Wolfram Alpha, the company behind the online computational knowledge engine that was launched last year, announced today that the price of its iPhone app will be reduced to $1.99 from $49.99. Additionally, the company has launched a new site optimized for mobile devices.
The app's drastic price decrease and the availability of the new mobile site that can be accessed for free both serve to meet the company's new priority to "get Wolfram|Alpha in the hands of everyone." According to Managing Director Barak Berkowitz, the company aims "to democratize knowledge by giving people everywhere access to the amazing computational power and factual archive that is Wolfram|Alpha."
Those who purchased the iPhone app [App Store] at its previous regular price of $49.99 or its sale price of $19.99 can request a refund via an online form through May 3. At its prior price of $49.99, the Wolfram Alpha app stood out in stark contrast to its web site that could be accessed from the iPhone for free, though it has still earned an overall customer rating of 3.5 stars in the App Store. Such a considerable permanent price drop has not been common in the App Store and the offering of this refund is notable for its timeliness and the forthright manner in which it is being offered.
Wolfram Alpha will also be launching a version of its app for the iPad on April 3, to be priced at $1.99 as well.
