Amadeus Consulting, a custom software developer in Boulder, is pleased to announce that it is now offering public development of custom multitouch applications for the Apple® iPad™. This announcement coincides with the release of the iPad, and will join Amadeus Consulting's current iPhone and iPod Touch app development service lines.
iPad app development uses the same software development kit (SDK) as the iPhone™ and iPod Touch™ and all run on essentially the same operating system. This makes cross-development of applications for the iPod Touch, iPhone and now the iPad a single process, which saves time and money over developing three entirely individual applications.
"The ability to develop custom applications for all three devices makes it an attractive platform for developers," said John Basso, Chief Information Officer at Amadeus Consulting. "There are some adjustments in the programming for each device, but basically apps developed on one can be used on all three devices. It's a huge bonus for companies looking to create an app for their business."
The biggest difference in iPad app development is adjusting for graphical differences, and planning for a larger control surface. The iPad can automatically adjust and run applications from the iPhone, but since iPhone apps are designed for a smaller screen, quality suffers when enlarged on the larger iPad surface.
Applications for the iPad are sold on Apple's App Store, just like iPhone and iPod Touch applications, but are generally marked as "HD," indicating that they are enhanced for the iPad. Also, iPad apps are currently being sold at a much higher cost than traditional apps, which could be a boon for those selling paid applications.
"We are excited that we can now offer development for the iPad," Basso said. "We have been working with the iPhone and other mobile technologies for some time, including Android and Windows Mobile, but the iPad will provide a new set of opportunities and interesting challenges."
In addition to developing custom applications for the iPad, Amadeus Consulting can also assist with upgrading and enhancing current applications for the iPhone.
Amadeus Consulting will receive one of the first iPads this week, and is already working with clients to build applications for it. Also, Amadeus Consulting is considering internal projects that will help developers experiment with the abilities and limitations of the device.
This will follow Amadeus Consulting's guiding principle of "Doing What We Love." Earlier in the year, Amadeus Consulting received a developer edition of the Microsoft Surface™, a table-sized multitouch device. The developers then submitted ideas for applications that could be developed internally, but before any decision could be made, the developers began development on their own.
"This is what we do, and we love it," said Steve Loper, Chief Technology Officer at Amadeus Consulting. "We are excited for the iPad and we already have a lot of ideas for it, and we have already started developing iPad applications for clients."