iPad app developers given March 27 deadline

Wondering when those juicy iPad apps might become available? According to Macworld, the wait may not be too long.

The site got hold of an email to iPad app developers stipulating the deadline date for submissions — March 27, at 5PM. Apps need to be in the house for review by then for any hope of getting into the iPad App Store by launch. When the grand unveiling is, exactly, is still a question mark, though.

But unlike the case with the iPhone launch — a period marked by the prevalence of web apps — some pundits think Apple is looking to have functional onboard applications ready by the time the tablet delivers. If that’s true, then it would be April 3rd.

In case you were wondering how the stores will work together, the email message indicates that iPad apps will reside in the iTunes App Store, just like iPhone/iPod touch apps, but in a separate section. Now that doesn’t suggest an incompatibility. In fact, most of the current app iPhone offerings WILL work on the tablet as well. But the iPad’s also getting some special developer love via specialized applications. These programs will milk the device’s more powerful capabilities and big, beautiful screen. (Remember those luscious demos from the January media event? Yup, just like that.)

Meanwhile, says BusinessWeek, Apple has only allowed a few handpicked developers to have access to the tablet early, for testing purposes. That means most of these poor guys are creating programs for a device they haven’t even laid eyes on. (That’s like trying to cook in the dark, no?) As for the lucky few who get to have their paws on it — they had to sign secrecy contracts, and can only use samples that are chained down and sequestered in rooms with the windows covered.

Wow, makes you wonder what’s in those contracts. Agreement to be waterboarded if they talk about the experience? This level of secrecy is mind-boggling. And what could those test devices possibly offer that hasn’t been revealed yet? Cloaking apps that make you slimmer and sexier? A swipe-to-activate transporter? Maybe in the 2020 version of the iPad 12G. For now, I’ll just be happy finally getting my own mitts on this device.

Via: Macworld, BusinessWeek