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Dear all,
I am a Network Security Professional and I read numerous mobile technology blogs on a regular basis. I am dismayed at the total carelessness of most mobile technology users.
We all know the spill...most people adopt technology that they are not even remotely familiar with for the same reason people drive cars as long as it starts and has 4 wheels.
Kudos to all of these freelance developers out there providing these we so much enjoy. But who is regulating these folks? Check and balance, right!
You have just downloaded your favorite custom ROM by "El Supremo" (fictional)...who is spotchecking his ROM for possible malware?
Would you know if the custom ROM installed on your phone contains a "keylogger"?
Would you know if someone is using your phone as a listening device?
Would you know if all those confidential notes and messages you typed on your phone are being uploaded to someone's else server?
Do you know the difference between "whitehat" hacker vs a "blackhat" hacker?
I am all for creativity and innovation. However, it remains my primary responsibility to inform my fellow mobile tech aficionados about the existing security risks they face out there.
On your downtime, peruse the mobile security blogs and read for yourself. You will be blown away.
Check and balance.
Beware!
ma2ga said:
Dear all,
I am a Network Security Professional and I read numerous mobile technology blogs on a regular basis. I am dismayed at the total carelessness of most mobile technology users.
We all know the spill...most people adopt technology that they are not even remotely familiar with for the same reason people drive cars as long as it starts and has 4 wheels.
Kudos to all of these freelance developers out there providing these we so much enjoy. But who is regulating these folks? Check and balance, right!
You have just downloaded your favorite custom ROM by "El Supremo" (fictional)...who is spotchecking his ROM for possible malware?
Would you know if the custom ROM installed on your phone contains a "keylogger"?
Would you know if someone is using your phone as a listening device?
Would you know if all those confidential notes and messages you typed on your phone are being uploaded to someone's else server?
Do you know the difference between "whitehat" hacker vs a "blackhat" hacker?
I am all for creativity and innovation. However, it remains my primary responsibility to inform my fellow mobile tech aficionados about the existing security risks they face out there.
On your downtime, peruse the mobile security blogs and read for yourself. You will be blown away.
Check and balance.
Beware!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Perhaps i am naive, although i do beleive that such people exist, i do not beleive them to be the people who cook the roms that i use. There are some great people on XDA i would never expect that from them.
There is also a large community of people on here who are knowledgeable, and i would think if your concern were valid it would have been spotted and handled by our wonderful moderators.
I agree with the previous poster. There are trusted developers and trusted ones as well. I believe the people here at XDA are of the trusted type. They have the know-how to catch that sort of thing. I would be more worried about ROMS that the carriers come out with (stiffling useful features, remote deleting of applications, location logging, etc).
KharmaKills said:
I agree with the previous poster. There are trusted developers and trusted ones as well. I believe the people here at XDA are of the trusted type. They have the know-how to catch that sort of thing. I would be more worried about ROMS that the carriers come out with (stiffling useful features, remote deleting of applications, location logging, etc).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah agree .. Right now the biggest invasion of privacy in the mobile phone world is , Android's and Iphone's, remote delete function ...
Not sure I want to give that power away to the OS provider .....
It has been brought to my attention that many android application developers have no idea how to properly class their applications by name. Here we will review a few common terms specific to this context.
Here is a list of terms in no specific order which we will review in this document.
Free
Lite / Basic
Standard
Advanced
Proffesional
Premium
Trial
Demonstration
Firstly let me start by saying that the word 'free' should never be in an application title. There are exceptions to this rule. For example a video game might have the word free in its title, such as 'free world defenders.' It should be clear to the developer that the word 'free' should not be used in an application title in reference to the cost of ownership. In practice this is at best unprofessional and untidy.
It may seem to the beginning developer that this would add clarity and destinction to a specific release of an application but this is an unnecessary clarification as most applications are already classified by price categories. At best all the developer has achieved is lengthening the title of the application and flagged it as possibly unworthy of usage. Most people don't expect to get much of anything for free. Keep this in mind when you develop your freeware applications.
I have also found that many developers have taken the word 'professional' entirely out of context. Instead of providing an example just yet, let us explore what the word professional actually means.
pro·fes·sion·al adj.
1.
a. Of, relating to, engaged in, or
suitable for a profession: lawyers,
doctors, and other professional
people.
b. Conforming to the standards of a
profession: professional behavior.
2. Engaging in a given activity as a
source of livelihood or as a career: a
professional writer.
Let's apply this definition in the context of software applications. Joe is a blogger. He blogs all day about his life. In fact there is almost nothing that Joe would not blog about. Joe decides that he could get more blogging done if he could quickly post his thoughts from his mobile. Joe goes to the market and he finds three things: Blogger Free, Captain's Blog, and Blogger Professional.
Joe thinks for a second... He decides right off the bat that he is no ordinary blogger and that he does not want deal with advertisements, so he overlooks Blogger Free without hesitation. Joe thinks that Captain's Blog sounds interesting. He decides to look it over because Blogger Professional sounds like it may have more features than he is really interested in. Joe is happy with Captain's Blog, and it is the first thing he blogs about saying: "I'mma live happily ever after!"
The term 'professional' implies that your application will employ features useful to the individual who requires industry standard adherence to specific guidelines laws, regulations, or operating procedures. Users in this market will have certain expectations. It is important that whenever you use the tagline 'Professional' that you have done your research and tested your product in the field with real professionals.
Usually products that employ groundbreaking features or features that can't be found anywhere else attempt to call themselves professional, but as stated before this term is at best reserved for industry professionals who require specific functionality. The proper tag for this kind of application is 'advanced.' Because it provides advanced functionality.
Some applications are so prolific that they require two tags such as 'professional advanced' or 'professional basic.' Yes, there is a 'professional standard' (no pun intended) as well as many other combinations. use whatever makes sense. I call these titles of prestige.
The term 'standard' implies, that an application meets or sets "the bar" by which applications that perform similar functions must reach to begin to consider themselves competition. It also implies that there is more to come or more to be had from this application and it's descendants or even its competition.
The term 'basic' or 'lite' is essentially the same as the term 'standard' but basic/lite implies the bare minimum required to achieve an acceptable effect. Usually this is an application with reduced functionality in order to meet a restriction on cost, time space, or otherwise.
The term 'premium' implies that your software is giving the best functionality there is, or the best functionality that it has to offer. this term should not be used lightly by any developer who wants to be taken seriously in the world of software engineering.
Trialware implies that an application has either full or limited features on the basis of time or functionality. Trialware is not freeware and should never display advertisements for anything other than itself. It is a platform for you to exhibit your product and the main idea is to sell YOUR full product. This is when you call your product a 'Trial.'
The difference between a trial and a demonstration may seem vague but it is not so. It should suffice to say that a 'trial' can be upgraded or unlocked, and a 'demonstration' can be replaced or succeeded with the final product. A demonstration may also have advertisements for other programs or services offered by the developer or its affiliates.
If you like this paper let me know! This is my first draft. Feel free to comment constructively and chat amongst yourselves with proper regard to the topic.
- Posted via mobile
Here is something else that I had not thought of while drafting this document. The term 'full' is like the term 'free' it is completely redundant or otherwise pointless to state that an application incorporates all of its functionality.
I am not yet sure where I stand on the term 'donator' but I am sure I would like to know what the application is donating to. If it is feeding starving children I would like to pat it on the back and send my donation in as well.
The terms 'plus' and 'extended' were not covered either. These terms are highly acceptable and they imply that the application has extra functionality which is not available in other versions.
These terms work very well with titles of prestige or as new ones. For example: 'proffesional standard plus,' 'standard plus' or 'extended basic.' These can be shortened into abbreviations to create some interesting artifacts such as 'PSP,' 'SP,' or 'EB.'
If you are running a charity, consider using the terms '+,' 'plus,' 'extended,' or the abbreviated forms instead of 'donator.'
- Posted via mobile
Uh, what's the point? We're programmers not English Majors LOL
I'm thinking of calling my next app "Professional Lite Standard Trial Free FartMaker+ Version 0.0019a Beta"
No sarcasm...honest
Rootstonian said:
Uh, what's the point? We're programmers not English Majors LOL
I'm thinking of calling my next app "Professional Lite Standard Trial Free FartMaker+ Version 0.0019a Beta"
No sarcasm...honest
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You should do this, the reviews alone would be great
Rootstonian said:
Uh, what's the point? We're programmers not English Majors
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Click to collapse
I failed 7th grade twice and dropped out of high school in the 9th grade. So what's YOUR point?
It's okay I understand you are neither professional nor do you aim to be. I taught myself everything I need to know in the field.
I have over 10 years programming experience and I can program in more than 7 different languages including assembler. My point is if you don't try to do anything better you never will. Good luck with fart maker.
- Posted via mobile
Scientia est potentia.
Knowledge is power. Is it for me to decide what you do with it?
- Posted via mobile
I understood your point was making jokes before you ever made your first post to this thread.
There are exceptions to this rule. For example a video game might have the word free in its title, such as 'free world defenders.'
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fart Maker PLSTF
Interesting artifact.
datajosh said:
You should do this, the reviews alone would be great
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree.
If you like this paper let me know! This is my first draft. Feel free to comment constructively and chat amongst yourselves with proper regard to the topic.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't believe the topic of this thread suggests that the readers are searching for jokes.
Since we are on the topic of making jokes...
Rootstonian said:
"Professional Lite Standard Trial Free FartMaker+ Version 0.0019a Beta"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Free trial demo (FTD) Would make a better artifact than 'trial free' for this application.
LOL. Try less jokes and more focus.
SERIOUSLY, I'm not kidding
- Posted via mobile
Reaching out to the XDA Community! I see some great things on these forums. I'm active over on the Evo forums and I'm working for a mobile development firm thats currently looking for some application developers to work out our offices in NYC. If you're interested keep reading.
Are you an iPhone and Android application developer? Are you interested in developing applications with a growing company? If you are interested, send me over a PM or email your resume and portfolio over to [email protected]. We have worked with clients such as Kim Kardashian, NBA, 50 Cent, and a lot more. Our applications have been showcased on the last two iPad2 commercials and we are rapidly expanding.
What you need for this position:
• Have or currently working toward a B.S. or M.S. in Computer Science. Seniors and graduates preferred.
• Experience in iPhone, iPad, Android, and BlackBerry development.
• Knowledge in Cocoa, Objective C, iPhone SDK, Java, Android SDK
• Proven experience in development of native mobile applications on both iPhone and Android. Please provide portfolio apps that are publicly available.
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to effectively interact with product managers and other organizations
• Ability to work in a fast paced, test-driven collaborative and iterative programming environment
• Media and Entertainment experience a plus.
• Ability to telecommute
What you'll be doing:
• Architect iPhone, iPad, Android, BlackBerry initiatives and other platforms as they are introduced.
• Hands on Development on iPhone, iPad, Android and Blackberry.
• Partner with VP of Technology in collaborating with Product, Editorial and Advertising to define the strategy and roadmap for the organization.
• Define development standards
• Actively investigate new technologies
What's in it for you:
• Outstanding organization to work for
• Management level position
• Contract based starting position with a full-time position with experience and performance.
You guys wouldn't happen to have internships would you?
I'm a Senior at The Rochester Institute of Technology (BS Comp Sci) and need another Co-op (have had two in android development specifically so far, and one in mobile QA). I love the mobile space and would love all the experience in it I can get.
Surge1 said:
You guys wouldn't happen to have internships would you?
I'm a Senior at The Rochester Institute of Technology (BS Comp Sci) and need another Co-op (have had two in android development specifically so far, and one in mobile QA). I love the mobile space and would love all the experience in it I can get.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes we do. Internships can turn into full time positions with us. Send me over your resume to my email and I'll take a look. Also send over a list of any applications you worked on.
Are you familiar with Objective C? And if not, are you willing to learn?
sekigah84 said:
Yes we do. Internships can turn into full time positions with us. Send me over your resume to my email and I'll take a look. Also send over a list of any applications you worked on.
Are you familiar with Objective C? And if not, are you willing to learn?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome, sent over my resume and a list to the above mentioned email, unfortunately my cr48 decided to send it 3 times, so sorry for that.
As for familiarity with objective C, I actually did a project last quarter in my Programming Language Concepts course that dissected the basics of the language (I love the mobile space and wanted to learn it). I don't know all that much about coding in it other than concepts and basics but I am definitely willing to learn.
Surge1 said:
Awesome, sent over my resume and a list to the above mentioned email, unfortunately my cr48 decided to send it 3 times, so sorry for that.
As for familiarity with objective C, I actually did a project last quarter in my Programming Language Concepts course that dissected the basics of the language (I love the mobile space and wanted to learn it). I don't know all that much about coding in it other than concepts and basics but I am definitely willing to learn.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds good. Got your email. Start reading up on it and learn some Objective C. Also take a look into the iOS DevKit. I'll keep in touch.
sekigah84 said:
Sounds good. Got your email. Start reading up on it and learn some Objective C. Also take a look into the iOS DevKit. I'll keep in touch.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
will do, thanks alot!
Some of you may be familiar with the community website 'CouchSurfing' http://www.couchsurfing.org/
There is no doubt a demand for an Android app to facilitate for users of the website. My research indicates that there are others who are keen to do this, however the Couchsurfing website doesn't have an API to facilitate for the creation of an app.
I suggest visiting this thread on the CS wiki and help to encourage CS to implement an API in their website.
Any further suggestions welcomed!
Update:
For anyone interested, the CS team replied to my email saying:
Thank you for your suggestion.
We have this on our list for quite a while now but it isn't a priority for our Tech Team at this time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want it, then let them know there's a demand
an api costs time, an app to take advantage of that api costs time.
and as time is money, unless you're willing to fund it, why should the website owners care? it depends on how it could be monitised. simple as.
something that wiki article completely overlooks. it's like... it was wrtten by people with no concept of costing.
CouchSurfing is a non-profit organisation so it doesn't have a business-orientated model (thankfully there are still some things out there like that).
It may cost some time & effort to API the website, but the return is that CS would be brought into the future of mobile computing which is invaluable really. Many apps, particularly on Android, are not developed on a monetary basis. I don't see why this would be any different.
wrapper said:
CouchSurfing is a non-profit organisation so it doesn't have a business-orientated model (thankfully there are still some things out there like that).
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Click to collapse
you're missing the point. even a non-profit has costs. how many trustworthy developers are going to work for free?
It may cost some time & effort to API the website,
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no, it will cost, money. and, not "may", it will. you've obviously never done any api work to know that it's not simple. once completed, there are ongoing security problems, additional bandwidth problems, updating...
but the return is that CS would be brought into the future of mobile computing which is invaluable really.
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"invaluable really"? wtf. again, you're missing the point, it's about ROI. "being brought into the future of mobile computing" doesn't pay dev bills. face it, it's just a "cool".
Many apps, particularly on Android, are not developed on a monetary basis. I don't see why this would be any different.
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i'm sure more are than you realise. ever notice those ads in the 'free' apps.
after running a few websites where the readers felt that they had a share in the site and demanded that i do xyz to improve it in their eyes, i completely understand both points. however, unless you're going to pay for the dev work, why should the owners care? you're just - to them - a mouthy user who wants more than you're getting - for free.
I appreciate your concerns. There is a monetary value attached to this, and clearly you see that as the most important issue.
You don't, however, speak on behalf of the CouchSurfing team. Their website is run off donations. If there is demand for improving the website to allow for features like this, a push can be made for further donations. There is also the possibility to profit from the app via advertising or a paid/donation app.
Thank you for highlighting some of the potential issues. I didn't post this to have an debate about the viability of such an application, rather to encourage anyone who is interested in the website and the progression of an Android app to contribute.
I'm a User Experience and Interface Designer, so if anyone starts work on an app, I'd be very happy to help with UX, usability and overall design.
Yes, please
Just adding my support for a mobile CouchSurfing app. I'd gladly make a $10 or more "donation" for a paid app of this sort. It would really be beneficial for Surfers who are on the road as the desktop site is rather clunky on a mobile browser.
I've just contacted them and told them I'd be willing to develop an API for them. For free. I don't care, I want to do Android development and I need a project to work on in order to learn.
If they let me (that's still the question), I would love to discuss with anyone above interested in developing an app, in return for sharing information about and source code of said app (ie. I want to peek in your code).
I also want to do a similar thing for Eurostop, a European carpooling website. The German counterpart "mitfahrgelegenheit" has an app that's worth imitating.
Hi! I'm Dylan, the xda intern :victory:
I'm doing some research on how devs monetize their apps. We're currently exploring ways to help you make more money from your apps and we'd like to find out about what you currently do. If you could please, please take this short survey, it would be much appreciated! We promise to keep everything confidential; in fact, the survey is anonymous.
Thanks again! :laugh:
~dylan
Gave the survey.
Where can i see the results?
ablawle which
Make an account in Admob by google. And read this monetization in developer.android
Forums
Posting on forums or other websites that allow it.
Today in this competitive world whether you have an iPad app...., Android app or any Mobile app you need to advertise to make people know about your app. very important factor for advertising your app is effectively determining where and how to advertise your app.effective app advertising requires mainly 4 key areas....
Brand
Buzz
Balanced opportunity
Social Media support
I have the same problem.
2 weeks ago I published an Android app but very few people tried it.
The market is full of apps so it's hard to acquire visibility.
So I'm looking for websites to advertise it.
admob sucks
I have like 40,000 plus downloads on admob. got like 9 dollars. U don't need to advertise. Just pick a name. They will find it. The market is large
Posting on forums, when allowed
Contacting websites and suggesting the app for review
Using admob for monetization
We tried admob too, no luck there. Posting on forums (where allowed), trying to make a good icon and description and looots of luck
we tried getting some reviews done too, but didn't see any rise in downloads. Also we got into a printed medium too, which didn't seem to have much impact either.
posting it on social network like google+,fb+twitter+forum is way better than admob
Yes idlike to know this
Sent from my GT-I9070 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
One major problem, (for example with google play) is that they dont actually give a chance
for new developers to promote their applications
Our apps hide under a pile of dozen of others.
One sulution
A random application could be featured on the main entry page every hour.
This will balance the major companies promoting their stuff. And if the app is good, it wil get
the hype to climb up
Unfortunately we dont see that comming soon.
carbonpeople said:
One sulution
A random application could be featured on the main entry page every hour.
This will balance the major companies promoting their stuff. And if the app is good, it wil get
the hype to climb up
Unfortunately we dont see that comming soon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And why? Because there are lots of crappy apps out there. I'm glad (even from a developer standpoint) that this won't happen.
nikwen said:
And why? Because there are lots of crappy apps out there. I'm glad (even from a developer standpoint) that this won't happen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
a) Half of the apps in google play are NOT crap. Have you seen them promoted ?
I can point to some excelent apps (better than the well known competition) with
so little downloads that looks suspicius
b) Even imdb has a heuristics system to remove biased/suspicius rankings, so surely
google can do that. A crap-free promoting system can be created
But it seems that
1. Either major companies want to clear out small competition on google play
or
2. Or... some developers created a good highly-downloaded app and had their
idea stollen from somebody else who created a better one, and want
to push new competition out of the way
Either way...
carbonpeople said:
a) Half of the apps in google play are NOT crap. Have you seen them promoted ?
I can point to some excelent apps (better than the well known competition) with
so little downloads that looks suspicius
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Of course, there are many good apps. I even think that this is the majority.
And I've seen those great small apps, too. (But most of them got lots of downloads within a few months. It took some time but if the app is good and unique, you will get your downloads. )
b) Even imdb has a heuristics system to remove biased/suspicius rankings, so surely
google can do that. A crap-free promoting system can be created
But it seems that
1. Either major companies want to clear out small competition on google play
or
2. Or... some developers created a good highly-downloaded app and had their
idea stollen from somebody else who created a better one, and want
to push new competition out of the way
Either way...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think that it is Google that doesn't want to promote the small apps.
If they did it randomly, most apps (not all!!!) would get less downloads than the bigger ones.
If they selected the small apps by hand, it would be very expensive and they wouldn't know where to start.
If they choose the big ones with many downloads (like now), they can be sure that they will get many downloads. And with downloads comes money.
I don't think it's fair, but I can't think of a better and still efficient method to select the small apps which generates as much income as the system does now.
~dylan said:
Hi! I'm Dylan, the xda intern :victory:
I'm doing some research on how devs monetize their apps. We're currently exploring ways to help you make more money from your apps and we'd like to find out about what you currently do. If you could please, please take this short survey, it would be much appreciated! We promise to keep everything confidential; in fact, the survey is anonymous.
Thanks again! :laugh:
~dylan
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well, i dont think ist good to use ads in an app anyway. better use "donations" or "Pro" Versions since ads will make your Reviews and Ratings worst.
mynote said:
well, i dont think ist good to use ads in an app anyway. better use "donations" or "Pro" Versions since ads will make your Reviews and Ratings worst.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A combination of approaches work best. Having a facebook presence helps. Some of the very successful apps integrate with facebook very well. Some games tend to grant more time/lives if you share or like on facebook (Candy Crush, for example).
Depending on the app, limited-time trial versions are quite effective.
Agree that plain ads can be problematic as they can lead to poor reviews.. that in turn can hit your G. Play ranking and lead to fewer downloads.
Hi guys! Interesting discussion. Actually there are number of general ways to monetize an app:
Paid applications. You create an app that will charge a certain amount from the beginning.
Freemium. A software product can be downloaded free (so-called 'lite' version), while its extended, 'premium' features and services are offered for a payment.
Subscription (paid access). This monetization model originates from real magazines and newspapers, and is also very widespread.
In-app purchases.
Ad banners, texts, videos - this monetization model is constantly growing, encompassing the market of free applications.
User base. When the free software you own finally becomes popular, wins an audience, it can also be used for further monetization.
MobiDevCorp said:
Hi guys! Interesting discussion. Actually there are number of general ways to monetize an app:
Paid applications. You create an app that will charge a certain amount from the beginning.
Freemium. A software product can be downloaded free (so-called 'lite' version), while its extended, 'premium' features and services are offered for a payment.
Subscription (paid access). This monetization model originates from real magazines and newspapers, and is also very widespread.
In-app purchases.
Ad banners, texts, videos - this monetization model is constantly growing, encompassing the market of free applications.
User base. When the free software you own finally becomes popular, wins an audience, it can also be used for further monetization.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And which one do you prefer?
nikwen said:
And which one do you prefer?
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Click to collapse
Actually we develop mobile apps for our clients, so it's monetization is their decision.
One of the most widespread one is freemium, but like other models it has its limitations.