I few months ago I came up with the idea of creating a simple app that entrepreneurs would enjoy. Being a big fan of buttons that make sounds (eg: The Easy Button), I thought a bit about what that app would be.
Since I've got a book called "KaChing: How to Run an Online Business that Pays and Pays" coming out in the Summer, why not create a digital KaChing Button?
That's exactly what I did.
However, my simple app was met with disdain by Apple.
Well, maybe not disdain. But they did say that they were rejecting the app due to "minimal user functionality."
So I went to the AppStore and began downloading apps that would not pass based on that same criteria and put together a video appeal for none other than Steve Jobs.
Now I don't know if Mr. Jobs ever saw the video (though I suspect he did as he is very involved with Apple's daily media coverage), but over 43,000 people did see it. We received coverage from many mainstream media sites and popular blogs. CNN covered the story here.
While some people turned it into a debate of whether or not apps like this should be in the AppStore, that wasn't really what was at hand. What I was seeking was consistency from Apple. Their app approval process is not transparent at all. Developers could spend a lot of time and money creating an app only to have it rejected. Bummer.
So what would it take to get KaChing Button approved? I set out to discover the answer.
I decided to add an options button that would allow users to change the currency on the front of the button. Now, users could select from the dollar, pound, euro or yen. After all, the KaChing sound is universal!
We received the email today. The KaChing Button had passed Apple's functionality threshold to enter the AppStore.
So my friends. With much fanfare, I invite you to download your own KaChing Button for your iPhone or iPod Touch. If you are in business, sales or just like the sound of a cash register going off, you will enjoy this novelty application.
Download The KaChing Button from iTunes or Visit the official site.
December 28, 2009 5:20 PM
Joel
great button. Being in sales I plan on hearing this sound a lot.
December 28, 2009 5:56 PM
Hi Joel,
Another great idea! I downloaded the KaChing app, but got a message saying it cannot be installed on my iPod Touch (running 3.1.2 software). The GameDock app installed and is running fine on the same device. Any idea what the problem is?
Steve
December 28, 2009 8:35 PM
First there was "That was easy!" button. But now there is "KaChing" "Show me the money" button. As always you are the man. Keep making those great ideas and don't let the big Apple guy's slow you down.
December 29, 2009 12:09 AM
Good application, thanks :)
December 29, 2009 9:15 AM
Congratulations Joel!
I greatly enjoyed your video appeal to Steve Jobs and am happy for you that it seems to have worked. I'm a hold out because ATT coverage is iffy at best in our area so can't help but wonder if you are going to adapt and submit the app for Droid phones too?
December 29, 2009 12:17 PM
Joel - Hope you like honesty. I enjoyed reading this post and watching the video. That's all quite good and I'll continue to follow along, but 99 cents for a KaChing button? Sorry, though I love the sound, I'm too cheap to pay for something this simple. Best of luck with it. Fortunately for you, not everyone is as cheap as me. :o)