Developers Can Now Issue Free "Promotional" Copies of iPhone Apps

[MacRumors]

Apple has finally started allowing developers to issue free promotional copies of their iPhone applications. Once an application has been accepted to the App Store by Apple, developers can issue up to 50 promotional codes for their application. The codes allow the recipient to download a full copy of the application for free. Codes can only be presently used in the U.S. iTunes Stores by using the "Redeem" link in the App Store.



As an example, Smudge Apps sent us a promotional copy of Jam: Vol 1 [App Store]. Codes can be issued for existing applications and the 50 code limit is reset for each new version of an application.

In the past, it has been difficult for developers to provide review or promotional copies, instead having to reply on Ad-hoc distributions.

Article Link: Developers Can Now Issue Free "Promotional" Copies of iPhone Apps

[P-Worm]

This is great, but I still think that there needs to be a way to make demo versions of applications. There are plenty of the more expensive apps that I would consider if I was able to try them beforehand. I'm not willing to drop $10-$20 on something that might be a buggy joke.

P-Worm

[Kilamite]

Originally Posted by P-Worm

This is great, but I still think that there needs to be a way to make demo versions of applications. There are plenty of the more expensive apps that I would consider if I was able to try them beforehand. I'm not willing to drop $10-$20 on something that might be a buggy joke.

P-Worm

The ability to get a live try/demo out of the app in iTunes would be cool - use the iPhone simulator within iTunes to try out stuff and see if you like.

[pismodude2]

Sweet! This Is Awesome! I Know About It Right Now!! 5:21 Pm!

[mogzieee]

Urgh, why does the US get all the good stuff first? What about all us poor UK sods?

[Kilamite]

Originally Posted by mogzieee

Urgh, why does the US get all the good stuff first? What about all us poor UK sods?

Majority of review sites (best ones) are based in the States.

I can't imagine if anyone would care about a wee Scot's opinion on a game!

[Lictor]

Originally Posted by Kilamite

The ability to get a live try/demo out of the app in iTunes would be cool - use the iPhone simulator within iTunes to try out stuff and see if you like.

That would be limited, since the simulator cannot work outside of MacOSX... To have it work on Windows, you would have to port the MacOSX API to Windows...

Besides, there are quite a few applications where the simulator wouldn't work. It wouldn't work very well with games. It wouldn't work with applications that use the Location API.

[hayduke]

Originally Posted by P-Worm

This is great, but I still think that there needs to be a way to make demo versions of applications. There are plenty of the more expensive apps that I would consider if I was able to try them beforehand. I'm not willing to drop $10-$20 on something that might be a buggy joke.

P-Worm

Now hear that!

[bki122689]

Originally Posted by hayduke

Now hear that!

yeah like a 15 minute demo of the real thing then it disables

[MacToddB]

This is great! I was debating how to get review copies out to bloggers and press without gifting $1 each (losing $0.30 each time). Not a big deal, but I was a little troubled about the ethics of paying reviewers.

Anyway, my app is being reviewed by Apple and I'll post again when it's live.

[bridgeyman]

What about updates? There are 50 codes for each version, so that makes me think maybe the code is tied to the version, and updates would not be free. I hope they are, because this sounds like a good way to give away copies of my app to friends and such to try out.

[MacToddB]

While supplies last... Email support@NoTieSW.com mentioning this post and get a free promo code for our new app, 100sounds! Visit www.100sounds.com for info on the app, which just came out this week!

Originally Posted by MacToddB

This is great! I was debating how to get review copies out to bloggers and press without gifting $1 each (losing $0.30 each time). Not a big deal, but I was a little troubled about the ethics of paying reviewers.

Anyway, my app is being reviewed by Apple and I'll post again when it's live.

[PowerFullMac]

Originally Posted by P-Worm

This is great, but I still think that there needs to be a way to make demo versions of applications. There are plenty of the more expensive apps that I would consider if I was able to try them beforehand. I'm not willing to drop $10-$20 on something that might be a buggy joke.

P-Worm

People can make demo versions, its just not built into the App Store, the developers have to make the demos themselves. I have been a few trials in the App Store.

[PM-3PM]

Hi everyone,

I just released my kids game, Henry & Hailey's Preschool Pals - Kids Mix & Match.

Please test it our and leave a review for me. I designed it for my son and his little friends.

Thanks!


Preston


Henry & Hailey's Preschool Pals - Redeem codes


9ET44NJAYJJF
LNFL3F6AYKKN
3FA6HEPEMPYY
HNPWJAPTHNF4
Y33PT9EFEK4N
MYPN399MYFW6
YWPEHLLPJNM3
FXAALL4AHL74
H3XMLNKWYH36
97EKW6WRW79E
L66TLTNJTMXL
3JAPWTHRFN33
LTN747MR67F9
XW9NW67JKKNR
R7YTTPNMMR93

[macnews]

Originally Posted by PM-3PM

Hi everyone,

I just released my kids game, Henry & Hailey's Preschool Pals - Kids Mix & Match.

Please test it our and leave a review for me. I designed it for my son and his little friends.

Thanks!


Preston


Henry & Hailey's Preschool Pals - Redeem codes


9ET44NJAYJJF
LNFL3F6AYKKN
3FA6HEPEMPYY
HNPWJAPTHNF4
Y33PT9EFEK4N
MYPN399MYFW6
YWPEHLLPJNM3
FXAALL4AHL74
H3XMLNKWYH36
97EKW6WRW79E
L66TLTNJTMXL
3JAPWTHRFN33
LTN747MR67F9
XW9NW67JKKNR
R7YTTPNMMR93

Just used R7YTTPNMMR93

Will have my kids test it out tonight.

[TJunkers]

That's awesome new!

Now, anyone who wants me to test there app and give them an honest opinion I am open for promo codes

[Sky Blue]

Cool!

50 seems a little small though.

[amac4me]

This will further drive apps and the App Store.

[Mykbibby]

This is great idea, allow bloggers and media groups to test apps for free.

[koobcamuk]

The app store is really great.

[Shasterball]

This should definitely help promote some apps. I'm sure the developers are happy.

[Maxington]

This should help the development and review process go a little smoother.

[twoodcc]

i think this is great for the app store, and should help get more apps on there

[mozmac]

This is a good start, but we still need to be able to give out demo copies. Giving away free copies helps generate good reviews; however, many people still want to try out the application themselves before plunking down money. Good reviews aren't enough for more expensive applications.

[bridgeyman]

Originally Posted by mozmac

This is a good start, but we still need to be able to give out demo copies. Giving away free copies helps generate good reviews; however, many people still want to try out the application themselves before plunking down money. Good reviews aren't enough for more expensive applications.

At first, I thought applying Apple's time-bombed DRM (like their rentals) on applications would be a good idea, but now I am not so sure. Most good games have a Lite version for free that lets you try out the application for free. Although it is a little more difficult for the developer, it gives a us a lot more flexibility. For example, I didn't want my application to expire after a certain amount of time. Lumen's main feature is the number of puzzles available, so for the lite version I offered a limited number of puzzles. Also, I did not include the puzzle editor, because the lite version gets over 10x more downloads. Supporting that many puzzle submissions would be a nightmare. I get enough "test" puzzles with only a few pieces on the board that I have to sort through.

Also, when I got my lite version out my sales went up. I think developers will soon realize this, and all serious apps will have a lite version, just like how most desktop apps have a trial version of some sort.