Just migrated from Iphone (getting bit too much of a game platform in my view) to Android (HTC Magic); transported most of my apps, programs, bookmarks, data w/o any loss.. but: could not find the Android version of Memengo wallet; however when going to memengo.com an option of downloading the appropriate app was seen; but could not install the -obviously windows- cab file.. :(( Any ideas/ suggestions? I -and maybe many others!- miss my trusted and well-functioning Memengo Wallet on the Gphone!
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The Android does not look like a big enough market to me, at least not yet. I keep looking at it every now and then, but it doesn't seem financially attractive. Supporting more than one platform is expensive. Even the Windows Mobile version we already got hasn't seen any updates in almost a year.
I guess if enough people start asking I might reconsider, but this would have to be a lot of requests. Even then it would be at least couple of months from start to finish, so right now I advise you to look elsewhere.
I'm not a programmer, so maybe it is a stupid question: a mobile (android) optimized internet version of the Mememgo SITE would be also -at least for me!- a very satisfactioning solution! Is this something possible, or it also would take lot of time/ trouble from Your side? I -and I think many others!- really love Memengo; so I don't really want to 'to look elsewhere'..
there are couple of issues wrt phone web browsers:
1. Last we looked into it mobile phones were not fast enough to support our website. It's not just things would be slow, instead the web browser would just keel over and die. We have to perform some serious calculation to do cryptography and this requires computing power.
2. It's hard to make money off of those things to justify the investment. Essentially the same story with the Windows Mobile app we have.
Now things are changing and web browsers do get faster over time. I know that the web browser in the new iPhone 3gs seems to be approaching the required speed. We haven't looked much into it due to reason #2 - it's hard to make money that way. We're bound to revisit this at some point, but not right now.
I know I am sounding like I'm trying to discourage you, but my intent is to set correct expectations about what's coming and what's not. I certainly appreciate your input, it's just the economics side of things isn't panning out as far we can judge them.
Hmmm.. I've just tested Your site (desktop site version) on my HTC Magic (Android 1.5); it loads just like on the PC w/o any problems; so -at least Android 1.5 on Magic (or higher)- has obviously the required computing power.. For me, for the time being, this works OK; however I do miss my MWallet from the Iphone.
Thanks for Your answers, success with the further development of Memengo!
So they made it much faster, eh? Interesting. Thanks for letting us know!
To improve performance of the web site in mobile browser I advise you not to enter very long strings of text - if you stick to user/name passwords only (instead of say, essays) you should be fine.
If you experience performance problems, try brekaing up your wallet into smaller wallets with help of the desktop browser - that should always help with performance problems.
I'll keep an eye out for the more Android requests.
And thanks for the kind words!
A word of advice for Android user: Dolphin Browser for Android can nicely open the Memengo desktop site.. hmm, btw: any news about Android native app? :) According to Your mobile site version there is a download for Android, but the link is missing.. :(
Still waiting for Android app of one of my favorites..
We had an android prototype which was never released, that's probably why you're seeing the link. I am still not planning for an Android - the market seems to be very thin and not justifying the investment. It's possible that with latest wave of Android devices there will be an influx of new users to the platform, but for now nothing is on the cards.
I find it surprising that there is no market for Memengo for Android. I am purchasing the
new Droid phone next week and I would love to have the Memengo app on my new phone. Even if I have to pay a reasonable fee for it. I think it's worth it.
I have seen the numbers for one of the "top 20" apps in the Android market and they are very low and I am not even likely to get into "top 20". things are changing fast though, Droid and Cliq seem to be very promising phones. I plan to pick one up to kick the tires and see. Thanks for chiming in, with each such request my desire to get Memengo Wallet for Android grows a bit stronger.
This you are using Android, you are probably also using Gmail, right? I wonder if every one who is using Android is also a gmail user - this could make some things simpler (such as web site sign-on or even a GMail / iGoogle widget).
I think, that Android and Gmail go for almost every user hand-in-hand; as for me and my Android user friends around me, the main reason for migrating from the Iphone to Android was the fabulous integration/ synchronization of Gmail, Calendar, Contacts and other Google services with the Android platform…
Interesting. Thanks for sharing.
Denis, if you can somehow integrate Memengo with Google/IGoogle/Gmail, I can guarantee you Memengo would become even more popular than ever before. I truly believe Android is definitely a hot commodity now, in 2010 and beyond.
Point taken.
Just more food for thought about android for you Denis: http://www.eweek.com/c/a/Mobile-and-Wireless/10-Reasons-Why-Even-the-iPhone-Cant-Stop-Androids-Rise-651567/
Thanks. Yes, it seems to have great potential. I would be more enthusiastic if there were some developer success stories, of which there aren't any yet.
I'm sorry to turn you all guys down, but I have to make money to pay the bills and I just don't have confidence that Android is ready for this. It may be, but how would I know unless someone shows it?
Gameloft has reviewed their previous statement on cutting investments on Android games, and now say to develop games for the Android 'upcoming market'.. Maybe some kind of a hint of 'succes story' to change Your mind? :) Anyway, it is of course Your call..
I didn't find the amended statement, do you have a link? I have my hands full right now, but if there is money to be made I will find time. :-)
For the weekend the requested link; hope to tickle Your mind…:)
http://phandroid.com/2009/11/24/gameloft-180-degree-walks-the-talk/
Not necessarily a retraction. Here what I speculate happened:
1. They develop bunch of games. It takes time to do so.
2. They get frustrated with Android and announce plan to not invest anymore
3. The games that were already made get shipped anyway two weeks later. Since they are done it costs nothing but may recoup some of the costs.
Also I understand it that Assassin Creed is a straight port from Nintendo, which means they decided to do the cheapest thing possible to test the waters.
I found another interesting article linked from yours http://phandroid.com/2009/11/23/reverse-exodus-why-devs-should-flock-to-android/ and it basically says that "Android is not great now but it has potential". And it does, I agree with that. It's just that I have very little resources and I must invest where I can get a more certain payoff. I spend all my time on the two iPhone apps because they actually sell and bring money. If I had more time I would certainly look into it, hopefully iPhone apps sell well enough so that I can hire someone else to help.
You are using the web site for now, right? How important is it for you to have the offline sync feature?
For the the sunday poll:
using Your website is pretty useless on the (Android) phone; during the time it costs to fire up the site on the phone, find the requested number I can get twice to my jacket, take out my -physical- wallet, get back to the phone and type in the number needed.. The beauty of your IPhone program was the cut-and-paste of requested numbers (mainly creditcard, bank account numbers) in the offline mode; fast and easy!
So, to answer Your question: I -and I think many others!- miss the offline sync on the Android very much; speaking for myself, a price of 1-5 bucks would be definitely worth to get it back! I don't remember the Iphone prizing, but on the Android most apps I use/ find reasonably prized, have prizetags in this range..
In the meanwhile: I'm not a programmer, so I'm afraid I cannot help You with the 'resources' problem.. but if You need a -very thorough!- beta-tester?:)
just found..:
That certainly helps a lot, but not quite there.
I feel guilty for turning down your requests, especially given all the efforts you put into it. Alas, the jury is still out. I will reconsider my position in January to see how things go overall.
Been following the posts and hope you do consider an Android version. I soooo miss it, but I prefer the Droid over the iPhone if only for the servicability of the device itself (which Apple makes so difficult and costly.) Google seems to be thowing a lot of resources into it in order to more directly compete w iPhone, so I would tend to think there is a good future for the OS. Hope you do consider such an App.
My Motorola Droid is the best phone I've used. Love it. Hope you also reconsider making an Memengo app for Android. The market is growing
everyday.
Droid has been quite an event - many developers reported doubling of revenue over the last month. I will dust off the prototype and see how much effort it is to make it work. This isn't a high-priority work for me at the moment, though, so be aware of that.
I have the Droid. I do not like having to carry my iTouch with me to access apps like Memengo that I would like to have on my phone.
hmmm.. Nexus One, as the new Iphonekiller kid in town, with Android OS 2.1 really grownup; the Market evolving, getting stronger, healthier - I know You're busy, but: does the dusty prototype make some progress on Your android mobile? :) Still waiting for the Great Memengo 4 Android! :)
Wish You a prosperous -and Android-full- 2010!
I am a loyal Memengo user on my iphone, but I no longer have service on it, because I bought a DROID! :)
Please develop menengo for Android! You would have a ton of faithful users who would pay for it!
Read through thread here… just wanted to add my request for an Android Memengo app… I'm still a few months away from the switch from iPhone to Android… but I'm definitely moving.
I suspect that June/July time frame will show a large number of new Android users (switching from iPhone to Android) as that coincides with the 2 year mark on the release of the iPhone 3g… so, lots of contracts up for renewal at that point.
Thanks for the notes, response to these requests… nice to see the feedback and consideration.
I am probably going to be getting a Droid in a couple weeks. I have been using Memengo since I got my iTouch 18 months ago and love it. I recommend it to all my friends/coworkers. I am hopeful that a Droid version will be in the offing in the not too distant future.
Hi Denis:
We've already communicated outside of this forum, but since I just came across this forum and saw your statement that every request for an Android version of Memengo Wallet may get you to reconsider… I thought I'd chime in and add my request to the ever growing list. I understand developing an Android version would have to be profitable for you and a mobile version of the Memengo Wallet website wouldn't really make you any money. So, while the latter would be nice to have in the absence of an Android version - I can see why that's not feasible. I completely understand that.
I would just like to say that I have been accessing my wallet from my Nexus One via the regular website - and while it works - it sucks! The speed is fine, I believe, but the layout is just geared towards Desktop computers and not tiny mobile phone screens. So, that's one big minus.
The other one is that it requires a data connection to access my wallet. No data connection - no access to my wallet. I keep lugging my iPhone 2G (without a SIM card) around with me for the sole purpose or being able to access my Memengo wallet.
Two thoughts:
I can't speak for how much everyone else is willing to pay for an Android version. All I can say is that I rarely purchase software for my Nexus One or, prior to getting myself the N1, my old iPhone. For most things I do and need software for, the free version usually works just fine. I have purchased maybe a handful of programs between my two phones and in those few instances I have been willing to spend a lot more than the usual 99 cents or $1.99.
Given how much I would like to have Memengo Wallet on my N1, I would be willing to pay $9.99 or even $14.99 for it. Heck, maybe even $19.99. Again, I have rarely found the need to buy a program for either one of my phones. I've had my iPhone for 3 years now and have spent less than a hundred dollars on software for it. So, twenty bucks is not going to kill me. But again, this is me… I understand you probably couldn't charge that much in the App store and expect to sell a lot of licenses - but if it helps, please know I would be willing to pay this much. Sell it to me (and to anyone else willing) at that price outside of the App Store - using Paypal, maybe - or, maybe, for a "Premium" version in the App Store and a regular version in the App Store for $1.99 or 99 cents. The latter one possibly being supported through ads that could be displayed in the application. I tend to see those a lot at the bottom of the screen in some of my applications. And I don't mind.
OK, I'll stop now. I know the numbers for Nexus One phones sold have just been released and they don't look all that good. I believe Google is not in it for the number of phones sold, but into getting Android out there. More and more Android phones are coming out and so I think it's going to be a big market. As big as the iPhone? No idea. Maybe. Maybe not. But it's growing, and I hear more and more people getting tired of Apple's grip on their App Store. It was one major reason for me to switch to Android.
OK, I'll really stop now. Thanks for listening!
Cheers,
Andre
I hear you Andre.
I'm in a tough spot here. On one hand Wallet is an immensely useful app and all of my friends who use it would be really upset if they no longer could. I use it myself all the time.
On the other hand financially it's just not successful - an hour I spend on Wallet doesn't bring in nearly as much return as an hour I spend on my other app (GeeTasks). And that's even on the very popular iPhone, I can't imagine Android being any better for me.
I am obviously not giving up Wallet completely, but the way things look now it will be an on-the-side project for quite some time.
My current thinking is to make the apps free to spread the word and charge subscription for using the web site beyond the first month or two. That could make it more worthwhile for me to spend time on a better mobile web site and native apps for most popular platforms.
Hi Denis:
I hear you too. I guess I hadn't thought of a subscription model yet. From my perspective as an end-user, a subscription model wouldn't be my favorite choice, but I can see how that could be a more viable option from your point of view. It could generate a steady revenue stream to pay for the time you spent on creating a better mobile web site. Like I said, I completely understand where you're coming from. I'll keep an eye out for any announcements from you. In the meantime, I'll just continue to use the web site as is from my Android phone.
Thanks for taking the time to respond!
Cheers,
Andre
Just upgraded to Android 2.1 on the HTC Hero from Sprint. Other then Memengo, I find that Android very complete. Another vote for Memengo on Android.
Matt
Hi Denis,
I just discovered this forum tonight especially after using Wallet for many months up until May, when I switched to the Incredible (Android). The Android OS with the 1 Gig processor is far superior to the Iphone. As I migrated most of my apps, I thought I would search for a Wallet equivalent - guess what - no such app. There are many apps with similar functionality. But the truth is nothing compares. So, like others I have been patiently waiting for the Android Wallet release. You truly have an awesome product and if available today, no other Android app would compare giving you the edge in the market. Furthermore, an Android version would complete the popular mobile operating systems (Android, Iphone, and MS Mobile) - a great accomplishment.
While you may believe that the returns are not there, I disagree if marketed properly. This is especially true when Wallet is compared to the other inferior products. Like other posts, I am willing to pay for the app, up to $20 - I like it that much. I would not however implement a monthly subscription usage at this time in light of the economy. Perhaps this is something to consider in the future, but for now, the timing is not right.
My advice is to take advantage of the Android market - it is growing exponentially. By designing a good app, as you have with Wallet, this enhances your visibility as a reputable developer and indirectly promotes other products and software you may have to offer. Microsoft certainly did not become who they are today by simply focusing on one product. Why limit yourself?
Furthermore, my advice to you is to give consideration to your customers. Your product obviously has a following as evidenced by these posts. Please do not disregard their loyalty to your product. A key fundamental business philosophy "Keep the customer Happy", in my opinion, is a vital factor for success.
I hope I made a compelling case for you to consider elevating the Android Wallet to a higher priority than an on-the-side project. Thanks for your consideration.
Pat
Thanks for the passionate post Pat. I have recently grown to accept Android as a worthy platform, however I'm facing a lot of demand for my other products and I have only so much time. I plan to return to Wallet and make a web-based universal version (however preserving all benefits such as speedy UI and offline access), though this will not be soon I guess and I wouldn't advise waiting for it.
Deligate!! and Please work on a Android Memengo. Thank you
I have to chime in here as well. I've been using Android since the Moto Droid released. My Verizon account now holds 1 Droid, 1 Incredible and 2 Eris's. I'm a definite long-time tech and mobile maniac and I've not seen anything with this sort of potential in a good many years (to be honest, not since the iphone). I know you're coming to realize the potential of the platform and that your time and resources are in short supply, but I'm no stranger to business and I can say that if I were an investor (alas, I'm not) I would be looking at the up and coming Android app market as a good place to make some money.
I enthusiastically vote for an Android version of your application as well. And thanks for the good work, it's appreciated.
Thanks for the encouraging words, T., they're appreciated.
I broke my contract for my iphone's to get a service provider that works (ATT doesn't). I will receive my three Android X's in a couple of weeks. Hoping I made the right decision since I have been a "Mac-Man" for over 20 years and still use a Macbook Pro (I just had to have a service provider that worked). I was checking out the Market apps before I received my droids and have found out that Memengo Wallet is not available …. (:<) Please …… Memengo fo Android X.