Introducing Analyzr - Swing Video Analysis Software for Mac OS X

[iacas]

I hope you guys get on the just announced App Store that Apple's bringing to Macs.

Highly unlikely we'll be there at all.

First off, Apple gets 30% of the sales. You can't do upgrade pricing (for version 1.0 to 2.0), you have to comply with far too many rules, you can't do a demo version or a trial period, and several other things.

[RubxQub]

Highly unlikely we'll be there at all.

30% of the sales, but how many more sales do you make due to being discoverable on their store? If it's like the iOS app store, you could always do in-app purchasing to upgrade to a new featureset. Also, it's common practice to release a "Lite" version which has limited functionality separately to the main product, which usually helps sales a lot, as your Lite version may become a top 10 sports app, and more people will be exposed to the pay version as a result.

Obviously your guys' decision, I'm merely offering it up because I thought it'd help you guys move more units. ...I just want the thing :)

[iacas]

30% of the sales, but how many more sales do you make due to being discoverable on their store? If it's like the iOS app store, you could always do in-app purchasing to upgrade to a new featureset. Also, it's common practice to release a "Lite" version which has limited functionality separately to the main product, which usually helps sales a lot, as your Lite version may become a top 10 sports app, and more people will be exposed to the pay version as a result.

I've considered it, but having been in software for a decade or so, I certainly have what I think is a fairly informed opinion.

You seem to forget that the App Store is basically ONLY way on iPhones (and iPod Touches, and iPads) to get software. It's not the same at all on the Mac, so "successes" on the iOS app store don't necessarily correlate. As I see it, the problems with the App Store are many. They may be solvable but I doubt they'll be solved immediately.

• There's no evidence that you'll get more customers. The store will likely be one of many places people will look, including Google.
• Apple still has a lot of rules on what software can and can't do. I don't know that our software would pass those rules.
• There's a lot of unnecessary work to build and submit congruent "demo" versions of apps alongside real ones. They're not actual demos, as people prefer on the desktop - they're actually "Lite" versions as you said.
• You get no customer data. None. We can't verify that someone purchased a copy, follow up with them, or get their information should we ever leave the platform.
• You can't sell bulk licenses, educational discounts, create your own coupon codes, etc.
• In-App purchases are a lot more work and don't really run parallel to the idea of "2.0" type functionality at all.
• I don't think the target market for a $500 piece of software is necessarily going to look at the App store. They're going to do their research. You can continue to effectively market your software whether you have Apple taking 30% or not.
• Cracked copies of iOS apps are still very, very, very plentiful. For the 30% Apple doesn't even really "solve" piracy.
• Going to a two-pronged strategy won't work either. There's no code to read Apple's licensing schemes and so if someone bought the app from the site and ever tried to update it with a download from our site, they'd fall into a messy spot, and we'd get a support email or an unhappy customer at least.

I've probably left a few reasons out... but I will say this to your last comment: if you "just want it" then the App Store would slow that process down, because it's not going to be available for 90+ days. Again, perhaps things change in the future, but for now I just don't see it as being critical or even wise to jump into the App Store. It doesn't make sense for our customers (do you want to pay $69 instead of $49), for our software, for our future. This isn't a $0.99 app or a $4.99 app.

[RubxQub]

I hear you. I won't derail the thread any further, just tossed it out there in case you hadn't seen the announcement, but it seems like you've got your ducks in a row (as usual).

Can't wait to see what you guys have done!

[iacas]

I hear you. I won't derail the thread any further, just tossed it out there in case you hadn't seen the announcement, but it seems like you've got your ducks in a row (as usual).

I'm probably playing devil's advocate a bit too. I would love it if the app store was priced better - but given the pricing and the other hurdles you'd have to overcome it's just too much compromise, too many negative points right now.

I'm hoping they overcome things quickly. It's too bad it'll be just a few months late. If this shipped earlier that'd get rid of one of the negatives right out of the box.

[MacBooky]

i am seriously looking forward to it Erik (actually can't wait to drop Bootcamp) so bring it on

Any clue on the releasedate yet?

I'm probably playing devil's advocate a bit too. I would love it if the app store was priced better - but given the pricing and the other hurdles you'd have to overcome it's just too much compromise, too many negative points right now.

Really don't think you need the new app-store. it's a pretty tight community and through facebook, twitter and the rest of the Internet people interested will soon enough know where to find it.

Good luck, we'll buzz it like mad (when it's good )

[iacas]

i am seriously looking forward to it Erik (actually can't wait to drop Bootcamp) so bring it on

By the end of the year... but we can send out copies to interested parties, Meindert. Get in touch with me when you can... and let me know what relationship you have, if any, with the SiM guy.

[kurisu]

Perhaps a silly question, but will this be tied to evolvr? like you can upload and download videos/analysis to/from the website and perhaps manage your account from the desktop app? (kind of like how iPhoto or Aperture can log on to printing services)

[iacas]

Perhaps a silly question, but will this be tied to evolvr? like you can upload and download videos/analysis to/from the website and perhaps manage your account from the desktop app? (kind of like how iPhoto or Aperture can log on to printing services)

It's a separate product and isn't tied in to the evolvr service at all.

[iacas]

Shipping in February, 2011.

Might have been sooner but we've got a golf school to go to in a week.

[iacas]

FWIW, here's where we currently sit with our "Home/Pro" distinctions.

 Feature                                     Home    Pro
----------------------------------------    ----    ----
Two-video playback w/draggable splitter .... x        x
All video tools, controls .................. x        x
All drawing tools .......................... x        x
Import Local Videos, YouTube ............... x        x
Full Library ............................... -        x
    MODELS only ............................ x        -
Library Filter ............................. -        x
Unlimited Videos ........................... x        x
Students and Lessons ....................... -        x
Save Screenshot ............................ x        x
    with notes ............................. -        x
Print ...................................... x        x
    with notes ............................. -        x
Custom Color ............................... -        x
Send Email ................................. -        x
Export Movies .............................. -        x
Record Analysis ............................ -        x
Second Display/TV Mirroring ................ -        x

Release should be on or around Feburary 14...

[iacas]

Two notes.

First, a screencast Dave and I recorded the other day has been received pretty well:

Second , those interested in a pre-introductory special price should sign up TODAY at http://analyzrgolf.com/ because the list "closes" tonight or tomorrow morning and we'll have a 12-hour "pre-introductory" sale tomorrow, February 13. If you sign up for the list, check your email.

[DannyG]

This needs a bump, especially if your interested in the introductory offer. I have been a beta tester for Analyzr and this is fantastic software (I use the home version.) I have downloaded a number of pro swings off youtube and then recorded my own swing with my iPhone. I then load it into Analyzr and do a side by side comparison. In just a short period of time I have seen great improvement in my swing as I am able to see step by step how it compares to the pros. What is really cool is that Analyzr allows me to flip the video of a right hand swing so it matches the same direction as my left hand swing. This program is without a doubt the best swing aid you could buy and it's only $36 if you buy today.

[Hollister]

I love the Analyzr application! Finally can retire the combination of the QuickTimePlayer and a real ruler (set square) to debug my swing.

Love it, recommend it to every Mac user! Get a cam, get Analyzr, get better!

[jamo]

I watched that quick start video on YouTube and I have to say, for a .9 model this appears to be a very extensive application. A lot of nice touches like drag-and-dropping videos, scrubbing on the import screen, and the customizable line colors.

[iacas]

Originally Posted by jamo

I watched that quick start video on YouTube and I have to say, for a .9 model this appears to be a very extensive application. A lot of nice touches like drag-and-dropping videos, scrubbing on the import screen, and the customizable line colors.

Thanks, man. I think the screencast is pretty sweet. :-)

Less than 8 hours left!

[walk18]

Very impressive. It looks like something the folks at Adobe would develop if they all played golf!

[tristanhilton85]

The screencast looks really good, as does the website.  Good job guys.

Oh yeah, the software is excellent too!