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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.
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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.
I'm looking for some of you to review my work so far on my Hero/Android Phone website, located in my signature. I've been working hard to try to release at least one new article a day, whatever floats my boat for that day.
I am also looking for people to help add new stuff to the site, whether it be for the Sprint Hero, an Android app that you love, or have developed, or whatever you'd like, really, as long as it pertains to Android.
This is a not-for-profit website aimed at trying to get the viewers to start looking at all the stuff their Android phone can do, rooted or not.
Hey, I always like to see people start things, that's the hardest step, actually starting.
I'll tell you what I think of it from my perspective, not new to android, new-ish..but already dabbled in rooting and flashing roms, etc.
I'll try to be honest but just because I'd appreciate the honesty if I were in your shoes.
I'll talk about design first.
I think that the first thing that strikes me when I first see your site is the logo.
I know you just opened but that should be top priority, it is your defining icon.
Take a look at BGR or engadget, those logos are known.
Make your logo..more "catchy" (?) It seems a bit amateurish, whether you are or not is not the point.
Second, the text "Android Apps and Modifications" jumps out, it does not follow the rest of the layout in font choice and is partially hidden by the "Subscribe to us" banner.
Having mentioned both logo and subscription parts of the site, immediately adjacent to the right of those, there's alot of empty space that screams of "under construction", maybe integrate them into each other?
Just opened ie, noticed it's ad space.
I'd do away with gif animation ads, makes the site look cheap. But I have never had a site with ads or sought to advertise so...I don't know if you get a selection of ads or how it works. Either way, I'd integrate the main title/logo bar and the subscription bar and find a better way to integrate the ads.
I also thought it was "not-for-profit."
As for the rest of the layout, I like it. It is classy, modern.
One thing to mention, I would rather have the posts below the top post to have more than just the excerpt. At least a small thumbnail. Text is boring and a picture can say a thousand words as well as give the chance to tease readers, excite, etc.
Make content the center/masterpiece.
As for the content, I like it. It's useful and interesting. Disassembly, ROM Releases, tutorials, awesome. Have you considered having featured weekly articles? App of the Week, ROM of the week, Tip of the week? These could go along beside your regular posts. These could turn out to be sought out sections of your site.
Another thing, I speak for myself, I'm a bit of a neat freak when it comes to having information in front of me. That is why I love forums haha.
I noticed you have a bajillion tags. Maybe cut them down into less, more encompassing, tags?
Sorry if I was too honest, I do not know how long you've had the site up. I think you have a great idea, you should run with it.
The only sites I take care of run on wordpress and thank God for layouts and php tuts.
overthinkingme said:
Hey, I always like to see people start things, that's the hardest step, actually starting.
I'll tell you what I think of it from my perspective, not new to android, new-ish..but already dabbled in rooting and flashing roms, etc.
I'll try to be honest but just because I'd appreciate the honesty if I were in your shoes.
I'll talk about design first.
I think that the first thing that strikes me when I first see your site is the logo.
I know you just opened but that should be top priority, it is your defining icon.
Take a look at BGR or engadget, those logos are known.
Make your logo..more "catchy" (?) It seems a bit amateurish, whether you are or not is not the point.
Second, the text "Android Apps and Modifications" jumps out, it does not follow the rest of the layout in font choice and is partially hidden by the "Subscribe to us" banner.
Having mentioned both logo and subscription parts of the site, immediately adjacent to the right of those, there's alot of empty space that screams of "under construction", maybe integrate them into each other?
Just opened ie, noticed it's ad space.
I'd do away with gif animation ads, makes the site look cheap. But I have never had a site with ads or sought to advertise so...I don't know if you get a selection of ads or how it works. Either way, I'd integrate the main title/logo bar and the subscription bar and find a better way to integrate the ads.
I also thought it was "not-for-profit."
As for the rest of the layout, I like it. It is classy, modern.
One thing to mention, I would rather have the posts below the top post to have more than just the excerpt. At least a small thumbnail. Text is boring and a picture can say a thousand words as well as give the chance to tease readers, excite, etc.
Make content the center/masterpiece.
As for the content, I like it. It's useful and interesting. Disassembly, ROM Releases, tutorials, awesome. Have you considered having featured weekly articles? App of the Week, ROM of the week, Tip of the week? These could go along beside your regular posts. These could turn out to be sought out sections of your site.
Another thing, I speak for myself, I'm a bit of a neat freak when it comes to having information in front of me. That is why I love forums haha.
I noticed you have a bajillion tags. Maybe cut them down into less, more encompassing, tags?
Sorry if I was too honest, I do not know how long you've had the site up. I think you have a great idea, you should run with it.
The only sites I take care of run on wordpress and thank God for layouts and php tuts.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Different browsers render things different ways, so include your browser and version number to help him out.
Good point, thanks.
I was on chrome 5 on windows 7.
Also had adblock enabled which explains how I noticed the ad in internet explore.
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Sent via the XDA Tapatalk App
I agree with what overthinkingme said about putting the subscription login next to the logo. However I think the logo is a great starting point. I like the color scheming but don't like the blog style layout (It's probably just me as I don't like blogs in general). If it's design is supposed to be a blog, then I don't have any suggestions on changes except cutting down the ads (If possible, maybe Google's text ads?). If you're looking to be more organized (sorry if this sounds harsh, I don't mean for it to) I'd go with a different layout. That's just my .02 so take it with a grain of salt. BTW I'm on a Mac with Safari 5.0. The site looks good and I've added it to my favorites (Actually I added it yesterday. Saw it in your signature and had to check it out.)
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
Title says it all. If we have a list of sites, some people here can contact them and hopefully get it resolved sooner rather than later. Take a proactive approach I always say... well not all the time, but you know what I mean.
Post the sites in a list format, and I will update this post with the URLs, then I will also post who contacted them. If a site is fixed, post here also so we can show resolution to this issue.
Also, if someone contacts some sites, and posts that they did so, show them some thanks. This needs to be a group effort
If enough people contact these sites, then they will add the user agent string to their site.
if you're not currently tracking the issue that I'm talking about: In Honeycomb, the browser's default user agent string is "Android"; in previous versions of the OS, it's "Android Mobile." This is meant to serve as a way for Web sites to differentiate between large-screen and small-screen Android devices and then respond appropriately. Thus far, however, most Web developers haven't implemented support for the two strings, which is why both are currently being treated the same.
Gizmodo.
But frankly considering their recent makeover is so goddam terrible, I'm 'ok' with only getting the mobile
powercrazy said:
Gizmodo.
But frankly considering their recent makeover is so goddam terrible, I'm 'ok' with only getting the mobile
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
HAHA agreed! the makeover SUCKS!!! And i love how the first post with the redone site said "Here is why our new site IS better" or something to that affect... anyhow all it does is let them advertise more effectively. the setup is terrible, so i too am happy to get the mobile version! no site should be that difficult to navigate or even just read!
Also i read that if you type "about:debug" in the browser it will give many more settings one of which is for desktop browsing. did it on my captivate running serendipity and got lots of new setting but no desktop browsing, but then the xoom is a tablet running honeycomb...
sorry for double post...
mormegil83 said:
Also i read that if you type "about:debug" in the browser it will give many more settings one of which is for desktop browsing. did it on my captivate running serendipity and got lots of new setting but no desktop browsing, but then the xoom is a tablet running honeycomb...
sorry for double post...
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Click to collapse
well this is known, but what I'm trying to do is have everyone get ahold of these sites so we can get the proper version up... Sans gizmodo for obvious reasons.
Please list some sites so everyone can help, that's what this thread is for.
How's going to tell Google to update their sites (like Google Reader)?? A shame they are not recognizing honeycombs correctly.
Cnet
Sent from my Xoom the way it should be, rooted and with SD card.
** DO NOT REPLY IF YOU CANNOT PROVIDE URL AND STEPS TO REPRODUCE **
I started this thread to help improve performance when using the stock Google browser on the Xoom. While most sites are great and load up quickly, there are certain sites or portions of the site that are slow and to some, unacceptable regarding performance.
I invite those that experience issues with websites using the Xoom to post specifics of the issue including steps to reproduce and the URL. This will help to get the issue fixed in a more timely manner from Google. You can't fix something unless you provide details!
Please try the site several times first and if the issue is consistent, post the steps to reproduce the problem. I will post legitimate replies to Google for correction.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Google Honeycomb Team,
XDA members and users of your Honeycomb OS have found some issues using the stock browser on the Xoom. Please review the following complaints and make the necessary corrections so that we can have the best experience possible:
Verified to be an issue:
- http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=945 - reply or make a new post. Text input lags. vBulletin software.
- http://HFBoards.com - text input lags.vBulletin software.
Thank you and we look forward to updates that correct these issues!
Source: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1030097
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
** DO NOT REPLY IF YOU CANNOT PROVIDE URL AND STEPS TO REPRODUCE **
I'll be the first to get this going.
XDA Developers when responding to a post, the text input lags severely.
Steps:
Create a post of reply to a post at http://forum.xda-developers.com
Severe lag while typing a response is clearly evident.
......this one
I've used the browser everyday for weeks, and the only site I had issue with was this one, which is probably due to the amount of elements and javascript it uses. But I use the XDA app mostly, so I don't care at all about it.
gamefaqs during text input
patass said:
gamefaqs during text input
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks but your response is not specific as I asked. I went to gamefaqs.com and entered something in the search edit box and it is instant. Please be more specific. Step by step from the main page!
go to any message board on the web site and start a new topic or just respond to a thread. Lags tons there, at least for me.
keitht said:
I'll be the first to get this going.
XDA Developers when responding to a post, the text input lags severely.
Steps:
Create a post of reply to a post at http://forum.xda-developers.com
Severe lag while typing a response is clearly evident.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same problem, different website. HFBoards.com
Sent from my Captivate
patass said:
go to any message board on the web site and start a new topic or just respond to a thread. Lags tons there, at least for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Specifics man! I have gone to several (not XDA) and had no issue. Post the URL's!
MikeyMike01 said:
Same problem, different website. HFBoards.com
Sent from my Captivate
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Another vBulletin board like XDA. Maybe a pattern. Not seeing this with phpBB.
http://www.gamefaqs.com/boards/961032-mortal-kombat
dont seem to be seeing it anymore but I also have ad-free android installed now.
patass said:
http://www.gamefaqs.com/boards/961032-mortal-kombat
dont seem to be seeing it anymore but I also have ad-free android installed now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please try it many times and report back if you have issues. If you no longer have a problem, it may be the ads. Gotta love the ads! This also needs reporting.
I visited another vbulletin forum and the same thing happened. I'm gonna say that's the common thread.
vBulletin doesn't have the smallest footprint... that **** does the works to browsers. Hence why I created my own forum system from scratch and don't use that junk. Great forum, but damn is it a hog.
Xezuka said:
vBulletin doesn't have the smallest footprint... that **** does the works to browsers. Hence why I created my own forum system from scratch and don't use that junk. Great forum, but damn is it a hog.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree however, if it can work acceptably on all devices except Honeycomb tablets, it needs to be addressed by Google especially since it is commonly used.
Sending a message on eBay, the text has a tendency to disappear while typing, and is a bit laggy.
Sent from my Captivate
me.com doesn't work for me when I try to go to 'find my iPhone'....