Need to check how much a taxi to Thamel should cost, update on the latest load shedding schedule, or how to say ‘I like your dress’ in Newari? The App Store maybe global but their apps are local thanks to Nepali developers who have created hit applications targeted at Nepali users.
What’s the date?
Shankar Uprety works in an American software development company and is the man behind popular apps like Hamro Patro, Nepali Dictionary and Hamro Keyboard. The three apps have been downloaded over 500,000 times in Android and iOS platforms.
“We wanted a smart solution for Nepalis abroad to keep track of the festivals and important celebrations,” says Uprety who has expanded Hamro Patro from the basic Nepali calendar to a one stop solution for information on currency exchange rates, news and daily horoscopes.
Nepali Dictionary and Hamro Keyboard help typing in Nepali in mobile phones and also checks spellings and suggests new words. During the second Constituent Asssembly election, Uprety also posted live updates of the poll results through these apps.
“I feel proud that these apps which are a result of my personal interest have made lives easier for over 500,000 Nepalis,” says Uprety who takes out two hours everyday from his day job to work on his hobby.
Watch and earn
Cash On Ad is a unique app that pays subscribers money for watching advertisements on their phones. For every six second view of the ad, it pays the viewer one rupee. According to Bishwas Dhakal of Cash on Ad, the app has been downloaded 200,000 times. The app was launched three months ago and the developers are presently working on its new version. They feel it can be used worldwide by advertisers to reach niche audiences.
