Here's what I've learned:
1. They don't care. Anything goes here (for the most part). Privacy is not something that most Asians care about. If it's any indication, most bathrooms (excluding higher end places) you will use with men, women, and children at the same time. Pee in a urinal and a woman will walk by to go into a stall that a guy just used.
What does that mean for mobile apps? It means that privacy settings aren't going to be something to worry about too much. Not like you have to in the states.
2. Life is about convenience. Sounds silly, right? Isn't American life, too? Yes, but I mean convenience on the move in a fast-paced society. 7-11 and convenient stores are on every other corner and they are truly convenient. Get your train tickets, concert tickets, microwavable meals, phone cards, packages shipped/picked up, and more at one location. When they want it here, they want it right away and all at the one place close by.
What does that mean for mobile apps? It means if you can tap into making something more convenient in some way, then you are sure to find some level of success. Even more than in the states. And even more powerful would be doing some B2B with one of the big convenience stores.
3. People with smart phones are glued to their screens. Also true of many markets, but much more true here. If you go out to a restaurant in the states it is not uncommon now to see smart phones out on the tables when it used to be quite taboo. Here, you will often see a group of people sitting silently together. All separately on their smart phones not making any conversation. That can happen anywhere, but here it happens all the time because they are so used to going out to eat or drink with each other. That's what you do here. You rarely if ever eat at home with just your immediate family until you are much older and settled down. And even then, not always.
What does that mean for mobile apps? What doesn't that mean!? Duh! It's a goldmine for anyone making a mobile app for Asian markets.
4. Everyone loves cartoons/animation. If it isn't selling, slap an iconic cartoon on it or make one up that looks halfway decent. In America, Lays potato chips do not have a mascot. Here they do because it helps make a sale. I don't understand why, but it is what it is.
What does that mean for mobile apps? Find a way to include a goofy cartoon character, whether new or classic, and include it in your app. Where in other markets it might hurt, here it will most likely help.
I'm sure I could list a few more reasons why Asian markets are extremely important and highly profitable, but I'm also sure I'm just echoing what many others already know. Nonetheless, this first hand experience has been helpful for me in planning to market my app for Asian markets and I thought it was worthy of sharing with any appreneurs out there.
