Thoughts on WWDC Keynote

Our team here at CollegeKidApp was formed a bit too early to consider attending WWDC, so I've been spending my entire afternoon watching from the comfort of home much like the entire internet. Given all the announcements today, I figured I would give a few comments on the keynote from a small iPhone developer's perspective.

• 40 million devices capable of using any application we develop is pretty impressive. To put that into a bit of perspective, we only need to sell a $0.99 app to 1% of potential users to sell about $400,000 worth of product. Huge potential for small developers like us.
• With 50,000 apps in the store already, I'm curious as to how Apple works to make the iTunes App Store more managable here in the next year or so. Obviously you're set if you make a great app that hits the top 100 apps or something like that, but what about those who develop for small niche categories? Maybe diversity category lists?
• Find My iPhone is just plain slick. I know it has nothing to do with app development, but I like the implementation.
  
• New 3.0 features are going to be amazing for applications. I don't think everyone quite comprehends how much better some of these small features will help out general app quality. Apple had quite a few developers give in-depth tech demos of their 3.0 apps and I think this was a great play to show off the new software. I really think this stuff will amaze people.
• iPhone 3GS and it's new features are impressive. Nothing mind blowing or unexpected, but enough to keep the device fresh and solid for the summer and fall. It isn't the "next generation" iPhone and I don't think timing was right for that anyways. That'll will be better suited for next summer when 1st gen iPhone users are ready to upgrade and get a new contract.
• Voice Control looks real neat. I know tons of devices have this. I just think that its work with things other then dialing contacts seems pretty sweet. Imagine asking your iPhone how far you've run so far and what your speed is while running. That kinda functionality just seems amazing to me.

That's about it for initial impressions. Maybe I'll come back later and write a little bit more indepth. If you have any questions about the new OS, feel free to e-mail me at Cameron@CollegeKidApp.com.

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