Develop Bugs

CMS-based directory for all member-created apps, themes, skins and tutorials

Should there be a dedicated section where all xda-members can submit their stuff through a pre-defined form? Like with the following features:
Subcategories
for themes: WM 6.5, Titanium, Sense, WAD, Mobile Shell, lockscreen, boot animations, icons etc.
for ROMs: per device (every device gets its own subcategory)
Pre-defined fields, for example
compability (WM 5, 6, 6.5, 6.5.3)
resolution (QVGA, WVGA etc.)
CAB install (yes/no)
for ROMs: build, free RAM etc.
Filter by fields (for example only WM 6.5.3 and QVGA)
additionally presets for common devices, like WM 6.5 and WVGA for HD2 (already implemented in the current frontpage)
Rating system (which should not be placed in some drop-down nearly out of view like on the forums)
Sort by rating, views last x days, last update etc.
Featured entries which show up on front page
Provide file hosting space
I think you get the idea, it's vaguely similar to freewarepocketpc.net. The main benefit would be that it's a lot easier, especially for new people, to find the things they're looking for, and a forum thread isn't exactly the best and easiest-to-maintain way to show off your apps/themes/ROMs. Fields additionally ensure consistency among all posts.
Also, right now the more posts, the more attention a thread gets. This poses the problem that, for example, an app where many users post to report a problem gets more attention than another app where everything just works fine, as only a small minority bothers to post a "thank you". As almost no one rates threads (on the average there is less than one rating for 10,000 views) and even fewer people sort threads by views or rating, these apps (or themes or whatever) do not get the attention they deserve. With a rating system and the ability to sort by it, this problem could be solved.
Of course, the implementation of such a system could be somewhat challenging. I only want to hear what others think of this idea.
What do you think? Like the idea or not? Leave a comment and vote, thanks !

I think this is a brilliant idea, it's like an app store, but with apps ETC... will support in anyway i can

Badwolve1 said:
I think this is a brilliant idea, it's like an app store, but with apps ETC... will support in anyway i can
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea idd! Like an app store, but with apps!
No seriously, good idea. The more active a post is, the more visitors it will get. Lots of good stuff after page 10 of the dev category aswell haha.

Yep, not only that but also the consistency and accessability, especially for new people, will be a great advantage. I also contacted svetius and he seems to like this idea, so I hope this will be done in the future. Thanks for your support guys!

Livven said:
Yep, not only that but also the consistency and accessability, especially for new people, will be a great advantage. I also contacted svetius and he seems to like this idea, so I hope this will be done in the future. Thanks for your support guys!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We need to put this in our Sigs who has photoshop (He says to the theme designer )

I think it's a great idea - especially for noobies. I don't have developers skills but have learned much over the years just reading and browsing threads. Enough to even add some simplistic help here and there. But most people don't have time to look through many threads hoping to find some glitter of gold they are looking for. This might slow down the "Is there an app for this?" threads. Not everyone has time to just sit and browse but those of us who want to might not have so many uninformative threads to look at.
I would suggest a link to the initial thread where support could be given and all the "Thank you" responses kept in the new posting. And with all the needed information posted up front it might also stop all the "Will this work on my XXXX?
Hope it can happen!

That´s a great idea, I miss this database here..would help a lot!

A very good idea to have a database here & it's references!

yeah it would be great

We've gotten many requests for this, and it's clearly something we would like to do. There are two (obvious) issues:
1. Figuring out the best implementation method -- Can we somehow use Wordpress (which is what the portal runs on now)? If not, what CMS? Exactly how should the database be structured? That's not exactly a simple question given all the different permutations of devices/operating systems/resolutions that are supported by different software.
2. Figuring out how to keep it updated -- Do we rely on the devs to post their creations both in the forums and the database? Or do we have volunteers scan the forums daily to pull stuff into a app database? That sounds like a boring job . Anyway, we don't want to spend the time building something unless we have a sustainable and affordable model for keeping it going.
Anyway, if anyone is serious about helping us implement something (conceptual design, development, etc), send me a detailed PM. Or we can discuss it here.
As it is, this is definitely on my list to figure out, but there are also 5 or 6 other things (some front-end stuff like the forum re-design and other back-end server stuff). Plus to the extent all these projects have some cost, we like to spread them out.

1. I don't think WordPress, as a blogging tool, is suited for something like this. Drupal, with the module CCK, provides this kind of funtionality out of the box, and you won't need to worry about how the database is structured. Then we'd just need a custom theme (perhaps the same ones who are currently redesigning the forum).
2. If new things are only posted in the new section, then a forum thread with a summary, link etc. should be created automatically in the right subforum. So, threads will only be used for discussion, not for presentation.
For any further discussion of this idea, I'd like to suggest we keep it in this thread, so everyone can see it and comment.

Great idea! As already mentioned, I guess the maintenance/upkeep would be the sticking point.

mic_888 said:
Great idea! As already mentioned, I guess the maintenance/upkeep would be the sticking point.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i think ppcmods.com is making some progress on this subject

mic_888 said:
Great idea! As already mentioned, I guess the maintenance/upkeep would be the sticking point.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That shouldn't be a problem as the entries will be maintained by the respective creators like forum threads.

So, whens it going to be up n running?
willing to BETA test

YES! I'd strongly recommend Joomla and DocMan or any other similar component. I've used it successfully on other sites and it's terrific.

app store, what a great idea!

Want Something on the Front Page? Contact Us.

Hey all,
You may have noticed that the front page (a.k.a. the portal) of our beloved forums has been getting regular updates, leading to news, improvements, and more.... anything related to xda-developers. Keeping up with the latest and greatest apps, themes, mods, hacks, etc. is our way of giving those developers that put the time and effort in this community some 15 minutes of fame by being featured in the largest online community of its kind in the world. However, since we are not omniscient and hence cannot spot every single piece of software that shows up in a 2.5 million member community, we would like to ask you for help. If you see something that is of interest to you, that you believe could have an impact on XDA, or you simply made the next best app in the world, drop us a pm. We will be more than happy to evaluate the submission and feature it on the XDA Portal.
Here is the contact information for the News Writer Team:
orb3000
ben_duder
mic_888
Wen(WM)
ElCondor
sirphunkee
Livven
nqnguyen2
Leddy
wingman1487
egzthunder1 - Portal Administrator.
Any help and tips are greatly appreciated Together we can make xda-developers even bigger than it already is.
Sincerely,
News Writer Team

Introduction
As some of you may know me
I´m orb3000, and been around XDA since 2006; this site change me the way of seeing mobile world. Interested mainly on Windows Mobile platform.
I started with Universal which I had for almost 5 years, after that I got a Rhodium and a Maple and later a Leo.
I write most of my articles for that OS and also do active help on spam reporting, as well as welcoming new members
I do not consider myself as an expert, I am simply a regular member trying to help to they wayI do better to the first and only community I love so much
XDA!!
So, feel free to contact me if you think something of your work may go to our Front Page.
Come on!, don´t be shy
orb

Thanks guys, I love the way you are being updated without losing the essence.
Everything in xda is getting better.

I am ElCondor, and I'm from Holland. You might know me from the GTX Sense theme.
Back in February, I started this job as a news writer, because I wanted to be part of and contribute to the xda-developers community.
Since then, I started to love writing these articles, and my English improved drastically.
My articles are mostly Android or Windows Phone 7 related.
You can always contact me if you have any suggestions or special requests. Also if you have found something newsworthy, something other users may enjoy too, just let me or any other newswriter know.
Best regards,
ElCondor
XDA News Writer

Hi guys, I've been around since 2007 when I bought the HTC Touch, well things have moved on a lot since then, and I've tried my hand at developing for WM and Android (still learning), but wanted to contribute more by becoming a News Writer for XDA
I write mainly Android articles, and some Windows Mobile. We're always sifting through the masses of threads for front page news, but do let me or the other guys know if you think anything is newsworthy including any breaking news!

I guess I will add my little "intro" in here as well
I'm egzthunder1 and I am the Portal Administrator as well as a Senior Moderator. I have been a XDA member for a very, very long time... since July 2005 to be more precise. I have gone through many devices, starting out with a Wallaby (SX56) and kept on going afterwards with many other devices (Blue Angel, Wizard, Vogue, Raphael, Herman, Mogul, and ultimately HD2)... most of which I still own and are fully functional. I have helped many, many people throughout these years, despite my lack of development ability. A few months ago, I became a News Writer based on a suggestion by Flar (Retired Admin) to try to increase the flow of people to the site by creating a more dynamic front page of the website, with up to date content about everything XDA. Shortly after, I became Senior Moderator, and really shortly after, due to Flar's departure, I became Editor in Chief and Portal Administrator.
I would like to invite all of you (as I stated in my first post in this thread) to let us (the news writer team) know if you know of something that would be cool to have in the front page.
Looking forward to your input and thanks for supporting XDA!
Sincerely,
egzthunder1

Hi there!
I've been a member since 2008, when I got my Universal after having the Monet for some time. Although it was basic, the Monet forced me to get another Windows Mobile phone as I was instantly addicted to how much potential the operating system had - before then I could never really check emails, browse the internet or watch video without booting up my PC.
After the Universal came my much-adored Touch Pro, which I still use. I recently bought and fixed up a G1 so that I could branch out into the Android side of the site a little more, and I'm really enjoying tinkering with the system.
I wanted to become a news writer as I have always felt an urge to contribute to the community despite not having any technical knowledge (some of you might have seen me giving out dodgy advice around the forums ).
Having both phones should let me write articles about both Android and Windows Mobile, and I hope I can help if you want to get your story out on the front page.

Well done is better than well said.

Maybe something to expand on....
Found a website that analyzes the value of other sites.
What is the Website Value of XDA-Developers.com
It seems that xda-developers.com is being valued at $13.28 Million. With 1.66 Million Pages and with a World Wide rank of 1,806. Compared to that: Htc.com is only worth $12.66 Million Google is ranked 1 worth $8 Billion and Microsoft on rank 19 worth $1 Billion.
http://bizinformation.org/us/www.xda-developers.com
A little side note, my Blog only ranks at 1.4 Million and is only worth 7800.- For Obvious reasons.

Thanks for the information!
Not sure if we can write about that but I will find out

swiss420 said:
Found a website that analyzes the value of other sites.
What is the Website Value of XDA-Developers.com
It seems that xda-developers.com is being valued at $13.28 Million. With 1.66 Million Pages and with a World Wide rank of 1,806. Compared to that: Htc.com is only worth $12.66 Million Google is ranked 1 worth $8 Billion and Microsoft on rank 19 worth $1 Billion.
http://bizinformation.org/us/www.xda-developers.com
A little side note, my Blog only ranks at 1.4 Million and is only worth 7800.- For Obvious reasons.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Website valuation sites are notorius for being crazily inaccurate when it comes to valuing Forum sites and Blogs. They tend to be based on assumptions about traffic, potential sales and ad clicks. Few Blogs and Forums sell much if anything and that just leaves ad clicks. Forums are very poor at generating ad clicks as Members tend to become completely blind to the ads and don't click them at all. Much of the traffic to blogs and forums is repeat traffic and they are even less likely to click on the ads (not to mention ad blockers). When was the last time you click an ad on here!?
Mike

mikechannon said:
Website valuation sites are notorius for being crazily inaccurate when it comes to valuing Forum sites and Blogs. They tend to be based on assumptions about traffic, potential sales and ad clicks. Few Blogs and Forums sell much if anything and that just leaves ad clicks. Forums are very poor at generating ad clicks as Members tend to become completely blind to the ads and don't click them at all. Much of the traffic to blogs and forums is repeat traffic and they are even less likely to click on the ads (not to mention ad blockers). When was the last time you click an ad on here!?
Mike
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Absolutly true, and I am sure I did not motivate anyone to sell xda-developers.com. But it is still a amusing evaluation. For me XDA-Developers.com has definetly much more continues value then htc.com but I guess one might not exist without the other. But regarding clicking adds I rather donate directly. But off course I donate to many different people not just XDA-Developers.com. Regarding the adds I wonder how much money they really generate? If they are useless I would not mind to see them gone. Dont worry I will donate something for saying that. lol

mikechannon said:
Website valuation sites are notorius for being crazily inaccurate when it comes to valuing Forum sites and Blogs. They tend to be based on assumptions about traffic, potential sales and ad clicks. Few Blogs and Forums sell much if anything and that just leaves ad clicks. Forums are very poor at generating ad clicks as Members tend to become completely blind to the ads and don't click them at all. Much of the traffic to blogs and forums is repeat traffic and they are even less likely to click on the ads (not to mention ad blockers). When was the last time you click an ad on here!?
Mike
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wait, there are ads here?!?!?!?!

chrialex said:
Wait, there are ads here?!?!?!?!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
'nuff said.
I love XDA, for not having those huge ugly pop up ads ! Now days some forums/portals have the ones which can't even be shut !
All hail XDA. It's worth can't be counted in millions or billions of dollars.

He he, in the mean it is:
The site is ranked 1,702 in United States.

price less knowledge!!
swiss420 said:
Found a website that analyzes the value of other sites.
What is the Website Value of XDA-Developers.com
It seems that xda-developers.com is being valued at $13.28 Million. With 1.66 Million Pages and with a World Wide rank of 1,806. Compared to that: Htc.com is only worth $12.66 Million Google is ranked 1 worth $8 Billion and Microsoft on rank 19 worth $1 Billion.
http://bizinformation.org/us/www.xda-developers.com
A little side note, my Blog only ranks at 1.4 Million and is only worth 7800.- For Obvious reasons.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
as the guy stated the websites are mostly rated by how many clicks and traffic they have from ads as well. I believe the knowledge that this site provides it's priceless. And because it is distributed free the value ranks it to one of the most important (if not the most important) website from celphone developers to the least know hows users. This website I consider it the Great Library of Alexandria!

nikoskavliaris said:
as the guy stated the websites are mostly rated by how many clicks and traffic they have from ads as well. I believe the knowledge that this site provides it's priceless. And because it is distributed free the value ranks it to one of the most important (if not the most important) website from celphone developers to the least know hows users. This website I consider it the Great Library of Alexandria!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Completely agree!!

note, although im not listed on the main post by Ez iam a news writer maybe its cause im still a newbie

Captainkrtek said:
note, although im not listed on the main post by Ez iam a news writer maybe its cause im still a newbie
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Patience, you too will be on the front page.
Lol. So much to be on the front page

One app that you should avoid

I recently tried the Graphic ly comic reader app in the Windows Phone Marketplace. Hoping to find a comic reader as good as droid comic viewer I found myself very very disappointed. The controls are shoddy, pinch to zoom is flakey and you have to zoom all the way out to turn the page. This is a far cry from the original video that was shown to consumers.
I understand that newly released products are no always perfect so I figured I would share my concerns with the developer. Their response was shocking and disappointing.
We would like to improve our WP7 app much more in the future, but I
will be straight with you: due to the low sales of the windows 7
phones we have put the improvement of the app lower on our priority
list than the continual improvement of our other apps.
In the meantime: please check out our adobe air application and our
new web application at:*http://graphicly.com/
Any comics that you buy in any of our applications can be read on any
of our other applications. *Your graphicly login should work on any of
them.
Thanks
-******
graphicly
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now I know business is business but to release a bad product in the first place is unacceptable especially when the app merely needs some tuning. Due to the lack of planned future support I can only suggest that you guys stay away. Here is hoping that robot comics releases one on WinPho 7.

That is such a load of happy horse****. There are many apps where the developers are frequently updating and providing excellent communications between themselves and the users.
When WP7 takes off - and it will - I hope that many others are aware of the developer's attitude and shut them out. Let the money go to another comic app.

I was very dissapointed with the graphic.ly app, especially compared to what we've seen before. This attitude isn't going to get them any customers. If they're not going to put any effort in the phone app, I don't see any point in buying comics from them or getting their adobe air app.

Shame, i was hovering over it recently....
Thanks for the heads up. I like to stay away from those types of attitudes of devs and updates/support. "EA ruined a good brand after Westwood"
If it's not important enough for them, guess it's not important enough for me to use.

bernaserra said:
I recently tried the Graphic ly comic reader app in the Windows Phone Marketplace. Hoping to find a comic reader as good as droid comic viewer I found myself very very disappointed. The controls are shoddy, pinch to zoom is flakey and you have to zoom all the way out to turn the page. This is a far cry from the original video that was shown to consumers.
I understand that newly released products are no always perfect so I figured I would share my concerns with the developer. Their response was shocking and disappointing.
Now I know business is business but to release a bad product in the first place is unacceptable especially when the app merely needs some tuning. Due to the lack of planned future support I can only suggest that you guys stay away. Here is hoping that robot comics releases one on WinPho 7.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's depressing. Low WP7 sales volume not good. Hopefully this app dev is just a WP7 hater.

Considering that, at least in the US, folk generally wait until their account is due for a subsidized upgrade before getting a new phone (mine just happened to drop in late November ), it makes sense that sales for WP7 haven't exploded yet. I could see holding off on making an app until WP7 grows in market share, but to release a shoddy app, charge for it, and then not support it just because it's not a cash cow yet is simply horrid customer relations. Seeing as the potential dollar is apparently all that matters to these jokers, I'll be sure and speak with my wallet, and mark this one off of the potential to-buy list.

Hilarious. TBQH.
SWYPED from my SUPASONIC

Due to the low sales of Windows Phone 7 ???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How would they know this when no one else seems to have this info yet? Perhaps they are basing it on the low sales of their crappy app?

iirc i read some developers are complaining because they have no way to know how much they are selling, and microsoft will start paying in february... so how does this guy know that they are not doing ok?
i call bul****

installed it just to rate it poorly and uninstall it. If you are not going to support your work then don't release it in the marketplace.
OP, I would forward that email to MS support so they know the dev isn't willing to support their app.

nrfitchett4 said:
installed it just to rate it poorly and uninstall it. If you are not going to support your work then don't release it in the marketplace.
OP, I would forward that email to MS support so they know the dev isn't willing to support their app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I concur. That's a damn good idea.

WhyBe said:
How would they know this when no one else seems to have this info yet? Perhaps they are basing it on the low sales of their crappy app?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly what I was going to post.
Lol.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App

On a more positive note, I have contacted Robot Comics, the developer of Droid comic viewer from android. I used thier app right before I went to WP7 and it was very intuitive and easy to use in portrait and landscape. It also supported locally added comics.
After emailing I recieved some very good news.
Thanks Jose! Good news: a WP7 version is in our roadmap.
Best,
--
ROBOT COMICS
Comics for Android, iPhone/iPod touch, iPad, Kindle & more
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am not trying to come across as anyone of importance but I love WP7 and would personally like to see it succeed so I figured the best I can do is let the developers know that they have a potential customer. Also does anyone know how I can get in contact with MS support?

bernaserra said:
On a more positive note, I have contacted Robot Comics, the developer of Droid comic viewer from android. I used thier app right before I went to WP7 and it was very intuitive and easy to use in portrait and landscape. It also supported locally added comics.
After emailing I recieved some very good news.
I am not trying to come across as anyone of importance but I love WP7 and would personally like to see it succeed so I figured the best I can do is let the developers know that they have a potential customer. Also does anyone know how I can get in contact with MS support?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://social.answers.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/windowsphone7/threads
Alex

Sorry about that message from Graphicly - it was wrong.
Hi,
Im Micah, CEO of Graphicly. I am unsure of who would provide you that message, that we are not supporting the Win7 Phone application, but it is wrong.
We continue to develop and maintain the applications that our community desire.
The WP7 app that we put out was our v1. We are working to improve the reading experience and other aspects of the application, as we know its it not perfect yet.
Of the applications we have, our Adobe AIR application has been around the longest and has the most development hours into it.
As the WP7 phone continues to grow, we will continue to develop against it.
If you have any questions, or want to discuss this further, I can be reached directly at 720-248-8499 or via email at [email protected] (GTALK too).
Again, I apologize for the confusion, I will make sure that everyone on the Graphicly team understands our product roadmap.
micah

micahb said:
Hi,
Im Micah, CEO of Graphicly. I am unsure of who would provide you that message, that we are not supporting the Win7 Phone application, but it is wrong.
We continue to develop and maintain the applications that our community desire.
The WP7 app that we put out was our v1. We are working to improve the reading experience and other aspects of the application, as we know its it not perfect yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hopefully someone from XDA can validate, but if this is indeed true I thank you for clearing things up Its nice to see brands out there connecting with their customer and stepping up to the bat like this.
Hopefully we'll see the app improved! You could always open it up on CodePlex and let XDA hackers have at it!

It is indeed me - How would you like to verify it? I can give you my mom's phone number... How about this - we have promo codes enabled in the AIR app. Use "techcrunch" (no quotes) and get a free comic. We used it for an old techcrunch article, and I think its still alive. Then when you use the WP7 phone, it will be in there, and you can give me solid feedback on the mistakes we made.
Tell me more about CodePlex. I would be happy to let the community at it. We are doing something similar with our Win7 app. Building out APIs that are secure and can be built on is a personal passion of mine.
micah

micahb said:
Hi,
Im Micah, CEO of Graphicly. I am unsure of who would provide you that message, that we are not supporting the Win7 Phone application, but it is wrong.
We continue to develop and maintain the applications that our community desire.
The WP7 app that we put out was our v1. We are working to improve the reading experience and other aspects of the application, as we know its it not perfect yet.
Of the applications we have, our Adobe AIR application has been around the longest and has the most development hours into it.
As the WP7 phone continues to grow, we will continue to develop against it.
If you have any questions, or want to discuss this further, I can be reached directly at 720-248-8499 or via email at [email protected] (GTALK too).
Again, I apologize for the confusion, I will make sure that everyone on the Graphicly team understands our product roadmap.
micah
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did not want to post the name but originally I wrote the email in reply to the email I received about you guys releasing a Google web app to this emai "[email protected]"
I received a reply back from a Audrey Zarr stating what I posted. I sent her a polite email expressing my dismay with that type of business attitude and never got a reply back. I certainly wasn't trying to slander your company but knew it would be best to share this info on the web.
I understand that this is a v1 app and I would have been perfectly happy with a "we are working to improve this app" type of answer. Instead I was given the previously posted information. Currently your app is sitting at 1 star, I would hope you guys would want to improve that. Best of luck on your next release.

yeah... [email protected] is the reply email on our newsletter. Audrey is one of our engineers, and is tasked with answering questions about bugs, issues, feature requests, etc.
Your question is quite valid, and in some ways, her response (we are a small company, and we have to focus on the products our community want) is correct. Except the part about us abandoning development on the WP7 app.
A couple of other points (really just FYI). The video from the MIX conference was a proof of concept. We were asked to show off what Deep Zoom would look like in our reader, and so we did. As the months passed and the WP7 software progressed, it became clear that we wouldnt be able to have deep zoom on the finished app.
Other issues: The dev phone we had was a samsung, which is not even one of the release phones. It made things like having pinch/zoom work properly really tough.
So, do we want to make the app better? Of course we do. We want all of our apps to be solid and work at a high level. I believe that the WP7 platform has potential.

micahb said:
yeah... [email protected] is the reply email on our newsletter. Audrey is one of our engineers, and is tasked with answering questions about bugs, issues, feature requests, etc.
Your question is quite valid, and in some ways, her response (we are a small company, and we have to focus on the products our community want) is correct. Except the part about us abandoning development on the WP7 app.
A couple of other points (really just FYI). The video from the MIX conference was a proof of concept. We were asked to show off what Deep Zoom would look like in our reader, and so we did. As the months passed and the WP7 software progressed, it became clear that we wouldnt be able to have deep zoom on the finished app.
Other issues: The dev phone we had was a samsung, which is not even one of the release phones. It made things like having pinch/zoom work properly really tough.
So, do we want to make the app better? Of course we do. We want all of our apps to be solid and work at a high level. I believe that the WP7 platform has potential.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I understand that there were time constraints but phone operating systems as of recent seems to lean on their marketplace for success. A bunch of half baked apps won't appeal to anyone.(see palm) That was my main reason for reaching out. I also understand focusing on what the market wants, Microsoft has deep pockets and this OS will eventually be pretty successful. I will spend my money and time on apps that were well made and supported from the get go. As a vendor of comics I am sure your business relies on repeat business.

Criticize our project/www.wp7lab.com

Hi,
In January 2011 me and two other friends started our first web-based project: a website about Windows Phone ecosystem.
Things are going relatively well but there is room for improvement.
Can you please check out the website and tell us what you think is missing, what is surplus, etc. We would love to hear your sincere opinion: if you think it sucks, don't be afraid to say it
Thanks

since there was no link, I. used copy/paste :_)=

URL for easy linkage:
http://wp7lab.com/

As for the website, I think it looks pretty nice and functions as it should.
Most of the material is just duplicate to what's on other WP7 blogs but I do like the game reviews. If you keep reviewing lesser known apps, I'll definately continue to check it out.
Following you on twitter.

trying links on the site and they keep timing out.
site looks nice though.

Developers are stepping up!

I would just like to point out the amazing jobs developers are doing in the lead up to Mango. Over the last 2 weeks we've had many official apps people want on a platform and hopefully this will last up to and beyond the Mango release. Also hats off to Microsoft as I'm sure they have something to do with it (close release dates can't just be a coincidence). A few examples of official apps from various markets released only in the last 2 weeks:
- IM+
- NBC Nightly
- MTV News
- Evernote
- FoodSpotting
- VH1 To Go
- Steven Colbert's The Word
- StubHub
- Best Buy
- AmazonFresh
- L'Equipe
- i>tele
- Larousse Francais
- Tele 7 Programme TV
- Telerama
- Dictionary.com
- Allrecipes
- XE Currency
- Photofunia
- KiK Messenger
- Weight Watchers
- National Park Maps
- Qype
- Plants vs Zombies
- Angry Birds
Now if only Mango would come very very soon we'd be a happy bunch .

Peew971 said:
I would just like to point out the amazing jobs developers are doing in the lead up to Mango. Over the last 2 weeks we've had many official apps people want on a platform and hopefully this will last up to and beyond the Mango release. Also hats off to Microsoft as I'm sure they have something to do with it (close release dates can't just be a coincidence).
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Now if only Mango would come very very soon we'd be a happy bunch .
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Yeah, WP7 is really moving on now. Some of the apps you mentioned are not available over here in Germany, but the ones I happened to have tested are really nice. Especially because of the ease of use that the metro ui offers. I'm really looking forward to what kind of apps mango will spawn.

Yeah they all seem well made and not just lazy ports from iOS/android. I missed a few too like Gowalla for instance.
Sent from my Samsung Omnia 7 using XDA Windows Phone 7 App

Yep, the app offering is getting quite better (if we aren't concerning too much about increasing spam).
Feels like all the traction needed for the 'real' launch of wp7 will be there only with the Mango/Nokia binome, though

andycted said:
Yep, the app offering is getting quite better (if we aren't concerning too much about increasing spam).
Feels like all the traction needed for the 'real' launch of wp7 will be there only with the Mango/Nokia binome, though
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There are a few good apps that do a better job filtering out crap apps than the official marketplace. WP7applist and Marketplace search are two that I have used.

yes it's good

ryude said:
There are a few good apps that do a better job filtering out crap apps than the official marketplace. WP7applist and Marketplace search are two that I have used.
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Yep, I know, but the point of building a marketplace _late_ and from the ground up, was -I though- avoiding the errors made by those who arrived first. At this point I'm still uncertain if they managed it, when I see 20 cloned apps floating in the new section now and then, apps that track one single guy achievements in a single game (20x times) and such things. But that's another argument.
I use Top Apps 2, which sorts apps/games based on reviews and not download count and has a nice set of filters.

andycted said:
Yep, I know, but the point of building a marketplace _late_ and from the ground up, was -I though- avoiding the errors made by those who arrived first. At this point I'm still uncertain if they managed it, when I see 20 cloned apps floating in the new section now and then, apps that track one single guy achievements in a single game (20x times) and such things. But that's another argument.
I use Top Apps 2, which sorts apps/games based on reviews and not download count and has a nice set of filters.
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Very true, and if you really think about it, we only have about 1,000 apps that are worth using. The rest is crap.

ryude said:
Very true, and if you really think about it, we only have about 1,000 apps that are worth using. The rest is crap.
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I'm not totally against marketplace opening. But it's clear Microsoft has absolutely no policy on app content or rather non-content.
Having an RSS app for every RSS feed out there makes zero sense, but they're not concerned by that.

Peew971 said:
Yeah they all seem well made and not just lazy ports from iOS/android.
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I wouldn't mind if they ported all the apps over, then started fixing them.

Even more official apps today like American Airlines or E! Can't list them all but WP7 is on a roll at the moment.
Sent from my Samsung Omnia 7 using XDA Windows Phone 7 App

All it took was the Nokia announcement I guess...

Still going on today with some new official apps (mostly European). I'm hoping for a non-US Amazon and Audible soon .
Some official apps released today: Fox News, Marmiton, DC Comics, Voyages-SNCF, Sky Italy TV Guide.

VEVO was also released today!
wow im loving the pace of the way things are moving with wp7

the dc comics app is gorgeous.
man im loving this pace...its been app after app after app.

Foursquare is back by the way, totally revamped.
Sent from my Samsung Omnia 7 using XDA Windows Phone 7 App

There is a trend on wp7 which is quite different than android. it's both good and bad in my opinion.
Games which are not xbox-live, even good ones, aren't really promoted on the platform. The same goes for apps that aren't 'official'.
This isn't bad per-se, meaning big companies with good resources can provide very polished good apps, like the ones you mentioned.
On the other hand, independent developer are left with their own means, with the menace of ever increasing spam and invisibility.
The 'featured' section is confined to 'official' apps like the ones you mentioned and the games section official promotion/visibility is monopoly of xbox.
While this can produce a few good standard apps, I think Microsoft could work better with the plumbing necessary for indie devs. Right now they basically have no interest in putting some boundaries between a good indie app/game and a crap/cloned/spammy one. They just mention that the 'marketplace will decide for itself'. Seems a bit too little.
Yeah I know this isn't all that weird, but seeing stuff like doodle jump on xbox live and free clones that got to the platform months earlier, that are free and actually better than the original... I feel something is missing.
Personally, seeing the problems linked with the 'free' and 'new' sections of the marketplace, it seems to me that they had the potential for the ultimate best mobile marketplace ever, and they've blown it away following previous models and standards.
All this to say that it's excellent to see all these official apps coming out (whilte the title of the thread is wrong, since it's not 'devs' that are stepping up, rather it's companies that bought in), there are a few missed opportunities to have a mix of what is good on android and ios together.
Don't misunderstand me, I know wp7 is far closer to ios than android, at least for marketplace structure. And I would still take this marketplace over others.
I just think people upstairs care too much about numbers
[disclaimer] yep, I do develop indie stuff, like the game you can find on the signature, so my point of view is partial. At the same time I feel like spam, app quality and visibility is a big issue with the current marketplace structure, because it's still at 1/10 at other marketplaces size but already affected by similar problems (cloned apps, spam apps, non-content apps). I didn't expect it on a new system like wp7, but evidently it's normal.

streak continues..The New York Times official app dropped today, not too much of a biggie but its slick and for wp7 now

andycted said:
There is a trend on wp7 which is quite different than android. it's both good and bad in my opinion.
Games which are not xbox-live, even good ones, aren't really promoted on the platform. The same goes for apps that aren't 'official'.
This isn't bad per-se, meaning big companies with good resources can provide very polished good apps, like the ones you mentioned.
On the other hand, independent developer are left with their own means, with the menace of ever increasing spam and invisibility.
The 'featured' section is confined to 'official' apps like the ones you mentioned and the games section official promotion/visibility is monopoly of xbox.
While this can produce a few good standard apps, I think Microsoft could work better with the plumbing necessary for indie devs. Right now they basically have no interest in putting some boundaries between a good indie app/game and a crap/cloned/spammy one. They just mention that the 'marketplace will decide for itself'. Seems a bit too little.
Yeah I know this isn't all that weird, but seeing stuff like doodle jump on xbox live and free clones that got to the platform months earlier, that are free and actually better than the original... I feel something is missing.
Personally, seeing the problems linked with the 'free' and 'new' sections of the marketplace, it seems to me that they had the potential for the ultimate best mobile marketplace ever, and they've blown it away following previous models and standards.
All this to say that it's excellent to see all these official apps coming out (whilte the title of the thread is wrong, since it's not 'devs' that are stepping up, rather it's companies that bought in), there are a few missed opportunities to have a mix of what is good on android and ios together.
Don't misunderstand me, I know wp7 is far closer to ios than android, at least for marketplace structure. And I would still take this marketplace over others.
I just think people upstairs care too much about numbers
[disclaimer] yep, I do develop indie stuff, like the game you can find on the signature, so my point of view is partial. At the same time I feel like spam, app quality and visibility is a big issue with the current marketplace structure, because it's still at 1/10 at other marketplaces size but already affected by similar problems (cloned apps, spam apps, non-content apps). I didn't expect it on a new system like wp7, but evidently it's normal.
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You do have a valid point on how Microsoft handle apps visibility, it's a bit of a shame but I can understand that as a new platform they need to promote the known apps and games to prove that the OS is viable. Hopefully this will change soon enough and maybe the web marketplace will improve things.
As for indie devs, I think the issue too many have is that they don't try hard enough to offer something compelling and truly exciting. I generalise a lot mind you, there are lots of talented developers making WP7 apps. However when I see something like 4th & Mayor, an app so good they made foursquare remove then redesign their official app, I'm wondering why more developers aren't producing this kind of work (not to mention the 4th&M developer shares his work with whoever wants it). We also need more original content, not just clones. I mean, Chickens n' Vixens is nice and all but we knew from day one Angry Birds was coming and that it would obviously get all the attention from Microsoft and most consumers. The amount of work that went into that could have been put in something much more original, it's a bit like a waste of talent.
Then again I'm not a developer so I shouldn't criticise but from where I stand, if an app is excellent it will be recognised and featured as such.

dapoharoun said:
streak continues..The New York Times official app dropped today, not too much of a biggie but its slick and for wp7 now
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I've seen others actually like PEGI, Alitalia, Accuweather, France 24, 2 new WeightWatchers apps and more I can't remember.