As we start to wind down and settle into the holiday season here at RS HQ, we have a couple of quick updates for you about our newest app: TouchUp for iPad.

Problems with RAW images

A few of our users have reported problems importing RAW photos into TouchUp after updating to iOS 4.2 on their iPads. Some photos in the RAW format will result in a very low resolution image when imported from the Photo Library. The resulting image is about the size of a thumbnail (less than 200 pixels on a side) and when scaled up to fit the display in TouchUp will immediately look very pixelated. In our testing here and with the reports we have had from users so far, the problem seems to be only occurring with RAW images from Nikon cameras (the .NEF format).

It appears that something changed between iOS 3.2 and 4.2 that has caused this problem. If you have seen this behavior, we suspect you have also encountered similar issues with other applications when trying to use the same RAW images. We have reported the issue to Apple and have been working with them to resolve the problem, but the process has been slow so far. We are also continuing to look into ways to work around the issue independently.

When we have more news we will be sure to share it here. If you happen to have encountered this problem with RAW images from other vendors besides Nikon, be sure to let us know here so we can communicate that to Apple as well.

 

TouchUp Featured in iTunes Rewind for 2010

In some slightly better news, we were thrilled to find that TouchUp was featured as one of the apps in the iTunes Rewind promotion on the App Store. The Hot Trends in Apps block featured prominently at the top of the store lists several categories of iPad apps that were big movers on the App Store in 2010. TouchUp is one of the apps selected for the Pen and Brush section! We couldn’t be more thrilled. Thanks to Apple and all of you for a great launch of TouchUp in 2010.

 

If you have any comments or questions about TouchUp, be sure to let us know. Enjoy the holidays and see you again in 2011.

A week ago we released a new version of SnoGlobe, one of our RogueSheep apps, and this week I decided to share a little behind the scenes data. SnoGlobe was previously priced at $0.99 and had been languishing in the sea of iOS apps. On a good day we sold 2. For the entire month of November we made $40. We figured we could do better as a free app with ads, and besides, we were itching to take iAds out for a spin.

First, the good news. Putting iAds into an iOS application is as easy as the documentation says it is. And in its first week as a free app with iAds, SnoGlobe had respectable downloads, over 50,000 ad requests, and made 3 times what it made in all of November.

Now for the not so great news. As you’ve probably just done the math in your head, that comes out to $120. That’s more than it was bringing in as a paid app, so we made the right choice. But $120 from 50,000 ad requests must mean an abysmal fill rate. Turns out that’s exactly the issue, but for a completely valid reason: Most of our downloads and over 42,000 of the ad requests are from Turkey, but there are no iAd ads in Turkey yet.

Nonetheless, we are glad we did it, and and I am sure we’ll integrate iAds into future RogueSheep offerings. Without further ado, here’s the iAd data from SnoGlobe’s first seven days:

Here at RogueSheep we hope you are as excited about the holiday season as we are. With all the running around buying perfect gifts we know you need a break. If you haven’t already sent your holiday cards we have some great news about two of our iOS apps that should save you some time. You’ll be able to re-energize so it will not be a mad-dash on Christmas Eve to fulfill all those wish lists.

Last year around this time we introduced a new seasonal iPhone application, SnoGlobe. If you haven’t seen it before, SnoGlobe is a faithful reproduction of a traditional holiday snow globe with flakes that react to the motion of your device. You can add a photo from your Photo Library or take a new one right on the spot. SnoGlobe is great for ringing in holiday cheer. We found a lot of folks enjoyed the application and we wanted to spread the joy even further this year.

SnoGlobe 2.0 was released today. This update adds support for iOS 4, cleans up a few minor issues and incorporates Apple’s new iAd technology. The biggest change though, is that SnoGlobe is now free!

Now there is really no reason to deprive your iPhone or iPod of some solid holiday decor! You can find it in the App Store at http://itunes.com/app/SnoGlobe

 

One app isn’t enough to contain all the Yule-tide fever in our flock. If you are a fan of our award-winning postcard application, Postage, be sure to check out Holiday ~ Postage. It uses the same virtual postcard engine as Postage, but gives you 10 holiday inspired postcard designs and the interface is dressed-up just perfect for the season. This edition of Postage contains some of our very best designs, so don’t miss it if you didn’t grab it last year. You can find Holiday ~ Postage for just $0.99 on the App Store at http://itunes.com/app/HolidayPostage.

 

Happy Holidays

All of us here at RogueSheep hope each one of you has a fantastic holiday and thank you for your support. We look forward to bringing more exciting products and updates to you in the coming year!

Here at RogueSheep we are gearing up to spotlight our passion at Macworld 2011 in San Francisco and we would like you to be there too! Admission to the exhibition floor is normally $25, but we have a number of free passes available on a first come, first serve basis.

Expo

If you haven’t been to Macworld yet, this is a great opportunity to come check it out. The expo hall is full of exciting products and applications. You’ll be surprised at the sheer number of interesting apps, accessories and books you have probably never encountered before that await you on the show floor. It is also great chance to meet and talk to some of your favorite developers and media personalities in the Apple community.

Conference

In addition to the expo, Macworld 2011 hosts a plethora of conference and training sessions for Apple enthusiasts and professionals. This year there will be a full track for IT folks working with Apple products. There is also a user focused conference with sessions on MacOS, content creation, and small business. The early bird discount for conference sessions ends tomorrow, December 3rd, 2011. If you are thinking of attending, be sure and register now!

Free Pass

Getting a free pass from RogueSheep is simple. Just email us at macworld2011@roguesheep.com and we will get you set up. Hope to see you there!