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Ask HN: Advice on features and when to ship an iPad app

I'm looking for some advice, feedback or mentoring from the many of you who have more experience than I do in the matters of timing a software release. I've developed an new app for the iPad which I think is already pretty cool (you can judge for yourself) but I have even greater ambitions for it that haven't been built yet. I've posted a short demo of the app on Vimeo which shows off some of the current features (yes it's a bit rough around the edges): http://vimeo.com/10451888 What I'm trying to decide is, should I ship it with the current features in order to make the "day one" deadline of the iPad app store or should I hold off until I have some of the even more compelling features in place? One thought I had was to release it now with an open and honest statement that it is just the beginning of a much richer application and as early adopters customers will be rewarded with a much lower price than will be the case when the application is more complete (as well as playing a role underwriting future developments with their purchase). I thank all of you in advance for taking time to lend a hand!

c1sc0 17y ago
I'd release it just to find out if Apple approves it. Could save you a lot of wasted effort. Cool app, IF Apple allows it!
- jasongullickson 17y ago
  That's definitely always a risk, and although nothing jumps out as a violation to their policies you're right that it would be nice to learn this sooner than later.
mcav 17y ago
Your app looks very cool. I'd buy it. One minor thing that you've probably already noticed: Make sure that the draggable edge of the apps are big enough to move with a finger (as opposed to the mouse in the simulator). I'd put it out right away and improve incrementally.
- jasongullickson 17y ago
  Yes there is some tuning to do yet in regard to the UI (especially the app picker!) and I'm sure there will be changes once I can test the app on an actual device and see how some of the controls function first-hand. Thank-you for the encouragement, it's been tough cranking something like this out so quickly but from the feedback I've received so far I think it will be worth it.
vishaldpatel 17y ago
Looks like a great app. I'd spend a few hours to pretty it up... but I say go ahead and submit it!
jasongullickson 17y ago
I took your advice and sent the app off to Apple last night. Here's a updated video showing off the version I submitted: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fg4PAefWC4 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fg4PAefWC4 ...thanks again for the advice and encouragement!

c1sc0 17y ago

I'd release it just to find out if Apple approves it. Could save you a lot of wasted effort. Cool app, IF Apple allows it!

jasongullickson 17y ago
That's definitely always a risk, and although nothing jumps out as a violation to their policies you're right that it would be nice to learn this sooner than later.

mcav 17y ago

Your app looks very cool. I'd buy it. One minor thing that you've probably already noticed: Make sure that the draggable edge of the apps are big enough to move with a finger (as opposed to the mouse in the simulator). I'd put it out right away and improve incrementally.

jasongullickson 17y ago
Yes there is some tuning to do yet in regard to the UI (especially the app picker!) and I'm sure there will be changes once I can test the app on an actual device and see how some of the controls function first-hand. Thank-you for the encouragement, it's been tough cranking something like this out so quickly but from the feedback I've received so far I think it will be worth it.

vishaldpatel 17y ago

Looks like a great app. I'd spend a few hours to pretty it up... but I say go ahead and submit it!

jasongullickson 17y ago

I took your advice and sent the app off to Apple last night. Here's a updated video showing off the version I submitted: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fg4PAefWC4 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fg4PAefWC4 ...thanks again for the advice and encouragement!