Today’s Link Love – Android after Rubin

March 14, 2013 by Leave a Comment
andy rubin

Godfather of Android, Andy Rubin

Android co-founder Andy Rubin steps down

News came this week from Google that Andy Rubin is leaving Android, the operating system he helped create. His replacement is Sundar Pichai, who oversees the Chrome web browser and applications like Google Drive and Gmail. The company states Rubin will begin “a new chapter” at the company. But many are left scratching their heads and wondering “Why?” and what will life be like for Android.

Google’s Android chief Andy Rubin steps down - Reuters

Andy Rubin and the Great Narrowing of Google - Wired

Andy Rubin’s heart lies with entrepreneurship - Phandroid

After Rubin, what’s next for Android? - The Guardian

Next for Google’s Andy Rubin, ‘more moonshots please - Upstart Business Journal

Former Android Leader Andy Rubin Should Leave Google - Business Insider

Filed Under: Mobile Industry Tagged With: , , , ,

Amazon follows MiKandi’s footsteps, launches virtual currency

February 5, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Amazon CoinsAmazon announced today its own virtual currency system called Amazon Coins. In true Amazon fashion, the company is going big by giving away “tens of millions of dollars” when the virtual currency launches in May. Amazon Coins can be used to buy apps, on in-app purchases, and games on the Kindle Fire. The coins will be available in the US only at first and will not be available for subscriptions. Customers who do not wish to buy apps with Amazon Coins can still purchase outright with credit cards.

We love virtual currency

MiKandi is happy to welcome Amazon to the virtual currency world. When we were rebuilding our app store 2 years ago, we thought long and hard about how to tackle payments. Being a tech company that sells adult content, many services were restricted. From newsletters to payment options, our usual course of action was to build it ourselves. On top of that, at the time it was very hard for developers to make money in the Android Market compared to iTunes. Something wasn’t working and we were dead set of figuring out what that was.

We came to the conclusion that we had to think about this problem differently. The question we found ourselves asking, often, is: How do you build an app store that exceeds the current options and really resonates with consumers? We looked to the gaming industry for leadership and discovered that consumers understand and accept points-based systems with rewards and purchases. From an app store’s point of view, virtual currency makes it easy to provide customers with outstanding customer service. Download an app you really don’t like? We can simply refund your MiKandi Gold for you to spend on something you do. No hassle, no delay. Easy peasy lemon squeezy. That, coupled with our industry leading customer service, has led to our remarkable chargeback rates, something that has plagued the adult industry since the advent of online purchases. Our chargeback rates are so low, we’d hazard a guess that it would make non-virtual currency supported app stores raise their eyebrows and stroke their chins.

Imitation is the best form of flattery

We have to ask, “What took you so long, Amazon?” When MiKandi launched MiKandi Gold, our virtual currency system for paid apps back in 2010, we were the first virtual currency powered mobile app store. A few months later, we launched full support of KandiBilling to Android developers, our in-app billing API, 1 day before Google Android. There’s something to be said for small teams- we move fast. Our mommies taught us to share our software, Amazon. Next time, ask us and we’ll let you play with our toys.

Seriously.

Filed Under: Mobile Industry Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Google Play enforces anti-adult policies, drives developers away

March 22, 2012 by Leave a Comment

It’s long been known that “there’s a porn store on Android” and “folks who want porn can buy an Android phone.” (Steve Jobs) While that still rings true when it comes to porn apps, it appears we need to make an amendment.

Folks who want porn can buy an Android phone and download MiKandi, the porn store on Android.

Google Play: “We love boobies…. SYKE!”

Since the transition from Android Market to Google Play, Google has beefed up its policy around adult material, and has begun to drive developers of adult apps out of their market. Last week, the market banned the app Reddit is Fun for violating its content policy. Read more on Pulp Tech at ZDNet. We’ve reached out to the developer to ask him to share the app in MiKandi, where we will hug it and pet it and squeeze it and name it George, but we haven’t heard back. Andrew Shu, if you’re reading this- we want you!

While we’re sad to see Google Play follow Apple’s path, we understand why a mainstream market would want to keep adult material out. You don’t want a market that appeals to kids and adults. At least Google gives adults the option to get the apps they want by downloading them from third party sources (e.g. MiKandi, the world’s first and largest adult app market.)

[VIDEO] See our response video to Nixie Pixel – Do iPhone users get the shaft?

Focus is good

Joining the world’s first and largest adult app market has its perks. Developers in MiKandi report higher relevant downloads and installs in our market because our audience is specifically looking for adult apps.

In the past week, we’ve received many requests from developer driven out of Google Play to join our market. And we take them with open arms. It may be the other markets’ “moral responsibility” to keep porn off phones, but at MiKandi, it’s our responsibility to treat adults like adults.

If you’re a developer that has been affected by Google’s decision to purge Google Play of adult material, contact us today at developer@mikandi.com.

Filed Under: Developers, Mobile Industry Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

MiKandi releases In-App Billing on Android

March 28, 2011 by 1 Comment

When Google announced on March 24 that they intend to launch full in-app billing support this week, we knew we wouldn’t be getting much sleep over the weekend. We’ve been chained to our desks, ‘coding like we’re dumb’, in an effort to beat Goliath to the punch.

We’re excited and relieved to announce that this morning MiKandi launched full in-app billing support for our registered developers. The API, which has been in beta since New Year’s, utilizes our virtual currency MiKandi Gold, and works on the device whether MiKandi is installed or not.

After the product went live, one of our developers had this to say:

“zzzzzzvbbbvvfvvbbzbn”

In-app billing has been long anticipated by the Android developer community. Customers are voting with their dollars on other mobile platforms, indicating that in-app billing is crucial to an app developer’s quiver of revenue tools. As part of the launch, PinkTV is releasing its own app which integrates MiKandi’s latest API (Get the PinkTV VOD app today). Bryan Clinger of PinkTV shares,

At PinkTV, we’ve been very excited about in-app billing because we know that our customers want a taste before they buy. This allows us to enable taste tests in a seamless manner and MiKandi’s speed in launching this is impressive, considering how long it’s taken other app platform providers.

Industry analysts Juniper Research forecast that revenues from in-app/in-game purchases will overtake the traditional pay-per-download model as the primary source of monetization by 2013. “At MiKandi, we believe that our job is to make developers money and to make customers happy. In-app billing satisfies both of these goals, particularly in the adult space,” says MiKandi co-founder and president Jesse Adams.

With over 500,000 apps downloaded per month, MiKandi is confident that in-app billing will provide a substantial boost to the earnings power of its 1,300 developers. Existing MiKandi developers are invited to begin integrating the API immediately. New developers can register for a free MiKandi developer account at http://developer.mikandi.com.


Filed Under: Developers, MiKandi Gold, MiKandi News Tagged With: , , ,

Banned from Apple and Google, MiKandi Welcomes iBoobs

March 17, 2011 by Leave a Comment

iBoobs Uncensored in the MiKandi App Market

Not too long ago, the interwebz was inundated with tech articles, blog posts, and comments around Apple’s not so transparent app approval process.  What ensued after was an aggressive app banishment of “explicit” content from Apple’s app store.   The aftermath left many developers without a happy home, the creative genius of the iBoobs’ team included. (Impatient? Get the app here now)

In a noble fashion, iBoobs bounced back (see what I did there?) by taking advantage of Android’s open OS and released an Android version of their popular app to give the people what they really wanted… the freedom to choose ‘awesome’ without limitation.

Cue Triumphant Anthem: *Eye of the Tiger* …slow fade, then… Stop.

Unfortunately this small victory was short-lived.  According to the developer, Mystic Game Development, the uncensored version was banned from the Android Market and the lite version was cut off from all Admob ad services.

Third Time’s a Charm

Enter MiKandi, the world’s first and only app store for adults, who today welcomed the controversial app with open arms. “The great thing about the Android OS is that even if you can’t get iBoobs from the Android Market, you can still get this and other uncensored adult apps through MiKandi,” says co-founder Jennifer McEwen.

Adds the Mystic Game Development team,

We’re very happy that there are alternatives to the very closed-minded app market and app stores of Google and Apple. We hate to see that both of those big companies deal with their developers in terribly bad ways. Working with the MiKandi team gives us freedom and appreciation. We don’t feel like just a number in the big pool of developers.

MiKandi’s uncensored approach has resonated strongly with developers and adult mobile users, now generating over 500,000 app downloads per month. This week, MiKandi released its Direct Inward Linking API enabling developers to drive new customers directly to their app detail pages within the app store. Want iBoobs? Click and ye shall find.

 

Saweeeeet, right? Well, don’t take our word for it…


GIFSoup

Righteous..

Filed Under: Featured Apps, News Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

How to protect yourself from malicious apps

March 10, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Google Android has been taking a lot of heat after it’s been revealed that over 50 malicious apps were distributed through the Android Market. Unlike the Apple App Store, the Android Market isn’t heavily screened, making it easier for developers to publish their applications than in other official OS markets. Google relies on user feedback and ratings to police the market, as well as requiring users to accept permissions before downloading and installing applications. On one hand, the openness of Android can be attributed to its exponential growth. But on the other, many are asking is the price of such openness too high?

From WSJ:

While that may leave Google’s Android Market more vulnerable in some respects, security experts say all mobile operating systems are open to similar kinds of attacks. In the past, Apple has also pulled apps from its App Store after they were discovered to send information about users and their phones to outside parties without the users’ knowledge or consent.

Practice Safe Downloading

Like the Android Market, the MiKandi App Store makes it easy for developers to publish and monetize their apps. But every once in awhile a bad apple comes along and tries to ruin the batch. So, how can your protect your device from malicious apps? One thing to note is that in order to install any Android app, malicious or not, you must accept the app’s permissions. Pay attention to what the app is asking access to and ask questions if you have them. For example, a wallpaper application should not need access to your contact list.

App Download Best Practices

Below is a list we complied back in December 2009 of precautions you should take before downloading anything (mobile or web).  Please take the time to review as it can be the difference between a working Android and a hacked one.

  1. Put on your sleuth cap. Research the developer of the application before downloading. Applications in the MiKandi marketplace are not created by MiKandi. Developers use our marketplace to connect with you, the end user.  So before you hop into bed with an app, get some deets on the Developer.  A Developer’s contact information can be found in the app description.  If it’s not, just give us a shout at info@mikandi.com and we’ll send you the info.
  2. Read the fine print. Always read the legal information and privacy policy the Developer provides and review what information they want to collect.  In order to install an app, you will be notified of security permissions the app is requesting access to.  Be wary of apps that request more access than necessary.  Be cautious about sharing your personal information, and click Cancel if you are not comfortable with granting access.  In the end, it’s best to refer to the first guideline and email the Developer with any questions.
  3. Be cautious who you share your location with. Some apps allow you to share your location with the Developer, friends, or public at large.  Refer to Guideline #2 and find out why the app you want needs that information.  There are many fun apps out there that require access to your location.
  4. Listen to the tribe. MiKandi’s review process is driven by the community, as opposed to imposing our own review process. We leave the feedback to our community of users.  Take note of what other end-users are saying about the app you want.
  5. Report abuse. Obviously, illegal content is NOT tolerated on MiKandi.  If you discover an app with illegal content, please report the app in question at developer@mikandi.com

Developers are more than happy to answer any questions you may have regarding their application.

Developers who stock apps on MiKandi are subject to the MiKandi Terms of Use.  All apps are subject to MiKandi’s Privacy Policy.

 

 

Filed Under: Around the World Tagged With: , , ,

That 206 crew… Androidified!

February 17, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Hollatcha app store

Androidify, available free from Android Market, lets you take the little green Android, and turn it into yourself, your friends, your family, anyone! Just like the Android platform is open, the Android robot can now be freely customized.

[nggallery id=16]

Filed Under: News Tagged With: ,

I AM GOOGLE ANDROID

December 9, 2010 by Leave a Comment

Filed Under: News Tagged With: , ,

Sneak Peak: Honeycomb & Google Maps in 3D

December 7, 2010 by Leave a Comment

Google’s mobile chief, Andy Rubin demo-ed a prototype Motorola tablet at the Dive Into Mobile Conference yesterday.  This sweet lookin’ moto-tabs runs on a dual-core Nvidia chip and the newest version of Android, Honeycomb.  Besides showing off some cool UI features, Rubin walked through the 3D version of the Google Maps App, which is said to be a forthcoming update for Android devices.  Some of the awesome-ness this upgrade will bring include: 3D Buildings, Compass Orientation, and Offline Capabilities.

For additional screenshots of this Motorola tablet, check out this article by TechCrunch.

[via ZDNet via All Things Digital]

Filed Under: Mobile Industry, News, Technology Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Today’s Link Love

December 1, 2010 by Leave a Comment

Don’t just build an app- build a mobile business – Tech Crunch

Sorry Steve Jobs.  Porn ISN’T allowed in the Android Market – Mobile-Ent

American Express now lets you swap reward points for Zynga’s purple cows – Tech Crunch

Jolt Online brings Playboy to Facebook – Tech Crunch

Google puts Android porn out to pasture – Words by Nowack (Ed. Interesting perspective!)



Filed Under: Link Love Tagged With: , , , , , ,
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