The keynote address was full of exciting news:

• iPhone 4 with a high resolution screen and video conferencing
• iAds interactive app-based advertisements
• iPhone OS 4, now known as iOS 4

The last item is perhaps the most significant in our mind, since it always seemed clear to ArcTouch that the future of Apple is devices based on the iPhone/iPod/iPad platform and not the Mac OS X platform. This simple name change, combined with no mention of Mac OS X in the keynote address, now publicly suggests the phase out of the Mac OS, and a rise of touch-based devices that look and function more similar to the iPad in the future.

For most people, this may be a welcome direction. The iPad has proven to be simpler device for most people to use than their traditional desktop and notebook computers. The instant-on behavior and the instant-access to a wealth of music, video, books and app content has changed the consumption model and usage of these devices. We see this as a tremendous opportunity. The app ecosystem will continue to grow and we are excited to help our customers be part of it.

Yes, there will be a Mac OS 10.7 some day, but we say that will likely be the very last in the long proud line of Mac OS X.

Thanks Mac OS X!

You set the bar for a modern gorgeous operating system, and made it possible for the iOS to exist. Now go and enjoy your retirement.

ArcTouch has been invited by Adobe to be part of a special pre-release program for the “iPhone packager for Flash“.

This allows iPhone developers like ArcTouch to design apps in Flash, but develop and deploy them using standard native iPhone code. ArcTouch’s creative teams are able work in an environment they are completely familiar with during design, but still produce true native iPhone apps. ArcTouch can also use Flash for the illustration, the animations, the interaction, and for showing it during design reviews to customers over the web. Then, when we are ready to build it, we convert it into native iPhone code.

We’re one of a small number of iPhone application developers chosen by Adobe and given access to this technology, and we’re thrilled.

iGevalt Dreidel App Featured On Adobe Site

To get started, we built iGevalt, a dreidel simulator for the iPhone. This app features realistic 3D graphics, motion and sound, and was recently featured on Adobe’s site to showcase the Packager for iPhone. iGevalt is available now in the app store.

Flash Apps To iPhone App Conversion

Do you have an existing Flash game or Flash application?

We can take your existing Flash based applications and convert them into a new native iPhone apps. You’ll benefit by being able to repurpose your existing investment and gain a faster time to market than if you were going to work with other iPhone programmers to rebuild your app from scratch. Plus, you’ll know how your application is going to look and work in advance of the programming phase.

ArcTouch is a full-service app development studio and we offer complete custom app design and programming services.

Contact us today to get started!

Meet Captain ArcTouch, digital defender of justice, and his super apps! Captain ArcTouch is an iPhone comic book app developed by ArcTouch.

Web Apps Delivers Full Functionality In A Browser

Captain ArcTouch is a Web App. Web apps are delivered over the Internet from a web site to an iPhone or iPod touch through Safari web browser. Unlike traditional mobile web sites, however, which are simplified web pages created for viewing over a the browser on the phone, Web Apps are very similar to the graphically rich and interactive “native apps” delivered through the iTunes App Store.

For example, Web Apps can contain complex animations and transitions through the capabilities of modern HTML5, CSS, and Javascript. Web Apps can also take advantage of unique functionality of the hardware device, such as the GPS, accelerometer, and swipe and pinch/zoom gestures. Web Apps can store data locally on the phone, and can even be launched right from the phone’s home screen into full screen (without Safari’s navigation buttons) like our very own Captain ArcTouch web app. Best of all, Web Apps can be deployed quickly and easily right from your own web site and can be updated just as easily too.

Web Apps are also more portable to other platforms, since the Android, BlackBerry and the webOS all have some support for modern HTML5 and CSS.

Apps Make You Super. We Make Super Apps.

Contact us to learn more.

The latest IDC smart phone market report claims that although the iPhone receives the most visiblity and attention in the marketplace, the new iPhone 3G S came in second to BlackBerry’s Curve as the phone most bought in America in the second quarter of 2009. In fact, according to IDC, BlackBerry smart phones outsold all iPhones.

IDC’s top ten selling smart phones in America in 2Q 2009:

1. BlackBerry Curve (BlackBerry OS)
2. iPhone 3G S (iPhone OS)
3. BlackBerry Pearl (BlackBerry OS)
4. iPhone 3G (iPhone OS)
5. BlackBerry Bold (BlackBerry OS)
6. BlackBerry Storm (BlackBerry OS)
7. HTC T-Mobile G1 (Android OS)
8. Palm Pre (webOS)
9. HTC Touch Pro (Windows Mobile)
10. HTC Touch Diamond (Windows Mobile)

BlackBerry OS based smart phones occupied 4 of the 6 spots in the top 10 list. If you’re thinking of developing a custom app, make sure to include BlackBerry development in your plans. We are experienced BlackBerry developers who can help you bring your app to this platform.

The Google Android mobile platform global market share has been growing 25% month over month and is now over 5% worldwide, exceeding that of Windows Mobile, according to the AdMob Mobile Metrics Report. Google has been steadily adding additional handset manufacturers and with nearly two dozen new Android based smart phones expected in the next year, Android is likely to continue its ascent and claim a top spot as a leading mobile platform.

This is a great opportunity for you to be part of this Android growth curve now by including an Android version in your application product plans. Hire our Android programmers who have over 10 years in Java development experience and are expert custom Android application developers.

BlackBerry RIM Top Smart Phone For Business Users

NPD recently reported that the BlackBerry Curve outsold the iPhone in the first quarter to become the best-selling consumer smartphone in the U.S. RIM, which already leads the corporate smartphone market in the United States, also had three of the top five best-selling consumer smartphones in the period, with the Storm at No. 3 and the Pearl at No. 4, NPD said.

The BlackBerry is THE dominant smart phone for businesses and is an ideal way for you to put your products and services in front of corporate users. Make sure to include BlackBerry apps in your mobile strategy. Hire our BlackBerry developers who have over 10 years in Java mobile development experience and are expert custom BlackBerry application programmers.

Apple iPhone OS Market Exceeds 45 Million Devices

Based on Apple’s announcement during their July quarterly earnings that 45 million iPhone OS devices have been sold worldwide, AdMob estimates that there have been over 13 million iPhone and over 12 million iPod touch units sold to date in the United States, compared to 1.9 and 1.8 million in Germany and France respectively. 54% of the world’s iPhones and 60% of its iPod touches are in the United States. This percentage has declined from 61% in January 2009, signaling that international user growth has outpaced US user growth. As a region, Western Europe has a 26% share of iPhone and iPod touch users. The worldwide ratio of iPhones to iPod touches is roughly 2 to 1.  In other words, iPhones comprised 68% of worldwide iPhone OS based devices and the iPod touch makes up the other 32%.

With over 45 million devices you can’t beat the iPhone and iPod touch for your mobile application initiatives. We can take your raw idea and turn it into a best-in-class finished app and help you deliver it through all the app stores worldwide. Hire our iPhone programmers who are expert custom iPhone application developers.

Of course the iPhone would be your first choice and you might assume that BlackBerry Storm would be next, but for a smart phone with similar touch screen capabilities as the iPhone your next platform should actually be the Android G1.

According to HitsLink, which tracks which mobile browser software applications are used across thousands of web sites, Android is 2nd by smart phone market share.

Surpised? You shouldn’t be.

The BlackBerry Storm, RIM’s entrant to the modern touch screen smart phone market, has only been on the market for a few months and will likely increase BlackBerry’s share going forward.

Of course, your decision for which platform to develop a custom app shouldn’t be driven solely by absolute market share. Your business requirements and target customers should also factor into this. Perhaps you have a legacy server side application you need to maintain, or your customer base is already proficient or has an affinity to a particular smart phone family. Our experienced team of consultants can help you choose which to target and our agile mobile application development process lets you introduce multiple versions gradually as your ready.

We can take your company’s app from raw idea through launch in the app store, and we offer complete custom development services, including architecture, engineering, user experience design and product management. Our San Francisco based team has been together for over 15 years working at a diverse set of Silicon Valley technology companies. We’ve had long term engagements providing custom development on a variety of devices and platforms for many clients, including Apple, IBM, HP, and Adobe to name a few. We work as an extension of your team

• Have an idea that you need turned into an app?
• Wondering what sort of app your company’s products or services should have?

Contact us and we can help.