What’s In The crApp Store? Episode #1

As I am working on the third installment of my "What’s On (My) iPhone" series I have had the opportunity to step back and think about the wide range of applications now available for the iPhone and iPod Touch. It has led to three conclusions.

a. There are a number of applications available that are tremendously useful, superbly executed, and well priced.

b. There are a number of glaring holes in the type and function of available apps that will (hopefully) get filled sooner rather than later. (More on that in the wrap-up post for the series.)

c. There is some absolute garbage in the App Store. Some is free (bad) and some actually cost real money (worse)

And so it is that we welcome you to the first of what will be a regular feature here on WOiP– "What’s In The crApp Store?"

Dan’s selection for today is…

Apache Lander

According to the developer-

Lander is simple, addictive and free chopper fun!
Use the accelerometer to land your helicopter safely on the heli-pad before you run out of fuel.

Why is it crApp? Because if you are going to make a game that uses the iPhone’s accelerometer it should actually be responsive to the accelerometer. As many have noted elsewhere the controls on this are utterly useless. While other games make excellent use of the accelerometer and show what can be done, this app shows what should NOT be done. It is total crApp but at least it is free.

Dimitri’s selection for today is…

Alarm Free

According to the developer-

Alarm is a self-defence/emergency alarm with a freefall detector.

Why is it crApp?

Let’s quote from iTunes user "diggin_it" over on the App Store-

"Hey there Mr. Mugger, one sec let me whip out my iPhone real fast (you knew I had an iPhone right?) and… ok, unlocked the screen, launched this app, and BEEP, BEEP, BEEP! HaHa take that! A beeping sound far more quiet than the sound of my own voice! What? You want the iPhone now in addition to my Wallet? Weird"

Nuff said.

Then there is the granddaddy of all crApp…

I Am Rich

According to the con artist developer-

The red icon on your iPhone or iPod touch always reminds you (and others when you show it to them) that you were able to afford this.
It’s a work of art with no hidden function at all.
After pressing the (i) on the main page, a secret mantra will be shown. This may help you to to stay rich, healthy and successful. If it’s to expensive for you – check out my other apps – they are all much cheaper.

While it is, of course, no longer available something tells me it will be holding the record for greatest crApp for quite some time.
Fortunately for us one of the 8 lucky owners has been kind enough to post an extensive walkthrough here. 

Do you agree with our selections? Have you run into any App Store crApp? Let us know so we can share it with everyone.