**As published in RCR Wireless News**

HOLLYWOOD, CALIF. – Throughout the LA Games Conference, two names kept resurfacing whenever the topic of mobile was broached – iPad and Android.

It should come as no surprise why the iPad is almost universally seen as an opportunity for game makers. Just look at the prices developers are charging for apps on the iPad and compare that to the so-called sweet spot app price of 99 cents on the iPhone.

From the tone of at least a few developers represented at the annual conference, the iPhone may be left behind as the path to greater profits per app gains momentum on Apple’s latest gadget. Read more

**As published in RCR Wireless News**

HOLLYWOOD, CALIF. – The late afternoon panel dedicated to mobile at the LA Games Conference didn’t get as deep as it surely could have, but there were at least a couple interesting debates that solidified the continuing uncertainty that surrounds the platform.

In an industry that’s built fortunes on console- and PC-based games, there’s an obvious disconnect between what successes are being achieved on mobile today and what can be made of the promising platform down the road.

Stephen Saiz, director of marketing in the digital publishing group at Disney Interactive Studios, said although the company is mentally prepared, it’s not physically prepared to keep up with how rapidly things are shifting in the space.” Read more

**As published at paidContent**

SAN FRANCISCO—Apple’s Steve Jobs took the stage in San Francisco this morning with a blaring quote overhead that read: “reports of my death are greatly exaggerated.” Then he broke into the task at hand. In addition to bringing NBC content back to the iTunes store, Apple is also adding high-definition TV shows for $2.99 each, including shows from NBC.

—iTunes 8: A new version was released today that includes new browsing capabilities and a Genius recommendation feature that automatically creates playlists from songs in the iTunes library. Jobs: “It helps you rediscover music in your music library.” The Genius algorithms, which were developed internally, will pull up results instantly after users opt in to share their library’s information with Apple. Once users opt in, iTunes will upload information about users’ libraries anonymously and combine the knowledge from other iTunes users that do the same. Genius playlists range from 25, 50, 75 or 100 tracks and includes a Genius Sidebar that pulls up recommended tracks from the iTunes store. Results are automatically updated once a week. Read more

**As published at RCR Wireless News**

CUPERTINO, Calif. — Apple Inc. has delivered on its promise to offer a software development kit (SDK) to spur the growth of mobile applications for the iPhone. Thus far the only third-party applications out there are Web sites that simply make use of the touchscreen.

The SDK is now available for download from Apple’s Web site. The SDK is designed to work on Apple’s iPhone 2.0 software update, which is scheduled to be released in June. The SDK, which was initially announced last year, will expand the unique relationship Apple has carved out for itself between device maker and end user. Indeed, Apple is the sole party responsible for the iPhone’s software and applications set.

The newly open iPhone system will rely on Apple’s App Store, which will serve as the exclusive distribution channel for all applications built for the iPhone and iPod Touch (which will need the 2.0 software update to run third-party applications). Developers interested in getting their applications on board will have to join the iPhone Developer Program for $99 and relinquish 30% of revenues to Apple. Read more