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Microstock Photography Forum - General => General Stock Discussion => Topic started by: melastmohican on April 09, 2010, 16:53

Title: How to sell wallpapers for iPad?
Post by: melastmohican on April 09, 2010, 16:53
I just saw this blog post from Scott Bourne:
http://photofocus.com/2010/04/08/the-ipad-offers-new-markets-for-photographers/ (http://photofocus.com/2010/04/08/the-ipad-offers-new-markets-for-photographers/)

When I follow his link it seems like images are wrapped into app which allows user to save them on their devices. I do not have iPad to test it so I am trying to guess if images are downloaded from the web or packaged with the app.
Title: Re: How to sell wallpapers for iPad?
Post by: epantha on April 09, 2010, 16:58
Looks great. How do we make our own apps?
Title: Re: How to sell wallpapers for iPad?
Post by: stockastic on April 09, 2010, 17:06
Looks great. How do we make our own apps?
Ha.  If only.

I'm a software developer and if I could, I'd write one today and start selling it.  the IPad and IPhone are "closed" systems, meaning you can't just write a program and install it.  The only path is to get your application accepted into Apple's online 'app store'.  That costs money, takes time and involves some very strict rules and limitations on your program.  Even if you create an app that follows all the rules, there's no guarantee that Apple will accept it, in which case you've wasted your time.

I believe Apple would also have to approve all wallpapers you'd want to offer through your application.
Title: Re: How to sell wallpapers for iPad?
Post by: melastmohican on April 09, 2010, 17:17
Yes, it cost to be in their Dev program but maybe is worth to be there if everybody is so craze about iPads now :-) SDK is free so you any one can try to write an app. Only when you want to sell it you have to go thru AppStore and Apple's review. I wish they allow to sell just digital media in their store then we got another outlet to sell images :-)
Title: Re: How to sell wallpapers for iPad?
Post by: stockastic on April 09, 2010, 18:54
I believe you have to pay $100 a year just for the privilege of being in their store, assuming they accept your app.  
Title: Re: How to sell wallpapers for iPad?
Post by: melastmohican on April 10, 2010, 00:41
It's almost nothing in comparison to MSDN. The biggest problem is to get it accepted :-) If these sample apps got thru I guess something similar should be accepted too. I guess I need to go to bookstore and check what good books are available. I am glad I switched to Mac last fall  so biggest cost is already behind me :-)
Title: Re: How to sell wallpapers for iPad?
Post by: Kngkyle on April 10, 2010, 02:30
How many people do you see buying wallpapers for their computer? Pretty much none. I think pursing this would be a waste of time. Time that would be much better spent shooting more.
Title: Re: How to sell wallpapers for iPad?
Post by: stockastic on April 10, 2010, 10:39
People are buying lots of silly little "apps" for iPhones and iPads.  It's just "bling" and the whole idea is to be able to show people the cool new thing you have on your device, that cost you 50 cents.  So I think wallpapers for these devices will sell.  But if you do your own app you have to sell enough to make back the $100 store fee. 
Title: Re: How to sell wallpapers for iPad?
Post by: microstockphoto.co.uk on April 10, 2010, 12:59
How many people do you see buying wallpapers for their computer? Pretty much none. I think pursing this would be a waste of time. Time that would be much better spent shooting more.

Not sure. Computers are for people who know how to edit and use their own pictures as a wallpaper. iPad and similar toys are for everyone: if there are people downloading (ugly) ringtones, why not selling them wallpapers?