The App Store in iTunes is now overflowing with various sorts of apps.  Most of them are pretty cool and reasonably priced for what they offer (those that aren’t don’t last long).  However, there are a few certain types of apps that are becoming more prevalent that I find annoying and hope the trend does not continue.

The nickname for apps that are of low quality for their value tend to be nicknamed "crApps".  I will try to use my own cute nicknames for the types of apps that I refer to.

1.  trApps – These are the applications that charge for the initial download then charge some sort of unpublished fee later on for further use of the app’s capabilities.  Apps such as Inside Redbox Mobile are examples of this.  This app recently offered a free download of their "pro" version but only offers the "gold" version (which has full capabilities) after a $20 fee is charged to the user.  I wonder if Apple or even AT&T is aware of this, since they likely aren’t involved in the collection of this fee.  Since these hidden charges seem like a trap, I thought "trApps" was appropriate.

2.  cApps – These are apps that charge for upgrades.  Granted, Apple itself can be said to practice this since it charges to operating system upgrades to the iPod Touch, but the cost tends to be a token amount (usually $10) and there are usually new features, so it doesn’t seem like that much.  I can’t name any particular app that does this (yet), but I’d be peeved if a company released a new version of the same app under a different or sequel name and the user had to pay for it all over again.  In effect, they’re capping the service.  Hence, "cApps".

What other underhanded tactics are developers using in App Store sales that tick you off?

We would like to extend a huge welcome to one of our newest reviewers, Ricky.

Ricky is a tech reviewer who specializes in Video reviews, something new for us here at WOiP that we are really excited about.

Video reviews will add a whole new dimension to our already vast database of text reviews, and we will be using video to both supplement existing and new written reviews and also to create standalone video reviews for many apps!

Let us know how you like them in the comments… and with that… here comes the first one!

 Case-mate has gone green, and offering the first "recession" case for customers.

They have released the $.99 cardboard "recession" case.  No, I’m not kidding, a .99 cardboard case.  You can also get the free "Sharpie Script" personalization.  Thats right, they will even personalize it for you by some poor employee who’s job it is to sit around and inscribe your case by hand with a Sharpie.  You can even buy these things for a discount if you buy 10.  Your cost for 10?  $7.99.

Here is the FAQ from the Case-mate site, in case you need more information…

Q) Is it waterproof? A) No, so don’t put it in the dishwasher.

Q) Is this case flammable? A) If you light it on fire it is.

Q) Does it come assembled? A) No, see our animated gif for a step by step demo!

Q) What device does this case support? A) iPhone 1G + 3G + 3GS.

Q) How does this case stay together? A) It has locking tabs at the bottom and top of the case, as well as an adhesive strip to keep the case held together.

Q) Can I use this case to microwave my frozen pizzas? A) I don’t see why not, although we can’t insure quality taste.

Q) Will this case make me awesome? A) I think that goes without saying.

Q) Is there a warranty? A) No, it is cardboard afterall.

Q) Can I get a paper cut on my ear while using this case? A) My first guess would be no, but anything is possible, we don’t promote unsafe use of the recession case.

Q) How long will the case be sold? A) As long as it needs to be to get us out of this recession! Or while supplies last.

Q) Does it come with a screen protector? A) No, we are in a recession!

Q) How long will the product last? A) Forever as long as you don’t destroy it!

Q) Is this case made from recycled cardboard? A) 100% of only the best for you!

Q) Will the product scratch my device? A) No! its cardboard not brick!

Q) Is the CM logo impressed on the case? A) This is known as the "people’s case."

Q) Will this product be sold at case-mate retail locations? A) Nope! The recession case is sold exclusively here at case-mate.com!

Comments?

It seems like some users are reporting MMS working on their iPhones.  AT&T it seems is slowly rolling out the service to some users.  It also doesn’t appear that its following any particular version of firmware or geo location, but simply that random users are being seleted in various markets around the country.

AT&T has mentioned on a number of occations that it needs to be careful when rolling out the service as to not affect the quality of their network, so it seems a slow rollout until the official date (Sept 25th) is what they are doing.

Did your MMS turn on?

Well, other than the fact that Steve Jobs showed up to do the presentation, other items were as expected (sort of).

One of Apples devices got the camera, except its not the one your thinking about… nope, not the Touch, but the nano… in fact it seems it got more than just a camera, it got video recording capability!  Lots of other goodies in iTunes too, the update lets you share apps and music along your local network, a much needed interface update, and a really nice way to drag and drop apps into your device!  Here’s a few other highlights;

iTunes LP:  album-enriching feature for buying whole albums in iTunes 9, more rich media for music, like DVD content except done like mini websites.

Genius Recommendations for Apps!

Home Sharing: Includes App sharing on multiple devices on the same network.

New iTunes Interface

New Prices for iTouch 8/32GB Models for $199 / $299, new 64GB model for $399 (3GS Speed and Open GL ES), Shuffle Prices for $59 2GB, $79 4GB with New Colors.

New Video Camera for Nano!  8GB for $149, 16GB for $179:  FM Radio built in, Pedometer for Nike+, larger 2.2" display, a microphone, and speaker!  And of course, new colors.

So, no new tablet device yet, and unfortunately, no camera in the iTouch, but i have a feeling thats coming really soon!  What do you think?  Disappointed?  Happy with the new Apple products?