This is a test, this is only a test

Well here’s a quick update. This website is on the Squarespace platform. They have a great iPhone app which was just updated. I figured that I would test it out by writing a post with it.

Some new features

The main ones are as followed:

  • Editing modes - multiple markup language support
    • I love this, I normally write posts like this one in Markdown, if not HTML.
  • Comment moderation with push notifications
  • Support for iOS 4 and fast app switching along with Retina Display support

Very nice update, though I would still like to see analytics reports for more than a week out. A month would be nice.

You can read the full details on the Squarespace blog here.

Remember, don't write blog posts driving your car. This was just a test.

The curious Google vs. Apple war continues

Google vs. Apple


Google continues to release updated mobile apps like Google Voice and YouTube while Apple’s released apps do sometimes get the cold shoulder. For instance one example is Apple’s Texas Hold’em which remains neglected at version 1.1. They have been very good with some of their other apps, i.e. Remote, but I hold them to a higher standard considering they created the platform. Apple should be concentrating more on being a better role model for iPhone and iPad developers. Paid apps written by Apple seem to be forgotten about quicker than their widespread free counterparts, which is one of the reasons I haven't made the iMovie purchase yet.

Google’s push to use more HTML5 is good web practices. Even if it’s not directly related to Apple’s iPhone development roadblock’s, it clear Google has chosen to take a smarter ‘higher’ route.

Google’s ‘business as usual’ attitude with development should be admired. In the last couple weeks they have introduced some welcomed features. One addition, rich text signatures in Gmail, has been on my wish-list from the beginning. I really like the sound of App Inventor for Android, although I don’t own an Android device (I would love one though), it sounds like a great way to support a developer community which competitors should take note.

What is that?

There was some sort of pressure buildup in the sewers the other night in front of my place. Probably triggered somehow the storm earlier. So I figured what a better way to test out the new iPhone 4’s camera and video capabilities was to post this video. Keep in mind I am not a film maker, although I did stay at a Holiday Inn last night.

There’s been fantastic storms this year.

Interview with the developer of GetPaid! for the iPhone

The ability to work anytime, anywhere is often essential for mobile businesses, freelancers and anyone not always necessarily tied to a desk for a living. Being a freelance technology and user experience consultant I have always been interested in innovative tools that allows me to organize my business life.

In a previous interview, we looked at an excellent desktop time-tracking/invoicing application. Today we are talking to Henry of Runaway Apps. One of his applications is a full-featured invoicing app that can fit in your pocket. I personally love this application, it has a very nice interface allowing the user to have a record of past and future jobs, visual charts of earnings as well as outstanding payments. Henry has released several updates since I started using GetPaid! and is very responsive to user requests. I wanted to talk to him about his experience developing for the iPhone.

My thanks to Henry for taking the time.

Henry, what is GetPaid!?

GetPaid! Tracks time and generate instant invoice and timesheet in PDF format. (note: See app store description for additional app features.)

How did you get started developing the application?

With a Mac and a Passion. :)

Where did the idea of creating a mobile time-tracking & invoicing application come from?

I was an independent consultant often forgot to record my billable time.

What do you enjoy about being a developer in general?

Creativity freedom

Do you develop for any platforms other than iPhone OS?

No

What kind of advise would you give a starting developer looking to enter the App Store marketplace?

Be creative, be diligent, be patient, most importantly be passionate.

How do you go about promoting your products?

Best product always sells itself, with apple’s help, that is. :)

How do you go about ensuring your app will be found if searched for?

Keywords, keywords, keywords.

What are the some of the difficulties of developing an application that is so important for business?

iPad version has been frequently requested since the release of iPad.

User ratings are such a huge factor when it comes to the point of sale for applications, does that ever become an issue?

When Users  write inaccurate reviews without fully understand the functionalities and there’s no way to communicate back and have the reviews corrected.

Are you working on any other projects besides GetPaid!?

The Prayer Network (PN) is a free “soul”cial network app in app store right now. We are working on other productivity apps as well.

Thanks again Henry, you can find GetPaid! [iTunes link] and The Prayer Network [iTunes link] at your local iTunes App Store.