Longtime Apple-Exclusive Studio Algoriddim Brings 'Djay' to Android

[MacRumors]

Longtime Apple-exclusive developer Algoriddim has made a name for itself with its popular djay app that first found success on the Mac before moving to iPad and eventually iPhone. The app has been featured prominently by Apple over the years, winning an Apple Design Award in 2011 for the original iPad version, and just this month it was featured as a key music app in promotional materials for the new iPad Air 2.

So after such a long tenure and significant success on OS X and iOS, we were interested to learn that Algoriddim is announcing today an expansion to Android, bringing the full djay experience to that platform. While Algoriddim is by no means the first iOS developer to branch out to Android, it is a high-profile, award-winning one and so we chatted a bit with Algoriddim CEO Karim Morsy to find out more about the how and why of the company's move, a perspective not frequently shared at MacRumors.

Morsy pointed out that with, or perhaps despite, 15 million downloads on iOS, the number one request from djay users has long been an Android version of the app. With a strong presence on the Mac platform as well, Algoriddim found plenty of Mac and/or iPad users who use Android phones and have been asking Algoriddim in large numbers to bring the app to their phones.

Rather than a simple port of the iOS version of djay, Algoriddim built the Android version of the app from the ground up, replicating the look and feel of the iOS version wherever possible while bringing feature and performance parity, something that was not always a given considering the pace with which proper tools and frameworks for Android were becoming available. But with the release of Android 4.0 three years ago, Algoriddim finally felt the tools were in place to pursue bringing djay to Android.

Morsy expected development to be challenging, and indeed it was, particularly ensuring that djay worked well across the variety of devices running Android, with the diversity of screen sizes and performance-related specs requiring significant amounts of work to optimize for.

We also asked Morsy whether Algoriddim is expecting any backlash from Apple with the expansion of djay to Android, given that Apple likes to tout apps and other content that is exclusive to its own platforms. But Morsy noted that Apple regularly features apps available across multiple platforms and that the history and continued popularity of djay on Mac and iOS is likely to remain a strong factor as Apple weighs future feature opportunities for the music segment.

As was added to djay 2 for iOS earlier this year, djay 2 for Android brings full integration with Spotify's premium music subscription service, including auto-matching of tracks using technology from The Echo Nest, which was acquired by Spotify in March of this year. The Android version of djay 2 launches today at a limited-time introductory price of $2.99, and users will also receive a free one-week trial of Spotify Premium to test out the service with djay.

Article Link: Longtime Apple-Exclusive Studio Algoriddim Brings 'Djay' to Android

 

[jayducharme]

Rather than a competition between iOS and Android, I see this app's diversification as a reality of the new digital world. What it says more than anything is that mobile development is continuing to erode the dominance of the desktop as a versatile computer platform.

 

[Chad-VI]

I bet that most of Android users will download the APK for free from any website.

 

[BeyondtheTech]

I bet that most of Android users will download the APK for free from any website.

My sentiments exactly. I don't wish ill-will on anyone, but I'd like for Algoriddim to respond back in a month's time to see how many he's sold on the Android platform versus the amount of installs detected (and the ridiculous number of open sites where his files have popped up on).

I'm no professional DJ or even hobbyist by any means, but still managed to buy all versions of the app, granted I caught them when they went on sale, but these are the times I appreciate the walled garden.

 

[macduke]

But with the release of Android 4.0 three years ago, Algoriddim finally felt the tools were in place to pursue bringing djay to Android.

Morsy expected development to be challenging, and indeed it was, particularly ensuring that djay worked well across the variety of devices running Android, with the diversity of screen sizes and performance-related specs requiring significant amounts of work to optimize for.

So did they really spend three years developing this app? Because if so, holy hell, no thanks. I really hope Algoriddim keeps us updated on sales for Android, and if Apple stops featuring them, approximately how many sales lost from such promotions. That could be some really interesting data.

 

[duffman9000]

I bet that most of Android users will download the APK for free from any website.

And then say the app sucks.

 

[69Mustang]

I bet that most of Android users will download the APK for free from any website.

And then say the app sucks.

Spreading divisiveness and discord one quote at a time. Nice. Stay classy.

You two may not be aware but most people aren't tied to one ecosystem. Android and Apple users are often the exact same people. Same as Apple and Windows users. There are even some crazy people in all three ecosystems.

I don't understand comments like yours. Does it somehow offend your sensibilities that someone else can use an app? Does it damage a sense of superiority? How exactly does it affect you if Algoriddim decides to expand their user base?

I guess you can take solace in the fact that Apple had it first.

 

[Chad-VI]

Spreading divisiveness and discord one quote at a time. Nice. Stay classy.

You two may not be aware but most people aren't tied to one ecosystem. Android and Apple users are often the exact same people. Same as Apple and Windows users. There are even some crazy people in all three ecosystems.

I don't understand comments like yours. Does it somehow offend your sensibilities that someone else can use an app? Does it damage a sense of superiority? How exactly does it affect you if Algoriddim decides to expand their user base?

I guess you can take solace in the fact that Apple had it first.

I didn't say I was against making an android version of the app , because as you said most of us are not tied to one ecosystem. I just said what the majority of android users will do, so Algoriddim shouldn't expect it to make money as much as the iOS version.

 

[kkat69]

I didn't say I was against making an android version of the app , because as you said most of us are not tied to one ecosystem. I just said what the majority of android users will do, so Algoriddim shouldn't expect it to make money as much as the iOS version.

Amazing you know the "majority" of android users. I must be in the minority as I don't know you.

Interested how the claim of "majority of android users" comes to be, you know these people?

Not everyone side loads apk's or has their phones rooted to bypass securities, it's no different than the 'jailbroken' iPhone users, though I'll put money (allow me to embellish on your quote) the majority of android users (see what I did there?) don't run around going "I bet that most of iPhone users will download the .app for free..."

 

[69Mustang]

I didn't say I was against making an android version of the app , because as you said most of us are not tied to one ecosystem. I just said what the majority of android users will do, so Algoriddim shouldn't expect it to make money as much as the iOS version.

This is what I have an issue with. You just classified the majority of Android users into a group who will not pay Algoriddim for their work. That's BS. Algoriddim will be just another choice. It's not a stretch to assume an app that has been in the App Store for years will make less money in the Play Store after 1 day. Hell, I was the 11th person to download it; bypassing other apps that had already been downloaded over 15 million times. So yeah, Algoriddim has an uphill battle. I'm sure they are well aware of the market. I downloaded their app because they: 1. listened to customers and gave them something they wanted. 2. I'm a big fan of choice. Those who foster it get my patronage.

Look, pay me no mind. Keep doing what you do. I'm just some dude on the internet. If that's how you feel, that's how you feel. Who am I to chastise?

 

[Garsun]

So did they really spend three years developing this app? Because if so, holy hell, no thanks. I really hope Algoriddim keeps us updated on sales for Android, and if Apple stops featuring them, approximately how many sales lost from such promotions. That could be some really interesting data.

My take on the issue is that the request for a android version came from people who already own the iOS version. Those users can justify getting a free version on android because "If I already paid for the iOS version, why should I pay twice for the same software". This attitude may be okay with the developer, who knows.
That said, I would also be very interesting in the ratio of paid versus pirated versions of the app on both the iOS and android platforms

 

[Chad-VI]

Amazing you know the "majority" of android users. I must be in the minority as I don't know you.
Interested how the claim of "majority of android users" comes to be, you know these people?

Not everyone side loads apk's or has their phones rooted to bypass securities, it's no different than the 'jailbroken' iPhone users, though I'll put money (allow me to embellish on your quote) the majority of android users (see what I did there?) don't run around going "I bet that most of iPhone users will download the .app for free..."

Side loading apk's IS different than the "jailbroken" iPhone users , since it doesn't require you to do any process or modify the software before you could do it, and of course iPhone users don't download the .app for free because it is much less convenient, unlike on Android , where you can easily download and install the apk.

This is what I have an issue with. You just classified the majority of Android users into a group who will not pay Algoriddim for their work. That's BS. Algoriddim will be just another choice. It's not a stretch to assume an app that has been in the App Store for years will make less money in the Play Store after 1 day. Hell, I was the 11th person to download it; bypassing other apps that had already been downloaded over 15 million times. So yeah, Algoriddim has an uphill battle. I'm sure they are well aware of the market. I downloaded their app because they: 1. listened to customers and gave them something they wanted. 2. I'm a big fan of choice. Those who foster it get my patronage.

Look, pay me no mind. Keep doing what you do. I'm just some dude on the internet. If that's how you feel, that's how you feel. Who am I to chastise?

I get your point but why would it be an issue for you?

 

[djtech42]

They should have updated the Mac version first.

 

[jonAppleSeed]

in b4 we start accusing android users of piracy...

oh wait.

 

[Romy90210]

One of those app a teen/kid would download and mess around with it for a few hours then delete it and never use it again. No serious DJ or anyone looking to hire a DJ would hire one that uses their iPhone/ipad/mobile devices to DJ...

 

[Moonlight]

in b4 we start accusing android users of piracy...

oh wait.

Let the facts speak for themselves:

http://readwrite.com/2011/09/09/what-can-google-do-to-thwart-a

 

[69Mustang]

I get your point but why would it be an issue for you?

I never said I had an issue with it per se. Well I did say I had an issue. The issue is less about this and more about spreading misinformation. This being an forum and all, I just decided to provide counterpoint to your assertions against the majority of Android users. That's typically what people do in forums.

Just because I think you're wrong doesn't mean I have an issue. I just think you're wrong. Doesn't make me right either. No biggy.

 

[distemp]

Great. Now can they make the iOS version work correctly with my iPhone 6? Songs load much more slowly than my 5S and it's still not updated for the new resolutions.

 

[69Mustang]

Let the facts speak for themselves:

http://readwrite.com/2011/09/09/what-can-google-do-to-thwart-a

2 points of contention. 1. That's what you call evidence? 75 developers chosen by a company that had known issues with Google.

2. Your evidence is a 3 year old report about the Android Market, which it hasn't been since the first half of 2012. I'm pretty sure you can find more relevant and timely facts than this.

 

[Navdakilla]

Now android users can see what they've been missing out the whole time.

 

[jabingla2810]

2 points of contention. 1. That's what you call evidence? 75 developers chosen by a company that had known issues with Google.

2. Your evidence is a 3 year old report about the Android Market, which it hasn't been since the first half of 2012. I'm pretty sure you can find more relevant and timely facts than this.

I think it's great Android has this app now, it's about time.

But to even argue that Android doesn't have a piracy issue is madness.

I know a few Android users, and they all like to point out how easy it is to download apps for free. Not just that, but torrent movies and music.

All fine, what do I care, but Android do tend to spend less buying software than iOS users. Thats not up for debate. That's fact.

http://www.slashgear.com/95-android-game-piracy-experience-highlights-app-theft-challenge-15282064/

http://www.androidauthority.com/google-patent-pirate-play-store-apps-365012/

http://www.wired.co.uk/news/archive/2012-05/02/android-market-game-piracy

http://bgr.com/2014/06/26/ios-vs-android-developer-revenue/

 

[pankajdoharey]

This is what I have an issue with. You just classified the majority of Android users into a group who will not pay Algoriddim for their work. That's BS.

Well its nice to say all these idealistic notions about how not all android users will steal the app yada yada ...

But the fact of the matter is I have not met even one Android user till now who pays for there app. And i know almost all Apple users in my circle who pay for there app. The correct thing to do is to self introspect and find out how many Android users do you know who really paid for there App ?

Atleast i dont know anyone in my circle. An Average iOS user spends more money on App Store than any Android User which also is reflected on the Developer Payouts.

To add on top of it google does not pay you money if you app does not make more than $250, they only do a pay out when your app is big, if it less than $250 they confiscate your money as a developer. I really Hate google for confiscating the money of lot of small developers who are starting off. They will see a payment in many many days. Plus google has a policy of paying only after the end of the month.

This **** is really bad for indie Developers. Apples App Store is a more nicer and Fair Environment for everyone.

 

[Jessica Lares]

Glad to see it in the Amazon Appstore. They should do good there.

 

[69Mustang]

I think it's great Android has this app now, it's about time.

But to even argue that Android doesn't have a piracy issue is madness.

If you can find an instance where I argued that Android doesn't have piracy I will eat a hat. I can save you time by pointing out you won't be able to find it. What I did say was the contention that the majority of Android users would pirate this app is ludicrous. The vast majority of Android users, just like the majority of iOS users, have no idea how to pirate an app. They're just regular people in both instances. Conflating percentages of piracy to numbers of people people pirating is not a mathematical equation that supports saying the majority of Android users.

I know a few Android users, and they all like to point out how easy it is to download apps for free. Not just that, but torrent movies and music.

What's the relevance of this comment? I can point to just as many iOS/OSX users who do the exact same thing. Movies and music? You're seriously trying to tie movies and music to this?!? Movies and music were pirated long before Android and iOS even existed.

All fine, what do I care, but Android do tend to spend less buying software than iOS users. Thats not up for debate. That's fact.

Not sure what the relevance of this comment is either. Who questioned whether or not one market makes more money per customer on average?

 

[69Mustang]

Well its nice to say all these idealistic notions about how not all android users will steal the app yada yada ...

But the fact of the matter is I have not met even one Android user till now who pays for there app. And i know almost all Apple users in my circle who pay for there app. The correct thing to do is to self introspect and find out how many Android users do you know who really paid for there App ?

Atleast i dont know anyone in my circle. An Average iOS user spends more money on App Store than any Android User which also is reflected on the Developer Payouts.

*To add on top of it google does not pay you money if you app does not make more than $250, they only do a pay out when your app is big, if it less than $250 they confiscate your money as a developer. I really Hate google for confiscating the money of lot of small developers who are starting off. They will see a payment in many many days. Plus google has a policy of paying only after the end of the month.

This **** is really bad for indie Developers. Apples App Store is a more nicer and Fair Environment for everyone.

The fact of the matter is you have not included one single fact* in your quote. Anecdotes, rarely if ever, point to any discernible facts. All you've provided is anecdotes based on who you know. Well, apparently you don't know enough people because Google paid out $5 billion to developers last year, so somebody's buying apps. That $5 billion doesn't even include the Amazon Appstore or China's Android market. So there is that. Now, I can see your response before you craft it. "Well, Apple paid out $10 billion." That's true, but we're not talking about who pays more are we?

* I have no idea if what you say is true. Whether true or not, it has nothing to do with what we're discussing. If true, it is the only fact you've stated. All the rest is anecdotal. Apropos of nothing really.