So I finally got to play around with the iPhone SDK and it doesn’t seem too bad. Sure, I’m not really familiar with Objective C and the syntax is much different than I’m used to, but I don’t think it will take a huge effort to learn and apply what I need for the few, simple, applications ideas I have so far.

iPhone SDK

That said, I think what’s motivating about the iPhone platform is the potential audience.  Not only are the users generally “Internet-savvy”, but they’re also very loyal to the Apple brand and platform.

One thing that’s pretty unique in the way iPhone applications are delivered is that because new applications are automatically featured at the top of the ONLY distribution channel (the App Store), every new submission has a chance to become popular.

I’m not at all saying it’s easy to create a successful app; however, the initial exposure for an iPhone app is virtually unparalleled in most software markets.

I’ve been trying to find the perfect task management software for almost three years.  There are so many offerings but the main problem has been lack of universal access except via web browser.

Web-Based vs. Client-Based

Usually we think of web apps as being great because you can access the service anywhere through just a browser.  I agree that this is really important; however, a truly universal application should have native clients on as many platforms as possible, with users “falling back” to the browser if there is no client available.

That’s why I like Evernote and Remember the Milk.  If I’m on a PC, I can use the quick, native Evernote application to post to my online collection, allowing me much more power and flexibility than any web app.  Same for the Mac.

Similar to Evernote is RTM, which with its release of both an iPhone application and a Google Gadget (and Gmail’s new “Add a Gadget” feature) just became significantly more useful to me.  I just paid the $25/year to upgrade to Pro and I’m so happy I did.

Conclusion

Hybrid applications (desktop/device and web-based) are the wave of the future.  That could mean RIA with a common runtime, or it could mean just multiple versions of native code for different platforms.  Either way, it’s won me over.

An offline Wikipedia reader named Encyclopedia is finally available for your iPhone.  For a mere $8 you can put the sum of human knowledge in the palm of your hand without an Internet connection.