The AFL has launched it’s “official” iPhone application from the social media chatter we’ve monitored footy fans are not happy with the pricing of the app at a recurring $6 every 30 days. Unfortunately for the AFL there is already iPhone applications that provide similar functionality for free (Footy Lite sponsored by Triple M, Aussie Rules Live 2010 sponsored by CarSales.com.au).
The subscription-based iPhone application is relatively new concept as Apple has opened up the ability for in-app purchases. In-app purchases allow upgrades inside the application rather than purchasing a new application in the App Store, a good example of this is extra levels or upgrades in a game. As a contrast to the subscription model the MLB delivers one of world’s finest sports iPhone application MLB At Bat at a premium one-off price of $17.99 which has been a big hit with baseball fans despite the higher than standard price.
As sports fans what do you think? Have the AFL price this app correctly?
Do you think more iPhone apps will follow a subscription model?
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Puma Index is an iPhone application built to promote Puma Body Wear. The web site version is available here. As Sports Geek I need to add the disclaimer that I am a huge fan of Puma sneakers I stopped counting pairs at 20. However, I don’t think you could be as disappointed as I was. Puma Index is one of the “quirky” apps trying to get downloads with a concept twist, in this case combining the Dow Jones Index with a strip tease. As the Dow falls the model (male or female although the buttons on the app are confusing, “Do you click Male because you are Male or because you want to watch the Male?”), when the Dow rises the model puts back on a Puma Body Wear tracksuit. Before you ask, even with the GFC the models remain clothed through out the “performance”. Unfortunately when developing this application they failed to cater for the international market as when I reviewed the application the Dow was closed and all I got was a model tossing and turning in bed. Although I don’t think even that modification could save this application.
Sports Geek iPhone App Throwdown
Value: Low – even if it is free
Sports Geek Factor: Puma performs poorly one for a useless app and aligning themselves with effectively a peeping-tom application.
Usability: Not as simple as you’d think with only one action available.
Who Is It For: Bored voyeurs with some interest in the stock market?
What I Like: Not much if you haven’t gathered that.
What I Don’t: The whole concept but the Male-Female buttons did confuse a few people I showed the app to.
No or Go: Definite NO
Available at iTunes
Nike Master Control is an iPhone extension of the Nike/Barcelona web training site to leverage the Nike & Barcelona partnership. It is a great little app for aspiring footballer who want to learn some skills and drills from some of the world’s finest players. The skill drill videos are well presented with full English subtitles. The footballer/user is guided through a 4 week training program with the Barca coaches. The application records when each drill is performed and records times taken for each drill, recorded and saved on NikeFootball.com.
Sports Geek iPhone App Throwdown
Value: High – It is free
Sports Geek Factor: Nike gets great branding in this application but also provides terrific value to the football fan with access to the Barca coaches. It integrates with NikeFootball.com well providing great value for the training footballer.
Usability: Easy – Simple clean screens and navigation.
Who Is It For: Footballers looking to improve their game or just football, Nike or Barca fans in general.
What I Like: The training video clips & the fact the stopwatch won’t let you record Usain Bolt-like numbers.
What I Don’t: It’s a minor one but it takes a little long to load, for a few seconds you think it’s crashed and your iPhone is shutting down. Most iPhone users get the shakes when they see this, I know I do 
No or Go: Definite GO
Available at iTunes
The AFL has launched it’s “official” iPhone application from the social media chatter we’ve monitored footy fans are not happy with the pricing of the app at a recurring $6 every 30 days. Unfortunately for the AFL there is already iPhone applications that provide similar functionality for free (Footy Lite sponsored by Triple M, Aussie Rules Live 2010 sponsored by CarSales.com.au).
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