A comparison of distribution channels for large-scale deployments of iOS applications

McMillan, D., Morrison, A. and Chalmers, M. (2011) A comparison of distribution channels for large-scale deployments of iOS applications. International Journal of Mobile Human Computer Interaction, 3(4), pp. 1-17. (doi: 10.4018/jmhci.2011100101)

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Abstract

When conducting mass participation trials on Apple iOS devices researchers are forced to make a choice between using the Apple App Store or third party software repositories. In order to inform this choice, this paper describes a sample application that was released via both methods along with comparison of user demographics and engagement. The contents of these repositories are examined and compared, and statistics are presented highlighting the number of times the application was downloaded and the user retention experienced with each. The results are presented and the relative merits of each distribution method discussed to allow researchers to make a more informed choice. Results include that the application distributed via third party repository received ten times more downloads than the App Store application and that users recruited via the repository consistently used the application more.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Morrison, Dr Alistair and McMillan, Mr Donny and Chalmers, Professor Matthew
Authors: McMillan, D., Morrison, A., and Chalmers, M.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Computing Science
Journal Name:International Journal of Mobile Human Computer Interaction
Publisher:IGI Global
ISSN:1942-390X
ISSN (Online):1942-3918

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