Do you not understand why your experience does not invalidate this complaint? Its your view that is very one dimensional view.
And I am sure that building "niche" apps has more than a little to do with your success.
My fault for being too brief in my words. I try to keep up on the developer message boards and do read about issues that come up and was simply offering an opinion based on those observations. By "one dimensional", I was referring to the implication that every application goes into review limbo and that stops someone from developing an application. The possibility of rejection vs. the benefits is still in favor of creating. As you said, this is my perception.
I wasn't claiming to invalidate the complaint at all. No more than I think you are invalidating my statement about having success. I even mentioned that I didn't think my observations were true for everyone and that improvement is needed.
Agreed that clarity would be very useful for many developers and is really where my question about success comes from: Is it because of niche, simple functionality, number or amount of updates, category for app (maybe different approvers checking different areas), using the standard components as much as possible?
I understand it too but seems a very one dimensional view. I have a few very niche applications available (including an RPG helper app GMToolkit) that made it through the approval process within a couple weeks with relatively few issues. I have to wonder why a small independent developer can do reasonably well?
When I read the developer message board on the approval process, something (gut opinion) comes to me. Many of the developers complaining the most seem to have used bad judgement in using Apple icons improperly, API's incorrectly, failed to follow the Human Interface Guidelines, or had really complicated applications that probably should take a while to look at. Certainly it isn't true for everyone and, obviously, the store needs some updates to improve the developer and user experiences but that doesn't mean I plan on going away.
I looked at Android development but haven't been able to get the kit up and running on my Mac properly (is it a firewall problem for accessing Android site, versioning problem with Eclipse, wrong SDK or ADT versions? Who knows?) and still find the iPhone SDK and development process superior for me.
I don't think the iPhone will go away overnight...so... maybe I'll get more exposure when the big guys leave.
They were probably stalling for time while they read over the source code to remove all the swear words and personal attacks against coworkers...
=Smidge=
Don't forget they had to remove the 1000's of TODO's that were still in the code comments with several "We really should fix this before release" and a couple of "This works but I'm not sure why."
I know the intent was based on the actual periodic table, but it is used in a cult movie I need to mention. I think even on slashdot it might be a bit obscure movie: Gamers: Dorkness Rising.
It is a movie about gamers (mostly the in game adventures their characters are having) and the players social interactions. It is an indy film and is very good. I attend GenCon every year and get to see many of these kinds of films and it is one of the best.
The full quote from the film (if I can fully remember) during a discussion of the traditional earth, wind, water, fire elements: "The four elements alone are weak, but when combined, they make the strong fifth element....boron"
Yes, off topic, but couldn't resist the opportunity.
It would be nice if some of the items made sense. Now, I'm speaking from the consumer perspective here and not someone who reads technology sites daily:
For example, what does ability to run "widgets" really mean? I think most people get "applications" and know that Apple iPhone has a ton of them...so what is this?
What exactly is open development to the average user? Again, I can get lots of applications from Apple so what is this specifically saying to me the consumer?
I think most people will get what's the point of 5 Meg Pixel camera (for most bigger is better, right). keyboard and replaceable battery are probably dead on for a segment of the audience. Personally, I like soft keyboards and never have changed my battery. However, I think it makes a key differentiating feature highly visible.
I have an iPhone and it is a nice device and I don't get the seething hate of Apple products. However, something better comes along, I'll consider it.
Now as an aside...I really don't like the generate "hype" ads that don't really say anything about the product before release. I remember the G commercials for Gatorade last year. Is it a new sport clothing line, shoe, what...then turns out to be just a sports drink. Seen these for cars, perfume, etc. and I think they are counter productive for most viewers (bigger hype, bigger disappointment).
It sounds to me that app developers are making the same exact mistake ecommerce stores are making: setting and forgetting. Apple has 85000+ apps - you need to do something to make it known to us, to the world.
I'm completely with you. Too many developers think that getting an application done is enough to reap rewards. Wasn't this the same problem shareware developers had long ago. Great program, but if you didn't get the word out or get some pick in a magazine, you never saw much cash.
Having sold WinCE and Palm apps through stores like Handango and PocketGear...the iPhone App store is an order of magnitude better at visibility.
With that being said, I consider my iPhone apps as a hobby for *maybe* some extra cash and, more importantly, something to *brag* a bit about. I think of it more like people who do FOS software...it is an itch to scratch.
You don't,but since a huge percentage of Mac users are using laptops, they have to either plug and unplug it regularly or buy a network capable drive.
I have a laptop and use it regularly away from my desk. However, sooner or later I have to plug in the power (often in the evening before turning in) and that is a great opportunity to plug in the external drive and have a backup performed.
I'm sure Time Machine is not without flaws but it is one of the easiest backup solutions I've ever used. A brain-dead easy interface to restore files and it works in the background without any serious prompting. It really saved me when I lost an entire iPhone application source tree...thanks to the apparently buggy snapshot feature in XCode.
One thing I'd like to have as an option is to change is the behavior of performing a backup when the laptop comes out of sleep. Often that's the moment I want to disconnect and go on the move and waiting half a minute before unmounting the drive is like watching a pot boil.
Not to mention it would be nice to have a Entourage to take care of mundane tasks and access global information networks. Of course, I prefer not to have the Entourage go crazy with a virus...
I believe it was the first machine to have symmetrical encoding and decoding. Because it had a this property (as a letter was coded through the rotors, there was a rotor that reflected the encoding back through the rotor stages again), an operator could code and decode messages without reconfiguring the device.
Due to the fact above, the Enigma could never encode a letter onto itself. This greatly decreased the permutations allowed and made the device less effective.
I may be misunderstanding your cause and effect combination slightly here, but the symmertical encoding/decoding did not cause Engima to never encode a letter onto itself; that was specifically because of the reflector cog at the end of the wheels and the design of the electrical circuit within the machine.
You are, of course, correct on the reflector being specifically why a letter couldn't be mapped onto itself. The reflector configuration was also the reason, unless I'm mistaken, it was symmetrical. I wasn't at all clear but I was attempting to make the same point as you are. More reason for everyone to go and read up on the machine!
I am starting to write my own simulator from scratch (most of the sample code I've seen limits how you can use it: isn't public domain or liberal Creative Commons). I have many little details still to get right (like the middle rotor double step) and I'm enjoying the challenge.
Certainly not an expert but think the history of the machine and design is a great read for geeks.
I've recently become rather fascinated by the Enigma machine and the operation of the device. The Wikipedia article is worth a read.
Couple of cool things to know about the Enigma:
I believe it was the first machine to have symmetrical encoding and decoding. Because it had a this property (as a letter was coded through the rotors, there was a rotor that reflected the encoding back through the rotor stages again), an operator could code and decode messages without reconfiguring the device.
Due to the fact above, the Enigma could never encode a letter onto itself. This greatly decreased the permutations allowed and made the device less effective.
The way the Germans used the machine also made the device easy to crack. Operators would encode the rotor setup in the message. This allowed verifying that the right settings were being used. Also, the Germans would include many standard phrases like praise for the Fuhrer.
Though the Enigma machine is the most well known device, there were many rotor based encoders during the WWII and post era.
There are many simulators of the Enigma machine (see the Wikipedia article). Very cool to play with to really understand the operation of the device.
One of things in the iTunes app store that is really getting on my nerves, is developer adding ads after the game is released. The progression goes: release a free game, wait until it is in the top 25 or gets popular, then create an update that includes ads.
Why is this annoying? Well, suddenly you have add boxes over key game elements, the game starts up slowly while ad loads (i.e. the much watch ad), or new start or splash pages appear that include the ads. Also, since everyone appears to use the same few ad networks, I get the same ads on every application. I feel like I got hit with some kind of bait and switch. I'll also note, that the update's description never mentions the new and exciting ad feature.
I started developing apps for the iPhone so I can understand the desire to be paid for your work. So, please think about your revenue model (and minimize the impact to players if you have ads) before your first release or better yet just sell it at a fair price. I will buy a good game. I will delete games that become unplayable and rank accordingly.
That's troubling. Phishing protection that doesn't work is more dangerous than no protection at all. At least if you know you have no protection you'll be more careful.
I know where people are coming from on this but it is a first pass at a new capability. Should they used the same mechanism as Safari on OSX (i.e. Google database)? Maybe, but perhaps there is a reason why that wasn't appropriate.* Perhaps there was a specific challenge they hadn't resolved for 3.1
I think it is encouraging that they made an attempt and expect to see some improvements as the engineering team gets real world feedback on the feature. Regardless, I don't think I normally go to sites on my iPhone that I don't already know from normal browsing and have a shortcut already.
* As an aside, if I was Apple, I'd start finding alternative ways of providing key content (maps, videos, etc.) to my phone that didn't rely on Google. Never sole source to a supplier that starts competing directly with you.
.I'll also admit that I believe patents are important to protect real innovations.
Have you any evidence that you base that belief on. All the evidence that I have ever come across point the other way - especially with regard to software, where the state of the art does not seem to be advancing any faster since it became patentable.
Well it is a "belief" and thus is based on my personal experience. Having worked in organizations that produce physical products (not just software) patents on key innovations have been important.
For example, you discover a extremely efficient circuit for rapid charging a portable device after significant research in materials and circuit design. Is not reasonable to limit your competitors from just copying the technique and selling it?
...or they could have simply published and established prior art without the need for a patent.
If you have an idea and you want to make sure you can use it, but don't think it is patent worthy, you can publish it to cite later when someone else attempts to patent it.
When I was designing manufacturing systems, we would often do this. Since it was internal technology, it would be difficult to identify infringers using it in their factories. However, we didn't want some machine vendor or someone visiting claiming our designs are an infringement.
I'll admit I don't trust Google as far as I can throw one of their private jets. I'll also admit that I believe patents are important to protect real innovations.
I have to agree with parent. Many changes in interfaces appear related to change for change sake. Why remove the menu bar when it has become the very model of interaction with an application.
Jacob Nielsen , who is a guru in usability, created a set of UI design heuristics.
I think the ones that are highly appropriate are:
Consistency and standards:
Users should not have to wonder whether different words, situations, or actions mean the same thing. Follow platform conventions.
Recognition rather than recall:
Minimize the user's memory load by making objects, actions, and options visible. The user should not have to remember information from one part of the dialogue to another. Instructions for use of the system should be visible or easily retrievable whenever appropriate.
From the above, getting rid of menus is going to generally screw with consistency and ability to recognize operations (I really hated how Office use to hide menu items that weren't used recently)
Granted he also recommended minimalistic design when too many options are not warranted--such as a dialog with too many options available to achieve simple things.
Yup, that's probably it. Dell et al preload their machines with all sorts of unwanted, never asked for crap including Norton, MS Works etc. I just bought a new Dell and spent quite some cleaning all the unwanted junk & default links off the thing.
Not to turn this into an Apple love fest but the lack of "extras" was something I found pleasantly surprising when I purchased my Mac Book Pro. Only "extra" software was iLife and Safari (If you consider a browser extra)--no partner crap, no dial-up links, no "lite" versions of applications with nag screens, no extra links to online games...nothing but a computer OS.
I guess another reason Macs might be a little higher in price: no crapware to defer the cost of the machine at the expense of the user and machine performance.
I've lead scrum projects for a few years (actually introduced the technique to a few). It is a great tool but hardly is a silver bullet. Over time, there are tweaks needed to meet organization style and needs--including the kinds of products, release standards, regulatory environment. If you try to use as-is I think you'll find issues and ultimately fail.
I think scrum has some very nice characteristics (not necessarily unique to scrum):
- Lessons developer stress by allowing them to focus. You define the work for a sprint up-front and the developer knows their stories and can attack them as necessary. Everyone knows the stories and tasks (they are in your face..either in a tool, on a white board, stickies on the wall, whatever) and can trade or help as needed.
- Helps drive results of working software. With the sprint concept, the team is expected to demonstrate the work product each cycle (3-5 weeks). This doesn't have to be software but you have to be able to show something specific. I think this helps eliminate the month long development grinds only to find nothing works right when integrated.
- Gets the developers talking. The stand-up meeting (what is done yesterday, what is planned for today, what help is need) is very valuable to get the developers interacting. Very easy for software people to sit for long periods banging out code and banging their head against the wall. The daily meeting helps to uncover duplicate effort, solutions to problems, and allow an opportunity for senior developer to recognize where people are struggling.
Just remember: scrum isn't an excuse to code first, design later or ignore gathering detailed and real requirements (a story isn't enough).
I think the parent did point out how you can overcome some of the criticisms.
My pet peeves have always been:
1) Battle droids that appear to have been built out of balsa wood. Maybe this is showing quantity vs. quality fallacy...but even the Sherman in WWII wouldn't fall apart that easily when facing a Tiger.
2) Land crafts and ships that travel far too fast for actually being able to control. I know cinematically it is interesting but it was really hard to watch the speeder bikes and flying car sequences. Perhaps they have really fancy control systems... Note: what happens in Star Wars is far different from modern jet combat where speed and control system make sense.
3) Gratuitous variety. Most everything needs to be unique or different in SW. Nearly every ship is different, every building, every planet. I guess in this galaxy mass production is frowned upon and ships are built by skilled carriage builders. Forgive the hyperbole..I know there are exceptions (filghts of X-Wings, droids, etc.) Cool from a special effects and visual experience but I've seen plenty of futuristic movies that have some design commonality and I never once thought "Why aren't all the cars on the road unique?"
Probably others but haven't watched the movies in quite sometime.
"Convertible - Face it: the closest you will ever get to a transformer."
I happen to have a hard-top convertible that feels very much like a transformer when it opens (must have been a mechanical engineer's dream assignment).
I actually found my experience with the app process much better. Perhaps I got lucky since I'm not a big development house.
My first application was rejected within a week due to a crash in a certain situation I hadn't caught previously (I should know better than to assume the debug build would act like a release build). Obviously, they go through each of the screens and check the functionality. However, I had expected one of the "nonsensical" reasons I've heard of or the extremely long review process.
I was surprised that the reviewer put in what the error was and how to reproduce it. I reproduced the error and ultimately resolved. Next submission was accepted after about a week or so as well.
Based on this experience, I really worked hard to anticipate issues with my next application before submitting. Made it in ten or so days in one pass. Both applications are rather benign without anything controversial which probably played into this.
I feel fortunate that they made it through relatively easy. I hope the game I'm developing goes as well. The oblig plug -- GMToolKit (RPG helper) and FW Calendar (Calendar with fiscal weeks displayed) are the applications.
Parent points out very valid concerns about expense to create an application.
Having built applications for a variety of platforms from WinCE to J2ME (yeah, I thought that would be a winner) and now iPhone, I've never assumed much success. I'm a single developer with probably limited talents compared to others and I tend to do niche applications.
I think back many years ago my WinCE application for managing a RPG session (yes, I still like pencil and paper RPG's) made me about $1k USD. Enough to buy PDA's but wouldn't quite my day job.
That being said, I still love doing it because "I" can create something "I" think is cool and don't need a team of developers to make my vision come to life. I think hand-held applications are a difficult place to make a living for a small developer unless you get some buzz from an external force (Apple or some viral factor like iFart). You need to do it because you enjoy it and, hey, maybe something great will happen. Don't be delusional that you've got the next big thing that will sell itself without any help.
I won't bother to plug my application since I'm probably one of a small number who cares about Game Mastering tools:)
That's all very well for those who use it occasionally, but recently when driving with my boss I realised that due to his over-reliance on sat-nav he was driving 10 miles out of his way to get home on a regular basis (on a journey of approx 50 miles).
I personally love my nav system (in car...I think these are the best) but you really need to know how to use it. Of course, this is true of all gadgets.
Your boss probably could have gone and set his prefs to "shortest route". Perhaps he had default to "shortest time" and the gadget decided the 10 miles was fine because it was faster roads/more major roads. There are all sorts of fun setting you can try with these systems including finding local restaurants ("find destination type near me") on some back road you didn't even know existed. I usually do a check on a map for new area but still let the device do the directing since a map doesn't know traffic, doesn't know speed limits, doesn't show (generally) if the entrance to the expressway is on the left or right.
I thought I was relying too much on it, until I used the "take me home" button from a concert and it kept insisting I take side roads. Each time I thought.. "I know exactly where the interstate is" and each time it would re-route me on surface streets. Well finally got on a road close to the expressway and could see it was packed. That little voice was dead-on and she is so pleasant...never yells when you turn right when you should turn left.
There actually was a smaller label (Victory Records) that included a DVD with the CD's. It basically had some interviews, videos, and highlights of other bands in the stable.
That was enough for me to buy albums instead of a hit single off of iTunes for their artists. These little things add up to extra value. Actually found some new bands from the DVD extas that I liked. A win-win for Victory and consumer.
Slashdot Mirror
Do you not understand why your experience does not invalidate this complaint? Its your view that is very one dimensional view.
And I am sure that building "niche" apps has more than a little to do with your success.
My fault for being too brief in my words. I try to keep up on the developer message boards and do read about issues that come up and was simply offering an opinion based on those observations. By "one dimensional", I was referring to the implication that every application goes into review limbo and that stops someone from developing an application. The possibility of rejection vs. the benefits is still in favor of creating. As you said, this is my perception.
I wasn't claiming to invalidate the complaint at all. No more than I think you are invalidating my statement about having success. I even mentioned that I didn't think my observations were true for everyone and that improvement is needed.
Agreed that clarity would be very useful for many developers and is really where my question about success comes from: Is it because of niche, simple functionality, number or amount of updates, category for app (maybe different approvers checking different areas), using the standard components as much as possible?
I understand it too but seems a very one dimensional view. I have a few very niche applications available (including an RPG helper app GMToolkit) that made it through the approval process within a couple weeks with relatively few issues. I have to wonder why a small independent developer can do reasonably well?
When I read the developer message board on the approval process, something (gut opinion) comes to me. Many of the developers complaining the most seem to have used bad judgement in using Apple icons improperly, API's incorrectly, failed to follow the Human Interface Guidelines, or had really complicated applications that probably should take a while to look at. Certainly it isn't true for everyone and, obviously, the store needs some updates to improve the developer and user experiences but that doesn't mean I plan on going away.
I looked at Android development but haven't been able to get the kit up and running on my Mac properly (is it a firewall problem for accessing Android site, versioning problem with Eclipse, wrong SDK or ADT versions? Who knows?) and still find the iPhone SDK and development process superior for me.
I don't think the iPhone will go away overnight...so... maybe I'll get more exposure when the big guys leave.
ahh ahh ahh ... A clever deception!
They were probably stalling for time while they read over the source code to remove all the swear words and personal attacks against coworkers...
=Smidge=
Don't forget they had to remove the 1000's of TODO's that were still in the code comments with several "We really should fix this before release" and a couple of "This works but I'm not sure why."
[joke about Boron]
I know the intent was based on the actual periodic table, but it is used in a cult movie I need to mention. I think even on slashdot it might be a bit obscure movie: Gamers: Dorkness Rising.
It is a movie about gamers (mostly the in game adventures their characters are having) and the players social interactions. It is an indy film and is very good. I attend GenCon every year and get to see many of these kinds of films and it is one of the best.
The full quote from the film (if I can fully remember) during a discussion of the traditional earth, wind, water, fire elements: "The four elements alone are weak, but when combined, they make the strong fifth element....boron"
Yes, off topic, but couldn't resist the opportunity.
It would be nice if some of the items made sense. Now, I'm speaking from the consumer perspective here and not someone who reads technology sites daily:
For example, what does ability to run "widgets" really mean? I think most people get "applications" and know that Apple iPhone has a ton of them...so what is this?
What exactly is open development to the average user? Again, I can get lots of applications from Apple so what is this specifically saying to me the consumer?
I think most people will get what's the point of 5 Meg Pixel camera (for most bigger is better, right). keyboard and replaceable battery are probably dead on for a segment of the audience. Personally, I like soft keyboards and never have changed my battery. However, I think it makes a key differentiating feature highly visible.
I have an iPhone and it is a nice device and I don't get the seething hate of Apple products. However, something better comes along, I'll consider it.
Now as an aside...I really don't like the generate "hype" ads that don't really say anything about the product before release. I remember the G commercials for Gatorade last year. Is it a new sport clothing line, shoe, what...then turns out to be just a sports drink. Seen these for cars, perfume, etc. and I think they are counter productive for most viewers (bigger hype, bigger disappointment).
It sounds to me that app developers are making the same exact mistake ecommerce stores are making: setting and forgetting. Apple has 85000+ apps - you need to do something to make it known to us, to the world.
I'm completely with you. Too many developers think that getting an application done is enough to reap rewards. Wasn't this the same problem shareware developers had long ago. Great program, but if you didn't get the word out or get some pick in a magazine, you never saw much cash.
Having sold WinCE and Palm apps through stores like Handango and PocketGear...the iPhone App store is an order of magnitude better at visibility.
With that being said, I consider my iPhone apps as a hobby for *maybe* some extra cash and, more importantly, something to *brag* a bit about. I think of it more like people who do FOS software...it is an itch to scratch.
Ok now the shameless plug: My iPhone RPG toolkit, game, and calendar
You don't ,but since a huge percentage of Mac users are using laptops, they have to either plug and unplug it regularly or buy a network capable drive.
I have a laptop and use it regularly away from my desk. However, sooner or later I have to plug in the power (often in the evening before turning in) and that is a great opportunity to plug in the external drive and have a backup performed.
I'm sure Time Machine is not without flaws but it is one of the easiest backup solutions I've ever used. A brain-dead easy interface to restore files and it works in the background without any serious prompting. It really saved me when I lost an entire iPhone application source tree...thanks to the apparently buggy snapshot feature in XCode.
One thing I'd like to have as an option is to change is the behavior of performing a backup when the laptop comes out of sleep. Often that's the moment I want to disconnect and go on the move and waiting half a minute before unmounting the drive is like watching a pot boil.
Not to mention it would be nice to have a Entourage to take care of mundane tasks and access global information networks. Of course, I prefer not to have the Entourage go crazy with a virus...
BTW, one of my favorite Animes
I believe it was the first machine to have symmetrical encoding and decoding. Because it had a this property (as a letter was coded through the rotors, there was a rotor that reflected the encoding back through the rotor stages again), an operator could code and decode messages without reconfiguring the device. Due to the fact above, the Enigma could never encode a letter onto itself. This greatly decreased the permutations allowed and made the device less effective.
I may be misunderstanding your cause and effect combination slightly here, but the symmertical encoding/decoding did not cause Engima to never encode a letter onto itself; that was specifically because of the reflector cog at the end of the wheels and the design of the electrical circuit within the machine.
Writing one helps you appreciate it even more. Even the rotation of each cog isn't as simple as it seems.
You are, of course, correct on the reflector being specifically why a letter couldn't be mapped onto itself. The reflector configuration was also the reason, unless I'm mistaken, it was symmetrical. I wasn't at all clear but I was attempting to make the same point as you are. More reason for everyone to go and read up on the machine!
I am starting to write my own simulator from scratch (most of the sample code I've seen limits how you can use it: isn't public domain or liberal Creative Commons). I have many little details still to get right (like the middle rotor double step) and I'm enjoying the challenge.
Certainly not an expert but think the history of the machine and design is a great read for geeks.
I've recently become rather fascinated by the Enigma machine and the operation of the device. The Wikipedia article is worth a read.
Couple of cool things to know about the Enigma:
I believe it was the first machine to have symmetrical encoding and decoding. Because it had a this property (as a letter was coded through the rotors, there was a rotor that reflected the encoding back through the rotor stages again), an operator could code and decode messages without reconfiguring the device.
Due to the fact above, the Enigma could never encode a letter onto itself. This greatly decreased the permutations allowed and made the device less effective.
The way the Germans used the machine also made the device easy to crack. Operators would encode the rotor setup in the message. This allowed verifying that the right settings were being used. Also, the Germans would include many standard phrases like praise for the Fuhrer.
Though the Enigma machine is the most well known device, there were many rotor based encoders during the WWII and post era.
There are many simulators of the Enigma machine (see the Wikipedia article). Very cool to play with to really understand the operation of the device.
One of things in the iTunes app store that is really getting on my nerves, is developer adding ads after the game is released. The progression goes: release a free game, wait until it is in the top 25 or gets popular, then create an update that includes ads.
Why is this annoying? Well, suddenly you have add boxes over key game elements, the game starts up slowly while ad loads (i.e. the much watch ad), or new start or splash pages appear that include the ads. Also, since everyone appears to use the same few ad networks, I get the same ads on every application. I feel like I got hit with some kind of bait and switch. I'll also note, that the update's description never mentions the new and exciting ad feature.
I started developing apps for the iPhone so I can understand the desire to be paid for your work. So, please think about your revenue model (and minimize the impact to players if you have ads) before your first release or better yet just sell it at a fair price. I will buy a good game. I will delete games that become unplayable and rank accordingly.
That's troubling. Phishing protection that doesn't work is more dangerous than no protection at all. At least if you know you have no protection you'll be more careful.
I know where people are coming from on this but it is a first pass at a new capability. Should they used the same mechanism as Safari on OSX (i.e. Google database)? Maybe, but perhaps there is a reason why that wasn't appropriate.* Perhaps there was a specific challenge they hadn't resolved for 3.1
I think it is encouraging that they made an attempt and expect to see some improvements as the engineering team gets real world feedback on the feature. Regardless, I don't think I normally go to sites on my iPhone that I don't already know from normal browsing and have a shortcut already.
* As an aside, if I was Apple, I'd start finding alternative ways of providing key content (maps, videos, etc.) to my phone that didn't rely on Google. Never sole source to a supplier that starts competing directly with you.
.I'll also admit that I believe patents are important to protect real innovations.
Have you any evidence that you base that belief on. All the evidence that I have ever come across point the other way - especially with regard to software, where the state of the art does not seem to be advancing any faster since it became patentable.
Well it is a "belief" and thus is based on my personal experience. Having worked in organizations that produce physical products (not just software) patents on key innovations have been important.
For example, you discover a extremely efficient circuit for rapid charging a portable device after significant research in materials and circuit design. Is not reasonable to limit your competitors from just copying the technique and selling it?
...or they could have simply published and established prior art without the need for a patent.
If you have an idea and you want to make sure you can use it, but don't think it is patent worthy, you can publish it to cite later when someone else attempts to patent it.
When I was designing manufacturing systems, we would often do this. Since it was internal technology, it would be difficult to identify infringers using it in their factories. However, we didn't want some machine vendor or someone visiting claiming our designs are an infringement.
I'll admit I don't trust Google as far as I can throw one of their private jets. I'll also admit that I believe patents are important to protect real innovations.
Jacob Nielsen , who is a guru in usability, created a set of UI design heuristics.
I think the ones that are highly appropriate are:
Consistency and standards: Users should not have to wonder whether different words, situations, or actions mean the same thing. Follow platform conventions.
Recognition rather than recall: Minimize the user's memory load by making objects, actions, and options visible. The user should not have to remember information from one part of the dialogue to another. Instructions for use of the system should be visible or easily retrievable whenever appropriate.
From the above, getting rid of menus is going to generally screw with consistency and ability to recognize operations (I really hated how Office use to hide menu items that weren't used recently)
Granted he also recommended minimalistic design when too many options are not warranted--such as a dialog with too many options available to achieve simple things.
Yup, that's probably it. Dell et al preload their machines with all sorts of unwanted, never asked for crap including Norton, MS Works etc. I just bought a new Dell and spent quite some cleaning all the unwanted junk & default links off the thing.
Not to turn this into an Apple love fest but the lack of "extras" was something I found pleasantly surprising when I purchased my Mac Book Pro. Only "extra" software was iLife and Safari (If you consider a browser extra)--no partner crap, no dial-up links, no "lite" versions of applications with nag screens, no extra links to online games...nothing but a computer OS.
I guess another reason Macs might be a little higher in price: no crapware to defer the cost of the machine at the expense of the user and machine performance.
I've lead scrum projects for a few years (actually introduced the technique to a few). It is a great tool but hardly is a silver bullet. Over time, there are tweaks needed to meet organization style and needs--including the kinds of products, release standards, regulatory environment. If you try to use as-is I think you'll find issues and ultimately fail.
I think scrum has some very nice characteristics (not necessarily unique to scrum):
- Lessons developer stress by allowing them to focus. You define the work for a sprint up-front and the developer knows their stories and can attack them as necessary. Everyone knows the stories and tasks (they are in your face..either in a tool, on a white board, stickies on the wall, whatever) and can trade or help as needed.
- Helps drive results of working software. With the sprint concept, the team is expected to demonstrate the work product each cycle (3-5 weeks). This doesn't have to be software but you have to be able to show something specific. I think this helps eliminate the month long development grinds only to find nothing works right when integrated.
- Gets the developers talking. The stand-up meeting (what is done yesterday, what is planned for today, what help is need) is very valuable to get the developers interacting. Very easy for software people to sit for long periods banging out code and banging their head against the wall. The daily meeting helps to uncover duplicate effort, solutions to problems, and allow an opportunity for senior developer to recognize where people are struggling.
Just remember: scrum isn't an excuse to code first, design later or ignore gathering detailed and real requirements (a story isn't enough).
I think the parent did point out how you can overcome some of the criticisms.
My pet peeves have always been:
1) Battle droids that appear to have been built out of balsa wood. Maybe this is showing quantity vs. quality fallacy...but even the Sherman in WWII wouldn't fall apart that easily when facing a Tiger.
2) Land crafts and ships that travel far too fast for actually being able to control. I know cinematically it is interesting but it was really hard to watch the speeder bikes and flying car sequences. Perhaps they have really fancy control systems... Note: what happens in Star Wars is far different from modern jet combat where speed and control system make sense.
3) Gratuitous variety. Most everything needs to be unique or different in SW. Nearly every ship is different, every building, every planet. I guess in this galaxy mass production is frowned upon and ships are built by skilled carriage builders. Forgive the hyperbole..I know there are exceptions (filghts of X-Wings, droids, etc.) Cool from a special effects and visual experience but I've seen plenty of futuristic movies that have some design commonality and I never once thought "Why aren't all the cars on the road unique?"
Probably others but haven't watched the movies in quite sometime.
I once made a demotivational poster that read:
"Convertible - Face it: the closest you will ever get to a transformer."
I happen to have a hard-top convertible that feels very much like a transformer when it opens (must have been a mechanical engineer's dream assignment).
I actually found my experience with the app process much better. Perhaps I got lucky since I'm not a big development house.
My first application was rejected within a week due to a crash in a certain situation I hadn't caught previously (I should know better than to assume the debug build would act like a release build). Obviously, they go through each of the screens and check the functionality. However, I had expected one of the "nonsensical" reasons I've heard of or the extremely long review process.
I was surprised that the reviewer put in what the error was and how to reproduce it. I reproduced the error and ultimately resolved. Next submission was accepted after about a week or so as well.
Based on this experience, I really worked hard to anticipate issues with my next application before submitting. Made it in ten or so days in one pass. Both applications are rather benign without anything controversial which probably played into this.
I feel fortunate that they made it through relatively easy. I hope the game I'm developing goes as well. The oblig plug -- GMToolKit (RPG helper) and FW Calendar (Calendar with fiscal weeks displayed) are the applications.
Parent points out very valid concerns about expense to create an application.
:)
Having built applications for a variety of platforms from WinCE to J2ME (yeah, I thought that would be a winner) and now iPhone, I've never assumed much success. I'm a single developer with probably limited talents compared to others and I tend to do niche applications.
I think back many years ago my WinCE application for managing a RPG session (yes, I still like pencil and paper RPG's) made me about $1k USD. Enough to buy PDA's but wouldn't quite my day job.
That being said, I still love doing it because "I" can create something "I" think is cool and don't need a team of developers to make my vision come to life. I think hand-held applications are a difficult place to make a living for a small developer unless you get some buzz from an external force (Apple or some viral factor like iFart). You need to do it because you enjoy it and, hey, maybe something great will happen. Don't be delusional that you've got the next big thing that will sell itself without any help.
I won't bother to plug my application since I'm probably one of a small number who cares about Game Mastering tools
Apple will have even more names when they move into LOLCAT space: Serious Cat, Ceiling Cat, Basement Cat, Itty Bitty Kitty Commiteh, and Monorail Cat.
The possibilities are endless!
That's all very well for those who use it occasionally, but recently when driving with my boss I realised that due to his over-reliance on sat-nav he was driving 10 miles out of his way to get home on a regular basis (on a journey of approx 50 miles).
I personally love my nav system (in car...I think these are the best) but you really need to know how to use it. Of course, this is true of all gadgets.
.. "I know exactly where the interstate is" and each time it would re-route me on surface streets. Well finally got on a road close to the expressway and could see it was packed. That little voice was dead-on and she is so pleasant...never yells when you turn right when you should turn left.
Your boss probably could have gone and set his prefs to "shortest route". Perhaps he had default to "shortest time" and the gadget decided the 10 miles was fine because it was faster roads/more major roads. There are all sorts of fun setting you can try with these systems including finding local restaurants ("find destination type near me") on some back road you didn't even know existed. I usually do a check on a map for new area but still let the device do the directing since a map doesn't know traffic, doesn't know speed limits, doesn't show (generally) if the entrance to the expressway is on the left or right.
I thought I was relying too much on it, until I used the "take me home" button from a concert and it kept insisting I take side roads. Each time I thought
There actually was a smaller label (Victory Records) that included a DVD with the CD's. It basically had some interviews, videos, and highlights of other bands in the stable.
That was enough for me to buy albums instead of a hit single off of iTunes for their artists. These little things add up to extra value. Actually found some new bands from the DVD extas that I liked. A win-win for Victory and consumer.
I really don't know if they still do this or not.