74: Apple Vision Pro - Christian Selig & Devin Davies
Feb 8, 2024
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Christian Selig, developer of Juno app, and Devin Davies, developer of Crouton app, join the show to discuss the launch of Apple Vision Pro and their experiences developing their apps. Topics include challenges of developing for a new platform, converting measurements in recipes, attending Apple labs, building a YouTube app, lack of access to Apple's APIs, the impact of being mentioned in the Wall Street Journal, challenges in the tech industry, and their social media presence.
The release of Apple Vision Pro has brought recognition and exposure to the cooking app Crouton, surpassing expectations.
Strategic long-term app development for Crouton anticipates hardware improvements and aims to provide a comprehensive cooking experience.
The association between Apple Vision Pro and cooking has positioned Crouton alongside well-known built-in apps, highlighting the success of indie developers.
Deep dives
Recognition and Impact
The release of the Apple Vision Pro has provided significant recognition for the cooking app Crouton. With features in the Wall Street Journal and other media outlets, the app gained attention for its unique integration with the device. While the immediate impact on sales may be limited due to the limited availability of the Vision Pro, the recognition and exposure have surpassed expectations. The association between the Vision Pro and cooking has become ingrained in people's perception, making Crouton a recognizable name even before widespread adoption of the device.
Future Development and Hardware Enhancements
The success and attention garnered by Crouton have allowed for a strategic long-term approach to app development. Building the entire cooking experience now, with the understanding that hardware improvements could make it more viable in the future, offers a head start in providing a comprehensive and polished app experience. Enhancements to the device's field of view and clarity of pass-through visuals, particularly in low-light environments, are key hardware factors that would make cooking with the Vision Pro more feasible. While immediate sales impact may be modest, the ultimate goal is to establish recognition and prepare for the evolution of the device.
Recognition and App Association
The association between the Vision Pro and cooking has taken hold in people's minds, with references to the default cooking app on the device becoming common. While this may slightly overshadow the recognition of the Crouton app itself, the overall effect is a positive one. This alignment affirms the significance of the app and positions it alongside well-known built-in apps. Furthermore, the recognition of Crouton as an indie-developed app has been celebrated within the developer community, highlighting the shared journey and achievement of indie developers as a whole.
Expectations and Long-Term Impact
Crouton has surpassed initial expectations, both in terms of recognition and potential impact. While the immediate sales boost may be limited by the availability of the Vision Pro, the exposure and positive reception of the app contribute to a stronger foundation for future growth. Beyond financial considerations, the recognition received from the press and users has forged a lasting impression, even leading to instances where people were already familiar with Crouton. The long-term impact of this recognition and association with the Vision Pro creates a favorable positioning for the app.
The Potential Benefits of Building Relationships in the Developer Community
Building relationships within the developer community can lead to benefits, such as being a reliable source of information and potentially gaining attention or support from others in the community. While these relationships may not directly translate to immediate sales or monetary gains, they can contribute to being recognized as a valuable member of the community, which can have long-term benefits during future launches or endeavors.
The Uncertain Future of VR as a Platform for Developers
The future of VR as a platform for developers remains uncertain. While there is excitement and potential, the difficulty and inconvenience of wearing a VR headset and the limited user base pose challenges. The current iteration of VR is compared to the early days of the Mac, and it may take time for VR to become more mainstream and widely adopted. Additionally, the requirement for 3D development skills presents a higher barrier for entry compared to traditional 2D development. Despite these challenges, there is excitement and optimism for the possibilities and unique experiences that VR can offer.
Christian Selig & Devin Davies join the show for a special video episode about the launch of Apple Vision Pro and both developer's apps, Juno and Crouton, that released on day one of the brand new App Store.
