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Hello everyone. I've a sort of proposal for the developers here, but before I get into that let me first briefly introduce myself:
I'm a communication designer for print, user interface, and illustration that completely advocates everything Android. I've been lurking the Dream development forums here for quite some time, trying to keep up-to-date with the latest ROMs, apps, etc., etc and I fully appreciate everything that goes on here and the endeavors that you devs put yourself through. Amazing stuff, really.
One thing I've noticed is that there are a slew of third-party / beta apps all over these boards, and other places on the internet as well. More often than not, I find myself scouring the cloud just to find a link for these non-market apps, and I usually get referred to them via some obscure site through another site. Despite getting the .apk file or ROM in the end, the process can get to be a bit tedious; especially for incoming users and those new to the Android platform.
My proposal is this: A website with a simple and clean user interface that has direct and succinct navigation with the purpose of consolidating and listing third-party / beta non-market applications into an easy access database. This website database would link these applications and have them be easily downloaded and installed via the Android browser, without having to mount the device.
I've actually come up with a fully-functional concept site, did the branding and everything for it, and also registered a short domain name for quick access while on your G1 or whatever Android device.
Navigate to: http://anda.pk to see what I had in mind, and how the overall layout/concept of the site would work.
I uploaded several .apk files I had backed up as examples for you to see how the database section would function. I also took into account the resolution of most Android phones and made the .apk application database section fit perfectly in the Android browser when in portrait mode right when you the load the site to ensure the best possible user experience when installing these third party apps. When you scroll to the right, you'll see info on what the site is about, and in the footer there are links to the FAQ, the about section, contact, etc.
I had also noted in the about link in the footer that the applications hosted on the download section are in no way accredited to the site, and that credit goes to their rightful developers. My being a communication designer has had the idea of peer collaboration engrained, and as such I give credit it where credit is due.
That said, I hope you guys here and the developers collaborate with me on on this site, possibly help contribute apks, and agree to them being hosted. If anything, I do hope you just embrace the concept, which originally was just going to be a reference for myself and my friends whom I've turned away from the iPhone, S60, and WinMo in favor of Android. I figured since I know the Android community is only going to get bigger, this website concept of mine could be a decent resource to have bookmarked.
Appreciate you reading this wall of text! Do hope to hear some feedback, so let me know what you guys think. Thanks!
Cheers.
I think this is a fabulous idea...automated version control would go over very well -- i.e. yum update
you should post up bits that you need help with and have folks contact you.
also..I love the logo!
question: do you propose a rating system or a review prior to listing type of approach or something new to keep this resource trustworthy?
Been following this on SA and twitter and it's a great idea.
Having the devs here on board would be a fantastic way to get something solid on the go. It's the kind of thing that can really help android become more hackable and useable for the average user...and it just make things easier for the rest of us.
Sounds good to me.
thelilliandivide said:
the applications hosted on the download section are in no way accredited to the site
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Credit and accreditation are different things. To be accredited is to be given credentials or official approval. I think you meant "credited".
Sounds like a GREAT idea.
My opinion: The color scheme hurts. Love the logo.
i like the logo and the idea. I think the site should be more mobile friendly, or even better, an application for android that can work like the official market. I could help with that part if an application is going to be built.
camalot said:
i like the logo and the idea. I think the site should be more mobile friendly, or even better, an application for android that can work like the official market. I could help with that part if an application is going to be built.
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i second that.. it should also have update checks if possible
I was going to complain that I didn't like your site layout, but in portrait mode you only see the left side which lists the apps. I like it.
One thing you might have to be leary of is dealing with apps that are considered warez unless your going to spend the time to verify every app that is uploaded or there has to a method in place.
As well there should be some kind of version control in place. You know what works on 1.1 and what works on 1.5. Obviously almost everybody within the next few weeks/months should be on 1.5, but will all the older apps run on 1.5 or does it really matter or does anybody care? The downloader will care.
CBowley said:
Sounds like a GREAT idea.
My opinion: The color scheme hurts. Love the logo.
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Seconded. The text is much too light. A darker charcoal shade would be much better.
If the site gets an apk wrapper (a la FBook) version checking would be rather easy. Set up the directory tree something like this /downloads/WiFiTether/1.2.3.apk and just have the apk compare filenames. If the file names don't match, it needs to install the update.
EDIT: Now following your progress on twitter.
Some solid input. I'll play around with the color scheme and make some changes later this evening once I get back from class. And I actually do plan on making a mobile wrapper eventually, but as it stands as far as the concept layout goes, the site is best used when in portrait mode for easiest functionality. The rest of the site is to be considered supplemental. I do however, have a lot of things I eventually want to integrate; application tags, search, possibility of user uploaded apk files, etc. But for right now, I'm trying to keep the general site as simple as possible to make the workload on my end less stressful (graduating in 2 weeks).
bahnburner said:
If the site gets an apk wrapper (a la FBook) version checking would be rather easy. Set up the directory tree something like this /downloads/WiFiTether/1.2.3.apk and just have the apk compare filenames. If the file names don't match, it needs to install the update.
EDIT: Now following your progress on twitter.
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Did not know how that version checker worked. Thanks. I'll re-work the apk directory scheme akin to that later tonight for when I do eventually get the wrapper up.
thelilliandivide said:
Did not know how that version checker worked. Thanks. I'll re-work the apk directory scheme akin to that later tonight for when I do eventually get the wrapper up.
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That's not necessarily how most version checks work, but that's the simplest method I could think of, and probably one of the easiest to implement.
alapapa said:
I think this is a fabulous idea...automated version control would go over very well -- i.e. yum update
you should post up bits that you need help with and have folks contact you.
also..I love the logo!
question: do you propose a rating system or a review prior to listing type of approach or something new to keep this resource trustworthy?
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Thanks! And I feel I might need some help in the future as far as implementing the features that I want to get working. But I'm not quite sure I understand your question. Are you referring to how I choose which applications get posted onto the site?
i'm a graphic designer and web designer, i'll throw in a helping hand if you want, pm me or whatever.
(think about an android based layout to bring it to the phone like Cough*cydia*cough
very cool and much needed
Xda-dev is great, but there is alot of stuff thats not on the market and they have shown to bow down to the tmobs pressure(ie: tether app) so another place to get apps would be great, and your weppage is beautiful and looks like it would be very finger friendly on the g1, but there is a basic model in linux of repositories(which is about what ur doing) and a simple app to d/l them maybe somebody could just make a market.apk with a modded addy, depending on how much is known about the market and its inner workings... it would be nice to do it as it has been always done....but as I stated above your webdesign is very nice and would work well in the native browser(im heading there now on my g1)
bhang
not a bad idea. I think this is great for all verified apps that are pulled from market...
I really like this idea. Go for it.
Just one (stupid) remark about the logo... it's like it has a big nose and a :-| expression... sorry
apetit said:
I really like this idea. Go for it.
Just one (stupid) remark about the logo... it's like it has a big nose and a :-| expression... sorry
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Haha, I just noticed that actually. Now it's all I see. But yeah, I'm hoping to have a few more apps to upload by the end of next week. Revisions to the site are imminent once I get out of this last class.
I love the idea. One bookmark to check up on all the good non-market apps will be much easier than having several bookmarked threads.
Some applications may benefit from having tags such as [beta], [stable], [experimental], [contains-ads], etc.
As others have mentioned once/if user uploads are implemented an app approval system will be crucial to keep the spam at bay. I can see this really taking off.
im a supporter
zgmf-x322a said:
im a supporter
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+1 this sounds like a great idea, there was something like this for apps for the dash,mda & sda.
Hi all,
I have a concept for a single update application that would be driven from the AndroidSPIN release database so all developers could use it for ROM, Themes, Applications and anything releases to devices.
If you wouldn't mind taking a couple of minutes to read this post, I would greatly appreciate it.
http://www.androidspin.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=260&t=226
I'd really love to get a group together to collaborate and either help design this and/or write an application and back end to do it.
Let me know what you think.
Thanks
Simon
Sounds like an awesome idea, I'd love to help any way I can, but I dont fit in any of the needed positions for the post. Looking forward to see what develops though
Fantastic idea!
I only ever use XDA so god knows what I'm missing out on elsewhere and to be honest after searching the word android on google and trawling through one crap site after another becomes tiresome so hence the 'XDA only' policy.
Sorry I can't offer any programming skills but you have my support on this project whole heartedly, not that it counts for much I know buh MeH!
Hope you can get this off the ground.
As I mentioned to Simon already, I was thinking about building an update application for my ROM. I love the idea of having an on-phone ROM database, update capability, something that can easily be used by any developer in the community.
Some initial thoughts on functionality:
- Browse ROMs
- Download ROMs to SD Card
- Monitor specific ROMs for updates
- Monitor currently running ROM for updates
I'm willing to lend a hand on the Android side of things, but this will be a large undertaking and we will also need some people to contribute to the UI, server side of things, etc.
I do iPhone UI design for applications now (I don't have an iPhone, but most of my contracts and clients are iPhone based), but let me know and I can whip up anything you guys need UI related.
Send me a PM and I can get the ball rolling on how the functionality can be laid out as well.
Even tho I know I wouldnt be able to help out with this. I know I would love to test this out if you needed it.
Its a great idea!!!
I know a teeny bit of Java, and I'm working on becoming an Android developer, so if anything needs doing on the Android side of things, I'm willing to contribute.
Although I may not know as much as some others, I'm definitely a fast learner. I have a few books on Android development I'm reading through right now.
michinohatoresu said:
I know a teeny bit of Java, and I'm working on becoming an Android developer, so if anything needs doing on the Android side of things, I'm willing to contribute.
Although I may not know as much as some others, I'm definitely a fast learner. I have a few books on Android development I'm reading through right now.
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Well, we can reuse a lot of code from Cyanogen updater.
akirah said:
Well, we can reuse a lot of code from Cyanogen updater.
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Well, of course.
If anything else needs doing, however, I volunteer what spare time I have.
akirah said:
Well, we can reuse a lot of code from Cyanogen updater.
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Could be easily done, would require quite a lot of laborious work ripping out all the stuff you wouldn't need though.
I would take a look at this but unfortunately I have another Android project on at the moment which is taking all my development spare time.
@SimonNWalker What sort of backend having you got going? REST? SOAP?
Ups wrong theread
not that it matters (since i kept the source 100% open)....
you have my blessing to tear the cmupdater to shreds if it will give us a unified solution to all our ROM cravings
firefart has done a good job of keeping the code pretty clean so there shouldnt be too many issues with grabbing it
and the new code for the screenshots for themes could probably be used to the advantage of this project with ease
I'm not really interested in a rom updater, but a market replacement with an "upgrade all" feature (à la apt-get / yum) drawing from multiple repositories would be most exciting.
The Cyanogen updater could be used, it just needs some modifications. Stuff like sub-sections and update all
Would probably need a new method to keep track of the updates aswell, I don't think json would be sufficient for a lot of applications and updates. Unless somebody could make some kind of script to automate the process when it gets uploaded.
willmav5000 said:
Would probably need a new method to keep track of the updates aswell, I don't think json would be sufficient for a lot of applications and updates. Unless somebody could make some kind of script to automate the process when it gets uploaded.
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The only other method I would consider, besides JSON, is an advanced and well thought out web-based form that the developer is forced to complete upon uploading a ROM. This would place more burden on the server, but should be relatively easy to attach the provided ROM information to the rom database.
Think: Check boxes for firmware compatibilities, check boxes for device compatibilities, version number, change log, etc.
Maybe something a little like this?
Wow this would be/ is gonna be awsome!
I would suggest also that you can backup your sd card settings (and maybe also sms...) to an ftp server (or some other server you can install on your pc) from this app...
like (incremential) backup>partition>wipe>install update>boot>getbackupback
problem is to get the server adress back after wipe. maybe stored in web database and encrypted with phone imei number? or uploaded as google
whatever...
or just not wiping that single adress
just saying ^^
willmav5000 said:
Would probably need a new method to keep track of the updates aswell, I don't think json would be sufficient for a lot of applications and updates. Unless somebody could make some kind of script to automate the process when it gets uploaded.
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JSON is just a file format. The CM Updater works via a static JSON file that gets updated manually. The way I'd design this (which is what I asked a couple of posts back) is a dynamic web service (probably REST based) which delivered JSON dynamically. Wouldn't be too difficult at all.
As SimonWalker said he's using PHP + MySQL I'm guessing that's already being done.
@garok89: CM Updater is completely open-source therefore blessings are not needed to use the source. Really don't understand all the "credit" crap here on XDA.
senab said:
@garok89: CM Updater is completely open-source therefore blessings are not needed to use the source. Really don't understand all the "credit" crap here on XDA.
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I know it is open and I don't need to give my blessing for people to use the source. I did so because a lot of people don't feel comfortable using other peoples code without permission, regardless of whether or not its 100% open source.
And as for the 'credit crap'... I don't see you asking for your name to be removed from the 'about' section of the app
I am not asking for any credit
Anyway, lets not get off topic...
Guys, before this becomes Android Open Alliance, the sequel (you all remember how that went), I think we better set up a way to work together first and then toss in the speculative stuff later.
How about starting simple; set up a wave?
hey guys just wondering if anyone would be able to creatte this app.
The Iphone has such an app only cause the iphone is mainstream in aust but yeah. Was just yeah wondering if someone could port it over to android either 2.2 or 2.1 idc. but would be happy to pay as yeah i want to be the "different bloke"
as the pilot as i have the nexus one and everyone else (11) others own a iphone so yeah thanks
care to explain wtf it is/does?
and are you from australia?
well its a air services site that provides weather for pilots.
it is created by the buero of meteorology and then compiled and put out over different forms, i.e an app or a computer program or radio and such
yes i am australian and most that i know havent a clue how to make such a thing
i would give you links but it says i cant. i must be new lol.
I have considered developing simply to create this app.
Pweese I know at least 50people that would be willing to pay. Would bee so awesome
I'm the developer of the iPhone version of NAIPS - I had a quick look at android however it looks like way too much work for personally minimal gain for me (I don't even have an android phone). If I did do it one day - it would probably have minimal features as it would require a 100% rewrite. Plus I'm currently focusing on getting ERSA etc onto iPad/iPhone (after work & family).
Maybe a bunch of people could pay some firm in China/India to write a version? Or just a simple version (with Airservices' permission) that does location briefings etc?
I'm the developer of the iPhone version of NAIPS - I had a quick look at android however it looks like way too much work for personally minimal gain for me (I don't even have an android phone). If I did do it one day - it would probably have minimal features as it would require a 100% rewrite. Plus I'm currently focusing on getting ERSA etc onto iPad/iPhone (after work & family).
Maybe a bunch of people could pay some firm in China/India to write a version? Or just a simple version (with Airservices' permission) that does location briefings etc?
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That's cool. Can you provide some details as to the source of the data? There are plenty of open source weather apps, one could possibly bee modified to get data from that source
Shagpile said:
I'm the developer of the iPhone version of NAIPS - I had a quick look at android however it looks like way too much work for personally minimal gain for me (I don't even have an android phone). If I did do it one day - it would probably have minimal features as it would require a 100% rewrite. Plus I'm currently focusing on getting ERSA etc onto iPad/iPhone (after work & family).
Maybe a bunch of people could pay some firm in China/India to write a version? Or just a simple version (with Airservices' permission) that does location briefings etc?
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Ah, i have been reading your posts on PPruNe forums, if i do get my act together and start writing a similar app for android, do you mind if i contact you then for bits of information (ie what ASA said regarding scraping their material etc.)?
Also, just out of personal interest, what and where do you fly?
liam.lah said:
Sent from my computer using a keyboard.
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you had me laughing my ASSS off tonight, hahaha!
too funny, I'm sorry for going off topic.
That's cool. Can you provide some details as to the source of the data?
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You basically have to emulate the website by sending off HTML get/post requests as per their html code. There are no documented protocols or anything.
do you mind if i contact you then for bits of information
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Not at all - visit ozrunways.com and send me a message on the 'contact me' page so I don't have to write my email address on a public forum.
We need more small cheap pilot apps available. I've made a bit of coin out of NAIPS but it's still far less than what I would get if I spent my time flipping burgers at McDonalds. Don't get too excited !!
Also, just out of personal interest, what and where do you fly?
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P3 Orion - the cold war relic
liam.lah said:
Ah, i have been reading your posts on PPruNe forums, if i do get my act together and start writing a similar app for android, do you mind if i contact you then for bits of information (ie what ASA said regarding scraping their material etc.)?
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Hey mate, just wondering if there has been any progress on developing a NAIPS based app for android yet. Because if there has been I would be keenly interested in it.
Not yet. There is no paid app store for Australia yet.
i'm interested to work on this app and it would be free app. however i'm very new to android and still learning.
my first app is KL Web Traffic which you can find on android market. if i know how to get the data and what this app do i don't mind working on it so i can improve my java/android programming skills.
Replying to a 3 year old thread because this app was the only thing keeping a mate of mine on IOS, and this is one of the top hits on Google search.
Check out thttps://sites.google.com/a/juddy.net/android/naips
There are a few now. "NOTAM Filter" is available on the play store and does Met and NOTAMs including areas.
So I have thought about this for a long time. There are some great custom roms/mods/hacks out there. But even they can lack features or have features you don't want.
I mean like choosing individual options that show up in the settings menu, etc...
Isn't it possible to have some source code that contains all the features of all the roms, and have an application that you use to design your own custom version of that rom. Say I want to fix my homescreen to have 4 screens and each screen to have its own background image... If we could just hardwire that capability into the OS via a custom designer/compiler off the source code, and flash it to the phone, that would be awesome...
Maybe that is asking a bit too much, but it seems possible. Although I am on the lower end of the spectrum when it comes to coding and modding, so I may just have no idea what I'm talking about. Maybe there are others out there who have thought of this, or are working on it, or maybe it already exists, but anyway... Just an idea...
Kinda hard with all these different devices and UIs, making compatibility an issue.
Ummm there is an app that lets you have different wallpapers for each home screen
ya... I mean it would have to be restricted to certain devices or something... but i dunno... just a thought.
If only every phone company only released 1 or 2 models.
Sent from my HTC Incredible S
govindadas said:
So I have thought about this for a long time. There are some great custom roms/mods/hacks out there. But even they can lack features or have features you don't want.
I mean like choosing individual options that show up in the settings menu, etc...
Isn't it possible to have some source code that contains all the features of all the roms, and have an application that you use to design your own custom version of that rom. Say I want to fix my homescreen to have 4 screens and each screen to have its own background image... If we could just hardwire that capability into the OS via a custom designer/compiler off the source code, and flash it to the phone, that would be awesome...
Maybe that is asking a bit too much, but it seems possible. Although I am on the lower end of the spectrum when it comes to coding and modding, so I may just have no idea what I'm talking about. Maybe there are others out there who have thought of this, or are working on it, or maybe it already exists, but anyway... Just an idea...
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I completely understand what you are trying to achieve over here. But there are various factors in place. You are trying to make a kitchen more advance so we can fully customize it but it is not possible with the number of device that are out there and the number of processors. Its not impossible but quite hard to achieve
I am very pleased with the thought and don’t feel like adding anything in it. It a perfect answer.
robertsmigel22 said:
I am very pleased with the thought and don’t feel like adding anything in it. It a perfect answer.
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Which answer.....?
Android with a WebOS UI=Better than Sense.
that's a good idea actually.
Well, I mean, start with one phone model on a specific carrier that is very popular among developers and general users. If a large number of people who work on mods/roms and other customizations got together... then they could probably whip up something.
But, yeah... doing it for a large number of phones would be very difficult...
but starting off simply, could slowly add in features, or a select your phone and carrier type thing...
In other words, an xda phone. Well gluck rounding up the devs to a particular phone.
$1 gets you a reply
Great
Thank you for your work
Kailkti said:
In other words, an xda phone. Well gluck rounding up the devs to a particular phone.
$1 gets you a reply
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So everyone should get an HD2?
that's a good idea actually.
I really would like to see a newer HD2 like device. I mean like the phone that runs everything. but those come with time they aren't made that way
It's not impossible. I mean it would take a lot of time to complete but you could do it device by device. First you achieve the idea within 1 device. Combine all the roms and put features together and maybe if you add a UI to the application End Users can pick the features they want and tailor their own rom. Developers instead of updating roms they'd add new features to the application. After that you could combine phone's from the same company. Like the Sony X10 & X8. They're not that different and porting won't too hard. And then eventually you get to a General app. Some phones have some features other don't but it'd be just like Market. Some apps are compatible with your phone some aren't. It's a good idea~
Sent from my X8 using XDA App
That's a good idea actually.
What about a GUI rom "cooker"? Devs build their standard roms, but let the end users crunch them through a GUI that lets the users filter what little things they want or dont want to keep in the rom. GUI then repackages it and then we flash it.
Skv012a said:
What about a GUI rom "cooker"? Devs build their standard roms, but let the end users crunch them through a GUI that lets the users filter what little things they want or dont want to keep in the rom. GUI then repackages it and then we flash it.
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Ya, thats pretty much what i mean. So you can choose what options show up in the settings menu, completely customize the power/lock button menu and actions, etc...it seems like it should be possible. Just take a highly customized rom and create an intetface to remove features and compile it. It could all be done in the cloud and notify you when its ready for dl.
We make a couple of very useful applications for rooted users, some of you may know and use them. I was wondering if anyone would be interested in adding one or two of the free versions to their ROM builds. Its seems like a win-win situation.
We have tested all these apps extensively on our own Sensations (including ICS) and they work flawlessly!
The ones i think would fit well are Call Master:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1291587
Its an advanced call and SMS manager (blocking, routing, private inbox, lots of other stuff). The free version has no ads and full functionality. The only restrictions are nag screens.
Screenshot ER:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=17212860
I know this may seem superfluous, but this is a proper screenshot tool with lots and lots of features. Again, theres no ads in the free version, full functionality is only restricted by a short delay.
Maybe Prepay Widget:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1006487
A USSD balance manager with higly configurable text wisgets. Its completely free, no ads.
And finally Power Switch:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1153788
This is something of a chimera app that does cool things like turn off the screen when you shut the case of your device. Free, no ads, only restricted by delays.
Please let me know if youre interested!
Any takers? We do make some of the coolest apps on android...
Bump so devs can see
Sent from my HTC Pyramid using XDA Premium
They might also want to add SwitchMe - its in my sig and its our newest creation!
Wouldn't it be best if you contacted individual devs?
i believe if youre apps are good enough they will get a name.
if they have a name chefs will notice them and prob ask you if they may include it
Right... I'll keep that in mind, but since our apps are already in some of the most popular rooms (overcome for one) they already have a name.
Sent from my GT-P7500 using xda premium
Why Screenshot ER? Ice Cream Sandwich has native Screenshot capabilities, and I would thing most people would be pretty satisfied with that.
This is not development so it moved to General...
Right, not development, silly me! Let's hope all those devs read the general section...
Thread destroyed by moderation.