For those who are loyal to Apple applications, Apple is gearing up to reward the many years of downloading, gaming and updates that its users have participated in. The lucky user who makes the 50 billionth application download will be rewarded with a $10,000 Apple gift card. In the lower right hand corner of the Apple website sits a download counter.
The speed of the counter may not be completely in tune with the actual download representation; however it indicates that Apple expects to surpass the 50-billion mark soon. Since the App Store's inception in 2008, the application feature of the iPhone has become one of the more user-friendly and sought-after aspects of the device. The 50-billion mark comes only months after Apple hit the 40-billion-downloads mark in January.
For some of the users who are not lucky enough to download number 50 billion, subsequent prizes will be awarded. Users who download the next 50 applications after the 50 billionth will receive a $500 Apple gift card. With Apple stock in disarray recently, and massive questions surrounding what the new line of devices will be, this giveaway comes across as a straight marketing ploy.
With the rise of Samsung Android-based products, Apple seems to be resorting to any means necessary to continue to drive what was once global interest in their products. Though marketing ploys such as user giveaways are not rare in the tech industry, Apple has been relying heavily on publicity of late. Once the leading industry standard, Apple has yet to finalize its plans for the rumored iPad mini, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5 and cost-effective iPhone. Until these plans are finalized, Apple will resort to any means necessary to keep interest in its products thriving, as competition seems to grow every day.
