AccordHK · Field notes
Notes from the work
Field notes on software, product work, and practical AI from AccordHK.
Latest articles
Following Apple, Google Also Requires Developers to Disclose In-App Random Item Draw Odds
Google has followed Apple in requiring developers to disclose the odds of obtaining virtual items through in-app random draws. Greater transparency is intended to help users make spending decisions, although the impact on gaming app revenue and the accuracy of published odds remain uncertain.
Read article →Apple Opens App Pre-Orders to All Developers, Letting Them Earn Before Launch
Apple has made app pre-orders available to all developers. Users can order before launch and receive automatic downloads on release day, while developers can gauge demand and adjust their apps or servers.
Read article →Just a Diversion? Why Mini Programs Cannot Yet Replace Apps
WeChat Mini Programs offer a clean experience without installation, but limited system access and reliance on network connectivity constrain their usefulness. This 2017 article explores those limitations and the development potential of web applications.
Read article →32-bit Apps Account for Less Than 1% of App Store Revenue
The newly announced iPhone models run iOS 11, which brings a new interface and features but leaves nearly 200,000 32-bit apps and games unable to run. A research report found that these apps and games accounted for less than 1% of App Store revenue in Q2 2017. Apple introduced a 64-bit architecture in 2013 and required all apps listed on the store to use it in 2015.
Read article →Android Instant App Is Coming Soon: Try Apps Without Downloading Them!
Android Instant Apps lets users experience an app's main features without downloading the full application. Google says more than 500 million devices can now access the service, with support extending beyond Android Nougat.
Read article →Opportunities in the App Market: Learn App Development from Home
Rising app usage and revenue point to opportunities in app development. Learn how CS50, Udemy and Codecademy can help beginners build foundational knowledge, explore programming languages and strengthen their skills.
Read article →China's Mobile Apps Exceed 4.02 Million as Games Lead the Market
China's mobile app market remained active in the first half of 2017, with more than 4.02 million applications. Games led by app count, while e-commerce platform revenue grew by 42.9% year on year.
Read article →Global Mobile Gaming Revenue Surges in Q2 as Users Ride Shared Bikes on the Streets
Second-quarter mobile gaming revenue grew 32% year on year to US$12.2 billion, while downloads across iOS and Android reached 9.2 billion. Asian games featured prominently among the highest-grossing titles, as the article raised concerns about minors becoming addicted to mobile games.
Read article →Opportunities in the App Market: Learn App Development at Home
Growing app revenue and demand for IT talent in Hong Kong point to opportunities in app development. Beginners can learn at home through CS50, Udemy’s iOS course and Codecademy’s interactive exercises.
Read article →Apple's App Store Revenue Reached US$4.9 Billion in the First Half of 2017, 40% More Than All Its Businesses in 2007
Apple's App Store generated US$4.9 billion for the company in the first half of 2017, 40% more than Apple's total net income in 2007. Growing app sales, games and subscriptions were helping expand its services revenue.
Read article →App Economy Forecast to Reach US$6.3 Trillion Within Five Years, with US$6 Trillion from E-commerce
App Annie forecasts that the global app economy will grow from US$1.3 trillion in 2016 to US$6.3 trillion in 2021. Mobile e-commerce is expected to account for 95% of the total, reaching US$6 trillion.
Read article →Mainland China App Store Cleanup Removes Nearly 60,000 Problematic Apps in Two Weeks
Apple reportedly removed approximately 58,000 problematic apps from mainland China's App Store over two weeks. The cleanup partly reflected feedback from users and developers about copycat apps, spam and apps that had gone years without a download.
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