Opinions: Copycat App Idea?

[apm8]

I'm curious to hear opinions on this issue:
I've been thinking about an idea for a Mac app (possibly iPhone app as well) that I want to develop. After doing some research online, I found a website describing an in-progress web app that is very similar to my idea. With little signs of recent progress, I even contacted the developer, who replied that he was almost finished with the project, but was currently making slow progress due to another job.

I want to continue with development of my Mac app but feel like I might be encroaching on "his idea," even though it is not completely unique. Thoughts? Do I have any obligation to stop my own development plans?

 

[42streetsdown]

If you think you can do it, then do it! Even if the other guy does finish the app yours could be better. Just build a great app, and people will want it.

 

[Vader]

Think of how many browsers there are for the iOS devices, or even better fart apps. As long as you are not copying the other guys idea or code, you are perfectly fine to continue development.

 

[apm8]

As long as you are not copying the other guys idea or code, you are perfectly fine to continue development.

That's my concern. While I am certainly not copying anything directly (esp. code), the similarity in functionality and general design could make it seem as if I've copied his idea.

 

[notjustjay]

That's my concern. While I am certainly not copying anything directly (esp. code), the similarity in functionality and general design could make it seem as if I've copied his idea.

I wouldn't worry about that. The whole tech industry can go on and on about who invented it and who copied it, but the reality is that it's not the first person to build it that gets the fame, it's the guy who builds it best.

Who invented the light bulb? The telephone? The computer GUI? Edison, Bell, Apple? Nope... although they are the ones most widely credited with popularizing the inventions.

In fact that's Apple's whole game. They weren't the first to build an mp3 player, a tablet PC, or a smartphone, but they were the ones who paid the most attention to the quality and user experience.

I suggest you focus on making your app exactly what you want it to be, and let your users take care of the rest.