Fiksu, a mobile marketing firm, released some interesting data on how much money top iPhone app developers are spending on promoting their creations. After looking at the top 200 free iPhone App Store for December, the average cost to get someone to run an app more than three times is $1.81. This is up significantly from $1.41 in November. Fiksu also determined that the App Store saw a little over  6 million daily downloads in December, helped in no small part by the oodles of Christmas sales. In fact,m the last week of December saw advertising budgets (and traffic) double. Fiksu gathered up this information through their marketing platform, which spans over 200 million downloads, and 11 billion in-app actions. App Store rankings freeze between December 25 and 28, which creates a rush to get top position beforehand, so you hold that visibility while folks start downloading apps on their new iPhones. Fiksu CEO Micah Adler said:

“For so many app brands, December is a strategically critical month for app discovery. What we witnessed during the month was a ‘land rush’ in which advertisers earnestly spent marketing dollars in order to achieve ranking before the traditional App Store freeze which then would generate substantial organic downloads through increased visibility.”

Of course, if developers just wrote good apps and dropped us a line, maybe they'd get some free advertising by way of our Daily Apps series. Jussayin'.

Smartr Contacts, which had great success on both the BlackBerry and Android platforms, is now available for the iPhone. The company behind Smart Contacts, Xobni has not only managed to re-imagine their app for iOS devices but they've done so in a way that makes the native iOS address book look like a disaster by comparison.

If you're a GMail or Outlook user, Smartr Contacts could be just the contact management solution you are looking for. Rather than just creating a directory of contacts for you, which you then have to meticulously edit, Smartr Contacts builds profiles for those you are in contact with and orders them however you wish, although the ideal situation is to have them ordered by importance. A quick rundown of the features:

• Automatic Address Book - Imagine having an address book that automatically identifies and maintains the names and contact information for everyone you communicate with.
• Smart Contact Discovery - Enabled by the Smartr Cloud, contacts are automatically discovered from email data (currently GMail or Outlook), as well as data from social networks.
• Rich Profiles - A complete profile is created for each contact, including a photo, job title, phone numbers, company details, email history, common contacts and info from Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.
• Robust Search - Search by name, initials, company, title, email, phone and more to make finding anyone fast and easy.
• Ranked by Importance - All contacts are ranked by importance, not alphabetically, so the most important people are at the top.

Having been a Xobni / Smartr Contacts user across the various platforms they offer, including their desktop solutions, I have no problem suggesting this app to anyone wishing to get a better handle on their contact management.

• Free - App Store Link

The once pulled, now updated, GMail application is again available for downloading through the App Store. The previous build was approved and quickly pulled after some issues with Push Notification, and we have been waiting for the application to surface again. For those who still have it installed, the updated advises that you delete the previous version, and then install this version instead of just updating this one over the previous build. With no errors on launch, and notifications pushing, could this update be what we had hoped to see originally? Hit the link below to grab it for yourself, and let us know how it works out for you.

Free - AppStore Link

Last week an Apple patent application was published and it described how certain activities performed on a iOS device could suggest "suspicious behavior" that could reveal unauthorized usage of that device. In particular - voice, facial, or heartbeat recognition could be used to confirm whether or not the current user is indeed an authorized user and should have access to the given device or not. Then depending on the authorization the user could be given full access to all data stored on the device or could be limited. And if you dig deeper into the patents details you will see Apple may have an alternative motive, namely jailbreaking.

“An activity that can detect an unauthorized user can be any action that may indicate the electronic device is being tampered with by being, for example, hacked, jailbroken, or unlocked,” the patent continues. “For example, a sudden increase in memory usage of the electronic device can indicate that a hacking program is being run and that an unauthorized user may be using the electronic device."

So in other words, if your iPhone is not being used in way Mr. Jobs agrees with, he can deactivate your device.

UPDATE: Due to a technical error, this post sat in limbo for a week but we consider it interesting enough that we'd rather have it up late than never. Apologies for the tardiness but do let us know what you think about a future where this patent is in use on real devices.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

We have good news for those of you not taking full advantage of Google Sync on your iOS device and prefer to use the Google Mobile App [iTunes Link - Free]. You will be happy to know that an update has been rolled out that allows for push notifications. You will now receive an icon badge that displays a message saying you’ve got new mail along with calendar event reminders that will appear on your home screen.

So now let us ask, do any of our readers actually prefer to use this application over Google Sync set up via Exchange?

[Google]

Facebook for iOS 4 has been updated to version 1.4. The new additions are as follows:

• Updated for iOS 4: Fast App Switching along with high resolution icons.
• Korean and Russian localizations.
• Other minor bug fixes.

Unlike the last Facebook update, there is no mention of the bugs that have been corrected.

Have you updated yet? If so let us know how it's working for you!

MacRumors says they are recieving several reports from their sources claiming that Apple is ready to debut their official retail store application for all iOS devices.

"Apple is planning to launch a new iOS application tomorrow that will offer customers access to the company's online store and iPhone pre-ordering, as well as the ability to book Genius Bar appointments at brick-and-mortar retail stores."

MacRumors also claims to have gotten word from a customer who emailed Steve Jobs last month regarding the possibility of an iPhone-friendly online Apple Store and received a reply of "Coming soon" from Jobs. This is one of those applications that we figured to have seen in the App Store long ago but with iPhone 4 pre-orders taking place tomorrow, the timing seems perfect.

[MacRumors]

Another gem of a feature has been discovered in iPhone OS 4 - dedicated support for in-car systems. This new feature allows an iPhone or iPod to generate an on-screen menu that is fed via a video out to your car using IAP (iPod Accessory Protocol). Your device then becomes a remote control.

Now with some states banning the use of cellphones while driving we are not too sure how good of an idea this is for anyone but passengers. Regardless, it suggests that Apple may soon introduce their own car kit. The ability to connect our iPhone or iPod (or iPad) to a car-kit to gain full access to the vehicle's complete AV system sounds pretty cool to us.

Would any of you be interested in a Apple Car-Kit? Sound off in the comments!

Video after the break!

[Via TUAW]

Earlier today Google unveiled their new Google Voice WebApp for iPhone. Sure you can place calls, send text messages, get your voice mail, and access all of your account settings but TiPb was curious how it would stack up to the real-deal native app on Google's own Android platform.

For the full scoop and screenshots, follow me after the break!

If you are a Google Voice user, the first thing you will want to do is add Google's crafty little icons for each part of Google Voice directly to your iPhone Home Screen. Doing so gives you quick access to contacts, the dialer, the voicemail/SMS inbox, and create new SMS pages. Once you select the icon of your choice, Safari pulls up the iPhone optimized WebApp and you're good to go. So, for example, tapping the Google Voice icon will bring you straight to the dialer just as you'd expect -- fast and simple.

Next up we have contacts and that too is laid out very nicely. You get your top called or messaged contacts along with your complete contact list and a search button to search through your contacts. It is important to note you must have your contacts in your Gmail account to access them as this WebApp can not access the contacts stored on your phone.

Going into the inbox you will see not only your SMS messages but your voice mail as well. When you select a voice mail it shows a transcript of the message that was left for you (or I should say it tries it's best to do so). You have three choices for voice mail -- have a transcript sent to via email, via SMS, or open it directly in the WebApp.

So what we have here is a very good effort on Google's part to work with their hands tied behind their back due to Apple rejecting the Google Voice App Store application. Is it as good as the native Android Google Voice app? Not even close.

At the end of the day even though it is a great WebApp, it's still just a WebApp. It can't access your local iPhone contacts, only your online Google Contacts. The bigger issue, however -- and one even a native App Store Google Voice app would suffer from -- is that's it is not integrated into the OS the way it is on Android.

If it was, you could receive calls and SMS from your Google Voice number right on your iPhone. On Android, your Google Voice number can become your phone number. No WebApp, or iPhone app, can currently provide that level of integration and there's no sign Apple has any interest in ever allowing one to.

So, on the bright side, the Google Voice WebApp is close to as good as an App Store app could be.

Below are some screen shots of the native Android Google Voice application.

If you own a PlayStation 3 and want a convenient way to keep track of your friends and trophies on your iPhone or iPod touch, look no further than PS3 iTrophies v2.4 [ $1.99 - iTunes Link]. PS3 iTrophies is a feature-filled application and hands-down the best companion piece for your PSN online account.

• View your PSN profile
• View your trophy data in real time with no need to sync manually.
• Compare trophy stats with any of your friends.
• View your friends list, see who's online and what they are currently playing.
• Friends trophy leaderboard to see how you stack up with your complete list of friends.
• Provides YouTube videos to show you exactly how to get those trophies you've been having issues with.
• Settings menu that allow you to remember/forget sign in details, clear image cache, change your default log in screen, etc...

We've been using iTrophies for the past week and can honestly say no other PlayStation application in the App Store comes close. For more information about iTrophies and future updates please check out the iTrophies website.

Video after the break!

If you have been searching for a fresh instant messaging client, we have good news for you -- eBuddy Pro [iTunes Link - $4.99] is quite a solid performer. For the price, you get a very respectable instant messaging client with a ton of great features that rivals those of higher priced apps.

• Push notifications
• All your friends in one buddy list
• Send pictures to friends
• No ads
• Receive message alerts & typing notifications
• Supports chat for AIM, GTalk, Facebook, MySpace, Yahoo, MSN and ICQ

I personally have been using this application for about a week now and can honestly say I enjoy using it more than the bigger name IM apps but this does not mean there is no room for improvement. The start up time is just too darn slow but we've been assured by the developer this is being worked on for a future update. If you want to give eBuddy a try for before you buy, take the free version [iTunes Link] for a spin. Just keep in mind you will be without some of the great features present in the Pro version.

Screen shots after the break!

For the past week or so I've been playing this new game from OstinGames, Zepi [iTunes Link - $.99] and it turns out it does belong in the "New and Noteworthy" section of the App Store. It's quite an addicting little game that's premise is simple, build the longest chain of bubbles of single color as fast as possible by tapping them. The longer chain of bubbles you have, the more points you receive.

• Bright, colorful skins (3 skins currently available)
• Global score ranking system (as well as local)
• Support of accelerometer: you can hold the device in a way which is comfortable for you
• Easy gameplay: even for kids

For $.99 this is definitely a game to check out and be sure to keep an eye out for an update that contains new new skins and sounds as it should be released soon.

Facebook for iPhone just received an update that contains one of the most sought after missing features, push notifications. It has been a long time coming as most of us hoped for this feature when Facebook 3.0 was released. The only other difference noted in 3.1 is very Android-like, the ability to sync your friends with your address book.

Now all we need is for Apple to step up to the plate with iPhone 4.0 and give us a better way to handle our notifications. At least we can all dream right?

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

It’s that time again — time for us to pick out some of the hot topics on TiPb’s forums. In order for you to reply to any of the following threads please be sure to register. It’s a painless process that will only take a moment of your time.

Forum regular, Duvi, started an interesting poll recently, does anyone believe there will be more than one iPhone next year? My personal feeling is we will be seeing a similar situation as we did this past June 19th. One new iPhone with the 3GS possibly sticking around at a lower price. Thoughts?

This next thread was started by yet another forum regular, cjvitek, who wants to know how many of you actually use the spotlight search feature? Personally I've found the more apps and music I put on my 32GB 3GS, the more I find myself using the Spotlight Search. How about you?

Clg82 started an excellent thread for those of you who are looking for all of the Push Notification applications available in Apple's App Store! Be sure to check this thread out for the latest apps that push. Don't see one listed? Feel free to add it to the list!

With over a million new iPhones sold recently, most of you probably are in need of some sort of help and/or basic tips to get the most out of your new iPhones. Well TiPb has got just the place for you. Have a question? Look here: iPhone Help. Search here for help and If your search comes up empty feel free to post a question in your own thread. You'll have an answer in no time!

Bonus poll thread! A war of words seems to be brewing between the Dev Team and George Hotz regarding both of their respective jailbreak solutions. Now that the Dev Team released their jailbreak software (redsn0w) after purplera1n, which piece of software do you prefer - redsn0w or purplera1n?

See you on the forums!

Update: TiPb contacted Sirius XM regarding the omission of some of their most popular content within the application, they had no comment.

If you've been waiting for this application I'm sure you are well aware of the history leading up to it's release. Well, TiPb is here to tell you that you can finally wave hello to the long awaited Sirius XM streaming application. [iTunes Link] The application is free to download and there are a few monthly payment options available to you:

Streaming to iPhone and iPod Touch is FREE with a paid Premium SIRIUS Internet Radio or Premium XM Radio Online subscription. You can also sample great SIRIUS & XM content with a FREE TRIAL. Visit siriusxm.com/oniphone for more details.

Now the bad news for all of the Stern fans out there, you can not listen to the Stern show on the go! If that is not a kick below the belt I don't know what is...

Some select programming, including MLB® Play-by-Play, NFL Play-by-Play, SIRIUS NASCAR® Radio, and Howard Stern, will not be available on the iPhone and iPod touch. Listeners will continue to be able to access that programming through the platforms they are currently offered on.

I don't know about you, but I'm keeping my $2.99 a month.

[Ed: If by some stretch you're still interested, check out Jeff Scott's write up over at 148Apps]

It was only one day ago that TiPb asked, where is the official Sirius XM iPhone application? Well it seems like our question has, for the most part, been answered.

"The SIRIUS XM app will deliver an expanded programming lineup that includes SIRIUS XM's exclusive sports talk, news, comedy, and 100% commercial free music channel, as well as new talk, comedy, and music showcase channels."

Turns out the application will be free but -- and that's a big but -- there will be subscription fees. You can either have a stand alone streaming subscription which is $13.00 a month or have a normal subscription with an additional $3.00 a month fee tacked onto what you are already paying. There is still no word on when the application will be released but our guess is you will see it around the time iPhone OS 3.0 drops this summer.

So there you have it folks... Excited? Disappointed? Let us know what you are thinking in the comments!

[Via BusinessInsider]

If you are a Twitter addict and are following Trent Reznor (Yes, it really is the one and only TR), you would be well aware that the official Nine Inch Nails application is making it's way onto the App Store any time now, for FREE.

You may be thinking "many bands have apps in the App Store", which may be true. But to be honest, they are pretty poor attempts. If anyone can get a iPhone application done the right way, it would be Reznor.

"Anyone who's an executive at a record label does not understand what the internet is, how it works, how people use it, how fans and consumers interact — no idea, I'm surprised they know how to use e-mail. They have built a business around selling plastic discs, and nobody wants plastic discs any more."

For a full run down on the app from the man himself be sure to check out the video on wired.com. This is an app that any NIN fan will not want to miss.

If you're Bono, however, you're well warned to avoid this one, especially after yesterday's RIM shot...

[Via Wired.com and thanks to Phil for the title!]