Database Users

XDA-DEV APP STORE -Discussion

Ok... I know I'm not one of the elite here, but I've been a PPC Admin creating custom ROMs with kitchens for a number of devices for the last 4-5 years. I love this site and everyone here has done an excellent job developing for our devices, but its time we organize this site to make it easy for noobs to get involved in our world. The big problem I see when I try to help people get into WinMo is that its really hard for them to find the right apps and previews of what is possible to do. The biggest complaint I have from friends who use this site is that there are often different threads for the same app and often they download the older version by mistake. I also see what happens to developers like A_C who have their apps ripped off and sold as a "bundle of freeware apps". Its wrong and I'd hate to see him or any of the other developers not get credit for their hard work.
So here is what I'm proposing... Why don't we create an app store right here where free and for pay apps can conveniently and easily be searched and organized. We could even setup rss feeds for the different applications so people could be notified when a new version or even a update to the thread has occurred. I know Microsoft is coming out with their app store, but come on. when have they gotten anything right for a community at this level of capability right at the start?
Either way.. I think it would be a great idea for us to build this and expand the Win Mo community. Thanks everyone for your hard work.
Feel free to comment.

Using RSS from a new sub-forum that XDA could setup would allow a dev to pull the threads and information. If they're formatted properly before submitted to the App Store forum, the first post in the thread could be App's description and preview including any youtube previews. The second post would have the cab file.
There would also be a string of text in the first post which would define device compatibilities so Raphael users don't try and download Kaiser specific software and vice-versa
A pre-approval process would take place in a seperate forum and PPC veterans and forum senior members could assist in evaluating the posts as well as the software?
I see a more community based solution in this idea. Very nice. BUT.. will it happen? I'm no longer in the programming side of the biz, but if someone could come up with an app that would take the RSS from a forum, I could setup a test forum on a site I run just for proof of concept. Anyone interested?

Sounds like a great idea! I think a forum isnt the best solution for the matter but at least there would be some kind of order...
(App2Date support for more programs would be helpful then as well)

I only say forum because this database is already in place, easily tweaked (I run a few vBulletin sites so I know how easy it can be) and the authors can update their applications easily without having to reinvent the wheel from the ground up. With the proper required fields we could easily organize everything nicely

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=488610

okay that sounds better.. im not experimenting with forums much
is is possible to filter things then? i cant really picture it
when i look for an app i always download all available of a kind (e.g. 5 minesweeper) and in the end not even 1 works ^^

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=480476
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=436127
why not have 3 more...

i think before u can update ur apps u first need 2 download them... and in order to do that u need to find them first and thats what this thread is mainly about
have u ever heard about apple app store? its not about selling devices whatsoever but to FIND SOFTWARE (easily)

Yep, there are a few being built already, but maybe a more "Official" one would get more development and community support?
Here's another one too: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=471576
I'd really like to see one of these Appstore ideas to also track UI customizations. I can't tell you the number of hours I've spent reading through hundreds of posts to find the perfect SPB Mobile Shell UI... lol.

I have tried all of the above mentioned 'portals' and I use DeviceUpdate, but it's the same 97 or 98 apps! This would be a direct tie-in to this site. Developers could submit their apps to the community for approval and they'd be moved into the proper section of the app 'vault' and would instantly be available in the Mobile Application which would generate its list via a direct RSS of the App Vault forum..
Why create a new database and userbase when XDA's is already so huge?

I second, third and forth this request. XDA dev's deserve a store for app releases and use the forum as a dev/feedback forum.. Vbulletin can only do so much... If revenue sharing is the major hurdle I would hope the webmaster can work out an agreement with the devs who want to submit apps. Another hurdle could potentially be copyright infringements.. Unofficial ROM's and other promoted/sold "clone-apps" could bring unwanted publicity to the site. This simple chaotic forum might be the perfect element to keep XDA under the corporate radar and safe from hungry lawyers.

norkoastal said:
I second, third and forth this request. XDA dev's deserve a store for app releases and use the forum as a dev/feedback forum.. Vbulletin can only do so much... If revenue sharing is the major hurdle I would hope the webmaster can work out an agreement with the devs who want to submit apps. Another hurdle could potentially be copyright infringements.. Unofficial ROM's and other promoted/sold "clone-apps" could bring unwanted publicity to the site. This simple chaotic forum might be the perfect element to keep XDA under the corporate radar and safe from hungry lawyers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I disagree that 'vbulletin can only do so much'.. XDA-Developers.com even uses a basic 'stock' theme.. this site isn't customized very much and is a very basic implementation of the software. An app on the phones that pull the information from a sub forum of this site could load up previews, videos and the download links. If you want to add in 'dontation' links, that's also possible, but I think that's better left to PCs.
I agree that staying 'under the radar' is essential, but being able to access all of the software that can greatly improve your device from anywhere at a moments notice is key... I'm currently browsing to a forum on my phone to get a piece of software and it's taking at least 3 minutes to do it when I can get there in less than 10 seconds on the PC.. put this stuff in an app and I won't even need the PC other than to find the dev and discussion threads....
I see vBulletin in a different light from just a chat enabler.. but it might be because I know the back end so well.

l3it3r said:
I disagree that 'vbulletin can only do so much'.. XDA-Developers.com even uses a basic 'stock' theme.. this site isn't customized very much and is a very basic implementation of the software. An app on the phones that pull the information from a sub forum of this site could load up previews, videos and the download links. If you want to add in 'dontation' links, that's also possible, but I think that's better left to PCs.
I agree that staying 'under the radar' is essential, but being able to access all of the software that can greatly improve your device from anywhere at a moments notice is key... I'm currently browsing to a forum on my phone to get a piece of software and it's taking at least 3 minutes to do it when I can get there in less than 10 seconds on the PC.. put this stuff in an app and I won't even need the PC other than to find the dev and discussion threads....
I see vBulletin in a different light from just a chat enabler.. but it might be because I know the back end so well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All valid points, but if the webmaster has no desire to expand this sites complexity, who are we to say add this n that when we are typing on a yellow/brown forum with minimal VB enhancements (no knock to XDA ).
What I see working is XDA allow a spin-off site which is the visual/functional app paradise we all crave.. The alter ego of Cydia and the evil empire. All discussion/dev related questions feed to their respective XDA threads. XDA mods can then port the data to XDA-apps when they feel the release is deemed safe. Developers who want more press/ad exposure pony up $$, and can then charge for more fully functioning software... I dont think anyone doesn't want an app store, its will you get official XDA muscle behind it?

There's a way to charge for threads, so if people want to sell the apps, they need to buy a premium spot for it on the XDA App listing.. *boom!* XDA is interested!
If a spin-off site is required, then that's cool, I'd be really interested in assisting with it. It would be possible to use the same user database.

Thanks everyone for opening feedback on this topic. I think we should look further into finding a way to make this happen. Any volunteers? l3it3r and Norkoastal have done a good job in taking the lead on this so far. How do you feel about making it happen Norkoastal andl3it3r's?

I would recommend getting some official support from XDA before beginning to compile resources for this effort. I really think there should be input from the owner/mods here who want to see this happen, & also get their take on maintaining the upkeep of this proposed rollout. I would be glad to throw my two pesos in, but wouldn't want to step on any toes or other efforts already in process, namely gecko..

I will be releasing a new more complete version of this very soon. Its a freewarepocketpc.net client working off the existing database online.

That's sweet! I use fwppc all the time because it's easy to navigate on the phone. I still think that XDA is the #1 name in Windows mobile development and that we could truly shine, but what if we were able to come up with a publicly agreed standard for thread creation down to the descriptions and layouts. Could you tie in an RSS feed from an XDA forum into that?

That's exactly what I was thinking l3it3r. A standardization for this site that is just setup for apps. If rss feeds were tied into it anyone could build an app that could go out and find the latest updates for their subscribed applications. Noobs wouldn't know about the applications used for downloading apps, but would know generally how to view a web forum. Its all about making it easier for the noobs to get interested in exploring the capabilities of WM and not to intimidate them. A good standardization of the layout would go a long way to expanding the user base and increase interest in our work.
What do you guys think?

With all things considered, I think it is better if this is done as a separate site as Napbree has done for finger friendly apps (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=380748).
So if any legal issues should arise or site adjustments/enhancements that needs to be made, it can be dealt independently from XDA. This also can bring apps from other places into attention that isn't developed within XDA.

Looking for a DEV who would like to create a forum App

The forum in question is Honda-tech.com. A honda enthusiast forum (the largest of its kind). Lots and lots of users on there who would love to access the site through an app and benefit from not having to go through their mobile browsers. A large diversity of iOS and Android users as well.
The topic of an app has been discussed on the forum plenty of times but no one has taken the initiative to actually look into getting one made. I though I would post on the dev site(s) to see if anyone would like to create an app. I am somewhat adept at the Android OS but not so much as far as app dev goes. I have no clue as to how hard this task would be, however if anyone is interested in creating something like this please let me know and maybe we can get this ball rolling.
Also, tapatalk has been discussed but an app is preferred.
Thanks guys.

problem solved

I'm planning on attempting to make a forum app for bungie.net once done shouldn't be hard to adapt to other forums.
Won't be as fast as tapatalk bc I assume they use a custom spy, y they need form support. Could be wrong. Tapatalk is a nice app.

I made a site a while ago that basically works the same way as tapatalk, but with more functionality so it would function like an app you launched through your browser. You can filter out images, specific people, set the OP to be in a separate column, and more. Since it was a website it used cURL so the initial load was rather slow but it also caches all of the pages locally and on the server so load times were pretty minimal after the first grab. It doesn't require any modification on the forum's end but it only reads vBulletin as of now (it could probably be adapted though). I haven't checked, but it should work for any mobile device with a decent browser (Android, iOS, Opera Mobile 10+) and it could possibly be made into an app. This was part of a large project I was working on but got burnt out on so I am not sure what all needs to be finished. PM me if that is interesting.

I would love to see an example of this, it doesnt have to be made into an app, if it functions in browser would be good enough. Porting over to an app would require alot of work, tho the logic would be helpful.

+1 for honda tech app...
Make one for socalcivic.com also..
Ep3

Would love to see a forum app for http://ubuntuforums.org/ also, so would a lot of other people:
http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1513906

I need to hire a developer!

Howdy, the name's Mike. I've got an idea for a comics app that I think has legs. I want to release it for the Android Market, but I'm a graphic designer and I'm absolutely useless when it comes to code. The App Inventor isn't robust enough for my needs. So, I need to hire someone who can take my graphics, concepts and instructions and make it into a real app.
I'm planning this as a commercial application (~1.99/free with ads), so you will be paid well for your work. Preference will be given to developers who can code for multiple platforms (Android/iOS/WP7), have proven development and Android Market experience, enjoy internet comics, and who can meet in person in north Texas.
I've been lurking on XDA since I got my HTC Touch three years ago, and I can't think of anywhere else I'd like to start looking for talented developers. I supply the ideas, the capital and the interface. You supply the rest. Let's make an app. Email me at aggie20x at gmail dot com to get the ball rolling.
[Mods: If this post violates XDA rules, please take it down and email me to let me seek alternatives. I don't want to make any trouble.]

I was wondering a similar thing, but a search doesn't give much.
I didn't want to make a new post, I'm surprised there wasn't a long list of devs for hire already
Please post here if you might be available. I have a rather simple app request.

AndyCr15 said:
I was wondering a similar thing, but a search doesn't give much.
I didn't want to make a new post, I'm surprised there wasn't a long list of devs for hire already
Please post here if you might be available. I have a rather simple app request.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Let's hear it.

Basically I just want an app for my site (see sig below) which will give the posts in a list, have a tab for comments and a tab for videos (from our YouTube channel).
My idea was it would be a way for people to say thanks (I would charge 99p for it) and it would maybe help fund further progress of the site...

[Q] How to Quikly start developing android apps

I am a recent Graduate of computer science. I have basic knowledge of Java. I have to quickly make my hands dirty developing android apps. There is very limited time for the deadline.
Can any body suggest the quickest and fastest way to learn Android and start developing apps.

Install sdk set up everything then jump into the samples until you understand then lol.
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App

Thanks...for the reply
I have done all sdk and Eclipse installations.....Any sources where I can plunge over samples and all quick techy tutorials....

The samples I was referring to are in the sdk itself. If you have any specific question google should be suffice.
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App

andyfan said:
Can any body suggest the quickest and fastest way to learn Android and start developing apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That kind of depends what sort of app you want to make. I've found that live wallpapers are an easy way to start. There is a good example of a spinning cube live wallpaper that you can modify to get started.
http://developer.android.com/resources/samples/CubeLiveWallpaper/index.html
Someone has even published the cube tutorial almost unchanged to try and make money from it
Making a more complex app with multiple screens and a database etc will take a lot more effort and you'll probably need to read some textbooks.

Thanks for replying jug6ernaut and jgittins
Let me tell you.......My app contains some around 4 screens which contain around 4 forms which should store persistent data of the end user.....As you said using multiple screens and database takes some time......Is there any other way I can store the persistent data....Moreover I am familiar with database concepts...
Any suggestions...
Please suggest me some books also which I can refer quickly.....
Thanks once again

I haven't read any and dev books so I can't recommend any lol.
As for saving info...depends on how much. If its not huge amounts shared preferences or regular file io. If not sql would probably be your best bet.
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App

I started reading this blog. I have downloaded and buy a couple of books too
http://android-java.blogspot.com/
Books:
http://www.amazon.com/Pro-Android-2-Sayed-Hashimi/dp/1430226595
http://www.amazon.com/Android-Appli...-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969

Looking to make a simple first app - need some guidance

Hi all,
Was looking for some guidance. I want to make a very simple app. Your traditional wallpaper app - I know there are already a ton out there, but I want to experiment. Basically have the user browse by category, then download a wallpaper. For someone who has never made an app, what is a good way to go about it? Would you recommend starting from scratch or using one of those free app websites? I know a little bit of Java, not nearly enough to make an app, but I wouldn't mind learning (lotta free time ATM). Is this something that can easily be made with a free app website? I've looked into those, but am not fully sure what their capabilities are. Any advice would be appreciated!
Apologies if I posted this in the wrong forum!

I'd start by installing Android Studio. Then I would dissect what your attempting to do here in goals and separate the coding tasks. Then I would glean what I could from the reference.

Start with simple apps
hpizzle12 said:
Hi all,
Was looking for some guidance. I want to make a very simple app. Your traditional wallpaper app - I know there are already a ton out there, but I want to experiment. Basically have the user browse by category, then download a wallpaper. For someone who has never made an app, what is a good way to go about it? Would you recommend starting from scratch or using one of those free app websites? I know a little bit of Java, not nearly enough to make an app, but I wouldn't mind learning (lotta free time ATM). Is this something that can easily be made with a free app website? I've looked into those, but am not fully sure what their capabilities are. Any advice would be appreciated!
Apologies if I posted this in the wrong forum!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Start create a simple Calculator with good looking UI ! Its my favorite @

the best first app is something you can explore android with it, like an app with simple buttons each one runs a sound, or change background color....

Can anyone help me with the user interface ..
I want to learn advanced designing ..
Sent from my SM-G900T using Tapatalk