Database Info

[APP] YAPT - Voice Messaging

Hi XDAers
I am hoping this is the right place to announce my first Android app. If not then please do accept my apologies in advance.
YAPT is a simple & free voice messaging Android application that enables sending short voice messages from one YAPT user to another.
Its abit like Push to Talk and not like Push to Talk - for want of a better description . Its different from Push To Talk in that voice messages are handled like emails - so these are received in your YAPT inbox (with notifications) and can be replied to at your convenience.
I built YAPT because I love the idea of Push to Talk but find it inconvenient that anyone can contact me and my Android's speaker phone could burst into full volume at any instant.
Search for YAPT in the android market or visit yapt.net for more information and release notes.
Like I said, this is my first Android (and mobile phone application) so a few bits will be abit rough or might not work.
Any feedback or suggestions would be more than appreciated.
Finally, I hope someone finds this app useful .

Hi XDAers.
Sorry for replying to my own post .
Just a quick update to mention that the 1.1 version development is under way. Some features I hope might be useful:
Extend voice message limit length from 10 to 20 seconds
Ability to send images (might have to limit image size - 50k?)
Ability to send text messages
Improve contact listing - it is abit spartan ATM... add contact photo for example
Threaded message view
Other ideas greatly appreciated .

I think the #1 issue that would keep me from using this app more often is that it lacks push notifications. To truly be useful, it needs to be almost instantaneous, and 5 minute polling seems like it will take a toll on the battery. Although we'll try it out for a week or so and see what happens. I applaud the effort, as it does fill an unmet need.
Doesn't the android SDK have a push notification framework?

Hi tdiman.
Thanks for the feedback .
Doesn't the android SDK have a push notification framework?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would love to use Android's C2DM but unfortunately that is only available in Froyo, which makes it abit tricky as I am trying to support 1.6 <-> 2.2 devices ATM. There might be alternatives so I will investigate this so more.
Polling can be taken down to 30 seconds but that would stop the device from sleeping, which would drain the battery. Like you said, the default is to poll every 5 minutes which shouldn't wake the device up too often.
Cheers.

mcnaz said:
I would love to use Android's C2DM but unfortunately that is only available in Froyo, which makes it abit tricky as I am trying to support 1.6 <-> 2.2 devices ATM.
Cheers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
More than half of active Android devices are on 2.1 and it won't be long before 2.2 is the majority.
I think this has an amazing potential, keep up the good work.

Hi dlaciv12.
I think I found a possible solution to push notifications using IBM's MQTT protocol, which would work on 1.6 <-> 2.2 devices.
I am going to revisit this early-mid next week once I get the bulk of the 1.1 release done in the next few days. I'll either tag this onto the end of 1.1 or as the first feature of 1.2
Again, thank you both for the suggestions and the encouragement .

Do you have to use your cellphone number or can you use your Google Voice number?

Hi NeedoZ
Do you have to use your cellphone number or can you use your Google Voice number?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That does depend on which number is used when someone wants to contact you. I live in the UK and haven't used Google Voice (we don't have it here).
Do they ring your Google Voice number, which then directs the call to your cellphone? If so then I would use the Google Voice number and not your cellphone number.
Currently there is no way to change your registered number - I am working on adding a "handset management" feature to the yapt.net website.
Cheers.

Push
To avoid having to poll, and for those who have push email setup on their phone already (eg with the gmail app), could you catch the arrival of new mail from the mail app rather than polling the server independently?
It's just an idea and I'm well out of my technical depth, but thought I'd put it forward. Feel free to shoot it down!

Why can't you make an OPTION to have Android push (C2DM) technology for Android 2.2+ device?
Because at the end, most devices will be upgraded to 2.2 anyway.
If you just stick with the old polling method (or any other fancy IBM push thingy), your app would be outdated by then. I can imagine more and more app will move to Android C2DM.
Why not you BE THE FIRST to have this wonderful Android C2DM ... Certainly, your app will be the most talked about.
Imagine, easy to use voice messaging for Android which uses push technology!
Back to your app, how many voice messaging will user get per day?
For me? probably none 1 or 2 ... And I dont want my device to draw battery power by polling every 5 minutes just for that. User will be put-off and scared ... your app will not be popular.
So, make an option. A checkbox [ ] Use Android Push ...
Implement a nice and easy to use GUI ...
You will be the winner!
Believe me, BE THE FIRST ... be the first ....................................

Hi themuddler and gogol
I am currently working on Push notification as opposed to polling.
I'll post updates to this thread and probably requests for beta testers .
Cheers.

gogol said:
Why can't you make an OPTION to have Android push (C2DM) technology for Android 2.2+ device?
Because at the end, most devices will be upgraded to 2.2 anyway....
...Believe me, BE THE FIRST ... be the first ....................................
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice Speech gogol!
I own WM ... Sad

Hi all.
Just a quick update to say that after several days hit & miss I've finally got Push notifications working for Android 1.6 <-> 2.2 devices! Wohoooo!!
It actually makes quite a difference that voice messages are received in a matter of seconds. Thanks for the great suggestion!
I'm going to leave the new build running on my handset overnight to see what the battery impact is before I publish it to the Market tomorrow morning (if all goes well).
I've attached the beta YAPT to this thread if any brave and kind souls would like to test this as well.
I'll keep the thread updated.
Time for a beer I think...
Edit - Still needs some more testing.... attachment removed... for safety.

"Good news everyone!!"
YAPT 1.0.10 has just been uploaded to the Market. The 1.0.10 release replaces message polling with a push notification mechanism.
In short this means that new voice message notifications should appear within five seconds of them being sent.
In the end I did not use Google's C2DM as that is only available for Android 2.2. I've put in abit of effort in making YAPT compatible with 1.6 <-> 2.2 phones and wanted the same to apply to the Push Notification mechanism.... so I rolled my own that should work for all 1.6 to 2.2 Android devices.
Please upgrade to 1.0.10 and give the new Push notification functionality a try. Any help in stress testing this new code would be very much appreciated.
Again, please report any problems you have or add new suggests to this thread. . Keep the good suggestions coming .
Next task is redesigning and tweaking the UI.

What kind of push technology do you use?
And how scalable is it? I know C2DM is pretty much scalable because it is using Google own servers.
WhatsApp is using C2DM for 2.2 users, and I believe it (will be able) can send audio messages as well.
What's the advantage of your YAPT compare to WhatsApp?

Hi Gogol.
What kind of push technology do you use?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
YAPT uses HTTP Streaming. It should work pretty much the same as C2DM (although no doubt Google's implementation is more elegant than mine). Basically YAPT keeps a low-level connection open to the server, even when it is asleep. The phone is woken up to retrieve a new message only when a new message notification is sent to the phone.
I'll revisit C2DM once Android 2.2 gains wider market share.
And how scalable is it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It should be pretty scalable. I've tested 10,000 concurrent connections without any issues (except on my client PC which was opening the 10,000 connections). I've set an upper limit of 1,000,000 concurrent connections on the server for the time being.
What's the advantage of your YAPT compare to WhatsApp?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am not familiar with WhatsApp so can't comment. The only thing I can say is that YAPT supports Android 1.6 and upwards in regards to voice messaging and now instant notifications on new messages
I am working to add many more features to YAPT (i.e sending text, images, video etc) once the current code base stabilises.

mcnaz said:
Hi XDAers.
Sorry for replying to my own post .
Just a quick update to mention that the 1.1 version development is under way. Some features I hope might be useful:
Extend voice message limit length from 10 to 20 seconds
Ability to send images (might have to limit image size - 50k?)
Ability to send text messages
Improve contact listing - it is abit spartan ATM... add contact photo for example
Threaded message view
Other ideas greatly appreciated .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I like the new push notifications. My biggest suggestion now is to figure a way to limit the number of steps needed to send a message. "Push to talk" gives users the expectation of a quick and simple way to send voice notes.
For example, the steps to send a message include:
1) Run YAPT
2) Push Menu
3) Push Record New Voice Message
4) Hold down button/volume and record message
5) Hit contacts button, a few more buttons to select contact
6) click save
7) Click Menu
8) Click sync to send off
9) Exit app
What about sync-on-save so that you don't have to send the messages in your outbox, so the functionality mirrors text/mms better? This would eliminate 2 steps.
A way to change the default screen to record new message would remove another 2 steps.
What if you had a "record new message" widget (premium version, perhaps)? You push down on the widget, it records the message, and then pops up a (perhaps user defined? or "favorites"?) sender list, you select the sender, and then its done. 2 steps, message sent. Or even better, have the widget tied to a contact.
These are just suggestions - I'm sure you can think of other better or easier to implement ways to streamline the sending process, but I think that it is crucial for more widespread adoption.

excellent suggestions !

Or how about you go the route that Palringo uses to send Voice messages instantly!!! It's almost like a walkie talkie!!
Cause at the end of the day, People want to be able to use your app and that voice feature instantly with as little steps as possible!!
Keep up the good work though!!

Hi tdiman.
tdiman said:
I like the new push notifications. My biggest suggestion now is to figure a way to limit the number of steps needed to send a message. "Push to talk" gives users the expectation of a quick and simple way to send voice notes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do agree that the process can be far more streamlined than it currently is and your excellent suggestions will most definitely help with that.
I should have an update out in the next day or so that implements some, if not all, of these (except the widget - I love the idea but will save it for after the 1.1 UI update release).
Cheers.

[APP]Bubble v1.0.0 - Contact's memos on the call screen :)

Another app I'm involved with was published yesterday* - Bubble:
Your memory in Bubbles!
Bubble lets you keep memos for every contact you have. The greatness is that whenever that contact calls his bubbles are shown on the in-call screen
So, for instance:
Someone calls you and says he has a job interview tomorrow. You write a new bubble for that contact: 'Ask how the interview went!' - Next time he calls, you'll see that bubble right away and won't forget to ask
The app is completely free, with ads (No ads on the call screen! only in the app itself). This is the first version out so there are going to be a lot of changes and updates as we progress. We'd appreciate your input, good (straight in the market rating) or bad (in here please ).
A clarification for the worried: This app does not use any unauthorized APIs like some other call screen apps out there - this is merely a toast overlay with some added info. No buttons were changed/removed/added and the original behavior of the call screen remains intact.
Links and info:
Market and site links:
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.goodfriend.bubble
http://www.yourmemoryinbubbles.com/
Features:
* Contact screen with indication of bubbles for each contact.
* Convenient sorting:
- Alphabetically
- Contacts with bubbles up on the list
- Contacts with whom you last had calls up on the list
* Flashy bubble colors (might be too flashy for some... but we like it )
* Direct call from a contact's bubble list - When you want to call someone go to the app, review the bubbles for that contact and call him directly from there.
* Notification settings: When a contact with bubbles calls you get a notification for easy access to his bubbles, so you can update/delete after you've just seen them on the call screen. You can also activate notification for every call to add bubbles for contacts that still don't have any, right after they call. And of course you you can deactivate notification altogether.
Known issues:
* Force closes on a certain nexus1 with CM6.1 (Froyo).
* If there are duplicate contacts and they are not grouped (i.e. a contact from Google account and a contact from the phone itself) you will see both contacts in the Bubble's contact list. This is the same behavior as the regular android contact app, though there you can filter out by source (i.e. show only Google. show only sim etc.). We don't have filters for this yet.
* Consequently, if you add bubbles to a duplicate, you need to know which of the duplicates your phone recognizes for an incoming call. I.E. you have two contacts with the same number, your phone will choose one of them as the caller id when that 'number' calls you - that's the contact you'll need to add bubbles to, otherwise they won't show.
We're working on it, hopefully this will be resolved within a few days.
*The first one is Horror Run - I was the main programmer in both projects but the rest of the guys in the new project aren't related to that previous one.

How i hate market sometimes....the app is not available for my rom ....I would have to flash CM to download it. Could you please attach an apk file to yur post?

Only restriction is 2.1 and up (mainly to prevent some compatibility issues headache), so if you have that it should work.
Either way I'll PM you a link so you can try it out anyway.

nitzanj said:
Only restriction is 2.1 and up (mainly to prevent some compatibility issues headache), so if you have that it should work.
Either way I'll PM you a link so you can try it out anyway.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I have some problems with market/roms. I have used two roms recently a custom Android Froyo 2.2.1 and also CM 6.1 or 6.0 which is also based on froyo 2.2.1. On the web version of market I now have a drop down menu with two phones CM 6.0 and the other custom rom. Event though both roms are based on Froyo the market prevents me from installing certain apps on my current rom but indicates that I can download them on CM 6.0. Kind of annoying So when I find an app that I like I flash CM 6.0 download the app from the market, back it up ,flash my "every day use" rom and restore the app. Takes a bit of time..
Anyway feedback...
Excellent concept, very nice UI, everything is working as it supposed to.
Now the drawbacks I think the app needs a QVGA theme I assigned one bubble to a contact and it overlaps the answear/reject call sliders. I didn't try with more bubbles but I assume it would look even worst so smaller bubbles with a bit different placement for QVGA devices would be nice.
And one request..Would it be possible in the future releases to assign bubbles to contacts that are not in the phonebook? Something like this...check if the phone number is in the phonebook if not display certain bubble.

Neat idea, i'll have to give it a try

Nice idea, but any way to have some less painful colours? Why not just use a colour picker?

Love it! Awsome! Works fine on my HD2 which dual boots Android nd Windows Mobile.

spoidar said:
Nice idea, but any way to have some less painful colours? Why not just use a colour picker?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Color scheme is something we discussed long about, we asked around a LOT, and it seems most people tend to like shiny flashy colors
However we already have several things in the works for a future version, custom colors and even pictures/patterns, customizable of course.
If we manage to lift it high enough to justify extra work, a lot of good will come into the next versions...

Loved it ! Second on the color options being more manly.

Hi there,
installed Bubble but didn't really get around to use it.
One question though: what is the "full internet access" permission for?
I don't like the idea of having an app on my device that can read all contacts and has full internet access...
Kind regards,
subworx

The access if for the ad servers (AdMob, AdWhirl etc.) and nothing else. No net usage in the app itself whatsoever.

[Q] Your favourite Mango feature.

I presume most of us have Mango now officially or unofficially so as the title states, what is your favourite feature?
Unrelated note; if anyone wants an invite to Google+ PM me

There are lots of little things I'm really enjoying, but I'll at least narrow the list down to two:
a) The ability to only require a lockscreen password after a set time interval. Surprisingly useful!
b) Improved ListBox behaviour. Makes AlphaJax ad many other apps a joy to use instead of a jerky mess!
Sent from my HD7 using XDA Windows Phone 7 App

err.. the ability to search contact by company name ahahahah...
and office skydrive ...

Even though the mult-tasking isn't actually working yet, I am enjoying having a way to switch between different tasks/apps quickly, instead of hitting the back button a bunch of times. It will be really nice once the actual multi-tasking portion is working.

1. The timed interval for password from the locked screen,
2. Unified inbox.
3. Pretty good bar code reader in Bing. Wish it would bring up a few more/better shopping results.

The new Bing utilities are great.
Multitasking & all the API's released to developers in general. Will allow for many things I've wanted.
Updated email & calendar - linked inboxes, threaded emails, birthday/holiday/facebook calendars all important to me.
New voice commands & dictation
Ability to add groups, and group features (group email ect)
Save settings in Camera
Full skydrive sync
Those are the big ones, but the whole thing seems amazing so far.

tiny17 said:
Even though the mult-tasking isn't actually working yet, I am enjoying having a way to switch between different tasks/apps quickly, instead of hitting the back button a bunch of times. It will be really nice once the actual multi-tasking portion is working.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What else are they going to do with it?
I was under the impression this was how its going to be? I hope your right but I'm curious as what's going to be added?
Id like to see an x on each window to close or swipe up or down to close...
Sent from my Windows Phone Mango Focus using Board Express

Ie9 is my favorite upgrade. I like that the OS performance is better in most areas. I like the new Bing features and more informative tiles.
I like the new phone layouts for placing and taking calls.
Like that I can switch and app, but no 3rd party aps take advantage from it yet as they all have to resume... and looking for a way to close apps in the task manager....
There are more but I'm tired of typing
Sent from my Windows Phone Mango Focus using Board Express

hi
large buttons!

1. Xbox live screen
2. merged inboxes

1. new xbox live
2. custom friggin ringtones! ( still trying to figure out how to get the custom alert sounds working)
3.IE is way better!
EDIT: for some reason, the podcast downloading from the phone doesnt work. says i need to check my data connection.

So is IE9 faster for everyone? Because it is straight up balls for me >.<

Not only is it faster but it also loads the pages correctly (Finally) my favourite feature has to be threads, it is so damn useful

1.Multitasking (Adding X button will be Perfect)
2.Groups
3.Chatting in Facebook and Hotmail
4.Save Camera Options
5.Linked emails
6.Software speed
7.New way to shutdown the device by sliding the lock screen down after pressing shutdown button.
8.New Layout
9.Grouping app Alphabetically
10.Battery Saver
On the other hand, Some languages still not supported
Search result doesn't find anything
Noway to backup SMS
Still some errors as it is a beta version.

Audio Confirmations
Audio Confirmations! Especially when the locksreen is on and the voice asks you, "would you like to read, reply, or ignore the text".
This is a feature you have to enable in "Speech Settings". It is very useful. You can set it to always on, Bluetooth and Headsets, Bluetooth Only, or wired headset. Give it a try....

IMO the most impressives are :
1. The Unified Message system...
Now all messages (and i mean all SMS-MMS-Facebook-Win Live) are in one place and have the same way of working.
If you try to text a contact the system tells you if he is online (FB or Messanger) and offers to send the message via them.
2. Contacts and Groups. Make a group (family or friends) and put some ppl in the group.
Then pin the group to start page. Fisrt it will give you a fast dialing option for them, and the most impressive
is that any message or FB event/notification or fotos that comes from one of those ppl on the group
will be there live with nice rotating animation.
You must try this ...its Fantastic

I like the new Zune player with Smart DJ.

Social Notifications and Groupings...
This is my favorite. If I have a family group it lists the updates from Facebook or Live which is nice to see. No longer is it necessary to go through a useless FB list in search of specific components about people I want to know about (impossibly difficult to do with any lengthy FB contact list.)
General Social notifications - if someone makes a comment on your picture in FB or in Live I like how the ME tile becomes useful by flipping over and giving you the notification. This is extremely useful to stay on top of the things you care about.
Pictures
I like the dynamic change of the tile - it's a nice eye candy feature
Turning a online gallary picture into a wallpaper is easy without copying to the phone
The people hub is pretty nice to see all your top contacted friend's picture quickly and easily
IE9 - much improved - EXTREMELY better
Local Scout - cool as hell
MOST USED TOOL - Voice to Text for SMS - absolutely killer feature with almost a 90% accuracy rating on short phrases.

Too many to list..
Here are my favorites in no particular order -
1. Shortcut to "Now Playing" on the volume drop down for music
2. unified messaging via Threads
3. Bing Vision
4. Updated zune player w/ "Related" artists and smart DJ, clearly marked downloadable songs for zune pass
5. Faster application and game installs
6. Improved Xbox live interface

[APP][4.0+] Here I Am: Location reporting innovated!

Hello, I am an independent developer and I have made an application called "Here I Am". I claim that this app is better than most location reporting apps in the market and I am requesting you to kindly try this application out and tell me what you think.
Be it your mom, dad or your significant other, there is always someone who cares about you when you leave home. They want to know again and again where you are but you cannot stop your car and type texts like that. Here I Am serves you by periodically sending information of your current location in the form of SMS to that person.
But here's what makes it UNIQUE:
This app sends the texts in human readable language. The receiver will not be staring at the screen trying to figure out what do those coordinates mean. Because there will be no coordinates, nor will there be a link forcing them to open a web browser every time. The app will simply send texts in the following format:
"I'm at STREET NAME near LANDMARK", or
"I'm at STREET NAME, AREA NAME, heading towards LANDMARK. Just crossed A LANDMARK BEHIND ME".
FEATURES:
- Easy to use (provide a contact and forget everything).
- Detailed and advanced settings for users who want full control.
- The receiver only needs to read the sms, without the struggle to interpret it.
- This is a truly BEAUTIFULLY designed application.
- Look ma! No hands: You activate the app and forget it. The app will do all the work at the appropriate times.
TLDR;
This app can periodically send texts to your selected contact about details of your current location. This usually includes the street name and if you are moving towards or away from some place, it can include that place's name as well.
The application uses it's handcrafted algorithms to detect if it needs to tell about your movements or not.
Play Store Link:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.appsbyusman.hereiam.premium
Donate Version is available at:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.appsbyusman.hereiam.pro

NSA and Law Enforcement just said Thank you very much
NINexus-5-nineinchlollipop-r8

LOL the possibilities are countless

I have updated this app. A better version is now available as a separate installation which has improved visuals and better precision and it should continue to receive updates. You can download this updated app from the play store using this link:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.appsbyusman.hereiam.premium

[APP][4.0.3+] Dog Advisor: a simple and funny reminder tool

Hello!
Our Yalos development team is currently working on a small but very useful App called „Dog Advisor“
You can find it here: play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.advisor.advisor.advisor
Current version: 1.1.4
Supported Android versions: 4.0.3 or higher
Supported languages: English, Russian
Category: Entertainment
App type: shareware
It's a combination of a useful reminder tool that helps you to control such important events like missed phone calls or unnoticed sms-messages with a funny Dog buddy that lives in your smartphone and entertains you like a kind of digital pet. Most of the time the Dog remains invisible but as soon as one of the events happens, it appears on the screen and reminds you about the missed event with a funny cartoon style animation. Besides that the dog can entertain the user by different animated scenes on the smartphone screen like sleeping, eating, reading a newspaper or doing sport exercises. All together it creates the impression of a friend that moved into your smartphone.
The App has many settings that allow to define all notification and entertainment functions according to the requirements of each single user. If necessary, you can disable the sound effects and the dog will remind about the events with a closed mouth. You can also set up a “quiet time” - a time interval when the Dog works only in a silent mode. This is especially important for the night time or weekends. If you don't want to see the dog on the screen, you can simply wipe it away with your finger. If you press the dog, it will show you the screen referring to the current notification type (calls list, messages, calendar or alarm clock menu)
Currently supported events are:
missed phone calls
unread sms-messages
calendar events
built-in alarm clock
We are constantly working on new features and would like to hear some new impressions about our app. In future we plan to develop the Advisor into a big assistant app that will help with many different functions, we also want to create new characters to chose from. Sadly it's impossible to work on all appearing ideas at the same time so maybe you will also share your thoughts on the features that you feel are extremely missing now?
The app is shareware but the 14-days trial version has no functional limitations and works exactly like the full version which can be purchased after the trial period.
We are looking forward to your comments, ideas or maybe critical remarks about our app! Thanks!