Ok, the wait is over, my first bash at writing iPhone apps has been released into the app store - hurray!

The 'purpose' of my app is pretty simple; it's to answer the question which a lot of us (who produce websites) get asked: "So, how much does a website cost?" - this seemingly simple question poses problems for us web folk - it's like when Spock get's asked "how do you feel?" - it's not always an easy question to answer - it's like "how much does a house cost?" - it depends - and it's a topic which I've blogged about before on the Jojet company blog.

Anyway, the purpose of this post is not to get into a lecture about anwering that quesiton but to give us web folks a simple, fun way of answering it:

..in steps my app "How much does a website cost?"

Simply shake the app (or press the button) and, hey nonny nonny, a random price appears - saves you the trouble of asking all those pesky questions about what the website really should do etc :)

For (ahem!) advanced users you can also change the settings to set your own maximum and minimium values. See, this app is for big agencies as well.

Why did I create this?

The app is just a simple bit of fun really and was done just as a test for app development and getting used to the whole appstore release procedure. It paves the way for (hopefully) more sensible and useful apps.

Why does the app look a little crap?

Hey! That's a little rude! But, in fairness, I've not done a great job on styling - I'll put that on the radar for phase 2 ;) Or perhaps I'll get Russ Britton to open up his paint pots.

Why only Apple IOS?

Pure laziniess. The app was developed in the Appcelerator which should mean I can get it onto Android etc without too much fuss. Let's see how many people clammer at my door before I role up my sleaves there though...

What other apps am I doing?

Well, there's no Angry Birds in the pipeline but I am looking into useful utilities - stuff that scratches an itch I've got as I'm guessing that's an itch others will share. And, as I'm now a proud own of an iPad, I'll be looking there too. Oh, I'm also looking to write some apps to go alongside my pet love Instagram.

How much money do I think my app will make?

Zero. It's free.

Why are you not tough enough to write in Objective-C?!

Again, a little harsh there! Currently I'm more interested in the general landscape of developing for mobiles - Appcelerator allows that. I am looking into IOS dev to gain more knoweldge but I doubt very much that i"ll be dreaming in Objective-C anytime soon. I'm more interested in knowing what I can and cannot acheive for my clients; whether I develop that myself or get someone else to do it.

If you've any other questions or suggestions for the app, please let me know. You can normally find me on Twitter, slumped at the bar, near the pinball machine.

Joel

p.s. oh! If you're wondering why the app has so many disclaimers it's because Apple rejected it the first time round - Jeez, it seems pretty obvious it's not a *real* website quote machine! But hey, they've got to cover their arses I suppose...