Apple asks developers to localize apps, opens Chinese Support forum in international push
In what appears to be a move toward further internationalizing its Internet services and app ecosystem, Apple earlier this week issued a letter to developers requesting they localize their apps, and launched a new Chinese language version of its Support Communities forum.
Apple's App Store and iBookstore teams contacted content creators through iTunes Connect this week, sending out an email touting the advantages of app and marketing localization. In addition to the software and e-book efforts, the company debuted a localized asset of its own with the new Chinese language Support Communities.
In the letter to iTunes Connect members, Apple noted that the App Store and Mac App Store are available in 155 countries with support for 40 languages, saying that "it has never been more important to localize your app and marketing material."
According to AppleInsider reader Gregg, the emails were sent out on Wednesday.
One day prior to the letter drop, Apple rolled out access to a Chinese Support Communities forum, giving Chinese speaking users a chance to help each other using their native tongue. As can be expected from a service that launched just days ago, the forums are still fairly empty, with only a handful of members signed up to dish out advice. This is likely to change, however, just as the original Support Communities, itself an upgrade to the old Apple Discussions board, grew to support thousands of users since its launch two years ago.
While mere speculation, the introduction of the Chinese language forum may be linked to an hours-long Support Communities outage that occurred late last month. The downtime was chalked up to routine maintenance as no changes were discovered, though Apple could have been modifying the service's backend to support the new portal, as the Chinese language site appears to be using the same Apple.com domain as the English version.
The two developments suggest Apple is making a move to bolster its international presence. With China being a hugely important market with millions of addressable consumers, the company's actions may be in preparation for an expected boom in iOS device sales.
Currently, Apple is partnered with two Chinese wireless telecoms, but has yet to reach an official deal with the world's largest carrier China Mobile. Rumors that a next-gen iPhone, and possibly a low-cost unit aimed at developing markets, will launch on the cellular giant's network have been ramping up since Apple CEO Tim Cook reportedly met with company during a January visit to China. The iPhone has long been expected to debut on the carrier, but a deal has yet to materialize.
Most recently, Apple was the target of an attack from state-run media outlets, which claimed the iPhone maker's Chinese warranty policies were not in line with those offered to the rest of the world. Cook responded by issuing an apology letter explaining the situation and promising reform, a rare departure from Apple's traditionally tight-lipped media policies.
The letter made an impact, turning the Chinese press from vitriolic enemy to supporter in one day.
Apple's App Store and iBookstore teams contacted content creators through iTunes Connect this week, sending out an email touting the advantages of app and marketing localization. In addition to the software and e-book efforts, the company debuted a localized asset of its own with the new Chinese language Support Communities.
In the letter to iTunes Connect members, Apple noted that the App Store and Mac App Store are available in 155 countries with support for 40 languages, saying that "it has never been more important to localize your app and marketing material."
According to AppleInsider reader Gregg, the emails were sent out on Wednesday.
"The App Store editorial team is always looking for great apps that are localized." - from Apple's letter to developers
One day prior to the letter drop, Apple rolled out access to a Chinese Support Communities forum, giving Chinese speaking users a chance to help each other using their native tongue. As can be expected from a service that launched just days ago, the forums are still fairly empty, with only a handful of members signed up to dish out advice. This is likely to change, however, just as the original Support Communities, itself an upgrade to the old Apple Discussions board, grew to support thousands of users since its launch two years ago.
While mere speculation, the introduction of the Chinese language forum may be linked to an hours-long Support Communities outage that occurred late last month. The downtime was chalked up to routine maintenance as no changes were discovered, though Apple could have been modifying the service's backend to support the new portal, as the Chinese language site appears to be using the same Apple.com domain as the English version.
The two developments suggest Apple is making a move to bolster its international presence. With China being a hugely important market with millions of addressable consumers, the company's actions may be in preparation for an expected boom in iOS device sales.
Currently, Apple is partnered with two Chinese wireless telecoms, but has yet to reach an official deal with the world's largest carrier China Mobile. Rumors that a next-gen iPhone, and possibly a low-cost unit aimed at developing markets, will launch on the cellular giant's network have been ramping up since Apple CEO Tim Cook reportedly met with company during a January visit to China. The iPhone has long been expected to debut on the carrier, but a deal has yet to materialize.
Most recently, Apple was the target of an attack from state-run media outlets, which claimed the iPhone maker's Chinese warranty policies were not in line with those offered to the rest of the world. Cook responded by issuing an apology letter explaining the situation and promising reform, a rare departure from Apple's traditionally tight-lipped media policies.
The letter made an impact, turning the Chinese press from vitriolic enemy to supporter in one day.
Comments
/me buys 50 "learn a language in three weeks" books for everyone in company. Let's do this, boyz and girlz
This was one of Apple's key point from last year's WWDC. From my experience, it's definitely worth doing. About half of my sales are from non-English speaking countries.
Can you be more specific? For instance, what countries were the highest? What company did you use? How much did it cost?
Quote:
Originally Posted by PhilBoogie
Will those links to 'learn how to localize your app...' bring you to an automated system from Apple, or are you presented with a list of good translation companies? I would assume the latter, for accuracy, and presume only a small percentage of developers will localize (further) as the costs involved could be the number 1 reason why developers haven't localized in the first place.
After doing it at the company I work for, I can attest Google Translate is wrong about 70% of the time with Simple Chinese. I don't know any translators outside of work that I could use in my app.
When I received this email yesterday, I was scratching my head. I'm supposed to use one of these vendors that Apple lists: https://developer.apple.com/internationalization/#vendors
I'm an independent developer on my own apps, not sure I have the resources to pay these guys. Then again, maybe I do. Anyone know the average pricing for this?
Quote:
Originally Posted by SolipsismX
Can you be more specific? For instance, what countries were the highest? What company did you use? How much did it cost?
I'd love to but that would be breaking customer confidentiality. Let's just say that you'd be pleasantly surprised about the sales from countries with a reputation for piracy.
Sorry, I don't know. The software company I used to work for was a global one, and they had their own Language Center. They were paid over € 50k/y and their manager raked in € 170k/y. But this was 1998-2003 so I don't know what the current situation is.
Well, no sarc tag, so I read it that people are willing to pay for your app(s). Good for you sir.
This is nothing new. I first received recommendation from Apple on how to localize apps in May of 2011 (there might even have been earlier messages). There is nothing in this latest email (which I didn't receive - what's up with that!) that "requires" localization.
I got that email as well few days ago. I also remember getting it few times in the past. Using AppViz I have noticed that more than 70% of my apps are being bought by English speakers. Beside, my app is very focused on specific to certain field in engineering. So I will not be spending money on localization for now.
If you need help translating an app, its marketing content and/or e-mails and press releases into basically any language, I recommend you go to http://TurboTranslations.com/apps.html - fast, easy, reliable & affordable translations online
Originally Posted by Brasco
The problem is that some cultures like the Chinese, don't believe in paying for software.
In before "That's racist".
Quote:
Originally Posted by SolipsismX
FYI: I'm offering Wingding translation services for all apps at a reasonable price. Support the Wingdingery community.
Nice try. We all know Wingding is a font and not a language. Ha!
i wouldn't define that as racist. He specifically mentioned culture without an implication that the Chinese people are evil or wired that way yada yada yada. The problem I have with that statement is that he's stereotyped the entire nation without any consideration for differences that would after why people are more likely to pirate in certain countries. The only common thread I've noticed seems to be in regard to their average wealth/poverty levels. If we use a scale that measures who is most likely to pirate a 99¢ app, those that each $100 per month or those that earn $10,000 per month we're likely to see it fall more heavily on the former.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tallest Skil
Originally Posted by Brasco
The problem is that some cultures like the Chinese, don't believe in paying for software.
In before "That's racist".
Actually, it's stereotyping. Or, in this case, it's just inaccurate.
Shhhh!