Both AppMakr and TapLynx provide a method of rapid application development for iPhone apps based on the aggregation of existing content from feeds.
This comparison was produced based on the latest versions available in January 2010.
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AppMakr |
TapLynx |
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| Adding Feeds | Very simple. Search wizard guides the selection of suitable feeds for inclusion. | Most changes only require amendments to property list XML file. |
| Editor
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Web based intuitive interface on any platform. | Mac running XCode required. |
| Transparency | Submission timelines from AppMakr depends on volumes. Process is not clear for someone unfamiliar with iPhone app development. App was released to AppStore without notification. | Apple Developer account needed. This provides full control over release. |
| Ownership | By default, your app is published by AppMakr on your behalf. With a Developer account, your app is published with your details. If long term extension of your app is planned check the options for moving from one account type to the other. | You publish your app under your Apple Developer account. |
| Metrics | AdMob stats are available if you are serving ads in your app. Otherwise there are no details available via AppMakr on downloads or usage. | iTunes Connect offers metrics on downloads and usage. |
| Ads | Easy to configure with a multiple ad networks. Integration with Admob was very simple. Admob stats provide some app usage data. | Requires inclusion of ad network libraries. Well documented steps and simple integration. |
| Quality | Fit for purpose app. Lack of formatting of RSS text looks clumsy. Includes sharing functions. Allows offline reading. | High quality app. Includes sharing functions. Allows offline reading. |
| Performance | Downloads feeds per tab as they are accessed which only retrieves the feed required but also introduces a downloading pause as each feed is read. | Background downloading of all feeds at app startup offers a better user experience. |
| Price Setting | With the Basic account there is no option to set a price, your app is released for free. You will need a Developer account to charge for your app. | No restrictions. |
| Cost | $199 – although discount codes of $50 have been available. Developer account $499. | $599 |
| Next Steps | Additional feeds can be added and the application republished. | As the application is an XCode project, additional functionality can be added to take full advantage of the iPhone. |
Updated: included comments on Ads, Quality, Performance and Price Setting.
If you would like to discuss either of these services and their suitability to your needs, please contact us.
With TapLynx it’s also worth noting that not only does the individual have complete control over their app, but once the app has been submitted to iTunes and is live you can continually make updates to your configuration file without having to resubmit
Thanks for the writeup guys! We’d like to offer TinyShinyApps readers a 50% off coupon to try AppMakr (that’s up to $250 off the $499 price!). The code is “TinyShinyApps” and it’s good through 3/31/10.
We’re continuously working to improve the app, so any thoughts and feedback are appreciated.
We’ve also posted your review on our blog. Thanks again for taking the time to review AppMakr.
- DROdio from the AppMakr team
I would be interested in one more line item in the comparison: device compatibility. I know that AppMakr can’t generate apps for the first generation iPod Touch, even if the app doesn’t require features of the later model.
Both AppMakr and TapLynx sites detail their features, but I could not find a thing about requirements — like the iPod Touch requirement.