Field Notes.

2009

OweMe - Money Lending Manager for iPhone

OweMe, the Money Lending Manager app, addresses the common issue of forgetting small loans. Its user-friendly interface allows quick tracking of borrowed or lent amounts, complete with separate lists for credit and debit, notes, due dates, and location-based entries. After extensive testing, it proves effective for managing finances effortlessly.

The Impossible Project

A group aims to revitalize instant film by optimizing its production and has purchased an old Polaroid factory in Enschede, Netherlands. This initiative seeks to reintroduce instant film to the mass market.

Cocoa, Cappuccino and the Palm Pre

Palm's Andrew Shebanow discusses the differences between developing for webOS and iPhone, emphasizing that many developers will engage with both platforms. The Cappuccino Web Framework offers a solution for easing transitions, allowing developers to leverage their HTML/CSS/JavaScript skills. Shebanow suggests integrating Palm Pre JavaScript extensions into Cappuccino to attract iPhone developers.

Cocoa, Cappuccino and the Palm Pre

Palm's Andrew Shebanow discusses the appeal of webOS alongside the iPhone, emphasizing that developers can easily target both platforms. He highlights the potential of the Cappuccino Web Framework to simplify transitions for those familiar with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, suggesting it could attract iPhone developers to webOS.

iPhone Experiment One: Happiness

After joining the iPhone Developer Program, I developed my first app, 'Happiness,' now available on the App Store. This app aims to uplift moods using comforting images and the sound of laughter, drawing on scientific research about mood enhancement. It was a valuable learning experience that integrated my academic knowledge with practical application development.

Nokia (Trolltech) releases Qt under LGPL

Nokia's acquisition of Trolltech has enhanced the Qt framework, crucial for KDE development. Recently, Qt has been released under the LGPL license, allowing developers to create commercial applications without expensive licensing fees. This change encourages cross-platform development, potentially leading to a wider variety of applications compatible with Mac OS X, Windows, and Linux.

Palm Pre

The Palm Pre looks promising as competition for the iPhone, featuring an appealing design and innovative concepts. However, concerns exist about Palm's recent performance and the device’s abilities, particularly due to its reliance on JavaScript for applications. Uncertainty remains about its price and availability, leaving questions on its potential as a viable option in the smartphone market.

2008

New 'I'm Linux' campaign.

A competition has been launched to create an advertisement for Linux, showcasing the community's innovative spirit. This initiative contrasts with Microsoft's 'I'm a PC' campaign, raising the question of creativity in tech promotions. The juxtaposition highlights the differences in approach between open-source and proprietary software marketing.

The Bailout Plan

A man lured villagers into trapping monkeys by continually raising the price he would pay. As the supply dwindled, he left them to his assistant, who sold the remaining monkeys at a markup. The villagers invested all their savings, ultimately left with many monkeys and no way to recover their money. This allegorically illustrates the Wall Street bailout plan.

Starcraft 2 Battle Report

A recent StarCraft 2 battle report resembles an intense football match, showcasing thrilling gameplay and strategic depth. The detailed analysis captures the excitement and skill involved, providing an engaging experience for fans of the game.

Palm reports $506m in losses, hopes for it's next gen Nova OS

Palm's operating system history is marked by inconsistent development efforts. They oscillated between creating a Linux OS, acquiring BeOS, and announcing various incompatible products without delivering. This turbulent strategy raises questions about missed opportunities, such as not adopting Google Android when it launched.

The iPhone Nano

Rumors of an iPhone Nano have surfaced, accompanied by a visual. Doubts arise due to its absence from Steve Jobs' keynote at MacWorld and the potential issues related to App Store compatibility on a smaller screen. A minimized version may complicate the developer landscape, raising further skepticism about its existence.

Twitter clients

The landscape of Twitter clients reveals a significant advantage for iPhone apps, such as Tweetsville and Tweetie, which excel in functionality and user experience. In contrast, desktop clients for Mac OS X and Windows remain underwhelming. This disparity may highlight a shift towards mobile tweeting as Twitter evolves into a more dynamic platform for sharing personal and local insights.

My first iPhone Application. 'Happiness'

I have published my first application on the iTunes App Store after months of work. The app, Happiness, is based on Dolf Zillmann's Mood Management Theory, aiming to enhance mood through uplifting imagery and laughter. While simple, it has provided valuable insights into the app development process. Feedback from users is welcomed for future improvements.