The webOS 2.0 developer opportunity: genuinely unique apps 42
Ed. Note: Give a warm welcome to Tim Stiffler-Dean , aka @anotherguy!
There are a lot of new features in webOS 2.0, enough that it could raise a concern for some developers. With Android and iOS, there's an app for that. With webOS, it's already built in.
At least, that's the sentiment that a lot of people have now that we've seen some webOS 2.0 leaks. WebOS is getting a lot of attention from H/Palm to bake some great features right into the next device, but is Palm actually leaving developers out in the cold? Should developers be pumped?
If those leaked screenshots are in fact real, then apps like Dropboxify and patches like Add/Remove Launcher Pages could be abandoned for features that are built right in the operating system or the new apps we've seen. There could be a concern that third-party apps and developers are being asked to work on other niche-focused projects (with Palm taking all of the big tools for themselves, what's left but smaller community tools?).
No doubt, some people are not going to be happy about this. I can hear dozens of developers already complaining already about how so much development opportunity is lost with all of the new official features that are being added, but can we really blame Palm for doing this?
Not really. One of the struggles that Palm has had over the last year is that there have been too few developers getting into their platform to develop those great apps that are missing from the stock feature-set. The SDK Hot Apps competition was a success, for sure, but you would be hard-pressed to say the same about the PDK version.
It's also been hard to woo developers to the platform because so much of the general population couldn't care less about webOS or Palm devices. Without a large monetary incentive and the promise of a lot of potential traffic, business-minded developers don't really care too much to bring their applications over to our beloved operating system, and new developers are still in awe that the 'amazing' iOS and Android platforms are even available for them to work on.
Basically, and this is no news to anyone, bringing developers in to actually create high-quality apps is an up-hill battle that (until now) Palm has been losing. So, what's the next option?
First, let's take a step back and see what Palm is really doing here. They aren't simply creating a system that is attractive to everyone (which would bring in more customers and inevitably more developers as well). They are engineering an ecosystem that encourages community management and organization.
Just look at the features that they've already publicly announced: Stacks will allow users to separate different parts of their lives and get a better handle on the tasks that are most important while also leaving those side-projects or hobby related apps running in your other stacks in the background.
Enhanced Synergy will not only allow developers to create applications that directly access the data in your already synced profiles, but it will also allow other services to be synced with your phone. Now your Yammer contacts for work, your local community theatre's twitter 'friends', that BatchBook account you're using for a secret side-project, the connections you've made on Match.com and even the people you've met on your city's customer social network will all be synced with your device for easy access.
It's not just about making your life mobile, it's also about keeping you connected with your communities separately and efficiently, all from one device (or a few - smartphone, printer, tablet, etc....)
But what does all of this have to do with third-parties being overlooked in favor of the official apps? Well, when you consider this idea that webOS is being created as a way to more intimately connect niche-communities, it makes perfect sense.
Palm doesn't just want developers for everyone, they want them to develop high-quality applications for communities that they are already excited about and involved with. This actually does a lot to improve the chances of developers not only making more money, but also having more fun with the projects they're working on. More small businesses (the real innovators) will become interested in custom app development to complement the major features that have already been built in, and they'll look to developers to create the best app experience possible. More communities and organizations will do the same to hook their people into an eco-system that respects what they are doing and gives them the freedom to do it well.
But let's take a step back. What if none of those statements are even true? After all, innovation requires us to change the way that we are thinking, and if webOS 2.0 is as amazing as everyone is claiming it to be, then I think it would be safe to say that it's going to be innovative.
Rather than saying that Palm is pushing away developers, maybe they're just trying to get us to think differently (ahem). You don't need to build a basic dropbox app, but you do need to build an app that integrates with contacts (using enhanced synergy) for quick sharing of files. You don't need to build a Skype app (maybe), but you could build an app that lets you do a live podcast through UStream (because video calls through Skype obviously means live streaming APIs will be available - if only for homebrew).
Or maybe when you see how intuitive Stacks are, you'll get a whole new idea on how to integrate something else into the system. The point is, Palm is not limiting developers at all by baking these features into the OS from the start. Rather they are opening the doors to let us build things that we hadn't even thought about before.
This isn't a simple cheerleading post, we're beyond that now. What it is is an attempt to show that webOS 2.0 is not just about creating a new operating system or beating the competition in this game.
It's about changing the game; something that Palm was great at in the beginning, and what they'll be amazing at again once this all goes down next year. What it comes down to is this: while some developers are crying out that Palm is neglecting them by creating official apps that will put their's out of action, I have already heard many others singing in praise that Palm has opened doors that they didn't even know existed before.
If that's not innovative, I don't know what is.
42 Comments
Reminds me of Windows - it needed a lot of help, so vendors sprang up to patch its shortcomings. Then, when Microsoft finally got around to addressing them, the same vendors squealed that Microsoft was cutting them out.
I think developers should realize that with such a rich base platform, they can focus on building much better applications. Let's see the creativity going into actual new, user-focused benefits instead of platform-focused fixes.
ps - Oh, yes, welcome, Tim!
Unless Palm fixes the big four "CANT" PIM apps, that will remain an area ripe for improvement by a 3rd party. If they do that, then there really isn't much else I need!!!
Moreover, I really don't see what argument is being made here. There's nothing 2.0 is alleged to do that 1.X doesn't. Mostly it seems like there are interface tweaks, back end improvements, and additional APIs. It isn't like Microsoft adding a TCP/IP stack, media player and Web browser to Windows...How does this possibly squeeze anyone out?
@xImtc - That's actually exactly my point near the end. There are a lot of API's and such that are being added, and there are some features being built-in that do take the place of some of the apps that have been built, but this is not necessarily Palm pushing developers out, just giving them more incentive to build unique applications (and not the same apps over and over).
The dropbox app developer, for example, could create an app that hooks into Quick Actions and Exhibition somehow. A competitor could build an app that ties into the enhanced synergy. The dropbox feature that Palm builds in is basic and allows quick access, but with these additional API's we can see real innovation begin to happen.
From my understanding, a dropbox API isn't being added. The screenshot and video of WebOS 2.0 clearly show that it is a feature of QuickOffice, and not of WebOS.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe you have your facts incorrect.
Not saying the DropBox API is being added, but that there are API's being added that developers can tie into with their DropBox(-esque) applications. The additional API's I mentioned include those with enhanced synergy, exhibition, Just Type and more.
Intermittent OS updates are fine and dandy, but until H/Palm releases some top of the line hardware to go along with it, we'll be stuck using shiney new webOS 2.0 on a dated piece of equipment.
I want more good apps and not all crapy soundboards or books
Im not a developer, but palm adding the same kind of features that developers made with patches is a good thing, I think. They are actually paying attention to what we want. And I would think, the less patches we have to add to our device the better. And just because they are doing this, doesnt mean that they are cutting developers out. Im sure developers will find other things to patch. I mean, they are giving developers tools to develop. I dont see that as cutting them out.
Welcome Stiffler-Dean @anotherguy
Seems to me that this is the direction any OS should head, if in fact, it's so great (webOS).
Additionally, developers will always find ways to tweak their apps to push an OS.
Win, win if you ask me.
I would add that some of these "features" were only available to homebrew community, and will now be available all on WebOS 2.0
As long as it's done with elegance and without bloat, bring it on.
I agree with what dpaus said. I think HPalm is going in the right direction by allowing such built in functionality. Developers need to now improve on that, its not just a matter of quickly pushing out sub par apps, we need more innovation. I'm a developer myself for webos apps and this gives me motivation to think more outside the box, instead of going the lazy route.
@leke - I just want to say that I love your comment. That's exactly what I was hoping to hear more developers say:
"I'm a developer myself for webos apps and this gives me motivation to think more outside the box, instead of going the lazy route."
Oh, Putz!
The HPalm wanna to be awesome to MANY developers? It's simples:
RELEASE SELL PRE AND PIXI GSM to REST OF WORLD, with GOOD PRICES!!!
It's terrible! I live in Brazil, and I no have option to buy some Web OS, the same way that many other places in the world!! For other side, the IP4 is begining to sell TODAY!! Android Samsung Galaxy S, WE HAVE HERE TO BUY!!!
WOW!! Two years, and nothing come from Palm; and now, HP!!
DEVELOPERS LIKE CUSTOMERS TOO, and not only good SDK!!
It's basic: if have people to buy, gonna have people to sell!!
No more, no less...
Best Regards...
Is Palm really buidling Dropbox in? I was under the impression that Dropbox was a feature solely of the QuickConnect app, as it is on their iPhone versions.
@malpha - You are (probably) correct. I should have clarified that in the article. But still, having DropBox integrated in any way is very cool and accomplishes the same basic goal.
i wish palm would adopt more of the options that patches provide. it makes the phone much more customizable. Maybe they need to add some kind of "patch catalog" that everyone can access. maybe one for themes as well. they should also add an option to change the dialer color, 4 or 5 basic colors, that green dialer is nasty
As we've seen in some screenshots and videos, isn't the dialer going blue with the next update?
I also disagree about the patches, since they can't legally support the development and distribution of projects that directly conflict with their OS.
dude it's a good thing finally developers can concentrate on making good apps that make life better and not the phone better.... Are the authors of this page germans?
always nagging ... Hahaha
whats the plug so upset about? :-O
I could be wrong, but I think the tools they are implementing into WebOS 2.0 only help offer away to better integrate apps. I don't see how it takes away from developers. If they make good quality apps and use imagination, they will have apps that make use and better WebOS for the consumer.
ps, palm's job is to make the stock phone usable to the masses, especially as a phone and pda.
the tippingpoint will be when businesses write apps so we can use their services (netflix, rhapsody, skype, etc) and developers they create next gen functionality that only the really forward thinking homebrewers could think of.
it was good for learning about webOS, but now the developers don't have to spend their time patching in features that should already be baked in... Like voice commands, text editor, etc.
Adobe is famous for taking the ideas of popular plugins and incorporating them into the next software upgrade.
It seems to me that OS enhancements can only help developers. If a new feature renders an app obsolete, that's a shame for one developer. But when that feature grows the user base, that's new customers to download all the other apps.
It's pretty discouraging to see that iOS and Android "have an app for that" but we don't. Hopefully 2.0 will change that.
All of the forth coming gifts of Webos 2.0 will excel Webos to the next level. It's only disappointing that we will again have to wait it out. I'm under the impression that we will not get our beloved Flash 10.1 until the release of 2.0? I'm also noticing some of the functions of Just Type now on my phone(obviously more since the last update). When I type, various Icons(lack of better word) appear. Also noticed when I go to a website with Flash Video and try to play it, for a split second it appears as if the Video is actually going to play. Something just seems different. When will 2.0 and Flash 10.1 actually hit our devices. Trying to hold out from bailing to the dreaded android, but Palm/HP is making it really difficult!
"With Android and iOS, there's an app for that. With webOS, it's already built in."
I can't believe this was said. Really, so you are saying that webOS 2.0 (and its built in features) will have more functionality than Android and iOS and all their available applications?
There is always an argument that the vast numbers of the apps for the other platforms don't matter, but you are seriously implying that with webOS 2.0, in one swoop, it is going to obviate the difference in the number of apps available? Wow...simply, wow...
The more built in--quality-the better. The more they can charge & the more customers they will attract. I also think it is better for developers because they will be developing better apps that people will be willing to pay for, IMO. I am very picky before I pay for an app, yet I am more than willing to donate to a developer who has improved my experience.
BUT, I don't believe for a minute that developers won't be needed. It will simply push everyone to the next limit, force them to think outside the box & expand their envelope. Let's hope this story is true.
As a developer, it raises no concerns with me whatsoever. Let me explain. I can't get much work writing software professionally for the iPhone and Android because they don't offer enough of a large scale software infrastructure with a potent enough API to interconnect all those pieces...or just an API that can interconnect with Microsoft's infrastructure, for that matter. I CAN still get work from time to time doing Windows Mobile/Phone stuff even though no one really cares that much about it anymore. If that sounds weird, here's the deal: The systems being built into webOS are the sorts of systems that put me to work writing the code that interfaces that platform with larger scale business platforms to make powerful productivity apps. People think "Microsoft does everything for you", but that's not true...Microsoft gives you a bunch of parts, and for various customers, you put them together in various ways. That's a lot of work, and since you're the guy who knows how those parts are put together, that's repeat contract work or long term system maintenance work. That's called "a paycheck every week for a long time" unlike "a big chunk of money until someone else's fart app is priced 50 cents lower than yours."
Sure, it's not worthwhile to sit down and write some sort of web portal that does a bunch of stuff for users and syncs with webOS because it's basically already there. But that type of work is way more effort to what it can pay off. I make a better living gluing systems together than writing little apps that, upon release, will be competing against 2 other apps that do the same thing and cost less. The main reason I haven't gotten full in on webOS is simply because corporate types haven't been convinced yet that the platform is ready for a secure infrastructure, such as mobile money management, health management devices (we're talking serious health monitors here complete with video conferencing, blood pressure measurement, etc, not some stupid to-do knockoff app that manages your diet that you never use). The platform just needs more of these sorts of enhancements as we see in webOS 2.0, and I'll be able to do real substantial things with them. Things like...for example, you need to appear to be doing your job while telecommuting, so you get an emergency email that your software didn't generate some reports, and you can get an autolink to a reports page and one click manually generate those reports and send them back to your user. While you're downing a pint of lager. That sort of thing.
Welcome Tim, question for did you leave WOR or is this moonlighting so to speak?
I'm not leaving anyone. I'm a supporter of the webOS community as a whole, which includes WOR and PC. If anything, I'm just becoming a more vocal member of both sites.
I guess all this developer stuff is nice. But what about document editing,excel editing,voice commands,predictive texting option,seamless synching with contacts without the configuration of the contact getting rearranged. The basic stuff would really be worth gold. Everyone has gotten away from the business basics. And why do we have an underground division that makes this device run the way it should?
Thank you.
+1000
Sorry folks, but webOS is a different animal. webOS is supposed to make cloud services possible on the client that don't currently exist in the cloud. Is this a threat to developers - yes if their lives depend upon it, but no if they are frustrated with the same things that bother all of us. Now, rather than enable something that should exist using API's from a cloud service provider they can focus on solving real problems and filling more than oversights and niches. While some view it as a loss more folks should view it as an opportunity at something more sustainable. Finally, there's always plenty that can be done on iOS with fart apps.
+1
+1
I think HPalm is doing the right thing. Developers are there to look to take advantage of need for some customers but not to prevent the sound development of a product. How would the same developers feel if they were told to develop a program that lacks certain features just because another developer wants to provide a "remix"?
As for WEBOS 2 on a palm pre(plus) pixi, I would not mind. I have come to discover that Webos is very pleasing to use on these phones once the speed is good. Am currently using the SR71 kernel running at 1.2GHz with no noticeable heating or battery drain.
For curiosity I also visit the Android tips section and find that what WEBOS does in few steps the android can also do but with more steps.
Finally I hope WEBOS 2 will include "local Synergy" version of the global search. for example if I have many documents locally stored on my phone, then by using a keyword, all the pages of the documents can be listed as links in a view, to which I could tap to open the document page. with multitasking I could have all relevant information available in card form for quick reference etc.
Maybe a developer will come up with a database app that utilises Synergy in a very unique way for improved productivity.
Would love to see your examples of what you are speaking of when you say it takes more steps with Android for cloud services.
I'm a webOS fan Through amd through, but if something isn't done about this hardware, I'm outta here. This plastic piece of crap has NOTHING on virtually any HTC phone... I love webOS and the updates are phenominal... Now put it on a device like the Evo and we've got a deal.
"The updates are phenomenal"? I received 1.4.5 this morning and I can't tell a difference at all. I'd like to know what it adds, because my phone was rock solid before and still is, but I don't see one bit of new functionality. No flash. no camera zoom. Nothing. I hope that 2.0 offers more than developer needs because if it looks the same and does the same with no flash, I won't be enthused.
well, for examples go to androidcentral.com and check out their tips & tricks of unninstalling programs from androids, capturing screens shots, setting into aeroplane mode, copying files from PC etc. the need to root, depending on which phone etc and then check out the tips and tricks for doing the same things at precentral.net or webosroundup.com
i am only talking about doing like for like based on user tips for webos users or android users.