While it may feel like we’re suffering through social media overdose, I still bump into a site every now and then that actually makes sense. Welcome AppBoy - a community focused on mobile apps for iPhone/iTouch, Android and Blackberry users.
You can easily find recommended apps by category, device, rating - as you’d expect. But unlike other app stores, you’re not limited by geography. Best of all, mobile app users can make suggestions for developers - and the rest of the community can then vote them up or down, Digg-style.
And what if you’re a developer? You are able to create a profile on AppBoy, along with a vanity URL, in which you can showcase your portfolio (and get paid). Neat.
Round it off with a visually appealing design and whack of intuitive functionality, and AppBoy is well worth a peak.
What's Driving This Trend
- Community-focused Mobile Apps
- Creating social media communities around mobile apps allows users to discover and recommend apps beyond regional limitations.
- User-generated App Recommendations
- Enabling users to suggest and vote on app recommendations disrupts the traditional app store model and gives developers valuable user feedback.
- Developer Showcase Platforms
- Offering developers the opportunity to showcase their portfolios and earn income through a dedicated platform like AppBoy provides exposure and financial incentives.
Who This Affects Most
- Mobile App Stores
- Developing community-focused features within mobile app stores can enhance user engagement and increase app discovery.
- Social Networking Platforms
- Social media platforms can incorporate dedicated sections or communities for mobile app users, facilitating app recommendation and discovery.
- Developer Tools and Platforms
- Creating developer-focused platforms that provide profile showcases and monetization opportunities can empower developers and enhance app quality.
