01.27.09 -- 9 a.m.
That's iGiphts as in virtual gifts you send right from your iPhone.
When I think of those gifts, I usually think of Facebook. But iGiphts shows that it clearly understands how to create a cute and fun app.
And, at least for now, it's free.
According to the site, here's how it works:
1. Start by registering with your name and e-mail. You verify the e-mail address and you're good to go.
2. To send an iGipht, choose a category (ranges from celebrations to food to romance with more coming) and then select an iGipht. Finally enter the person's e-mail address and hit send. The recipient gets an email and can download the iGipht.
Easy and fun.
And check this out - there's a contest:
Between now and the end of February, the top two iGipht senders will win $500 USD and $250 USD respectively. There's even a special prize -- as long as you send more than 3 iGiphts to different people, you will be entered into a draw to win $100 USD.
Let me tell you what I really like about this app. First off, there's a blog where the developers keep you posted on what's happening and what's coming. That's a great place to start. Second, while I have nothing against those sites where you send cards, iGiphts is much cleaner and the iPhone theme is just too cool to pass up.
And it works ... I sent out a few iGiphts. I'm waiting to hear back from the lucky recipients, but it was easy to use.
So if you want to show someone that you care with a little gift, send them an iGipht.
And let me know what you think here in the comments or on Twitter.
Thanks for calling.
5 Comments
Tim said:
Scott,
Unless I'm missing something, I'd have to say 'pass' on this app. If you send an iGipht to someone who doesn't have the app, all they get is an email telling them they have an iGipht ... if they don't have it on their iPhone then they have to register their email and download the app in order to see it or if they don't have an iPhone, they have to go to a website to see it.
The iPhone app "Greetings" allows you to send fun graphics as part of an email which any recipient can see immediately, whether they have an iPhone or not. You can also attach a photo or recorded message which they can receive by going to the web site.
SCOTT'S REPLY: This is very useful information, Tim. Turns out that when I reviewed it, I sent myself the iGipht and obviously did not have that problem. I see what you are saying now.
Tim said:
Also, there doesn't appear to be anyway to delete ones you've sent/received from My iGiphts
SCOTT'S REPLY: I see that too ... I'm passing along this info to the developer as constructive criticism. Overall, I like the whole concept of an iPhone-optimized way to send a little smile.
Peter Apter said:
@Scott
I tried the app out today and thought it was fun. There are plenty of people who have iPhones and the experience of seeing it in the app is vastly different than getting an email attachment (which often get blocked by IT departments and SPAM filters).
I sent a few to friends who don't have an iPhone. They were able to view their gifts online in the browser without a problem.
Seems fun to me.
SCOTT's REPLY: Interesting. Have to look into why it works for some and not others. Glad you like it, Peter.
David said:
This is one of the developers of the iGiphts app. Thanks to everyone for their comments.
SCOTT'S REPLY: Thanks for stopping by.
To reply to a couple of the points made above:
1) Yes, to view an iGipht on the iPhone people have to register the app. But that is a process that takes less than a minute - and we believe that it makes for a richer experience: the iGiphts look great on the screen and are available to you on your phone anytime
2) People without iPhones (or those that don't want to bother with installation at that time) can simply click on the link in the notification email and see the iGipht on the web
So we think that there is a lot of flexibility in how people see their iGiphts.
3) Finally, regarding certain features (e.g., deleting) - we are working on those. This is only a v1 and as you guys know there is always a balance between features, time to market and simplicity/usability.
We think we have hit a pretty good balance with this v1, but we are working on a bunch of new features and have some great ideas for taking virtual gifts on the iPhone and other platforms further.
Thanks again for all the comments. Feel free to send us any feedback to feedback@iGiphts DOT COM
SCOTT'S REPLY: Thanks for taking the time, David.
RVA said:
I love it, I love it I love it.....!!!
Beautiful designs, who is the creative artist????????
They are different...cute....
Great idea David... and other developers, I am sure it will be a success...
I am looking forward for new designs....
I am even going to buy myself an iphone....;)
SCOTT"s REPLY: Wow. There's a satisfied customer. Very nice to hear.
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