Say Hello to Tweetbot…
- April 12th, 2010
- 185 Comments
Well, sort of. You know that app we’ve been working on for the last 2.5 months? Yes, it was a Twitter client. You’re probably thinking, “Another Twitter client?” Yes, but not any old Twitter client. A damn good one. We truly felt we could make a client that was just as good if not better than the other ones. At least that was the plan. However, there was big news this past week that has put a slight hold on development.
Why the Cat’s out of the Bag.
If you keep up with any tech news, you probably heard the announcement that Twitter is acquiring Tweetie and the developer, Loren Brichter, is going to continue working on the app for them. They will change the name to Twitter for iPhone and make it free. This is really great news overall and congrats to Twitter and Loren. An official client is something Twitter always needed.
But this news changes things for us. We probably won’t be able to charge for the app anymore. Who’s going to pay for a Twitter client when “Tweetie” is free? We are a very small team and can make things work. We put 2.5 months of hard work into this app and feel really good about where it’s going. The last thing we want to do is just give up, but we need questions answered before we can continue moving forward.
Concerns with Moving Forward.
Our biggest setback is not knowing what Twitter’s plans are for their new app and how it relates to 3rd party clients.
- Will the official Twitter client gain access to private APIs that others can’t access?
- Will it get a higher query limit?
- Will it be the only client to have true push notification?
- Will they eventually kill all 3rd party iPhone/iPad clients to prevent confusion between their app and all the rest?
What are their intentions? If it’s just to provide an official free client for users, that’s great. But we need to know if they’ll continue to welcome and encourage 3rd party clients to keep going. They also need to give us a fair chance to succeed by not giving their official client an unfair advantage when it comes to accessing the API. There are so many unanswered questions right now. We are aware of their dev conference this week, Chirp. We aren’t attending, but hopefully good news will come from this event.
I have to say, even though the Twitter news sounds bad for 3rd party client developers, it made me more excited about finishing our app. We just need some assurance from Twitter that their intentions with this acquisition are good and they will continue to welcome and support the 3rd party clients.
Now that the cat’s out of the bag, we are really curious as to what your thoughts are on this situation. Let us know in the comments!
WOW. Sounds good! Can’t Wait!!!
Assuming Twitter decides to maintain a level playing field, I think there’s plenty of room for 3rd party clients, especially from developers of your caliber. I’m a Tweetie user, but if experience is any indication, the app will get hit with the ugly stick. Alternatives would be most welcome, even if they are paid.
I have honestly always hoped your team would do a Twitter app. Mostly because I know you have never done anything half-assed. I own Convertbot and Pastebot — they are both amazing and I use them all the time.
I am seriously excited to see what kind of amazing new UI things you guys have in the works for this next app. You never disappoint, easily some of the best work I have ever seen.
Also, I don’t think you guys HAVE to make it a free app just because of the Tweetie + Twitter deal … but at the same time, you might have to lower the original price your team might have already had in mind.
I really don’t think Twitter will cock block other developers on the iPhone platform (or any platform at that) with exclusive APIs only to be used in their official app — that doesn’t seem like their style at all. Because really in the end; no matter how many “unofficial” Twitter apps there are, Twitter still benefits in the long run with new user sign-ups. Maybe they will announce at Chirp that if you want to develop an app, you’ll have to pay x percent to Twitter from your profits? Who knows. Or maybe they will finally implement some kind of ad system on their website to start making larger profits…?
So much is up in the air right now, hopefully good news comes for every developer out there during Chirp!
Don’t give up on this project, I know you just got everyone pretty damn excited to see what you guys come up with!
I’ve already paid money for four iPhone Twitter clients. I’ve also bought every Tapbots app. I’m pretty sure I’d pay for a Twitter client by Tapbots. The interface is important, and Tapbots is good at it!
Since I purchased ConvertBot, I remember thinking to myself, “these guys should make a twitter application – it would look amazing”. Glad to hear that this was being planned all along. I’d love to see this happen and I would gladly pay for it.
If your app looks & functions as well as your other apps, I’ll gladly pay.
Yay! The Tapbots app I’ve been waiting for.
I doubt they’ll cut off and cancel 3rd party clients. 3rd party clients are what made Twitter what it is. They would have never produced an API (and a whole API team dedicated to it) if they planned on killing off Twitter desktop and iPhone apps.
I’d pay for Tweetbot.
I’ll buy it anyway! Can you post some screenshots plus some information about in what stage of development it currently is?
Keep making your app! There is definitely room for payed, quality twitter apps as an alternative to the “official” iPhone app. I have been a heavy user of Tweetie for iPhone (I own both Tweetie and Twitterrific desktop versions) but bought IconFactory’s iPhone version as soon as I heard the announcement about Tweetie.
Seems like an amazing app. I can’t wait to have a peek to what a Twitter client developed by Tapbots would look like.
I’m sure that even with this Tweetie news, you can turn around Tweetbot into another direction and make it a must-have Twitter app, even if it isn’t a “twitter client” like so many at the App Store, and something new.
Congratulations on this initiative, I’m waiting for any more news on this interesting project.
Cant wait to see the screenshots. A twitter client from tapbots would surely be phenomenal!
I’d pay for it. You’d be silly to put it out for free! Keep up the great work.
Personally when twitter releases their own app I for sure will be deleting every other twitter app I have…I dont see a need to have two things that do the same thing. If you elaborate on what exactly Tweetbot does then maybe, but as of now no, since it is likely that the new twitter application will have first access with anything and everything new that the company comes out with. Check out the blackberry appworld and see how other twitter apps are doing over there since they have their own official app.
To be honest, even if they did give Tweetie a bunch of other stuff that no-one else could get access to (though, I can’t think of anything you can do on the website – other than account maintenance) that you can’t do with the API, your app, even paid, would still be worth it. I put a lot of value in your inventive and brilliantly executed user interfaces, and I would definitely buy Tweetbot. I have all your other apps, and I don’t even use Weightbot – I just love the way it looks!!)
Now, more than ever, we need developers shaking things up in the Twittersphere.
Looking forward to purchasing Tweetbot on the iPhone and iPad.
Well, I love all apps by you and I love to help you with localizing them (except Convertbot ;)), so I would buy Tweetbot on day one, although I use Tweetie at the moment. Tweetie is great, no question, but it’s not perfect. Especially the UI is far from perfect in my opinion.
But you guys make the most beautiful apps in the AppStore, so I know Tweetbot will be beautiful.
So I hope Twitter won’t prevent you in your further development.
toby
PS: Push notifications would be great, by the way. I hate BoxCar.
I’ll still be paying for third party apps if they bring something to the table that adds value. Tweetie didn’t do everything… And we still don’t have a good full featured app for the iPad.
Just keep at it! Eventually the bureaucracy at twitter will kill tweetie and we will need a replacement!
Small groups of people can always innovate faster than larger ones!
If the interface and functionality is just as good as your other applications, I will definitely buy Tweetbot without hesitation.
The chances are that I’d buy it because I like using Tapbots apps, but I’m not convinced that that is going to be true for everyone. People buy apps that no other app does or is significantly better or fuller featured than the competition.
I’d say that it would be likely that the new Tweetie client would have access to a lot more stuff and would have a massive marketing advantage over the competition.
That said, it will be very focussed on the services that Twitter offers and will remain focussed on those and those only. This, I think could be the advantage of a third party client, to do things that are not provided by twitter services.
Don’t know what they could be but that’s where i think the advantage lies.
I would love to see a Tapbots take on Twitter. We’ll probably get more news at Chirp about how Twitter feels about 3rd party application competition.
I sincerely hope that Twitter will do the right thing and not hamper 3rd party client development.
Apart from that I really look forward to your client.
There are only three good clients: Twitterific, Echofon and Tweetie (with the latter being my weapon of choice), but with your track record they might get some strong competition.
I would immediately go for it … expectations are (very ;) high re your new app though :)
1. I understand your concerns, but in this case I find it very difficult to believe that Twitter and Brichter would screw 3rd party developers in the ways you describe. I also wonder if 3rd party Twitter developers would be as spooked if it weren’t such a damn good app Twiiter bought.
2. If I think your app is better than Tweetie/Twitter, I will pay for it.
3. I find it slightly sleazy posting a misleading “Say hello to Tweetbot” link on Twitter in order to drive traffic to this page.
Wow – nice work, guys. I’m excited to try it out.
I’ve already paid for two Twitter clients when there were free alternatives, I’m sure I’ll buy more in the future. Tweetie is an incredible client, but Tapbots write amongst the best software for the iPhone and I bet your client is going to be amazing. :) So here’s hoping it works out…
I think you should still charge for your app. You unique and interesting take on UI is what makes your apps amazing and you shouldn’t worry about competing with free. I’ll be first in line to buy Tweetbot.
On the other hand, if this means you can bring PasteBot to the iPad more quickly, then please put all of your efforts into that ;-) (just kidding… …sort of)
Was I the only one hoping for a ToDoBot???? Anyways… Id buy a Tweetbot :)
I would pay a premium price for a tapbots twitter client.
p.s. can a brother get a sneak peek? screenshot? blurry photo? :)
remember what happened with the great twitter client Birdfeed ? it was sold and killed in an instant…what a waste and pity !
I understand your feelings and yes, Tweetie is currently one of the best – if not the best client – but there is always need for improvement. Tweetis is NOT perfect !
that said, I am very much looking forward to Tweetbot and I am very willing to pay for yet another of your quality apps !!
Hi,
I hope your app comes out and that you can finish it with great satisfaction.
For me, it’s all about the experience. And with your applications, the experience is great, well, fantastic!
I hope you guys can bring some never before seen features, that makes your app a wanna-have!
You Have to make this work (ofcourse Twitter has to do that too!)
Cheers,
Joost.
The Netherlands
I would gladly pay for a great 3rd party twitter client (@tapbots) over one owned by “the man.”
I’ve bought all of your iPhone apps, and I would buy Tweetbot, too.
FWIW, I own Twittelator Pro, Tweetie 1 & 2 (paid + Mac), Birdfeed, Birdhouse and Twitterific Premium (+ ad-free Mac version). Tweetie is my current favorite, but the ease of switching clients is one of the best things about Twitter.
And Tapbots are some of the best things about the iPhone.
I’d buy it anyway! Tapbots still do the best-looking iPhone apps out there. As a matter of fact when this page was down earlier I just went straight to the app store to see if it was already available. I’d buy without hesitation; I just know you guys would make something awesome. And who cares if Tweetie is “official”, Twitter need people like you to show them that there are other people out there who are far more awesome than they are. Keep going with it, that’s what I say!
The same way everybody pointed here, all the apps made by Tapbots are amazing! And for sure I won’t feel no problem about pay to have other amazing app made by Tapbots!
As an iPhone/Twitter geek I will buy Tweetbot, no doubt about it. I think all the regular iPhone/twitter users won’t. Why?
- Twitter.app will be free…
- …because it is free it will be at the top of every list in the app store (top social apps, top free apps, staff favorites, new and note worthy)
-twitter.app will be perfect (It basically is perfect already, push notifications won’t take long to find their way in to twitter.app)
Twitter.app is in perfect harmony with the rest of default iPhone apps. It feels like it’s designed and coded by Apple.
It also looks a bit ‘boring’, I think that were you guy’s can make a difference. People are willing to pay for eye candy. Create something that is ‘fun’ to use, something that looks cool and sounds nice.
‘Just my humble opinion.’
Can’t wait to read some tweets using Tweetbot!
That Guy
I would definitely pay for a Tapbots app for Twitter.
If Twitter’s purchase of Tweetie kills all competition for Twitter client apps, it would be a sad thing.
If you already had the cojones to build a Twitter app with so many out there, then this is no time to stop!
WOW! You make so awsome work guys!!
I like Twitter, but in combination with Tapbots – it surely would be incredible!
Can’t wait to see the screenshots!
-Arne
What’s the difference between your apps and Tweetie? Your apps are localized. Tweetie isn’t it.
Also paid Apps are worthier then free apps, I never deleted an app I paid for until now. Sometimes free apps don’t survive one day. And I promise, your apps will stay on my iPod forever.
I would definitely pay for a “Tapbots” twitter client
Hey Paul, Mark,
I wouldn’t worry too much. First, your app is something that all Tapbots and Twitter users have been waiting for. You guys have built a big group of loyal customers and will always be willing to pay for a premium, just as mac users.
There are already lots of free twitter clients, as there are wikipedia clients, conversion units apps, etc. One more free app won’t make a huge difference, even if its Tweetie/Twitter. Of course now you’ll have to compete with Free, but you’ve done it in the past.
An idea is to have a free Tweetbot app with limited features and one paid app. Don’t know your experience with Convertbot Mini, but this would be worth to try.
I would recommend this audiobook that I liked a lot about FREE: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAudiobook?id=322470568&s=143441
Hope you enjoy it.
Just as Josh Hofer said, I don’t see Twitter limiting the API’s nor doing anything macabre.
Wish you all the success.
Please do not give up on yours! I love all of your other apps and I’m sure this app will be great! Who cares about tweetie? I don’t even like it and own neither of the tweetie apps! I have echofon pro and on the push notification subject echofon has great push notifications, they’re almost instantaneous! And of course people will still pay for it if it’s good, you shouldn’t worry aboout an official twitter client, there are so many desktop and mobile twitter apps cus no one actually likes twitter’s own online UI, so what’s to say that their app will be better? And btw, if you keep this great app from me, not that it will make a difference to you, I will boycott tapbots, delete all of your apps from my iPhone and never buy any again!
i do not care if twitter has an official app. i’m looking forward for tweetbot! i’m sure you got a fun to use twitter app.
People will still pay for a quality app but from a marketing perspective all is not lost. A free application in the tapbots stable would be a great loss leader, directing people to your other three apps. In effect you’ve got free inbuilt advertising. All that time and effort creating this app is investment in building the tapbots brand among people who currently are not buying your apps.
Do an Ansoff matrix and you’ll see you only get so far developing new products for existing customers, so see this as a way to fill in the new/new quadrant of the grid and grow your audience…
I think it’s good news that you’re releasing a Twitter app, although being a Tweetie fan, I probably wouldn’t have bought it, I’m sincere.. but since it’s going to be free, I promise to check it out!
Your apps are very well designed and a pleasure to use…
As for your questions, I highly doubt there will be unfair advantages to Tweetie (besides being the OFFICIAL client, of course)…
I understand their point as there is an official Blackberry client, so there must be an official one for iPhone…
But being as open as they have been on the past, there will be always a good thing to have 3rd party clients..
And who knows, maybe you can release a Tweetbot app that is worth paying for… if it’s great, there will always be a market for it…
I currently use Twitterrific Premium (and have since the iPhone first launched in 2007 when the app was $10). Not sure I would spend much more $$ on twitter clients for any platform, unless it was an amazing experience or changed the game in some way that the others didn’t.
@DonS. – I am on board wanting the todobot too.
Continue. Definitely. Regardless, what Twitter is actually planning to do. I say, as long as there is any API, there’s a big chance for you to totally succeed. I don’t know many App Factories that produce such gorgeous Apps like you did and hopefully still will be doing. There is and always will be a difference between you and Twitter or other companies that try to develop iPhone Apps (regardless if it’s a Twitter Client or not): It’s in the details. People can see that you guys love your jobs and like what you do. And this will be the actual reason, why people will better like to spend money on a Tapbot App instead of just getting some “free” app with no “heart or soul”.
Besides of all that, I never liked Tweetie anyway. Blow ‘em. ;)
if the twitter client will be as good as the rest of your apps, i would pay for it. I ve got al huge list of twitter clients and my fav is tweetie but i am always happy for every new good client.
I am a web-interface developer, and I love to buy your apps just for inspiration and experimentation. I own Convertbot and Pastebot, and I would gladly add (pay for) Tweetbot to the family. In percentage, how far along are you guys?
Cerebrl
Tapbots is my favorite Iphone developer, second is Atebits so i’m in a bit conflicted. I use Tweetie on the iPhone and my desktop, but if something beter, simpler, more fun to use would came along i would switch from it… In my mind no one can do that better than Tapbots. I paid for Tweetie and I would gladly pay for Tweetbot.
Immediately after I bought Convertbot I saw that it was special so I immediately bought all the other apps, and if a can i will buy Tweetbot for no other reason but to support your awesome work.
Unless Twitter uses private API for Tweetie the field is still wide open for a product that exceeds what they give out for free even at a cost.
Build it and they will come! ;-)
I got Simplytweet 3 & Twittelator Pro & Simplytweet been my favourite @ the moment because of the UI & if your UI is good well I will be buying it as well as the update process with apple can take some time its good to have a few apps as a back up if one has problem that needs to be updated to fix.
This is great. I have an option now to change my fave twitter client. Great UIs are always coming from you guys and don’t think people will hesitate to pay for it.
I’m gonna buy whatever tapbots do .. mainly i use twitterrific as a twitter client but im sure twitterbot will be more terrific to use :)
You are the only developer that gets an “Automatic Buy.” That is, anything you publish, I’m buying it sight unseen. Weight, Convert and Pastebot are that good.
I’d LOVE to see your take on a Twitter client. I currently use Tweetie and like it, but I’m always open to see someone else’s take. I’ve tried Twitterriffic, too, but feel its development has stalled.
I would definitely pay for Tweetbot.
I’m in total agreement with “El in AZ” — TapBots apps are an automatic buy for me. I love the design sense and the attention to detail. I would absolutely pay for Tweetbot and then put on Page 1 of my iPhone. In fact, how soon can I get a copy??
For what it’s worth, I’d buy Tweetbot even with Twitter for iPhone being free and great. I bought Weightbot and never use it, and bought Convertbot and never use it. I still launch both regularly just to admire their design.
I think I second everyone here by saying that I’d definitely purchase tweetbot, considering I have ‘tweetie’ already, I pay for high quality, well designed apps and I have all of Tapbots apps so far so I assume the tweetbot app will kick as much ass as the others…Can’t wait guys, keep up the good work!
Love your products, own all the iPhone apps you’ve made so far, would love to see a screen shot of the postponed Twitter app.
Thanks,
I’d definitely still pay for it, Tweetie is by no means the perfect twitter app and I wouldn’t want to limit myself to just one twitter application anyways. I’m glad you guys aren’t running scared like some other 3rd party developers. Really can’t wait to use what you guys have come up with!
I sure hope you guys can release it! I would buy it, though I already have Tweetie 2. There are many Twitter apps and I have more than just Tweetie installed. I think your’s would be a beautiful addition to my other Tapbots apps.
This all sounds great, and I would happily pay for a Tapbots Twitter client. I don’t use tapbots apps because they’re cheap, I use them because they’re the best at what they do. Can’t wait!
I bought Tweetie 2 when it came out and I thought it was the best. I also own all three Tapbots. The experience you get from all three Tapbots is like no other app. and i would assume that Tweetbot would be better then the rest and I would buy it.
Well if it is almost finished you may as well do it. If you have a better product than “tweetie” people will buy it. Especially if you fill a few niches. You may not make as much but you could still make something which is better than nothing.
I’ll buy it, no question. If it’s a universal app (for both iPhone/iPad), it’ll be a lock for my daily use.
That’s great news. I always liked your apps and I’m sure you’ll nail this one. I’ll buy it anyway.
I’ll buy it for sure. I do use Tweetie but I just love Tapbots so much that I will buy any app you guys come out with whether I need it or not.
As for Twitter having bought Tweetie, I don’t think they want to kill the competition of Twitter apps. As far as I understood it they just want to have an official app to make it easier for people just starting out with Twitter.
I would buy it. You guys do amazing work. Tweetie 2 is def my favorite right now but I can’t even imagine what you guys could do.
Btw, no need to give it away for free imho…
I can’t imagine they will stifle competition by having features only available in their free client. Up until now Twitter has been a platform.
I look forward to your app. I’m not so sure that you won’t get away with charging for the app. I don’t think the other app developers will stop charging for theirs. If yours is a killer app that everyone has to have, you will get some people to buy it. You guys are known for having amazing UIs and I’m sure a lot of people would love your app, and be willing to pay for it (after all, it’s something people use DAILY for long periods of time, not some gimmick app that you use a few hours a month).
I’m a Twitterrific (paid app) user and have not found any app worth switching to (free or paid)…. See More
I am not sure they always needed an “official” client. One wonders why they didn’t go after the mobile market earlier than this…
Anyway, it’s refreshing to see that you have a positive outlook on it. And I look forward to trying out your app!
I’d buy tweetbot if it offered an amazing user interface compared to an official tweetie. and I know that’s what it will have after loving other bot apps. So count me as a sale!
Definitely set a price for it and sell Tweetbot. You deserve to get paid for your work.
I believe that people will look for alternatives to their stock applications as I have. While I’d have to look to be certain, I have own about 9 Twitter clients, both free and paid.
I am a hardcore Tweetie user – I use it every day and enjoy the fact that it links into other services such as yfrog and twitpic as well as bit.ly. It’s great for geotagging and I find the interface works really well, the multiple accounts being very useful too. I think that the bar for Twitter clients has been made pretty high by Tweetie and it no doubt brings challenges to new and existing app developers.
However, I am in the unique position to showcase apps to lots and lots of potential customers. The apps I immediately show them are the three apps from Tapbots. The reason is simple – their sheer exuberance of the interface and design makes them a leap ahead of many other developers. The apps are well though out, functional and stunning to look at. I sincerely believe that if any developer can create an innovative and original Twitter client, then Tapbots can and I’d pay for it, with no questions!
I will pay for a quality UI! I’ve been wishing for a Tweetbot, and I hope Twitter won’t cut off 3rd party developers.
You are the best iPhone app company out there. I am amazed how well you guys get UI. I already had PCalc to do my conversions, but when I saw ConvertBot, I had to buy it. It is my go to app to show off the iPhone.
I don’t really use Twitter, but if you released an app, I’d pay for it, and use it at least to tweet about TapBot. I’m sure you could get plenty of people to pay $1+ for the app. My suggestion is that you make sure you have a great video on the website that shows all the features. I hate when I can’t see a video of what I’m buying beforehand. Also, if it’s a good video, it often convinces me to buy.
I’d buy it with my eyes closed. I love your apps!
Definitely – finish it, and charge for it. I’d definitely buy it.
Just make an iPad version too!
Just’ve spread your word to Japanese users via Twitter. At a glance they all seem to be excited to know that you’re developing twitter client.
Me? of course :-) and would love to help you the Japanese localization as I did for the past bots ;-P
To be quite honest I’m looking forward to seeing a Tapbots styled Twitter client. Keep up the good work guys, love your stuff.
Setting aside the concerns you expressed in your post that will no doubt be answered at Chirp, I can only echo the comments of from other TapBot users in that I too would be more than willing to pay for TweetBot. Your reputation for quality apps with great looking and functional UIs is legendary.
Bring on TweetBot – looking forward to it, more so if there is a iPad version in the pipeline ;-)
Definitely count me in. My opinion: also notice that the iPad Twitter market still has yet to receive a truly special client.
You create an app like you’re others…I’d pay too. I think you’re the only developers from which I’ve bought ALL their apps.
You guys rock.
G
I will gladly pay for it.
This might just be your most anticipated app.
Keep up the great work!
Like the others, I would pay for an app from you guys. Knowing the products you produce, I’m sure it is worth it. There are other apps out that are free, I choose to pay for ones that have a better UI all the time. I hope it works out that you can still produce it.
“Who’s going to pay for a Twitter client when “Tweetie” is free?”
I will! I have three Twitter clients for iPhone. Tweetie is the best of them, but I had my fingers crossed, hoping you guys would do one. I didn’t even read the article at first… I read “Say hello to Tweetbot” and then immediately launched the app store looking for it.
Of course after failing to find it I came back and read the rest of the blog post.
I agree with previous commenters…you would be foolish to give it away for free.
I can’t wait for it!
Cheers,
Mike
Not sure what happened to the formatting of my post. I am writing it from my iPad…just for your reference.
I’m adding my vote of confidence here too: I’d totally pay for Tweetbot. I’m always happy to pay for great design.
I’ll gladly buy every app you produce because your designs are so inspiring to me as a fellow iPhone app developer.
I too would pay – if it’s better than the freebie. I have two paid Twitter apps already. What’s one more between friends.
Here’s an article on what we think about it. If you want to know if I’m going to buy it then yes, I am, no matter what. But if you want a nice long read here you go! http://www.gogogdgts.com/twitter-buying-tweetie-the-aftermath/
I’ve bought Convertbot, Pastebot and Weightbot and I would definitely buy Tweetbot considering your track record for quality and excellence. I also bought and use Tweetie2 for the iPhone, it works well but there’s always more that can be done to improve it. If the features are there, and I wouldn’t expect anything less from Topbots, I don’t think you would have any problems finding customers for Tweetbot.
Don’t forget that you have Pastebot in your favour as well. If you could integrate/link Pastebot with Tweetbot, this would be a formidable combination of features and flexibility.
Looking forward to buying your new creation…
Arrgh. Why do I always see the typos 5 seconds after I submit… –> should read Tapbots not Topbots.
BTW, here’s hoping Tweetbot also has a built-in spell-checker! ;)
Nice! – This was my reaction after I read that the app #4 is a twitter client.
There are very few software/hardware companies that make me want to see their products as early as possible. I CANT wait to see what you have done.
I am project manager and managing director in a small web development company and I believe I can appreciate good software. Your apps are incredible. I even get angry when I see other apps copying interaction strategy from your work.
I’m not only excited to see what you have come up with visually, but on the interaction level as well. You are really good at what you do.
3rd party Apps and Twitter
If from Twitter decide to close the API that means killing their business. I guess (no knowledge of the API) that this will mean killing search and other stuff. Twitter is a service that people use for Unimaginable things all over the world with clients in every platform in almost any form. (Plants that tweet when they are left without water – powered by Arduino)
So this is very unlikely, they must have gone crazy if they decide to do that.
Price
It seems very strange to talk about price when the Apps are in the 1 to $3 range. I’m from Bulgaria and my salary is way less than one in the US and yet I think $1 or $3 is just symbolic price. Yeah, after 1 million sales things change but that is your benefit, not my problem.
So if your plans were to launch this App with higher price like $10, yeah that may not be the best way to go in the economy of iPhone apps and Tweetie going free, but for your software I’m willing to pay $5 for the app.
Hell, I’m a fanboy of TapBots I will buy it for $10. :)
Keep going … you worked for 3 months on this. Release it and move to the next project. Even if you never add more features or the app dies you have learned something. No risks no gain! :)
Keep up the extraordinary things coming our way and we will answer in kind!
I would pay for tweetbot, but not much, especially since tweetie will be free. I will also pay for todobot if you build it. You guys go way beyond average in terms of interface, functionality and ease of use, and I love that. I have pastebot and convertbot, and I am hungry for more!
I’ve paid for Tweetie when Twitteriffic was free, because I liked it better. I’m VERY sure that Your App will up the ante for Twitter Apps, so: just do it!
Give us a somewhat limited free app (with iAd…?) and a full version, to get a foot into the door, perhaps (but I’m no marketing wizard, though) ;-)
I would still gladly pay for a high quality Twitter app, especially from you guys, having experienced your work, I’m quite sure it will not only be good, but amazingly fun to use. I currently own and use Tweetie, but I want to give whatever you guys do a shot.
However, if Twitter decides to give itself advantages, I can understand deciding not to release it. I would be highly disappointed if you guys decided to go that route because that would basically guarantee that I would be in the market for a Twitter app. I’m sure their client would do all sorts of fun stuff, but I would look elsewhere for a quality experience first. You guys would basically be the list.
For all it’s worth, I’d pay for it even though Tweetie will soon be free. There is still room for improvement over Tweetie 2, and I think you could definitely do a good job!
What Mads Kjaer said!
I can’t wait to see the gorgeous UI + icon. I am going to buy Tweetbot even if Tweetie is going to be free!
I think many people would buy your app just because of your great reputation, and fun of trying something new/different.
In addition, you could give the app for free and use in-app purchase for “donations” or for special features.
Don’t give up, it could be your most successful app yet!
Soooo… more than a day has passed since I left a comment on this thread and I’m still thinking about Tweetbot. I’d buy it this moment if it were available. Since you let the cat out of the bag, I hope you’re in a position to ship it soon. I’m going to hate waiting for this gem.
You should just release it… if Twitter decides not to support 3 parties then at least we will be in bliss for a few days before it gets pulled. and if they do still show support then you will have made a few bucks before Tweetie is updated as free.
Tweetbot seems like a great idea. Honestly, I use Tweetie and if you think you can compete with that and/or Tweetdeck / Twitterific, then you probably have a solid Twitter client. There are a couple of things I would do in your case:
- Release Tweetbot to a limited set of users to Alpha test under a confidentiality agreement. This will let you test Tweetbot with a loyal customer base (I know I would love to!) and reduce your burden before releasing it on the App Store. I know that the Apple’s Dev license allows tests on 50 or so iDevices, so you should use this
- Compete with Tweetie. Obviously, since you’ve only been working on this for 2.5 months, you knew about Tweetie 2 and thought you could compete with it. In the last couple of months, nothing significant has changed within Tweetie 2, so I would utilize this opportunity to release your client
- Twitter has a big enough 3rd party app database that they will not just drop support for it. This would make Twitter extremely unpopular. Honestly, they might let Tweetie through some of the limits, however, this is just to allow their website to scale. I am sure most people won’t bump against the OAuth rate limits as Twitter will probably increase this this week!
I look forward to seeing a finished product! Good Luck with everything =)
Competing with Tweetie is difficult… it’s probably the best app I’ve got. The polish & general iPhone-likeness is unsurpassed. That said, Twitter clients have shown themselves to be a field ripe with potential for interesting & varied interfaces, & you already knew about Tweetie, so I assume you’ve got some of your usual flavour in store for Tweetbot :)
I’ll buy it. Even if I keep using Tweetie, I know Tweetbot will be worth it even just to play with & enjoy. Your apps are a pleasure to use.
I can only say that if you made a twitter client.. its good.. sound pricing and I’ll buy it. UI is everything on iphone and tweetie doesnt have what it takes anymore feature wise. Long way from it actually.
As long as you implement push and your UI-magic .. it will be a winner..
What are your plans now … am really curious about TweetBot!!!
Please, look inside the iPad App tore.
There’s just NO decent app for conversion units, i believe you have an incredibly opportunity to just lead this category with ConvertBot.
The same i would say about a twitter client… Twiterrific has really nice interface, but i believe you could do better, and i would pay for it, no doubt.
Finally, iPad just doesn’t have one of the most essencial apps for iPhones: PasteBot.
Really! forget TweetBot, ConvertBot, but PLEASSE, don’t forget PasteBot! iPad needs that, specially now that we’ll receive multi-task support with OS 4.0. PasteBot will be a must-have app do work and increase productivity.
By the way, given the more pixels of iPad screen, i think this is a really big opportunity to turn PasteBot into a more “editing” images app… Features more complex like images resizing, text frames, saturation, etc.
Please finish Tweetbot. If Twitter handles the acquisition of Tweetie anything like Brizzly handled taking over Birdfeed then I think you guys can really benefit the community by giving us an app that isn’t made for the company but is made for us, the users.
One data point that did come out of Chirp is 75% of all Twitter’s traffic is through their API.
My vote is for you guys to move forward and finish the app. I’d buy it.
There was an other news recently too, Twitter will launch an advertising platform, so probably for this reason they prefer official clients supporting this platform.
I’d buy it! You guys do some of the best iPhone UI design, and if your app is even 90% as good as Tweetie (Twitter for iPhone) with a signature UI I don’t think there’d be any question. I wouldn’t think twice about paying up to $2.99 for a good alternative Twitter app from a reputable developer.
Good luck!
I think a Twitter client from Tapbots would be mind blowing. I’ve downloaded your apps just based on the design alone, the functionality/features were a bonus. While Tweeties is awesome, but I feel like a TB app would be worth the money.
Keep it up! Can’t wait!
It’s already been said, but I would still gladly pay for a Twitter app equal to or superior to Tweetie. Especially one made by Tapbots. Please don’t stop development!
Sounds great, I’d buy it :)
Still waiting for Pastebot for Windows (Id pay extra for that too), and Todobot would be awesome too :D
Considering that your apps are reasonable prices and well made, I don’t think that you will have a problem with sales. You guys have come a long way since Weightbot, don’t give up because of the “Twitter official app”. You make good apps, you have happy customer, don’t disappoint.
Now I Waitbot.
I’d buy.
The Twitter dev conference is over by now … are you going to publish TweetBot? I’m so much looking forward to seeing your implementation and an update re your plans would be appreciated very much … I’m visiting this thread every day hoping to read the good news :)
Cheer
Well guys, think of it this way – what would your agenda be if you were in their shoes?
Also, The Facebook app is free, can you imagine someone developing a facebook app now and charging for it?
it sucks, I would have bought it just because you guys made it – but i think you’re going to have to take a hit on this one.
Why not adapt it uniquely in some way??
You should release this app soon. One thing you can do to mitigate your circumstances is to make this a dual-purpose app, kind of like Feathers. In that app you can copy and paste what you wrote into your notes, text messages, or whatever. It’s not just for Twitter. Why not make it some kind of general “chatbot”?
I’d be happy to pay for a twitter app from you guys! I love your software :)
I hope the silence means you’re still working on it and plan to release. I would definitely pay a premium for a well-designed Twitter app by you guys.
And I can’t wait to see some iPad-sized bots!
Knowing you guys, Tweetbot will have an amazingly beautiful UI :)
I would gladly pay for TweetBot (but free would be nice).
I’d buy it, i love your software!
Guys, you have to release this.
I am certain that people like myself would pay for your Twitter client. Like most other iPhone/Twitter uses I have tried Tweetie, yeah it’s a good app but it lacks in certain features and this is the reason I no longer use it.
Please release your Twitter client
Please release this! Your team’s design skills are unmatched, I would certainly purchase.
Seriously, please finish this app. You guys have the best UI hands down. I will absolutely take it over Tweetie.
And here I was hoping that your next app would be an Italian Cookbook called “PastaBot” :)
(j/k – can’t wait to see it! I use Echofon, but would switch in a heartbeat to support you guys. And yes – I’d pay for it too!)
I actually think it would be a bad business decision. The replies you are getting here are of course fans of your software who I am sure would buy TweetBot. But in business terms it is NEVER a good idea to make something based off of an IP that you don’t run/own. You don’t want to ride on the coattails of Twitter/Facebook/Myspace and the like for the simple reason they can do anything they want with their IP and leave you in the dark at any moment. Also thinking in terms of sales, more people have shown they will opt for a free version of software especially if it is an official app as opposed to paid third party software. Review Facebook and Digg apps and the ones most popular are the official free versions. I do look forward to your next venture I just think TweetBot would be best left on the shelf. Again in terms of a smart business decision and not based on fan reaction.
I think you should put the app out there and charge as usual. I honestly can’t get enough of your apps, the way they look and the way they feel is second to none – I personally would be happy to pay for a twitter app by tapbots even if tweetie is free.
Hey guys, i´m a big fan of your bots and i will never ever use the offical twitter app, because:
1.) there will be the one url shorter, the one image hoster
the one everything.
Thats fucking bad for twitter, cause twitter need all these small sites to be what twitter is today
2.) i love your apps, got all of them and want a 4th robot on my iphone.
3.) official always means “everbody” and i dont want to use an app everybody use
GIME ME MY Tweetbot…
I love the beauty of Tapbots’ apps UI and, oh, not to mention the elegant clicks and beeps they make. I’d definitely look forward to see how Tapbots fare in iPhone’s Twitter client wars.
Like everyone else, of course I’d purchase it. Twitter for iPhone would be free, right? So basically, there’s nothing to lose.
Just keep us posted, guys!
I’d buy Tweetbot, even if you charged $5 for it. For realz. I appreciate very much the design of all the Tapbots apps, and am always excited to see a beautiful and unofficial client. I suspect that normal people will be more excited about Tweetie once it’s Twitter for iPhone (and free!), but for me, there’s something about paying for a beautiful app that makes me love it even more. I know that sounds weird, but I really think you should go ahead with this. I can’t wait!
Stop whining and just get it done. You guys will blow away all the other clients in sheer usability. You’ll be next on Twitter’s acquisition target list…
I would gladly pay for a Tapbots Twitter App. Your apps are some of the best hands down. Although I love Tweetie, and it is my main Twitter client, I would buy and use yours. Thanks for all of the hard work and good luck.
Hi, I own Tweetie.
I would pay if it’s a simple and minimal client for twitter.
The UI will be amazing.
Great news a go for it!
Just thought I should add that I would gladly pay for an app that is well-designed.
I would suggest you go with 2 versions, one ad supported for free and one paid up front.
Yes, Tweetie going Twitter exclusive is “bad” news for 3rd party Twitter app developers. . . Those that just make vanilla Twitter apps. This just means that your product needs something extra to make me pay money for it. Tie it in to Pastebot and the rest of the TapBot universe is one plus.
More importantly, what is missing from vanilla twitter apps that you need daily? I was happy just using vanilla Twitter apps to access my tweets. Then Tweetie showed me — or Loren, I should say — showed me there’s a a lot of data tied to each tweet and each Twitter user. (Even Twitter.com doesn’t let me easily see conversation threads, which Tweetie exposed me to and made me in to a Twitter user full-time.)
Don’t let the TapBot Twitter app die. Run a beta test; let users put some input. Think about what is missing from the current crop of Twitter apps and take it from there.
Sounds cool!! I use tweetie now but I love tapbots!!
You should release it. I garauntee it’ll get featured in the app store and people will pay for it. People don’t necessarily buy your apps for the functionality, but instead for
the experience. I rarely need to use your apps but I bought them all just in case I ever need to, I always have the best of the best.
Good luck dudes. I’m a huge fan and it’d be a shame not to release it
I would absolutely buy a Twitter-app from Tapbots. I know you deliver quality work, so it’s an easy choice. Whether there exists a free and official app don’t matter, since you are always looking for new functionality and design – which I hope your app has!
A Twitter app with Tapbots style would be incredibly worth it. I know Chirp is over, and I don’t remember hearing any news specifically about Twitter’s promises or dedication to the third-party ecosystem. But if it’s there, I can’t wait to see what you cooked up.
Wow, cant wait! And it don’t have to be free! 9.99 is totally okay!
I can only say what has already been said…
You guys make awesome looking and working apps – I would BUY a Twitter Client – you guys simply know how to design GUIs that look and just work great!
I’d love to see a Twitter Client for the iPhone and especially the iPad from you guys!
Please keep us updated!
You should make a To Do list app like Things, but make it Listbot, Dobot, or something like that.
Or, you could make Blogbot, so you could post to your WordPress or Blogger blog.
Tweetbot is a good idea, except I don’t have a Twitter account :-)
I’d be really interested to see how Tapbots could pull off a Twitter app that is truly engaging and well thought-out. I’ve never understood the fandom that surrounds Tweetie. I use the desktop client because of the fluid UI, but the iPhone app (and most following) is garbage. Twitteriffic has been the only one close to satisfying, and still it leaves something to be desired.
‘Free’ will not sway me as that application is now. If you guys keep on the trend you’ve proven so successful with in previous application releases, I would have no qualms with paying for Tweetbot. My only hope is that the Twitter API’s and things related don’t leave you guys in the dark.
Twitter for the iPhone looks like it’s coming out within a day or so, whats the deal with you guys?
Having used Twitter for iPhone for the last few hours I’ve found it very disappointing. I’m incredibly excited about Tweetbot as no Twitter client on the store satisfies me.
Guys, you are the design masters in the App Store. Really. If you come with a beautiful implementation (I am sure you will), a tasty icon and an iPad version, I will surely buy it.
You are the design masters in the App Store, just come with a cool interface and icon and with an iPad version and I will surely buy it.
PS: I am a 13 year old iPhone Developer and you are my idols! :-D
Twitter for iPhone sucks with its creepy icon. Now I need Tweetbot like never before, please publish it soon!
Sure you’re going to create the most awesome Twitter app for Apple’s product. Tweetie isn’t the best at this time, no iPad support and a very very ugly icon. You can beat them!
still waiting…
I don’t care if it costs anything, I know any app made by tapbots will be exceptional. Even if it doesn’t have the same features as the official client, the UI makes the app well worth it. As a fellow developer, I can only ask that you please finish the app even if you aren’t going to charge for it.
I would gladly pay $99.99 for TweetBot… If it just means I get that godawful blue bird off my homescreen!! I’m sure you guys could come up with something more creative that that! :D
Anyways, please don’t give up on it. Please. Tweetie was a quality app. Now, people who want free will get free, and cheap and nasty along with it. People who want quality will pay, and get quality with it.
I’m with everyone else. Tweetie is dead to me. I would pay for Tweetbot in a heartbeat. You guys are the best UI designers out there and that alone would be worth the price of admission for a lot of people.
I would definitely buy Tweetbot, and I also would love to see a to-do app that syncs with Calendar and Google Tasks.
I doubt Twitter will screw over 3rd parties, they just aren’t that way in how they act.
Can’t wait for the release!
Sign me up!
I am afraid of what a big corporation with a shady agenda (no offense twitter) will do to tweetie.
Your apps work. they work well. they do what i want them to do.
If you keep that same feel with “tweetbot” i will definitely buy in.
Kyle Sacks said it. “You guys are the best UI designers out there and that alone would be worth the price of admission”
How about a facebot, facebookbot
Some people don’t mind and even prefer paying extra for premium/alternative products. That was the entire reason I bought Tweetie – the interface was superior to everything else on the marketplace, and I liked sharing it to people who opted to download free inferior clients, thusly “blowing their minds”.
Don’t be afraid to charge us if it’s worth it.
Knowing you guys, it definitely will be :)
I’m going to go with the majority here – I owe many of your products and I love how they simply work and the elegance of their UI.
So yes, while I’m quite liking the current Twitter for iPhone app, I’ll be more than willing to pay for yours if it’s better or simply more user friendly than it.
From what I understand you currently have no intentions of porting your existing apps to the iPad — which is quite sad and disappointing… :(
So what about upcoming new releases like Tweetbot though…?! Are you going “universal” from the start or will it again be iPhone-only…?
Knowing Tapbots apps, I would definitely pay for this app.
Please do this; I would definitely pay just to see what you come up with, let alone use it every day!
I like what the tapbots have come up with so far (just bought calcbot) and would love to see what you guys do with a twitter client. I’d even pay for it if it was better than Tweetie, which I’ve been using since it came out.
You should definitely release the app. ’nuff said.
I will buy it day one even if it’s not free.
Hello. You’re absolutely right about people not paying for a twitter app because the official Twitter app isn’t only free, but also the best twitter app to get on the iphone. It’s easy to grasp, has highlight tweets and even shows the most retweets for every trend which is a really nice touch.
If you created a “twitter draft” app and charge 99 cents for it then I would consider getting that. I know twitter already has a draft feature but Loren purposely shortened the draft previews so it could integrate with the Birdhouse app. No other twitter app shortens their drafts and there’s no other reason for this. The problem with birdhouse is that the app is all marketing and offers very little features and updates outside of the pretty UI. It doesn’t even offer landscape! This is just my suggestion though and keep making great apps, thank you :)
I’d buy TweetBot – even if I only got to use it for a short time – Nothing ventured Nothing gained – I like your style *:o) – Keep on Botting!
Your apps are great.
I use TwitBird Premium (paid app). If you could make an app that does just everything TwitBird does, with a stunning interface à la Calcbot, Pastebot, etc., I’d buy it.
Don’t forget Facebook integration: I’d use Osfoora instead of TwitBird if it weren’t for the lack of FB integration. What I like about Osfoora is its home screen with large icons and direct access to your own tweets and to your list of followers.
Full text search within your own timeline would be great.
People will pay for a Twitter app if it’s better than the official Twitter app (which is certainly not the best Twitter app around).
Whoo! Can’t wait to download this app! I know you guys are freaking good developers, I’ve owned Convertbot, Pastebot and Calcbot. Very usefull and good designed app. I’m using Twitterrific Premium and Icebird as twitter clients, but want to see a good client from you guys. When would this app will be released, and how pricey would it be? Please answer my questions on Twitter: apptouchreviews
Greets
I think if you can make it a good universal iphone + ipad app like calcbot then you could have a winner
vaporware?
It sounds like a dream!
Sure, the new Tweetie (also called Twitter for iPhone) is currently the best client on AppStore but not as good as the old one.
I hope and I think Tweetbot is better if it released.
I’d pay for Tweetbot, definitely. Without even thinking or hesitating.
You guys have the best looking and original apps in your portfolio. To make Tweetbot free would be a great advertising strategy, but you could still make money with it too. That choice is left to you guys, just know a lot of our customer would buy it anyway.
I’d definitely pay for Tweetbot. All your previous apps have been really good, glossy and user friendly. I know Tweetbot would be awesome. Please release it!
please please please release that twitter client. I’ll buy it without hesitating. You guys make brilliant apps with awesome UI !!!
Yes! I agree. Tweetbot will be an awesome app :D
Definitely buy this app!!!
Please work on it ;)
Have I told you .. the icon for tweetbot looks incredible :)
http://drp.ly/1Khi9p
i would gladly pay you guys for your tweetbot app. i gladly paid for tweetie and tweetie2, and i’ve stopped using it since it was acquired. please finish the app so i can buy it from you!!
Excited about how the interface will look like. I’ve purchased so many twitter clients in the past, most of them i don’t use anymore. I was a Tweetie user, but Twitter bought them, so i have to use the official twitter app at the moment. I hope (and honestly I know) that you guys will make me switch to your twitter client, because of the great user interface, you’ve used in Convertbot, Weightbot, Pastebot and Calcbot.
I was able to take a look on the upcoming icon for Tweetbot, on Dribble and i love it so much, that i dont’t want to wait anymore to have it on my homescreen (and maybe in my Dock…)
And, because i’m student, i hope that you will make an introducing price of 0,99$ as you made it with Calcbot a few months ago. Sure i will pay 4,99$ for Tweetbot, cause i know you guys are great, but please take a pleasure and don’t make it that pricey for the first day.
I hope you will announce some more status information about the development of Tweetbot on Twitter, this helps me much, thanks ;)
Greetz,
Marvin from AppTouchReviews
PS: And, oh, of course i will make an appreview of Tweetbot on my site when you have released it to support you guys anymore ;)
i would gladly pay for tweetbot if the experience is great. i loved twitterrific prior to the latest version, because it had a lot of power packed into a simple and quick ui. i’ve been on the hunt for a new client that i like as much, but haven’t found one. if tweetbot provided a great interface and great interaction model, i would not hesitate to buy.
see my post about why i miss twitterrific:
http://riverb.tumblr.com/post/1059100470/twitterrific-2-ill-really-miss-the-old-bird
Rest assured, if you make a better client than Twitter for iPad I will definitely pay for it.
Please please please PLEASE, release your tweetbot
Tapbots app are best, of course I would get it. Tweetie (Twitter for iPhone) is great, but I can only imagine how greatTwitterbot would be. Pastebot is one of the greatest Apps for the iPhone!
Regarding the reasonable prices of your Apps, I most definitely would get it. Hey but please stick with the brighter design, Calcbot is a tiny bit too dramatic! ;)
Tapbots app are best, of course I would get it. Tweetie (Twitter for iPhone) is great, but I can only imagine how greatTwitterbot would be. Pastebot is one of the greatest Apps for the iPhone!
Regarding the reasonable prices of your Apps, I most definitely would get it. Hey but please stick with the brighter design, Calcbot is a tiny bit too dramatic! ;)
I’ll pay for your app no matter what else is out there.. Twitter for iPhone is a good app, but not great. If you make an even better app, or at least as good, people will pay for it!