Apps?
Users ultimately decide what apps to put on their phones. It's not like using the web. Your Android device is not going to be spammed with so-called bad apps. Android is an operating system, not the web. You don't use Android like you use the web, you use the apps themselves that you decide to use like you use the web.
Personalization
Still, bad apps are going to exist regardless. In a discussion about this on our Facebook Page, a fan called these garbage apps. However, what one person might consider garbage, someone else might love. One person's garbage may even be garbage to everyone, except for the creator and one other person, but if that garbage can deliver a useful and personalized experience for these two people (or perhapsbetween these two people, doesn't that make Android all the more useful? Especially when you consider that there may be thousands of these two (or more)-person scenarios? That's personalization. You don't have to use my app but it's perfect for me or for me and my friend to use. You can have your own. In this respect, it's not much different than creating a web page.
Innovation
If an infinite number of people have access to app creation, how can that not inspire innovation? Even if there are tons and tons of "garbage" apps as I'm sure there will be (yes, there will be plenty that aren't even useful to the people who created them), there will also be some that are useful, popular, and possibly even revolutionary. This is a chance for people with great ideas (that may lack in developer skills) to shine.
Maybe these apps won't be as sophisticated as those created by the real developers, but maybe they will encourage the developers to make better versions. MG Siegler made a great point in that maybe App Inventor gets non-developers messing around with app creation and they become more interested, actually learn the skills and make their own app ideas more sophisticated and innovative. This is About More Than Just Android
It's hard to say whether Google's competitors in the mobile space will follow the precedent Google is setting here, but there's no question that they have to take notice. Even if they don't all immediately jump on it, some may. The more that jump on the bandwagon, the harder it's going to be for others to stay off. For example, let's say down the line, Android, BlackBerry, and Microsoft offer products that follow this concept of simplified app creation. They're going to not only have the ability for users to create their own apps, they'll potentially have a much greater amount of apps for users to access than other competitors like Apple.
We're just speculating on the future here, but you can see the potential this has for the mobile industry, which is already growing significantly in terms of users, which means your business is going to have to pay more and more attention to reaching mobile users.
Is App Inventor a potential game-changer? Do you like the idea of anybody being able to create their own mobile apps? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Real Estate Institute of Victoria recorded 528 reported Auctions with 68% of these properties sold. At the corresponding period this time last year only 293 transactions were recorded. The Auction clearance has improved for the second consecutive weeks for now. Overall it has demonstrated the strength and sophistication of the Melbourne Property market. Despite a large number of properties on the market, well priced properties, in line with market demand and expectation sell.
However it is undeniable the market is “off” the boil” and bidding at Auction is less combative.
The Reserve Bank’s (RBA) decision last week to leave the official cash rate on hold for the second month in a row came as no surprise, although experts are divided on what comes next. A news.com.au article said economists have warned the RBA will begin tightening rates again soon. Conversely, an AAP article said that economists believe the central bank is less likely to raise the cash rate in the short term. Their report came on the back of news that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) expects the economy to grow at a solid clip this year and next, but has warned that downside risks to world growth have intensified. A separate AAP article said that the unemployment rate was steady in June at 5.1%, increasing the likelihood of a hike in the cash rate by the end of 2010, perhaps as early as August.
Global uncertainty is continuing to unsettle the financial markets and only time will tell how the property market will be impacted going forward. At the current moment, Australian Economy is holding strong with strong job numbers reported in all sectors Australian wide.
At the current moment, demand is still strong for well priced properties. The demand is broad based, both from Local and overseas demand (those with the requisite Temporary Residence Status).
Supply continues to be limited with new building application numbers coming down significantly in the first Quarter.
With the supply and demand equation currently favouring vendors and the future as always uncertain, we encourage potential vendors to seize upon the current strong selling condition.
This week we invite you to preview
·69 Thompsons Road Bulleen (via service road) high side, inspection 12.30pm
·Backyard for the kids
A wonderful elevated position on approx 727sqm and well built home makes a great combination here for now and the future. Renovated just 3 years ago, the home offers a quality layout with spacious lounge, separate dining room, large kitchen/meals area and 3 bedrooms plus polished hardwood floors. The kids will love the huge backyard and you can even sit and watch over them from the covered porch at the rear. The property's future potential comes in with its redevelopment possibilities where you could explore the options of subdividing to add another home at the rear or demolishing the existing home and building 2 new residences (Subject To Council Approval in both cases). The one feature that makes the property very attractive is the location not far from the Thompson Road Eastern Freeway interchange. With shops also very close by and easy access to the city and bayside beaches, it's very convenient.
Are you searching for the ideal home, which ticks the boxes for family living, but you're also in search for a residence that has the mod cons and space for entertaining? You'll also want it to be close to schools, parks and shops as well? Bingo! Here it is. A corner street position with 3 robed bedrooms upstairs and a study/ 4th bedroom downstairs, rumpus, a brand new kitchen with the trimmings one can only dream of including: luxury stone bench tops, stainless steel appliances, lavish parquetry flooring and loads of storage space. The kitchen isn't the only new addition to the home. New fencing and a 3000 litre water tank outdoors, plus new carpets in the living rooms and bedrooms. The powder room downstairs is handy for guests with 2 more bathrooms and toilets upstairs. There are also many extras including a double remote garage, evaporative cooling and ducted heating, plus its handy location will impress the most fastidious of buyers.
·2 Scott Place Templestowe
A complete transformation has brought this home to a level which can only be described as outstanding... with endless features and a court location, just one look and you'll fall in love. Sleek, appealing and instantly engaging, there are 4 robed bedrooms including 2 with private ensuites and 2 further bathrooms and a luxurious spa bath to ease away the stress of a hard day. The glistening polished floors lead you through the lounge and dining room into the meals/family room and the sleek gourmet kitchen fully equipped with impressive stainless steel appliances and crisp, earthy tones. To add to the WOW factor, the large main bedroom with parents retreat and separate study is a sanctuary in itself; a perfect escape from the rest of the household. The sun room is a perfect place to enjoy your breakfast, overlooking the beautifully manicured gardens with serene water features. There are so many more luxury features, including a triple garage, evaporative cooling, ducted heating, security alarm and outdoor entertaining space.
·Unit 1 & 2, 4 Romford Court Doncaster East
Under construction and due for completion soon, these 2 units offer 2 sensational ways of living. While both feature 3 bedrooms over the 2-storey layout, one unit has the main bedroom on the entry level for those not wanting to climb too many stairs. You'll also enjoy fabulous living spaces including a lounge and living area in one and spacious living area in the other, stunning designer kitchen finished in brilliant gloss featuring stainless steel and stone, study, internal access from the double garage and numerous prestige extras that will make the environment pleasurable all year round. As well as potential stamp duty savings, the other feature that's sure to appeal is the location that puts many services including shops, schools, buses and parks within a few turns.
Single level 4 bedrooms only 3 years old in the exclusive Sanctuary Lakes Golf Course Precinct.
·Tristania Street Doncaster East
Single level 4 bedrooms, lounge, dining, family room, sun room, new bathroom, new kitchen, single lock up garage and 3 cars lock up car port. Doncaster East Secondary College School zone.
·Attention Builders, plan and permit ready to go
·111 Willow Bend Bulleen
·75 The Grange Templestowe
·52 Clay Drive Doncaster
·Attention Builder, 27 Paula Crescent Doncaster East, Private Sale
932 Sqm of land with a single level 4 bedrooms house. Potential to build 3 units.
·Doncaster East Melway 34B10
Single level 4 bedrooms in the Doncaster East School Zone
·Templestowe Melway 34C8
Double storey 5 bedrooms house on a compact block (smart block), only 3 years old.
·Doncaster East Melway 34C10
Single level 4 bedrooms in the Doncaster East School Zone
·Doncaster East Melway 48D1
Double level 3 bedrooms plus open study in the Doncaster East School Zone and close to Tunstall Squares
·Donvale Melway 48F2
Double storey 3 plus study, 7-8 years old appx, close to transport, park and Freeway Entrance.
In developing your AdWords PPC campaigns, it's very helpful to develop a Unique Selling Proposition, or USP. The USP may be used repetitively in your AdWords ads to help improve click through rates.
Your must first start by answering these four issues:
1. Why should I read or listen to you? 2. Why would I believe what you have to say? 3. Why should I do concerning what you're presenting? 4. Why I ought to act at this moment?
As you may notice, these are powerful standards for what to incorporate in your Google ad and on your web site when visitors stop by. Find the correct answers, and you've taken your marketing and made it that much more powerful.
We've all crashed on our faces trying to be everything to everyone. You can't make everyone happy. If your purpose is shadowy and your good judgment of individuality ambiguous, it confuses your regulars and robs you of time and vigor.
You cannot discuss USP without mentioning the Domino's Pizza USP:
This isn't a new concept now, but in the early days of Domino's, it most definitely was. A multi-billion campaign was built from this very unique, simple declaration of value.
Just look at what a focused USP does in the rearrangement of everyday Domino's staff:
Fresh. They don't have to keep ice-boxes full of ready to go items. They keep all of the needed fixings on hand, along with sufficient staff to deliver the sales. And the food doesn't even have to taste appealing.
Hot. They keep a orderly timed agenda, putting the loaded pizzas into the oven in time with orders that come in. They keep the suited containers on hand and the delivery guys make sure the hot freshly made pizzas are well packed.
Pizza. No spaghetti. No lasagna. No fine wines. Nothing else.
Delivered. This isn't a dine in setting. No wait-staff or extra busboys, no added tables or chairs.
In thirty minutes or less. Everyone just moves faster.
Guaranteed. When the purchaser hears this, he sits up in anticipation. And the supervisor has monetary motivation to keep the operation heartrending.
When you have this communication defined and focused, it will unshackle you. You become the consultant. People ask to you solve difficulties that you're not geared to deal with, and you simply refer them elsewhere. Nobody expects you to be skillful on anything more than your one function.
You can possibly expand into extra areas, and many businesses have many USPs. Every item in a business should have a separate USP. But in each case, it needs to be common, and it requirements be very clear.
Remember a good USP will fit in any AdWords PPC Campaign or at slightest the most important part of it will.
When the notorious "Queen of Mean" Leona Helmsley died and left $12 million to her dog Trouble - trouble indeed ensued. Her surviving family, left distraught and penniless, were not pleased.
But regardless of Helmsley's reasons, it does pose an interesting question. Our Will should reflect our will. So, why can't we just leave what we want to whom we want? Unfortunately, it is a bit more complicated.
Who can challenge my Will?
It doesn't matter who you are - your Will can be challenged. But only by certain people. Potential challengers can only come from 5 types of relationships:
Your parents
Your spouse
Your children (adopted children but not children born from sperm or egg donation)
Your grandchildren
Anyone that you are 'maintaining' (but not in all States).
Who is your spouse? It's not as simple as it sounds. Of course, the person you are married to is your spouse. But the 'spousal level' also includes your de-facto. In some States, it also includes your gay partner. The government now allows for such bigamy. You owe spousal obligations to your wife, de-facto and gay partner - all at the same time.
How do I stop people from challenging my Will?
Sadly, you can't stop anyone from challenging your Will. You're dead, so I guess you can't really do anything anyway. If the challenger falls within any of the categories above, then they have a right to challenge. Nothing you can do can take away this right. For example, you can't say, "I give $20,000 to Bertie White, but if she challenges my Will then the gift is void." That's the Court's job to decide, not yours.
What is the silver lining? Just because someone can challenge your Will, doesn't mean that they are successful.
How do I stop people from vulturing my money?
Instruct a specialist lawyer to prepare your Will.
The benefit? Your Will is explained by a lawyer. It's not like you bought some $20 penny-dreadful Will kit from the Post Office and signed it blindly. Your lawyer keeps contemporaneous file notes about what you say. Your lawyer explains the effect of your Will before you sign it. This is about the strongest indicator that you can give the Court.
Where required, Brett Davies Lawyers, drafts a 'considered person' clause into your Will. It shows the Court that you haven't merely 'forgotten' about the person you decided to disinherit. It's a non-offensive clause that confirms that you have considered your obligation to the person and have decided that they should not receive anything further from you. Some people want to put in the gory details such as infidelity. While perhaps an enjoyable read to the public, it's not a good idea to put in any reason why you've disinherited them. Why? Well, once your executors lodge the Will to get a Grant of Probate, it becomes a public document. Anyone can see it -including Ms Busybody next door. There is no reason to air your dirty laundry.
I want to leave it all to my dogs
You can't just leave money to an animal. You need your Will to set up a trust for the benefit of your pet. You would appoint someone that you trust as the appointor and trustee of the trust. That person can only use the money for the benefit, happiness and upkeep of your pet.
What do caffeine-addled footy players watch when they're waiting for the Valium to kick in? What enables harried mums to get fractious babies to slip into slumberland?
MasterChef.
Wait, wait, wait. I'm not talking about the regular program - the five-nights-a-week phenomenon uniting families around the glowing hearth.
I mean the Friday night "Masterclass" variant of MasterChef, where contestants stand around learning the finer points of rhubarb crumble and snail porridge.
I love cooking and I proudly count myself among the millions of Australians who enjoy watching other enthusiastic foodies being challenged and tested and ritually humiliated over a hot stove on a nightly basis - but after an hour of Friday night Masterbore, I felt like I'd been on a drip of pure Colombian chamomile tea.
With the slightest effort I could have slipped into a Zen trance and begun levitating off the sofa.
I had a desperate desire to change the channel to see if Lateline was on yet, but all my muscles had begun to atrophy and my core temperature had dropped below the level necessary to sustain life.
As waves of dialogue lapped the edges of my consciousness, all I could do was stop my eyeballs from rolling back into my head.
"Can I use soy milk in this recipe?" asked contestant Jimmy Seervai, looking concerned on behalf of the hordes suffering silently through dairy-intolerant hell.
"George," asked Adam Liaw thoughtfully, "not everyone's got a cappuccino machine at home, so can you get a similar aeration of that anglaise and milk mixture in a bain-marie or something if you're whisking hard enough?"
Mmm-mm-mm.
The producers were trying their best to introduce an element of drama, with slashes of aspirational bong-bong-bong music.
"The Chinese believe the number eight brings fortune," said judge George Calombaris in an avuncular tone. "You're the top eight amateur cooks in this country, battling it out."
Chef Gary Mehigan murmured, "I love vanilla", as a steaming pan of milk twinkled his eyelashes with tiny dew-droplets. "You can see why they use vanilla in perfumes, because it's such a beautiful, beautiful smell."
Oh, sorry, did you say something? I must have nodded off.
Where's the drama? Why is nobody crying? Won't someone pick up that meat-cleaver and fling it at the wall?
You may wonder why I submitted myself to the snooze-fest.
It was because, after last week's shock-horror reaction to the eviction of the people's princess, favourite contestant Marion Grasby, I thought it was worth examining the master stock that creates this incredible program.
The Friday night version is MasterChef in the raw, bringing together masters and apprentices to teach and learn.
Sorry, but it's just not ever going to fly as prime-time television.
The Friday night style of collaborative, beard-stroking hugathon is warm and cosy, but it's not going to make any money for the producers or the broadcasters.
It certainly won't drag in the viewers, the syndication deals or the product-placement squillions, which ensure we all understand the importance of extra-thirsty kitchen towels for messy kitchen spills.
And this is the whole point of MasterChef - a point worth remembering when you're enraged about how stagey and made up it is.
If you strip away the confected melodrama, the pseudo danger and tantric tension, the show isn't really much fun at all. And that's why MasterChef's essential elements are the dramatic music and the brutal evictions, the crazy two-minute challenges and the sprinting back and forth with flaming pans.
They're all essential to the recipe.
Like it or not, they're the reason you enjoy Masterchef.
So why do viewers get so angry when someone like Marion gets punted?
Look at the show from a cold business perspective and the strategy's pretty obvious: build someone up as a favourite, promote her chances as heavily as possible, ensure she remains involved until at least the crucial final weeks, and then drop her like a soggy profiterole.
Brilliant! More page one photographs, more hits on the website - it's all good news. Unless, of course, you happen to be the unfortunate Marion, or one of the remaining candidates, such as Aaron, who claims he's afraid to leave his own front door lest he's ambushed by some crazed fan wearing a chorizo-spattered tracksuit.
It might be tagged "reality television", but in fact MasterChef's grip on reality is a bit like my grip on trigonometry - I know how to spell the word, but that's about all.
The only real surprise is that anyone would expect such a successful franchise to be any different.
Having created the pattern with the 2009 series, MasterChef's producers are well aware of how to roll: the favourite contestant shouldn't win every time.
That means there's a sense of genuine risk every night. If I know the beautiful Eurasian chick is going to win every time, be she Poh Ying Leow of 2009 or Marion Grasby of 2010, I've got no real need to tune in.
Face it, fans: MasterChef is the new iSnack 2.0 - a massive try-on by a bunch of clever people who know exactly how to push Australians' buttons.
Remember iSnack? It was the "new Vegemite" released by Kraft last year. The company held a competition to find the best name for their new product, a blend of Vegemite and cheese-flavoured whey protein compounds.
After announcing that iSnack 2.0 was the winning name, Kraft executives crawled under their desks and chortled together like schoolboys while the predictable tornado of outrage whirled around them.
"Oh dear, we appear to have made a dreadful mistake and we're horrified that our product is on the front pages of every newspaper and dominating all forms of terrestrial media," they eventually said, struggling to maintain straight faces.
Kraft announced another public poll to find a new name, which lodged more than 30,000 votes and resulted in the name "Vegemite Cheesybite" and another round of fuss and bluster.
See? Everyone wins.
MasterChef is a fabulous addition to our television landscape, I think.
It's a clever, elaborate, largely positive program about talented people learning new things. It's also a giant con -- and that's why we like it.
