Some iPhone application developers have taken to using Apple’s iTunes gift certificates as an effective, if cumbersome, means of getting copies of their apps in to the hands of reviewers and other key feedback agents. While Apple allows limited ad hoc distribution of apps outside the AppStore, that even more arcane method of getting apps into the ecosytem is better suited for beta testing than it is for getting feedback on a release-stage product.
John Cassanata, director of MacHeist and co-developer of a suite of new apps for the iPhone says, “I’ve heard rumors of being able to do it using coupons in the future,” but has thus far relied on sending out iTunes gift certificates to get the word out about his products. “It’s a pain to do since I have to do them one at a time,” he adds, “[but] it’s still less than the cost of putting out a press release through a national news wire. And it’s more personal so the response rate has been good so far.”
2 responses to “Gift Certificates Help Developers Get Reviews, Feedback”
Once again, Canadians and Canadian pundits are out of luck. Apps are credit card only, No gift cards. Thanks Apple