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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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Click to collapse
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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Click to collapse
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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Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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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Click to collapse
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
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 this sounds like a great idea, there was something like this for apps for the dash,mda & sda.
I am looking for a very specific app to assist me with interviews. What I need is an app that can open a Word or Excel style template page. The page will have a list of questions and the space to fill in answers just like any normal paper application form.
Name:.........................................................................
Address :.....................................................................
..................................................................................
..................................................................................
Tel:................................................
Etc.
Now this bit is easy I have seen many app's that can do this, the next is the difficult bit,. I need the app to allow me to use a stylus to handwrite the answers in the fields. It does not need to recognise what I have written just save the page as I have annotated it with the handwritten answers. I can then open the template again and conduct the next interview.
Is there such an app out there? If not would anyone be interested in creating one? If this is a new idea then whoever wants it can use it. Thanks all.
Sounds like a good idea that can easily be accomplished using the Google App Inventor.
If I have a few spare cycles I'll see if I can throw it together.
Nice idea, would be a handy little app for many i'm sure.
Would be nice for it to have a "done and save" button so it auto went to the next form, and have an edit mode to edit the forms themselves (making it applicable for any survey, data collect use).
I'll have a look at the app maker today and see if a noob like me could knock something up (allthough its probably best left to those with experience).
Definately a good idea though ^^
EDIT: Oeer, think i may need to readup on the Appmaker for a week before i start ...Spose have to start somewhere. Consider me outof the dev picture for a mo ...allthough need any art/buttons i can help anytime xD
I am wanting to start a new site that will have all kinds of app frameworks made for people to use and customize as they like.
Here is where it all starts, I have a few sites and clients that have wordpress blogs and they want more than anything to have a simple Android app that just pulls in the rss feed from the site and shows the content. . . . But sad to say I am in no was a dev and cant even make a basic app.
So what I am wanting to do.
I will buy a domain and take care of hosting and work with who ever in on board with this to come up with a design.
After that we/(I hope to learn from this) will start making some basic apps that are easy for people to customize and make work for them.
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So all apps will be free for anyone to download and use, we will just ask they let us know so we can add it to the demos page to show what others have been done with our work.
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[Q] What will we get out of this?
[A 1] You will be supper supper cool!
[A 2] We will have a paid for part, so if someone is looking for the app we have but knows nothing and want the app to be customized to them we will do the work. We will all site down to go over how the work gets handed out.
[A 3] Helping others and that gets you cool things at X-Mas time!
[A 4] Added work to your portfolio.
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As of now I know of 3 apps I would like to makes.
Site page: So it does not pull in any information but kind of acts like a information app that will tell about a company or product
Twitter App: So it will pull in a twitter feed of only one person of band or what ever.
Blog/RSS App: So this will just pull in post from a rss feed and allow people to reed it with out having to go to the site. (I know IBM has one but could not make heads or tails of it)
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If this sounds like something you would be willing to do and put time in to send me a PM or email and we can get this started. .
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Again I build websites so along with learning how to build app I will take care of all website stuff and working on the SEO of it. But I want a few people on board so we can some up with a
1: name
2: url we all like
3: basic design
4: how things will work
5: see any problems that might come out of this and think ahead
Thanks
James R
BUMP : Hoping new people see it.
Or is there a project like this out there?
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA Premium App
Hey Guys,
One of my favorite apps was recently pulled from Google Play. I contacted the developer asking if I could modify some of the source code for my own personal use and he consented. The problem is I am in over my head and can't really figure out how to do what I want to do. I want to add in functionality that the app at one time had (so I'm sure the code is still in there somewhere just disabled.)
It is an app for viewing comic strips. Since I agreed not to distribute I am hoping there is ONE other person who would also like a comic strip viewer and would be willing to help me work on it so they could make use of it too.
If anyone is interested, I would really appreciate it, it would be a great learning experience for me as I am just now getting into coding/development. All I ask is that you do not distribute the app, post it anywhere online, etc and that you are patient enough to work with a beginner.
Thanks.
Hi,
Looking for software to develop an app (preferably offline) which will help someone with no coding experience. I am proficient with photoshop & after effects but I don't know any coding.
I am sure at some point I'll require a pro to write some custom script for me but I want to get as far into the project on my own as possible.
I don't want to be bound by some websites hosting terms, with monthly fees and all this other stuff. Preferably, I'd build my app offline and go from there...I don't honestly trust these websites with little app builders then your app is stuck on their site and you're forced to use their hosting and things like that....if it's my app, it's my app!!! I shouldn't be bound to some website or whatever.
So, preferably offline app builder which someone with no coding experience can use?
carlitobriganteffs said:
Hi,
Looking for software to develop an app (preferably offline) which will help someone with no coding experience. I am proficient with photoshop & after effects but I don't know any coding.
I am sure at some point I'll require a pro to write some custom script for me but I want to get as far into the project on my own as possible.
I don't want to be bound by some websites hosting terms, with monthly fees and all this other stuff. Preferably, I'd build my app offline and go from there...I don't honestly trust these websites with little app builders then your app is stuck on their site and you're forced to use their hosting and things like that....if it's my app, it's my app!!! I shouldn't be bound to some website or whatever.
So, preferably offline app builder which someone with no coding experience can use?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://www.appsgeyser.com/
Simple search would've showed this. The search button is very powerful and so is google.
What kind of application would you like to create? I could help you build or get you the tools for your app and teach you how to code.
Sent from ALCATEL One Touch Fierce
TagEHeuer said:
Simple search would've showed this. The search button is very powerful and so is google.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I promise you I've searched extensively and yet to find what I'm looking for. AppsGeyser lifts content from the net and turns it into an app...it remains on the appsgeyser site so doesn't really fit with what I'm looking for...I just want simple app creation software without having to learn code because what I'm looking to do isn't super-unique, it's just for an add-on to my existing business.
Has anyone ever used Wix for website creation for example?? Fantastic user interface, couldn't be simpler yet the possibilities are pretty much endless especially since you can add custom coding if you wish but I've built a few sites with Wix, all function great, all look fantastic...just a shame they don't have the same service for app creation.
Scripts said:
What kind of application would you like to create? I could help you build or get you the tools for your app and teach you how to code.
Sent from ALCATEL One Touch Fierce
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's pretty much just a local directory type app mate....that's why I mentioned above that I am really not trying to do anything unique so I'd imagine there's some nice editing software out there somewhere I could utilise and have my app designed and created pretty quick....like the above example of the Wix website,...you could have a fantastic looking website up and running in a couple of hours.
Anything guys?
Still looking for nice easy app production software.
Buy the Java reference book. Helped me a lot when k was starting out. Its some 1400 pages.
Books helped me the most especially with SQL. Consult me any time if you can't find your answer on Google cause frequently ur gonna be typing code bit have no idea what it does and how it works.
Also use Eclipse. Its like ms word for programmers with auto correct and hints and things that are very useful
Sent from my HTC first using xda app-developers app
---------- Post added at 07:53 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:51 PM ----------
russian392 said:
Buy the Java reference book. Helped me a lot when k was starting out. Its some 1400 pages.
Books helped me the most especially with SQL. Consult me any time if you can't find your answer on Google cause frequently ur gonna be typing code bit have no idea what it does and how it works.
Also use Eclipse. Its like ms word for programmers with auto correct and hints and things that are very useful
Sent from my HTC first using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just pm me and ill tell you everything u need to know
Sent from my HTC first using xda app-developers app
russian392 said:
Buy the Java reference book. Helped me a lot when k was starting out. Its some 1400 pages.
Books helped me the most especially with SQL. Consult me any time if you can't find your answer on Google cause frequently ur gonna be typing code bit have no idea what it does and how it works.
Also use Eclipse. Its like ms word for programmers with auto correct and hints and things that are very useful
Sent from my HTC first using xda app-developers app
---------- Post added at 07:53 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:51 PM ----------
Just pm me and ill tell you everything u need to know
Sent from my HTC first using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just sounds like thats way more advanced than I'm looking for dude.
I want build an app to ad onto my local directory business and it really isn't doing anything advanced or unique...it's the content that separates it's from other apps, not it's functionality....an app containing a load of menus with click through links (are these called hyperlinks?) to that section of the directory then linked again to open specific entries within that section of the directory....
Surely, there's a nice easy, almost drag and drop, design software out there I can use?
I'm really put off by these app builders I see that are $50 per month or whatever but if I have to go that way, ok. Thoughts? (Appreciate everyone's input and I know it can be frustrating talking to newbies that really don't have a clue so appreciate the input and patience folks!)
carlitobriganteffs said:
Just sounds like thats way more advanced than I'm looking for dude.
I want build an app to ad onto my local directory business and it really isn't doing anything advanced or unique...it's the content that separates it's from other apps, not it's functionality....an app containing a load of menus with click through links (are these called hyperlinks?) to that section of the directory then linked again to open specific entries within that section of the directory....
Surely, there's a nice easy, almost drag and drop, design software out there I can use?
I'm really put off by these app builders I see that are $50 per month or whatever but if I have to go that way, ok. Thoughts? (Appreciate everyone's input and I know it can be frustrating talking to newbies that really don't have a clue so appreciate the input and patience folks!)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
U want a app=u code. No code=No app
Smack that thanks button if I helped!
Note 2 LTE powered by Illusion ROM and Plasma Kernel.
Sent from dat small country called Singapore.
Irwenzhao said:
U want a app=u code. No code=No app
Smack that thanks button if I helped!
Note 2 LTE powered by Illusion ROM and Plasma Kernel.
Sent from dat small country called Singapore.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know enough to know that's simply not true...the reason for the post is that there's loads of drag and drop simple app builders out there that require no coding whatsoever....the point in the question is what is the best one and also the embedded question of why are there monthly charges that have such a huge range?
So, no...no code does not = no app.
carlitobriganteffs said:
Just sounds like thats way more advanced than I'm looking for dude.
I want build an app to ad onto my local directory business and it really isn't doing anything advanced or unique...it's the content that separates it's from other apps, not it's functionality....an app containing a load of menus with click through links (are these called hyperlinks?) to that section of the directory then linked again to open specific entries within that section of the directory....
Surely, there's a nice easy, almost drag and drop, design software out there I can use?
I'm really put off by these app builders I see that are $50 per month or whatever but if I have to go that way, ok. Thoughts? (Appreciate everyone's input and I know it can be frustrating talking to newbies that really don't have a clue so appreciate the input and patience folks!)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Eclipse allows drag and drop bit you're dreaming man. There is no way you can make anything work on android when making an app without knowing some basics of code.
So get that book I told you about, get eclipse, and get the book "hello android" which helped me start out.
Android apps are way more complicated than they seem bro
Monthly charges is because to make app building software is so damn hard. Trust me. Try your hand at old school app development. You will learn to appreciate app makers cause no joke its hard as hell
Sent from my HTC first using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
carlitobriganteffs said:
Hi,
Looking for software to develop an app (preferably offline) which will help someone with no coding experience. I am proficient with photoshop & after effects but I don't know any coding.
I am sure at some point I'll require a pro to write some custom script for me but I want to get as far into the project on my own as possible.
I don't want to be bound by some websites hosting terms, with monthly fees and all this other stuff. Preferably, I'd build my app offline and go from there...I don't honestly trust these websites with little app builders then your app is stuck on their site and you're forced to use their hosting and things like that....if it's my app, it's my app!!! I shouldn't be bound to some website or whatever.
So, preferably offline app builder which someone with no coding experience can use?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But question is that why any company offer you free tool that helps you to create app without coding knowledge. So only two option is here May be company offer paid tool for that and i think so no as such paid tool available in the market.
2nd option is company offer you online tool where you can create app without the knowledge of tool, in return companies want you to buy their subscription etc... to use that code.
I used some tools for testing person and some of them give you .apk and .ipa file to test your app on device but do not give you source code of app. You can read more about 4 best app building softwares, but as i mentioned that they do not give you source code.
I hope so above mentioned information helps you.
Please don't forget to thumb up button if it is helpful. Thanks
Not long ago, people / businesses in the UK would have to pay at least £12,000 for the development of a simple website, without administration / hosting / commerce functions, etc.
Now, you can produce professional websites yourself with a little cost and effort. Downloading free templates, Adobe Muse, WebPlus X8, etc.
Adobe have now launched DPS (Digital Publishing Solutions) which will eventually become a standalone, offline solution for people that want the ability to create apps on an offline basis, with a one-off cost (no monthly subscriptions).
Without a doubt, such offline app dev software is in development now, and I cannot wait until it arrives.
For now, I use HTML5 based WYSIWYG solutions which work well in good wifi / 4g connection, but with no App Store listing and no ability to push notify, but I can create these without subscription / cloud based resources.
It suits clients that have a user base that would generally be within good connection areas and require their services in such a place.