And as one of the final posts of 2009, I thought I’d zoom into the Appstore and see what were the best grossing apps at the end of 2009 (Australia).

Here were the final winners:

1. TomTom GPS (TomTom) – AU$99.99
2. The Simpsons Arcade (Electronic Arts) – AU$5.99
3. James Cameron’s Avatar (GameLoft) – AU$12.99
4. Need for Speed (Electronic Arts) – AU$8.99
5. N.O.V.A. – Near Orbit Vanguard Alliance (GameLoft) – AU$8.99

I’m surprised that TomTom is still number one considering that there are better value GPS apps now available in Australia like CoPilot. It’s a decent GPS app, but CoPilot’s interface is superior in my opinion – I like how CoPilot allow you to pinch and zoom on the actual navigation screens. At the moment it’s also only AU$59.99! $40 cheaper.

Need for Speed has always been one of my all-time favorite PC games, especially due to the fact that you could add weird and wonderful cars into the game like the BatMobile or an Imperial Speeder Bike.  I may download this one next over the break.

James Cameron’s Avatar Screenshots

Last night I downloaded #3, James Cameron’s Avatar and was engrossed in the vivid graphics and playability. It reminds me a bit of when I had my night-elf hunter in World of Warcraft so I am treating it with extreme caution considering I used to be a hardcore player…

Below are some screenies from the game:

Helicopter drop off. I'm the cool guy with the blue skin...

I don't know what I was shooting at - I heard I noise and I was scared.

Oh no. There's a big orange dead thing

More potluck shooting into the bushes.

Let us know if you have any apps that you think should be on this list!

Get your Apps at Australia’s Apple Appstore now:

Microsoft are already looking for more ways to add value to their upcoming App store called Windows Marketplace. Apparently users of  the Microsoft Windows Marketplace will be able to install software that they purchase on up to 5 Windows Mobile devices. At first, the average person might wonder why such a person would want this, however being a Windows Mobile person in the past, this feature will come in very handy when upgrading devices, handling multiple devices (one for business and personal) or sharing within a family. I’m sure this feature will please many in the WinMo community.

Via Boy Genius Report

The other day, I have to admit, I received a stern look from a impatient driver who waited for me to cross the street – I believe his annoyance was caused by the fact it looked like I was reading email on my iPhone at the same too. In all honesty, I wasn’t and don’t. However, that may change with the new Email ‘n’ walk iPhone app (via Engadget). As its name suggests, using the iPhone camera, it allows you to see what’s going on as you type or read emails. No more walking into street poles or even better cars!

Downloading from AppStore now.

In a move to finally combat against Apple’s growing share in the smartphone market (both phone and software-wise), Microsoft has created their own AppStore that is ready to take submissions via:
http://developer.windowsmobile.com/marketplace.aspx.

Windows Mobile App Store Requirements for Developers:

• Get a Live ID. Dont have a Live ID? Signing up is easy!
• Sign the application provider agreement
• Create your profile Provide us with personal contact info.
• Provide company information We’ll need your business information, such as tax identification numbers and a bank account to establish your vendor account. This should come from an authorized officer of your company, or the individual bank account holder.
• Pay annual subscription fee Get great benefits for just $99 Plus taxes, if applicable

Like Apple’s App Store, the Windows Mobile App Store will be the one-stop shop for all Windows Mobiles apps managed by Microsoft. And of course, it’s logical that future releases will allow customers to purchase anywhere there is a data connection with “one-click”. Apparently, it will be called Skymarket.

Should be interesting to see how long-time 3rd party developers will react to this new model given, they’ve been selling direct to the public for many years.

Via Solsie

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continue reading "iPhone 2.2 OS Screenshots Reveal a Lot about New App Store"

At the BlackBerry Developer Conference, RIM announced a number of things including the release of developer tools for BlackBerry applications and, of course, the launch date for the Application Storefront.

continue reading "RIM Announces Developer Tools for Web Development and Application Storefront Launch"