As the hype around the iPhone 3G launch tomorrow is kicking into high gear, Apple has released a new version of iTunes, which includes the long-awaited App Store. According to Pinch Media, there are currently 552 applications available in the store. More than 25% of the apps are available for free. Applications from the App Store will run on both the iPhone and iPhone touch after users upgrade to the latest firmware, which will also be released today.
As the new iPhone's hardware doesn't feature as many major technological or design breakthroughs as first iPhone did, a lot of attention has shifted towards the applications that can now run natively on the phone thanks to the firmware upgrade. Currently, according to Pinch Media, the most expensive app in the catalog costs $69.99, but, besides the free apps, the most common price points are $0.99, $4.99, and $9.99.
With 552 applications available at launch, Apple's push to get developers excited about developing for the phone has clearly paid off.
Some of the most interesting applications for the phone are the location-aware apps like Loopt. While there have always been location-aware applications for other phones with GPS capabilities, the iPhone might just give them the much needed push to finally become mainstream.
Other interesting - and free - applications include Newsgator's NetNewsWire, a native Facebook application, Twitterific (both in a free and premium version), a native AIM application, as well as a large number of games. As for paid applications, there is a surprisingly large number of dictionaries and phrase books available, as well as guidebooks from Frommer's and various maps and schedules for local transit systems.
Also available is Apple's much rumored Remote Application that allows you to control the music on your desktop from an iPhone or iPod touch, as long as you are on the same Wi-Fi network.
Missing from the line-up so far are any voip or video applications. There is also no native FriendFeed application available, yet.
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As for video apps, be sure to check out Truveo Video Search, which lets you search for video or get news, sports, entertainment that's optimized for your iPhone from around the web, both from mass media and UGC sites. Search for Truveo in the App Store to find it.
Posted by: Edwin Aoki | July 10, 2008 12:26 PM
We're still working on a native version, but the web app version of our free iPhone flashcard app ain't too shabby.
Posted by: Joe | July 10, 2008 4:04 PM
I love the App store, I've been browsing it for about an hour. I'm going to go poor buying all of these apps.
Posted by: Jose | July 10, 2008 6:44 PM
hello..nice
Posted by: May Tinio | July 10, 2008 7:26 PM
intresting to see, if Anroid would have all these application in place already?
Posted by: free market research | July 11, 2008 1:10 AM
Yes, lots of applications coming up..
What nokia is doing?? - surprising Nokia is not doing anything to beat up iPhone.
Posted by: Gadget blog | July 14, 2008 9:26 PM
Does anyone know the difference between these 3:
1. Native apps
2. Web apps
3. An icon that is just a URL that opens with Safari
Or are #2 and #3 identical?
Posted by: Cathy | August 8, 2008 8:19 PM