Review Sites

[moopf]

I'm gearing up for the release of my first iPhone game Hiqup, which will hopefully be submitted to the app store in the next couple of weeks. So, with this in mind, I thought I'd start a thread about review sites for iPhone games/apps. Basically, anywhere that posts reviews of information about apps that are available or will be available soon.

At present, the only one I am really aware of is TouchArcade, but I presume there are more. If you know of any please post the links here, as this info could be of use to lots of us here.

[moopf]

Was mooching around macrumors.com and there's a good list of review sites on there:

List of Websites Reviewing iPhone Apps - Mac Guides

[Chris Stewart]

Don't forget our friends over at The App Show. They are an excellent resource for getting your app reviewed in an audio format.

I've been thinking about doing a review site as well. Not sure what the time frame is for that since I've been so busy lately.

PS - Thanks for the many spam post reports. I greatly appreciate those.

[JamesFoote]

This website is pretty good - and they also have a new mobile version coming out soon. You should check them out.

The Apper

[Groucho]

I got an email from www.AppVee.com today asking for review copies of my apps. Looks like they're chugging through lots of reviews.

[bikr]

AppStoreScore |

[scottm]

Apptism aggregates reviews and videos for each app from other sites. You can also submit your app for free to be featured on the site:

Find & Track iPhone Apps, Fast | Apptism

[Feldspar]

So far, I've been able to find over two dozen sites, and almost as many varying review policies.

Most of the sites were for games only, but the rest broke down as follows:

3 sites requested AD-HOC copies
2 sites requested PAYPAL reimbursement
2 sites requested ITUNES gift card
7 sites had no stated review policy, or no obvious way of requesting a review

[mikeb]

The print magazine iPhone Life has published its first issue. They're probably worth submitting product announcements and articles to.

[jlake02]

I've worked with several developers to review new apps. All we ask is an AdHoc copy be sent over.

You can message me here on the site or email me at MobiRiot@gmail.com.

[BryanNO]

Hey developers!
first off, wanted to thank Groucho for recommending AppVee.com as a place to submit apps for review. I handle the reviews over there and definitely enjoy getting emails from developers who are enthusiastic about their app. The less cut and paste iTunes description that we receive, the more likely I am to sit down with the app.

That being said, I'd like to invite any developer to contact us at Developer@AppVee.com with "iPhone Dev SDK Forum: <App Title>" in the name and I'll take the extra time to go through those ones. This community seems like a great resource for those looking to build apps so we'd like to help out as much as we can.

We'd love to do previews as well as reviews and each review receives a 1-2 minute video with a good size write up.

Hope to hear from you soon!

-BryanNO
Lead Reviewer
AppVee.com
AndroidApps.com

[mikeb]

As a follow on to BryanNO's point (welcome btw) about less cut and paste descriptions:

What else can developers do that would be useful for reviewers? e.g. provide unique screen shots, lots of quotes and blurb, more in-depth technical details, future product plans, secret cheat codes for games, etc?

[BryanNO]

Thanks for the welcome!

Let's take a look at your question:

Originally Posted by mikeb

What else can developers do that would be useful for reviewers?

Originally Posted by mikeb

provide unique screen shots

If you're willing to provide screenshots that are completely different then what you'd supply other reviewers (if possible) or show off the best part(s) of your app, absolutely. Make sure to send at least two.

Originally Posted by mikeb

lots of quotes and blurb, more in-depth technical details

I like to see a description that explains your app in the least words. After that, list out the features you don't want us to miss.

Originally Posted by mikeb

future product plans

This depends. Some developers talk about plans that involve things Apple won't let them do as of now. Keep your head out of the clouds on this one and provide it next to your tech specs in the case of upgrades and most times we'll mention it.

Originally Posted by mikeb

secret cheat codes for games, etc?

Two words: Hell Yes. What's cooler: Level 1-1 or fighting Bowser face to face? Sometimes we don't have a ton of time to sit with an app and that's unfortunate. If you tell us how to get to the best part of the game in the easiest fashion, we're all for it. With thousands of apps out, keep in mind that there's no reason to review sub par apps. That means WE want to review YOUR app as much as it's the other way around.


Some other things:
- Your business = apps, our business = reviews.
If we give you a good review, quote us in your iTunes description, link to us on your site, embed our video on your site!

- Stay in touch.
Chances are you'll come up with something cool again and we'll be open to covering it. Also, preview copies and pre-release copies give us that edge over competitors. Be picky with who you give what to. Seriously. If you don't think a reviewer handles things professionally, don't work with them.

That about sums it up on my end. Other reviewers, feel free to jump in.


-BryanNO
Lead Reviewer
AppVee.com
AndroidApps.com

[jlake02]

Completely agree, esp. with any cheat codes, etc. Any 'insider' info you can give a reviewer for his/her article, the more likely you'll get a solid review.

[Groucho]

Originally Posted by jlake02

Completely agree, esp. with any cheat codes, etc. Any 'insider' info you can give a reviewer for his/her article, the more likely you'll get a solid review.

Cheat codes....hmmmmmm. I think I'm going to add some Easter Eggs.