Mobile App Round-Up 8/21/09: iPhone Business Apps Take Off and Get You On Your Way

This week it was reported that business apps are beginning to overtake consumer-based apps, at least on the iPhone. Telephony Online reported that earlier this year there had been a 50/50 split between those apps developed for business, and apps for consumers. Now the split is more along the lines of a 7-3 split in bowling (or in business terms 70/30).

However, this news might not be trickling down to iPhone users just yet. Many outlets continue to report about the more interesting consumer apps, and I'll be the first to admit I'm as guilty as anyone. But there needs to be more effort towards reporting on the business-focused apps across the board. On the flip side, even the consumer-based apps are part of a business plan from someone!

Sweb Apps Lets Businesses Reach Customers on the Go
Small businesses now have a way to build their own branded iPhone apps. This is through Sweb Apps, which is aimed at small businesses such as boutiques, retailers and even restaurants. These apps can be used to provide customers with information on sales and promotions or even a daily special, and all through an easy to set up User Management System. These tools can even be used to help managed the gap to social media sites, including Facebook and Twitter.

The company claims that you can "start building" directly from the Sweb Apps site (www.swebapps.com), where in as little as six steps you have a completed iPhone app, which you can then submit to the Apple App Store. This final process is actually handled by Sweb Apps so you don't have to feel like you're suddenly an "app developer."

Currently, the service is available for select categories including: Restaurant, Retail Store, Business, Non-Profit, Government, Entertainment and Customization. The latter is aimed at any small business that might not fit in the other categories. The costs are reasonable, ranging from around $200 to $400, depending on the package option you choose. There is also a $50 one-time setup fee, as well as a $25 a month hosting fee. You can also pay an additional $10 a month to get an analytics tracking packaging, which lets you see the number of downloads and even some usage reports. While you probably won't take the app world by storm, you'll at least get the honor of saying, "we have an app for that."

Mobile Travel App of the Week: TomTom GPS App for iPhone
While there has been no shortage of map-based apps for the iPhone, including many that were low cost or even free, there is truth in you get what you pay for. So if you find yourself lost while relying on a low-cost app, you have no one to blame but yourself. This is something to keep in mind because this week TomTom released a GPS app that was a far cry from the $1.99 versions. In fact at $99, this app might have you checking the price.

But yes, this is an app for nearly $100, but it isn't short on features or functionality. This app is almost aimed at those users who rely on traditional standalone GPS devices. It is powered by IQ Route technology, which according to the kind folks at TomTom basically calculates the fastest and best routes for you to take. The app, which utilizes Apple's iPhone 3.0 software, comes with full maps of the United States and Canada, while other maps of destinations throughout Europe, Australia and New Zealand are available for purchase. The new iPhone software makes turn-by-turn navigation possible, and thus there is finally a real "get me to my destination" app for the iPhone. It isn't exactly cheap, but can you really put a price on never getting lost again?

After Hour Apps of the Week
It isn't all work and no play. Here is a round-up of the best gaming apps this week.

Polly Parrots - inspired by Monty Python's parrot Polly, this game offers the chance to compete with friends via Bluetooth, where you do battle against other birdbrains. The single player mode offers nine virtual opponents with nine levels of difficulty, or you can play online with friends, where top results are posted to Facebook. This game of fighting birds is now available from the Apple App Store for $1.99.

4Bugs - this picture hunt game offers a twist where players must spot four differences while comparing two nearly identical images. The game includes 500 pictures, two player mode and even a race against the clock. 4Bugs is available now for $1.99 from the Apple App Store.

Luxor - the top marble shooter game of all time now comes to the iPhone and iPod Touch for $2.99 from the Apple App Store. This version features tap and tilt controls, a global leaderboard and even Facebook and Twitter challenges. The game pits players in a marble-based war of the gods in Ancient Egypt, where you need to defeat the evil god Set over the course of 80 levels. Ready to go against Set?