Some of our readers will remember the ‘I Am Rich’ iPhone app that was available in the Apple iPhone App store a while back for $1,000. The app doesn’t actually do anything and was subsequently removed from the app store by Apple.
Now it seems that the I Am Rich app is available in the Windows Phone 7 marketplace for $499. Once again, the app doesn’t actually do anything.
The Concept Behind ‘I Am Rich’
The ‘I Am Rich’ app was originally created by a developer named Armin Heinrich. The app’s sole purpose was to display a glowing red gem on the user’s screen, serving as a status symbol to show that the user could afford to spend $1,000 on an app that had no practical functionality. The app’s description even stated that it was a work of art with no hidden features, emphasizing its role as a luxury item rather than a useful tool.
The app quickly gained notoriety for its absurd price and lack of functionality. It became a topic of discussion in tech circles and mainstream media, highlighting the sometimes frivolous nature of app purchases. Despite its removal from the Apple App Store, the app’s legacy lived on as a symbol of digital excess.
‘I Am Rich’ in the Windows Phone 7 Marketplace
The reappearance of the ‘I Am Rich’ app in the Windows Phone 7 marketplace for $499 raises several questions about app store policies and the approval process. While the price is lower than the original iPhone version, it still represents a significant amount of money for an app that offers no tangible benefits.
One might wonder why Microsoft allowed this app to be listed in their marketplace. The approval process for apps typically involves a review to ensure that the app meets certain standards and guidelines. However, the presence of ‘I Am Rich’ suggests that either the review process is not stringent enough or that there is a deliberate decision to allow such apps for the sake of variety or novelty.
Personally, I think the app should be called ‘I Am Stupid’ rather than ‘I Am Rich,’ as anyone who wastes $499 on an app that does nothing is, well, stupid. It does make you wonder how these applications get approved in the first place. First Apple, and now Microsoft. Let’s hope it gets removed from the marketplace soon.
The existence of such apps also brings up broader discussions about consumer behavior and the psychology of luxury purchases. Why would someone buy an app that does nothing? For some, it might be a way to flaunt their wealth or to be part of an exclusive group. For others, it might be a joke or a conversation starter. Regardless of the reason, the ‘I Am Rich’ app serves as a fascinating case study in digital consumerism.
Moreover, the app’s presence in multiple marketplaces over the years indicates that there is a market, however niche, for such products. It also highlights the evolving nature of app stores and the types of content they host. As app stores continue to grow and diversify, it will be interesting to see how they balance the inclusion of novelty apps with the need to maintain quality and usefulness.
The ‘I Am Rich’ app is a peculiar phenomenon in the world of mobile applications. Its high price and lack of functionality make it a unique example of digital luxury and consumer behavior. While it may seem absurd to many, its existence and reappearance in different marketplaces suggest that there is a place for such apps, even if only as a curiosity or a status symbol.
via Mobile Crunch
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