Thingiverse has always had an app section on the site showcasing third party apps that users could download for desktop, mobile or use on the web. These were mostly limited to accessing account information and uploading data back to the site. With the re-launch of Thingiverse Apps, the API gets a bit more robust and we’re introducing a new app type: Thing Apps. Thing Apps are embedded apps useable straight from a Thing page. Developers will be able to select from three categories to developer for: Print Fulfillment, Tools & Utilities and Customization Apps. 

 

There are three core sections when we implemented this new feature: a new Developer Console, a new way to interact with integrated Apps on Thingiverse and lastly the introduction of Thingiverse Payments, allowing for developers to earn money on their apps and for designers to receive tips from users on the site. 

 

With the relaunch of apps, we wanted to have a one-stop shop for Developers. Starting from the homepage, developers can have quick links to learn more about the API and documentation, visit and participate in the Developers forum or access their Developer Console. In the Developer Console, they’ll have access to create or manage their apps, view their transaction history for all apps and view their earnings history if they have any apps with in-app purchasing enabled. We plan to continue to improve and expand this resource for developers going forward.