My very own iPhone App (x2)!

Well, I now have this blog on two different iPhone apps – one from appmakr and the other from motherapp.

Initially I tried the mother app site. The site wasn’t clear on proceedure so I sent in an email and had an email back requesting some information form me (which I duely sent) but still wasn’t given an indication on price – so I had no idea how much it would cost.

A few weeks later they sent me another email asking for more information (mainly images) – which I sent, but again – no mention of fees. Then a month later I get an email saying that my app is ready (and so I didn’t pay a penny for it. I love FREE but they should market this fact way better!)

Interestingly, the same that app is launched – my other app from appmkr is also ready. Their communication was much better and clearer. The process seemed easy and straight forward to me. The main disadvantage was that I submitted my form too soon without thoroughly checking it. I made a few changes, and re submitted it a few minutes later but it seems that didn’t matter as the original one was still made into the app. I will contact them about updating it but it seems from their FAQ that I’ll have to pay for that.

I used a code with appmkr so only paid $50 rather than the full $200.

Having put both on my phone now and dealt with both companies my preference is appmkr (@$50, as I think $200 is way too much) if I can get my new design working. They had better communication and more flexibility in design. The whole process was a lot quicker and they have a decent support forum.

That said – motherapp was free and their app is ok but a bit buggy as it won’t display images correctly at the moment. Their communication though was a little ambiguous for me, and they took longer to create the app. There is also no flexibility in design or features (you use their template). Still they did a good job with what they had and did I mention that it was free?

Download my two apps on your phone and test them both and see what you think. Would love your feedback and I’ll update this post when I get version 2 running with appmakr.

1. Appmakr version: click here to download
2. MotherApp version: click here to download

So overall – my advice is to try both, especially as motherapp was free – you have nothing to loose. It works (generally) but if you can get a discount code for appmkr – it has more flexibility in features and design and is worth the $50 (but not the $200 in my opinion). Just make sure you’ve got it right before submitting.

The World’s Smallest Cycle Lane?

I love Liverpool – it is  a great City to live in, but – like most things in life – it is far from perfect. There is rollercoaster of a season from Liverpool football club (I am a life-fan and season ticket holder), the bizarre way in which the council spends money, the weather and now this: the world’s shortest cycle lane?

I occassionally cycle to work (and I say occassionally!). On Friday, I went down Lawrence Road, Wavertree. I have been down this road many times and noticed the cycle lane on the road – but this time, finally remembered to take the picture.

I want to put it in for the smallest cycle lane in the world award if such a thing exists.

What were the council thinking? It is even on Google Maps, Street View. There is even a sign to tell you that there is a cycle line – this is especially noteworthy, but I guess at least they have been thorough?

It makes me laugh/cry/sigh every time I cycle that way.