N.O. firm’s app grabs Apple’s attention

An online app allowing individuals or small businesses to track the time they spend on Mac computers for billing purposes is being featured as a “new and noteworthy” program in Apple’s App Store. Finch is the creation of New Orleans-based Touch Studios. “Apple said, ‘Wow, we love this,’ ” says Touch Studios CEO Neel Sus. “Sales have skyrocketed. It’ll be there for a few weeks, so we expect to see even more interest.” Sus helped create the app along with Touch Studios cofounder and lead developer Jameson Quave. The app has found particular popularity with freelancers and lawyers, Sus says. “There’s a lot of value in it for them,” he says. “You can see prices and document names. It’s easier to do billing.” Touch has adopted the app for its own billing. “We have a staff of 13, and we’re starting to use Finch, too,” Sus says. “We’re working on making it ready for larger businesses to use as well.” Touch is completing work on a PC version of Finch, which Sus estimates will be out within a month, as well as a version for teams. Version 1.1 is currently available at the App Store for a one-time fee of $8.99. —Ian McGibboney