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Poll: You and Mobile Development

news.ycombinator.com

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Re: Poll: You and Mobile Development

#51

Post by w33ble »

megablast wrote: post #47
w33ble wrote: post #44

Hypothetically, if I were interested in getting in to Android development, but I didn't want to switch to using an Android phone, what would be the most cost-effective way to get my hands on an Android device that would be good for testing? Or is the emulator reliable enough to release without testing on hardware?

THe emulator is awful, even on really good hardware. I use a nexus one, which was the original developer device from Google, I think they have a new one out. Find out which phone is recommended by google.

OK, I had read the emulator wasn't ideal but didn't know if maybe other people had better experiences. Is it necessary to get the newest phone? I've seen an unlocked Nexus One, for about $350, seemed like a viable option. Woot just had the Galaxy S WiFi for $175, which seemed like an even better deal (faster, though I don't know if it'll run 2.3 or have Market access). Anyway, thought I'd ask; thanks for the feedback.

Re: Poll: You and Mobile Development

#52

Post by dazzla »

w33ble wrote: post #44

Hypothetically, if I were interested in getting in to Android development, but I didn't want to switch to using an Android phone, what would be the most cost-effective way to get my hands on an Android device that would be good for testing? Or is the emulator reliable enough to release without testing on hardware?

I released a first version on Android only using the emulator but of course its never the same as testing on a device. I have a Nexus One and it's a great phone. I think Virgin Mobile would be a good source of a second/development phone as you can get an Android phone without contract for $150 and unlimited data is just $35/month http://www.virginmobileusa.com/cell-phone-plans/beyond-talk-...

Re: Poll: You and Mobile Development

#53

Post by pilif »

thechangelog wrote: post #50
pilif wrote: post #18

For 5 years now I've been occasionally writing more features for Windows CE based barcode scanners. I wouldn't say that qualifies as "Windows Phone", so I didn't vote for that. Thankfully by now we are more and more replacing these Windows CE things with iphones plus sleeves with barcode scanners which gives us a nicer API and the end user gets a much cooler device to work with. The .NET Compact Framework is a beast:…

Can you point me towards a barcode scanner for iOS devices?

http://www.koamtac.com/ has a bluetooth scanner that can be accessed via the ExternalAccessory framework (so no crappy HID implementation that hides the keyboard). The build-quality of the hardware is a bit flaky IMHO and the UI on that thing is horrendous. Pairing it with an iphone means visiting two menus with abbreviated texts and bad english.

The SDK is definitely done by hardware-people too.

http://ipclineapro.com/ is much better but also significantly more expensive. It's a sleeve you put your iphone in. It has a cool SDK and the build-quality is very convincing. As this uses the dock connector, there's no pairing issues either.

What ever you do: If you want to publish that app in the app store, be prepared for another hurdle, because if you are using any of these devices, you are not only dealing with apple approval, but also with approval by the device maker.

And you'll sign NDAs with both Apple and the device maker.

In that regards, WindowsCE is much nicer. You buy the device, you buy Visual Studio, you develop. No need to ask anyone for permission.

Re: Poll: You and Mobile Development

#54

Post by megablast »

w33ble wrote: post #51
megablast wrote: post #47

Earlier quoted context omitted.

THe emulator is awful, even on really good hardware. I use a nexus one, which was the original developer device from Google, I think they have a new one out. Find out which phone is recommended by google.

OK, I had read the emulator wasn't ideal but didn't know if maybe other people had better experiences. Is it necessary to get the newest phone? I've seen an unlocked Nexus One, for about $350, seemed like a viable option. Woot just had the Galaxy S WiFi for $175, which seemed like an even better deal (faster, though I don't know if it'll run 2.3 or have Market access). Anyway, thought I'd ask; thanks for the feedback…

I test on the nexus one no problems. It may be better to test on a device that isn't the latest and greatest, one of the reasons I kept an iPhone 3g around for so long.

Re: Poll: You and Mobile Development

#55

Post by orjan »

sgarman wrote: post #42

I'm blown away by the number of Android developers. I wonder how many of those who voted are just hobby / tinkerers. While looking for experienced mobile devs I have found many great iPhone devs and so few great or even interested Android devs. This poll speaks otherwise.

I do professional Android development. From a Swedish point of view, my observation is that we have more iOS developers than Android developers, but Android is quickly gaining traction. More and more customers ask specifically for Android _and_ iOS versions, instead of saying "we want an app" while thinking of iPhones.

Re: Poll: You and Mobile Development

#57

Post by robjohnson »

(iOS) This has been a question asked of me many times and my main answers are:

1) The other OSs are fragmented. If you develop a phenomenal app on one, it may not function the same on the others.

2) Your customers are self-selected as having a higher discretionary income than the other OSs, thus resulting in you making more money.

3) iPad

Re: Poll: You and Mobile Development

#58

Post by allwein »

CodeKiwi wrote: post #48

I am surprised at the amount for Windows Phone, given the age (and adoption) of the platform.

This reflects my experience with my clients. I develop for iOS, Android, and WinPhone7. I've lately gotten quite a robust bit of WinPhone7 contract work coming through my doors. And it's not because there seems to be some huge explosion of demand for it, but rather that nobody else locally seems to be developing for it. So due to the scarcity of local developers, I'm getting a larger proportion of Phone7 work, and I'm having to raise my rates.

Re: Poll: You and Mobile Development

#59

Post by haseman »

pilif wrote: post #18

For 5 years now I've been occasionally writing more features for Windows CE based barcode scanners. I wouldn't say that qualifies as "Windows Phone", so I didn't vote for that. Thankfully by now we are more and more replacing these Windows CE things with iphones plus sleeves with barcode scanners which gives us a nicer API and the end user gets a much cooler device to work with. The .NET Compact Framework is a beast:…

I did Brew and J2ME device development before Android. Believe me, I _feel_ your pain.
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