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Kickfolio puts iOS apps on the web for hands-on interaction
Developers working on iOS applications have had a bit of a dilemma regarding app demos and beta testing. Getting a prerelease or ad-hoc version of an app out to testers' devices can be complicated, expensive or both -- although services like Testflight and Hockeyapp can streamline the process if needed. For marketing, many devs have used a short video to try to get across the key points of an app, while others use the freemium model to let users give the app a try before purchasing full functionality through an in-app purchase. They could also choose to not create a demo and use word of mouth and a good website to explain their app. Kickfolio, launched in December, is an innovative idea for developers who want testers to poke and prod or potential purchasers to try before they buy -- a fully functioning version of their app available in streaming fashion over the web. Kickfolio's service is quite reasonably priced. Developers get a private testing page for their apps, and for public access they pay by the number of embed sessions that are required -- in other words, how many times an app is accessed through a site other than Kickfolio. Prices start at US$9 per month for an unlimited number of apps and 500 embed sessions, on up to $69 monthly for unlimited apps and 5000 embed sessions. Enterprise plans with no cap on the number of embed sessions are also available upon request. To get the app online, the developer simply uploads the binary to his or her Kickfolio account. The embed is immediately available on the testing page, and can be dropped into any website in seconds. For customers visiting the website, the iOS app shows up onscreen with an "interactive demo" badge encouraging the user to touch or click on the demo app. From that point, the user is essentially working with a live version of the app. A small cloud icon provides the user with a way to share the app's iTunes App Store address via email or text message. The embed uses HTML5 and CSS, keeping Flash completely out of the picture. The resulting embed can be viewed and used in any modern browser, and response time is excellent -- a test of the RunKeeper app on the Kickfolio website was quite usable over an LTE connection on an iPad or iPhone. For developers, Kickfolio is a wonderful way to let potential purchasers or beta testers try an app. Thanks Derek!
Kensington trots out universal tablet case, BunjeeAir Power for finding your misplaced iPhone
In addition to that three-piece armor case that chains your iPad to a hotel desk, Kensington quietly added three other products to its lineup -- a motley collection running the gamut from a universal tablet case to a doo-dad that vibrates when you're about to leave your iPhone at home. Starting with the doo-dad, BunjeeAir Power is a $100 accessory small enough to fit on a keychain, and pairs with a free iOS app and a special case (included in the bundle). If that sounds like a clumsy setup, keep in mind that Apple doesn't allow third-party accessories to lock the phone via Bluetooth, so Kensington worked around that by developing an accessory that plugs into the iPhone's 30-pin connector and communicates over a 2.4GHz wireless connection instead. So, once you've put the case on, the keychain will vibrate and beep once you get roughly 30 feet away from the phone, and it'll eventually lock the device remotely, too. As an added touch, the case packs a 1,500mAh battery and a slot 'round back of the case into which you can insert a credit card or hotel room key to fashion a makeshift kickstand. Too bad none of this will help you the next time you abandon your iPhone in the backseat of a cab. Moving along, the company announced the KeyFolio Pro, a case with a detachable Bluetooth keyboard and removable velcro corners that'll fit any 10-inch tablet. The case, which costs $100, also has a stylus holder and seven notches, allowing you to prop the tablet up at a 22- to 72-degree angle. Wrapping it up, there's Absolute Power, a $120, 100-watt brick with USB and micro-USB sockets that's meant to replace the adapter that came with your laptop. Finally, there's that pen you'll see in those hands-on shots -- an $18 stylus that doubles as a real, honest-to-goodness pen, topped off with a removable cap. Peek our hands-on shots below, along with the vid after the break -- you know, if watching befuddled actors discovering they've forgotten their iPhone is your idea of a rip-roaring time. %Gallery-133546% %Gallery-133548%
