The future of the Instapaper iPhone app
I want Instapaper to be the essential app for every iPhone and iPod Touch user. I want it to be on every Apple geek’s short list when their friends and family ask them what apps to install. I want it to be one of your bottom four icons. And I want Instapaper to be the reason for every devoted Verizon customer to join our platform and at least buy an iPod Touch.
After trying the text-only mode online, and reading accounts of how great it is on the iPhone, I’m convinced. I used to think the iPhone was merely a sophisticated gimmick — a fun toy that would devour my wallet and ultimately add no value to my life — but this was founded on the impression that developers are churning out drivel that would offend even Facebook app developers.
I’m excited by the idea of an intelligent and genuinely useful computer that sits in your pocket (even if it is a phone). Right now, an Instapaper I can read anywhere is high on my shopping list.
(Belated disclaimer: I am prejudiced against telephones (of any kind); operating system and/or software zealotry (of any kind); Facebook app developers (…they’re all the same); writing Tumblr posts at a sensible hour; sleeping.)
