Where is the eBay iPhone app?
Monday, September 8th, 2008 at 07:32pm
This afternoon something, I can’t remember what, reminded me of an official iPhone app for eBay. I have been using the mobile interface, but a native app should be a big improvement.
So where is it?
A search for ‘ebay’ in the app store (both on the phone and through iTunes) returns four results. None of them the offical app.
A google search for ‘ebay iphone app‘ finds, currently as the third result, the official eBay on iPhone page. This looks promising, but it says “available exclusively via the Apple App Store” in the fine print.
Wasn’t I just there and didn’t find it? Yes.
Then I realise that the words “Available Now” is a link to the App Store. Following that link on my PowerBook starts up iTunes, which is promising until I get the following message:
“The item you’ve requested is not currently available in the Australian Store.”
Huh?
I go back to the eBay page to double check the fine print. There is nothing I can see about any region restrictions and I now remember seeing the eBay logo on one of the Apple pages, which I would consistenly be redirected to the Australian versions of.
And there it is. On right hand side of the Australian page for the iPhone 3G page, at the top of the Top Apps section on the right is a link to the eBay app. Again with an iTunes link that gives me the same not available message.
I’m confused.
The eBay page I can sort of understand as there doesn’t seem to be an equivalent page on the Australian eBay site. But the Australian iPhone page? I would consider it reasonable for the regional page to only list apps that are available in that region’s store.
Grumble.
Tagged with: ebay, iphone, rant
yeah it’s been missing since day one. Depending what your needs are the mobile site or iRibbit might suffice.
Wes - September 9th, 2008 at 6:10 pm
I have no real issue with using the mobile site. What I do have a problem with is that the impression is given that anyone should be able to use the app, and then there is no explanation why it isn’t available.
Stephen - September 9th, 2008 at 7:10 pm
The eBay iPhone app is now available in the AU app store: http://linktoapp.com/ebay
Wes - September 30th, 2008 at 9:43 pm