iPhone Developer Spotlight: Branislav beno, Animon

AppCraver recently spoke with Branislav Beno, of Animion. He shares his experiences developing for the iPhone and iPod touch.

When did you start developing apps for the iPhone? Did you have previous experience as a developer?

Yes. Mainly with Flash and Flash Lite. Developing for iPhone is absolutely different. Powerful animation tool and higher level components are missing. That’s the main difference between Flash and Xcode. That’s why developing apps for iPhone is very time consuming work.

What / how many apps have you made so far?

More than ten. Nothing complex. I try to bring good idea to simplest and cleanest form. Why spend 100 hours of work on bad and boring concept? I believe, that quality becomes from quantity. If there’s good responses for particular application there’s reason to spend time and money for quality.

What type of apps/games/software inspires you? Where do you get your ideas?

Anywhere. I just imagine myself how I play something interesting on iPhone. What it would be? On what are people laughing? What interactivity on iPhone is sexiest? Multitouch? Vibrations? What stuff on internet is popular and how I can get it to my new app? Who are people playing games on iPhone?

How do you settle on the price point for your apps?

This is pure voodoo. I’ve read thousands opinions about application price. Only daily statistics are ultimate judgments what price is proper. However, there’s only one constant: how many people are watching at your game offer? You can do anything you want, spend money for ads, invest to cool graphics in app, make video… That’s just shooting to air.

What has been the best thing about designing for the iPhone?

Workability. When you do something, you know, that somebody buy it for sure. That’s the difference from Android (where if it’s not free you have no chance – I’ve try it)

What has been the biggest challenge about designing for the iPhone?

Objective-C syntax. The purpose of languages like this is probably destroy all dreams and dedication of developer.

Is your company venture backed or privately held?

I, Me and myself.

Do you have any other apps in the works?

More that twenty ideas and only one at work.

What apps do you have on your iPhone?

Supermarket was good. Ocarina just because of advertising.

What do you like to do when you’re not coding for the iPhone?

Playing with my daughter.