Are HD Versions of Apps You Already Own Worth the Price?

I don’t know about you, but I am very hesitant to buy an app I have on my iPod Touch that is available in an “HD” version for my iPad. The iPad version is usually several more dollars and most of the time there are no new features.

If you are going to make an “HD” or iPad version of your app how about adding new iPad specific features besides just increasing the resolution for the bigger screen?

Here’s an example. I am currently addicted to the game Crazy Birds. When I say addicted, I mean addicted. I can’t stop playing it on my iPod Touch. There is an HD version, but it seems to be the same game as the old one just bigger. The iPod version works fine on my iPad. It is a tiny fuzzy, but doable. I have no reason to spend more money on a version to get a crisper picture.

If the game or app is going to stay the same how about releasing a universal app and updating the old to universal? Keep you current fans happy while making a larger base of users.

Elgato just announced iPad compatible for their iPhone app. Instead of releasing a new iPad specific app the current app is becoming universal making it a free update for current owners. A great move on Elgato’s part.

Other apps I own combine the iPad specific version with the iPhone/iPod version making it a real value to buy. These developers could have easily charged for individual versions.

I understand a developer wanting to make more money, and the iPad is a great opportunity to make more money, especially if the iPhone app version was a big success. It makes sense to make a new version for the larger screen. However, I would think a developer would get more money by adding more features to sell the app again to iPhone/iPod Touch users.

Here’s hoping for more universal apps or iPad apps that make it worth buying the same thing twice.

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