The Posse put out a call for predictions in #336. Whether or not anybody likes it, here's mine:
"No third-party Android app will attain 'cultural sensation' status in 2011, meaning it is widely recognized in the mainstream culture and media." I know, the phrasing is peculiar, but it's an article of faith in the iOS community that Android needs to put up a "killer app" in 2011 to prove it's not just a me-too copycat platform, market share notwithstanding. This is sort of a riff on that, but whereas "killer app" is usually thought of in terms of functionality -- something where you'll buy a device just to use the app -- this is slanted more towards the kinds of personal apps (utilities, games, media) that rule on smartphones. Examples of "cultural sensation" apps and their platforms: Facebook (web), Twitter (web and SMS), Angry Birds (iOS), Guitar Hero / Rock Band (various consoles), Wii Sports (Wii). I think in all these cases, you could ask someone who doesn't use them what they do, and usually get an accurate answer (maybe not a deep one, but better than "huh?"). I considered adding the iOS apps Flipboard (which got a lot of business press coverage when it came out), and Midomi / Shazam / SoundHound (collectively known as "that iPhone app that recognizes music"), but don't think they fully meet my criteria. Plus, I'm choosing my battles carefully: this phrasing leaves the door open to Google delivering such an app. Heck, "Google Goggles" may qualify already. --Chris -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "The Java Posse" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/javaposse?hl=en.
