Push notification hits iPhone apps
updated 01:50 pm EDT, Thu June 18, 2009
iPhone push notification
App developers are quickly integrating the push notification capabilities supported with the iPhone 3.0 firmware update. Pinger has released Textfree, an app that allows users to send and receive free text messages to or from any US cellphone. Push technology enables instant notification when the handset receives a message, while users can establish a permanent texting address. iPod touch owners can also receive messages from the US network via Wi-Fi, even without a phone number.
Tapulous has prepared an update to Tap Tap Revenge featuring improved two-player modes, online play and friend challenges. Ngmoco's Star Defense update also allows users to instantly challenge friends. Powerybase has developed NotifyMe, an app that uses push technology to send personal reminders for items such as to-dos, birthdays and shopping, among others.
Textfree is now now available from the App Store for $6, while a Lite version can be downloaded for free. Tap Tap Revenge 2.6 is available as a free download, while Star Defense can be purchased for $6. NotifyMe is still awaiting approval.
Nothing amazin
06/18, 03:40pm reply
I was hoping to have apps that would blow me away with push notifications but it looks like the major players are still sitting at the sidelines (ESPN, eBay, Amazon, meebo, etc).
dagamer34
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Apr 2007
yep...
06/18, 05:01pm reply
I mean, it's barely been 24 hours for 3.0 being out, and how outrageous that there aren't 100s of cool apps out yet to take advantage of the features that I want to see....
Not to reign on your parade, but to inject a bit of reality -- most publishers most likely wait until Friday or the weekend to push their apps out (I hear there's some new phone being made available then).
A lot of apps might already be sitting and waiting in the approval queues, and Apple is holding them back until Friday or after the weekend, to keep the iTunes store from being destroyed by downloads.
Try using your head.
ZinkDifferent
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jan 2005
Re: yep
06/18, 07:00pm reply
Yeah, because why would anyone want to get their apps out early, while people have the new OS and waiting to see something cool. Better to wait and get caught up with all the other nonesense going on friday, so no one hears about your app.
testudo
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2001
not yet...
06/18, 07:05pm reply
dagamer34, I agree with you, I thought we would see more by now as well. The developers have had the technology for a short while now, and I thought there would be more the first few days.... they were ready with the updates, and just waiting for the day to come.
ZinkDifferent, maybe it would make sense to make these new apps/updates available now, before ALL the OS 3.0 iPhones become available. Those upgrading their 3G can download/buy/update now, then the 3GS download/buy/update beginning on Friday.
IMHO that seems more likely to "keep the iTunes store from being destroyed by downloads".
Although it could be Apple's approval queue holding it up.
Zink: why such a mean spirited reply? You can give your opinion without being nasty about it...
rycardo
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: May 2007