Our (new) iPhone and iPod Touch beta program
VentureBeat reports that there are now 1,000 applications in the Apple App Store. Simplify Media isn’t one of them yet, but our export documentation has been verified and we are officially “in review.”
While we wait for approval, we’ve decided to use “ad hoc” distribution to create a small beta program for people with 2.0 firmware. The jailbreak version of our app (downloaded more than 200,000 times!) was an invaluable learning experience for us. However, for 2.0 we are introducing EDGE and 3G support, so we are very interested in your impressions. The beta is limited to 100 people (an Apple rule).
Yesterday, we sent the application to folks who had emailed us with 2.0 questions, but we have about 40 spots left. To reserve space, send your device ID to support at simplifymedia dot com. In iTunes, with your phone docked, you have to click on serial number to see your UDID and then type the long string, a bit of a pain. Fortunately, there is an application in the App Store that makes it much easier to get your information. The app, written by Erica from TUAW, is called Ad Hoc Helper and it is under Utilities. We’ll then build using your UDID and send you the required provisioning and .app files.
7/31 update: Our Beta program is now full, and we’ve just distributed the latest build to everyone who sent in their UDID. Thank you again for the interest and the assistance.
Ole Højriis Kristensen said,
July 29, 2008 @ 5:13 pm
Can’t wait to see the new version of this cool app! SimplifyMedia has changed the way I listen to music, and it has been greatly missed on my new iPhone..
Keep up the good work!
paul said,
July 29, 2008 @ 6:21 pm
Ole, thanks! We just sent out an email with the latest .mobileprovision and .app files, so you should be able to install now.
For folks just sending in their UDIDs, there is still space and I’ll make sure those are added to thenext build. Expect a version of the app you can run around this time tomorrow.
Mark Nicholson said,
July 29, 2008 @ 11:02 pm
Can’t wait for this one folks. Is it going to be released in the UK at the same time as the US?
Also, I’ve sent my UDID, hope there is still space.
Thanks,
Mark.
john said,
July 30, 2008 @ 8:52 am
i got it installed and it’s working great so far. mine’s an ipod, so no edge or 3g to test, but i will let you know of any issues.
seriously though, great work so far!
one feature request: optionally specify last.fm username and automatically scrobble tracks played as they play. in my eyes, that would officially make this the best app ever, its already pretty close.
daniel said,
July 30, 2008 @ 7:53 pm
hi i am very interest to test this …
my locaiton is in Hongkong
can i join the beta test, i can help to test the song on display chinese character title
thanks
Patricio said,
July 31, 2008 @ 8:17 am
Can wait for it to come out, by the way I’ve sent my UDID so i can test it early.
Thanks
Patricio
Miles Smiles said,
July 31, 2008 @ 12:31 pm
i emailed my UDID to SM last night. when should i expect app version for the next build?
thanks for doing what you do. great app.
Mark Nicholson said,
July 31, 2008 @ 11:09 pm
Got my email, thanks.
Of interest, is there a limit to how many songs it shows? I have 3000+ in my iTunes but the app only shows 734 available.
Simplify iPhone « Ole Højriis Kristensen said,
August 1, 2008 @ 12:39 am
[...] SimplifyMedia just launched their awesome client for the iPhone as a private beta. I was fortunate enough to get in on the testing, and have been using it for a few days. Let me [...]
Adam said,
August 2, 2008 @ 1:27 pm
Well, I just stumbled upon this site looking for a program that does just what Simplify Media does. I wish I had bought my Iphone earlier (just bought it yesterday) so I could be part of the beta for 2.0…but I will now wait for the official release.
Ben said,
August 3, 2008 @ 3:14 pm
I got into the beta and I must say – this is the coolest app ever created. I can’t believe more people don’t know about this…. I also can’t believe that your giving it away for free.
A few suggestions though:
1) Some sort of indication when the database is being built. I ended up only showing half of my music collection until I rebuilt the database. Problem is I have no idea how long to wait… Some sort of indicator would be nice.
2) A search function would be great. No explanation needed there
3) Wish I could invite friends from the iPhone client.
Thats all I got so far. Keep up the good work guys, you rule.
David Zimmerly said,
August 5, 2008 @ 9:33 pm
Oh crap! I’ve been checking back every week or so and just missed out on signing up for the Beta test. I tried an early jailbreak version just after Christmas and then went legit in late January to get Apple Mail, Contacts etc. It was really hard to have to say goodbye to Simplify for a while. Of ALL the apps I have experienced so far on my iPod Touch, yours was by far the coolest, and I’ve been waiting patiently for it to return from the wilderness with a shiny Apple seal of approval – hope it happens real soon! Good luck!
Miles Smiles said,
August 6, 2008 @ 5:43 am
I must say, or rather proclaim, that this app is fantastic.
Scott said,
August 6, 2008 @ 12:06 pm
This app is awesome, I’ve been using it to stream music from my house to other computers, but i am totally siked to see this app come to the app store, i just got my iphone 3g but i didnt feel like spending 300 $ for the 16 gig version and when i found out about this app it completely justified buying the 8 gig… you guys rock
do you guys have any idea an approximate date when simplify media will be hitting the app store?
thanks again
Scott
Raj said,
August 6, 2008 @ 12:25 pm
Ugh, it annoys me to no end that Simplify’s app is still held up in the App store process, while crap like “I AM RICH” gets through (seriously, go look it up in the app store…)
Anyway, the app rocks. I’m happy to be one of the lucky beta testers, but we need to get this out to the masses. It will totally revolutionize the iPhone 3G, I think.
thanks again SM, you guys are great!
Ben said,
August 7, 2008 @ 3:44 pm
Looks like apple decided to patent your idea instead of approving it.
paul said,
August 7, 2008 @ 3:50 pm
@Ben, Raj, no worries, our app is now approved, We need to dot some i’s and cross some t’s but it should be available for download in about a week.
Apple has been very helpful.
@everyone else, thank you! We have been overwhelmed by the very positive response to the beta. I will create a seperate post on your feedback and our roadmap.
Iven said,
August 24, 2008 @ 9:10 pm
Mersi boku. Good idea. I’ll become your regular reader.