Any of our coders here interested in doing some iPhone/iPad development?

[Wrigleyvillain]

Poll is still too new to be a definitive source to claim there are no iPhone users here. Native apps for either platform would be awesome but I believe a mobile version of the site would still be useful. Android embodies the true nature of hardware and software enthusiasm far more than iphones ever will. Android is more in line with the community imo.

All true. I love my iPhone but it's pretty closed (and also don't have to spend my own money on it).

 

[3870x2]

more thoughts on mobile version vs. iphone vs. android please

My thoughts are both. Assuming the programming is done in Java, porting from device to device is only a matter of syntax, all the other work is already done.

I disagree with a mobile version, because a mobile website is just a dumbed down version of a website. The majority of phones out there can view a page in it's entirety, some even with flash. Making a mobile version of the site is just going to make it harder for people to view the real site.

Please remember that the majority of TPU users are 'power users', who would be more attracted to the Android for obvious reasons.

If everyone who uses the APP rates it 5 stars here at TPU, it could create a demand for the application bringing it to the top of the APP list, and in turn getting more users to TPU. That being said, the APP should be coded with the casual also in mind.

 

[DanishDevil]

Tapatalk? Haven't used it, but I think it's the popular option, unless you're thinking for the main page rather than the forums.

I personally think smartphone browsers are plenty good enough to browse the normal site, so making a mobile version is stupid IMO. I'd rather have an app.

 

[cheesy999]

I personally think smartphone browsers are plenty good enough to browse the normal site

thats the point, they don't need an app

but all of us on tpu who lack the money required for a smartphone would love a mobile site so we could veiw it with our 'low end' phones or psp's etc

 

[3870x2]

thats the point, they don't need an app

but all of us on tpu who lack the money required for a smartphone would love a mobile site so we could veiw it with our 'low end' phones or psp's etc

Longevity. By the time the mobile site is finished, even the low-end phones will have said capabilities.

 

[TRIPTEX_CAN]

<--- will beta test any Android TPU app if needed.

 

[ZenZimZaliben]

There is no reason to create a dedicated app for TPU. Unless you are looking at specific things like advertising/tracking.

Otherwise like Panther suggested. Create a m.techpowerup.com. You then only need to add some simple browser detection. If it is a mobile OS direct them to the m.techpowerup.com

This site doesn't have Web 2.0 features that warrant a dedicated application.

Any HTML/Javascript phone browser supports this page as it is. Just have to zoom in.out. Side code a mobile site based on common screen size. Once the template is created you should be able to automate the conversion from core TPU to mobile TPU.

http://gs.statcounter.com/#mobile_browser-ww-monthly-201003-201103

http://www.mobileawesomeness.com/listings/gallery/yahoo-mobile-beta/

http://www.mobileawesomeness.com/listings/gallery/volkwagon/

http://www.mobileawesomeness.com/listings/gallery/gamespot/

 

[3870x2]

@ZenZimZaliben: Everything you said is true, and I couldn't agree with you more, if this were about finding a better way to interface with TPU.

What this is really about is expanding TPU's horizons, getting our name on the mobile market.

 

[ZenZimZaliben]

@ZenZimZaliben: Everything you said is true, and I couldn't agree with you more, if this were about finding a better way to interface with TPU.

What this is really about is expanding TPU's horizons, getting our name on the mobile market.

Oh... Well Ok then.

 

[pantherx12]

thats the point, they don't need an app

but all of us on tpu who lack the money required for a smartphone would love a mobile site so we could veiw it with our 'low end' phones or psp's etc

Whilst that's true, constantly zooming in and out is annoying as hell


IMO, apps for websites are silly, as has been said it's not like we have special features, just need something that is more suited for low resolutions and have easier to press buttons etc.


( I have the XDA developers webapp, but only because they don't have a m.xda etc, their forum index was way to many pictures to it does take a long time to load other wise.)

Just seems if you code a decent mobile website theirs no need for an app at all.

It's already multi-platform right off the bat, and obviously different phones have different identifiers when accessing websites, so there could still be different versions if you so wished.

( for example default m.facebook is not touch screen optimised, but their is a touch.facebook as well)


As for getting TPU passed around and seen by other people, make an app that's just a news feed. lol

 

[Kreij]

I'd rather see a TPU game app where you can join in multiplayer and fight against the facist domination of the moderators.
I'd buy a better phone for that.

 

[ZenZimZaliben]

The true beauty of mobile apps isn't even the usability or for that matter the user. Since you are asking for permission to install an application on their phone you can do a ton of things.

GPS Tracking. Common Search Tracking. This allows you to serve behaviorally targeted ads. And the user opted in to it! Browse TPU on the new app. Serve up awesome new Nvidia cards that the client was just looking at previously. Show locations where you can buy it. Generate revenue on a PPC basis.

BTW - not saying I'm for this.... just that is what most apps, like twitter, facebook, amazon use it for...

 

[Sasqui]

nonono .. this is about an application to access tpu's content on mobile devices

Ahhh... the "big picture" TPU mobile site. Sweet.

I was thinking a distinct application, like post a pic to TPU image hosting and receive a PM with the link to it. More a convenience than anything else.

I do like Krij's idea too...

 

[ctrain]

I don't see the point of downloading an app specifically for a website. I can browse and post on the forums fine on my phone. The front page is a little heavy but everything is fine.

Minor layout changes and finding some way to lighten the load for the mobile version is really all that needs to be done.

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/10565193/crap/snap20110423_062509.png

 

[BrooksyX]

I use android as well. Probably a better choice than iOS for a tpu app.

 

[(FIH) The Don]

so, what are you gonna be doing W1zz

android and iOS or one o them?