Sussex digital firms seeking a bit of Apple (From The Argus)

Sussex digital firms seeking a bit of Apple

9:45am Thursday 4th February 2010

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The digital media industry in Brighton is in line for a huge boost thanks to the latest gadget to hit the market.

Apple’s iPad was launched last week, with the company hoping it will make the same impact as its iPhone, which has sold millions since its launch in 2007.

The iPhone’s success has been a boon for digital media because it is relatively easy for small firms to develop applications which users can buy for just a few pounds.

The iPad, a lightweight, portable tablet-style personal computer which offers wireless internet connectivity, works in the same way.

According to Andy Keetch, community manager at Wired Sussex, the digital media support organisation, it could lead to a huge increase in demand for applications.He said: “It is going to make a lot of people excited because it’s so new and it’s one of those products that anyone can use.

“It will also open up many more opportunities for more people to buy applications and therefore mean more money for developers.”

Daniel Counsell, founder of Realmac Software in Gloucester Yard, Brighton, said: “It is very much a device for the masses.

“I think it will take off and end up being very popular once people actually get to use it.”

The iPad will create a new revenue stream for Realmac since it previously had only developed applications for Mac computers.

One of the company’s products makes it easier for people to use social networking sites Facebook and Twitter at the same time and Mr Counsell said the firm would be looking to develop this for the iPad.

Future Platforms in Gloucester Street, Brighton, has been developing mobile applications since before the iPhone was released and has clients including Audi and EMI.

Commercial director Sergio Fallett said: “The iPad has the potential of extending the existing market and taking it even further. You could start to see a new generation of applications that are custom built.”

Although Future Platforms has no concrete plans to develop specifically for the iPad, or similar technology being developed by Intel and Nokia, Mr Falletti said it would probably do so in the future.

He added: “We spend about 10% of our time playing around with things and I would not be surprised if one of us picks it up.”

IPAD FACTFILE

It is 0.5in thick, has a 9.7in LED touchsensitive screen and weighs about 700g.

Apple claims the battery will last for ten hours of use and 30 days on standby, although this will vary depending on what applications are being run.

It is due to be released in the UK in March. No prices have been announced but in the US it will sell for $499 (£313) for the 16GB version, $599 (£376) for 32BG and $699 (£438) for 64GB.

The Apple apps economy is worth £1.5 billion a year worldwide. The company receives more than 1,000 submissions from developers every day. Firms developing apps receive a percentage of their purchase price, with the rest going to Apple. For example, time:calc will generate 84p for Brightonbased developer Dr Phil’s Apps for every unit sold at £1.19.

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