How to Make a Droid App From Scratch

So you want to make a Droid app and think you have some pretty good ideas for what you want to make. You just might. I don't want to dampen that enthusiasm. I do want to see if I can help you channel that into a successful way of thinking about your project.

First of all, it is not going to get done in a day or so. If you do, the app will stink - I guarantee it. There is a process, both in your thoughts and in your actions that should result in you having an app to present to the App Store. Second, you are more likely to "kill it" by making a lot of apps and having some pretty good ones than to put all your effort into one or three and wait then to see what kind of money they make for you. You will make better money over the long run if you have a lot of little streams of income than if you try three or four, get bummed out and quit. The thing is, the more apps you write, the better apps you will write because you will have the experience gained from all you wrote before.

While you are thinking about that, if you are deadly serious about writing apps, you should get an Android phone. When you have that, you can try out some apps to see what they do and get some idea of the ways they were programmed to interact with the user. These will be details you will find valuable when you face all the choices you will be making in this pursuit.

You will then need to get the Android SDK - the basic app writing program.

Now you get to the beef of the matter: what will your app do for the subscriber? Ideally, you are the market. If you are a typical member of the market you are seeking to reach, then you can plan the processes you want in the app to solve the problem you have. Before you begin roughing in an app, though, you should see if there already is one out there that does what you want done. Going head to head with a good, popular app is not ideal.

If you do find there are apps written to solve your problem, you should see if they have a good user interface and are pleasant to use. There are apps out there that have little competition but are still going un-downloaded and/or unsold. If they have functions that seem clunky or are difficult to use, or they do more than is necessary, becoming too complex for normal use, then you may have a legitimate improvement for the offering.

I suggest that you find others with your need to brainstorm with and discuss how you are going to solve this problem. To make it work, you can set up the "app" on letter sized paper, like an oversized scale model. You should write on it with a marker, crayon, or other clear and somewhat broad-tipped marking device. The android screen is small, so you will be limited in the amount of information you can put there. Having a gross tip will help you make sure you don't put more than practical information on each page.

Make each page a "screen shot" of what your app will do. For this choice, the page then will look like this. For that choice (have your tester poke the page there) the page then will come up looking like "this." This way you will suss out lack of functionality issues, unclear instructions within the program, or non-intuitive interface issues.

Bear in mind, the touch screen on a Droid not only responds to touch, it responds to movement as well as speed of movement also. Think of issues like view, zoom, and pan. Remember the finger is a blunt instrument as well and make sure the buttons are not too fine to hit easily with a finger.
This and many other topics are discussed on my blog, "Apple and Android App Questions and Answers," which is designed to enable you to learn how to make a droid app from active developers. I look forward to seeing you add to the discussion by posting any relevant question or answer to an existing question.

What Makes a Spy Program the Ultimate Bluetooth Mobile Phone Spy Program

It has always been hard to find out if your spouse is having an affair. Cheaters will always come up with ways to cover their tracks. They may even get people you know to lie to you so that you won't catch them.


Aside from having to hire a private investigator (which also comes with its own set of problems, starting with its prohibitive cost), the only way to catch a cheating spouse is by following him or her around. This is not only highly inconvenient, but also ineffective. While assuming that you can get away for one day from your daily obligations in order to follow your spouse around, you still have to be lucky enough to do it on a day that he or she meets the other one. And of course, you are the first person that your spouse and whoever is into the lie will be looking for.

That's assuming that your spouse is indeed having an infidelity. If your spouse is telling you the truth and is really working long hours in the office, you won't find anything, and you will still think that something is going on.

Lastly, even if you somehow catch your spouse having an affair, proving it on a court is something completely different.

Last year, someone came up with the idea of tracking a mobile phone through the use of Bluetooth technology and GPS. This program became extremely popular among people who questioned their spouse's fidelity, yet didn't have the time and resources to investigate into it. Over time, competitors came up with their own versions of the program.

Because of the sensitivity and importance of the information that they are looking for, people who want to know the truth about their spouse don't want to get just any program. They want the ultimate Bluetooth mobile phone spy program. The ultimate Bluetooth mobile phone spy program is measured in quality, not price, both because of the consequences of being caught and because all programs are quite affordable anyway.

Perhaps the most important aspect of the ultimate Bluetooth mobile phone spy program is how discreet it is. A cheating spouse that doesn't know he or she is being tracked will give him or herself away.

Another characteristic of the ultimate Bluetooth mobile phone spy program is that it will be easy and fast to install. Otherwise, the cheating spouse will know that his or her phone has been bugged.
In conclusion, the ultimate Bluetooth mobile phone spy will be affordable, discreet and will get the job done.

Will Microsoft Finally Get it Right With Windows Phone 7?

When new mobile phones are introduced they usually send me one to play around with and compare to others in the marketplace. More times than not they are just newer versions of something in the marketplace, but not really WOW. Once in a blue moon the device and operating system blows me away. Its happening more often these days.


Apple did with the first iPhone. Totally new thinking. Google did with their Android, a strong competitor. There are several others coming from non-cell phone companies like Lenovo and Dell. Samsung, LG, HTC, even Nokia and Motorola are in that same space. The stage is being set for more of these breakthrough products and operating systems.

Microsoft entered the cell phone space with their mobile operating system years ago, and while I expected them to have a really successful product, it just never happened. Every version of their operating system I tried was better than the last, but they were all just too confusing. It required too much work to do anything. Too many steps.

It was like they tried to squeeze a little laptop into a mobile phone. It just didnt work. I have learned over the last several years that just about everyone had the same complaints. There are many Microsoft fans that want a good OS, but the company just keeps missing.

Now Microsoft is about to launch their next generation. They call it Windows Phone 7. Will it be successful this time? There is no way to know for sure until it is in the marketplace, but it may indeed ring that bell that Microsoft has missed for so many years.

Mobile operating systems are growing up. They are doing so many exciting things in new ways. As it gets more complicated it is so important to make the OS easy to use.
This is PhD technology. Push Here Dummy.
Want to make a call, press the phone icon. Want to check email, press the icon. Want to surf the web, well you get the point.

That was the problem with previous versions of Microsoft OS. Instead of easy buttons you had pull down menus like on your computer OS. While that works on the computer, it does not work on the cell phone.

Perhaps the screen is too small. Perhaps we are not thinking the same way on the different devices. On a computer we are focused on the keyboard and the screen. On a phone we are doing whatever else we are doing and we pull it out of our pocket to make a quick call or check email. We require simplicity on our phones.

Lets hope Microsoft hits a home run this time. It is a new marketplace with many new competitors. It sounds easy, but obviously it is very difficult to create an easy remote control for something that does so much. The company needs to think like a cell phone maker and not a computer maker. These are two completely different mindsets.

Microsoft has one of the strongest brand names in the business. They should be able to carve out a respectable niche. However they have missed time after time in recent years.
The market is growing and the opportunity is huge, if they can get it right this time and produce an OS that people love to use.
Microsoft will be unveiling their long awaited new Windows Phone 7. I have said they need a complete re-do and this seems like they did just that. Something customers will love right out of the box. Will this latest version of mobile phone software be that good? Lets hope so for Microsoft, for their investors, and for their customers.

Surviving the Job Crisis Without Going to the Poor House

Just the title alone might bring about some doubt to your situation especially if you have been out of work for a while. On the flip side, there is an upside - the dreaded word that we love to hate -- change. Change works two ways both pro and con. The key, of course, is to be on the positive side of change. In essence, if you want to change your job situation than you need to start with changing your thinking.


Are you holding yourself back with a dinosaur view to economics and the job market? Sure, the idea of a global economy has been around for a while, now, but do you know what that means to you as an individual? In short, it means change is the only constant so you will need to constantly keep your skills fresh and eye on the job market radar. Moreover, it is absolutely critical that you move away from the snails approach to finding a job and get on board with real-time, particularly job search realtime (available in the Android market).

Why realtime? Realtime is about now and it's hinged upon connecting with the right people -- right now, not later. Far too often, decisions about personality are made on a moments notice in today's world with smartphones and the surge of social networking. Thus, if you don't get up to speed with the way people network today, you simply are going to be left behind, even if you are keeping up your skills.

The bottom line is that there is no short cut to the road of fluffy pockets. The path is still there, despite all the bad job news over the airways. The problem is many people are stuck in their old ways of doing things and now find themselves in the job market after many years and simply don't know how to or refuse to adapt. As history teaches us, adapting (change) is best done voluntarily versus forced. With that being said, it's better that you recognize the changes you need to make yourself before the harsh realities of economics forces you to change.

The latter is a hard pill to swallow with no water. If you're motivated, maybe that helps put matter into perspective. For those that need an extra push, to take control of your career, if the current economics isn't enough to light a fire under your feet, nothing will. So what's it going to be? You choose.

Develop or Port Your Applications to Android Platform

Giving tough competition in mobile market, Android has become a reliable mobile operating system for various smartphones and tablets. With great efficiency and output, it has become a threat for other major players prevalent in the industry. Many mobile users are now buying Android-based mobile phones to make the best use of this operating system in their daily life.


As the number of Android users is growing, the businesses should not ignore this useful platform for reaching a wider audience. Considering today's scenario, the businesses can develop business, entertainment, game and utility applications to entice wider audience to download it in their device. Like any other platform, they can also use this platform to develop different mobile applications to make the mobile device more useful.

Many businesses have already developed mobile applications on different mobile OS that are benefitting their business with higher promotion and greater revenue. However, it's time to expand your market and therefore, you must focus on Android-based applications. If you are a businessman, you can choose between two options for your business promotion. You can either choose a new Android application development solution or even port your existing application to Android platform. This can be decided as per your business needs, market trends and budget.

With the slow economy, it is important that you work on the budget factor that can enable you to reap maximum benefits instead of burdening your pocket. Once you are sure of your budget limits for Android development services, you can contact an Android app development company. As the demand is higher, there are many Android development companies operating from different parts of the world.

You can make a selection of a company that has a big team of Android app developers to meet your interim and future goals. Moreover, the company must be willing to develop a new application, customize off-the-shelf solution and even port your existing mobile applications to the Android platform. The highly talented Android developers will perform their tasks in the most efficient manner to help you launch the solution at the right time in the industry.

Once the selection is done for an Android company, you can discuss the terms and conditions properly with Android experts and sign the written agreement to avoid any discrepancies that can occur at later stages. A reliable company will never hesitate to sign a non-disclosure agreement with your company to keep your idea safe.

More Features on the Sony Ericsson W8

The Sony Ericsson W8 Walkman Phone is a pretty straight forward device. It allows you to enjoy more from music. However, there is more to this Android handset than expected. It comes with additional features that will definitely surprise you.


When this handset was announced by SE, we found out that the phone came with features built around music. It came with the Walkman Player that allows you to organize your music, playlists, and albums. It also comes with the infinite button for getting more information on the track you are listening to. Lastly, it comes with TrackID music recognition. This allows you to get information like artist, album, and the option to purchase the track on PlayNow. However, there is more to this handset than just music.

The Walkman Phone offers options for customization. On the four corners of the home screen, you can add shortcuts to any function of the handset. On one corner, you can create a shortcut to your contacts. On another corner, you can assign a shortcut that gives you instant access to your music. On the third corner, you can place a shortcut to the web. This will allow you to visit your favorite website at a touch. On the fourth corner, you can create a shortcut to the Android Market. This will allow you to get more apps for games or more music.

Another feature on the Sony Ericsson W8 we are sure you will love is Twitter integration. This will allow you tweet at anytime from anywhere you may be. You can even use TrackID music recognition to let the whole world know what you are listening to. This will allow you to get more information about a particular track and allow your friends to listen to it as well.

Because the handset comes with Twitter integration, it also comes with Facebook integration. This will allow you to get all the updates and feeds that make you enjoy the social network even more. This will allow you to get to know what your friends are up to at all times.

The Android handset also comes with a virtual keyboard that allows its users to enjoy typing ease. When it comes to emails, social feeds, tweets, and SMS, you can run through symbols, letters, and numbers with ease. This virtual keyboard will offers a complete selection of characters and symbols for you to enjoy.

The Sony Ericsson W8 is more than just a smartphone built around music. It may not be as advanced as the SE Arc. However, it comes with a number of Android features for you to enjoy.

Texting While Driving Accidents Are on the Rise

The reason for this is not too difficult to understand - people are simply overconfident of their ability of doing two things successfully at one time - in this case, texting messages while driving. Such people believe that they are very quick at texting and at their speed; it only takes a few seconds to send a message. They believe that driving is not very complicated and hence there is no need to stop before sending a text message. They wrongly believe all this and that is why even a moment's loss of distraction can prove fatal. They will only realize their folly after their first accident and by then, it may be too late. They have seen their friends and relatives doing the same thing and nothing untoward happening, so, they believe that they can do the same as well.


Since texting while driving accidents have been on the rise, local authorities have been compelled to introduce stiff penalties for defaulters which could even lead to cancellation of one's driving license after repeated occurrences. After all, local authorities have a duty towards the community and ensuring safer roads and more responsible, sensible drivers. If drivers are not prepared to listen, understand and cooperate, punishment would be the last option. Nowadays, many States explicitly prohibit the use of cell phones while driving - some of them make a concession for those who have hands free cell phones and also a similar option for sending and reading text messages.

But these drivers need to download the necessary applications for it or use phones with Android app. The logic is that, if your hands are kept free, then atleast drivers will be able to concentrate on the road better but driving with using your hands for sending text messages, is strictly a No-No.
There is no doubt after these measures, the number of texting while driving accidents has slightly come down, but we would like to see that come down even further.

As a parent, one has a duty towards counseling your children of the hazards of not following rules when driving. Parents must make their children understand that they have seen life a little more than them and it would be more sensible if they heed their advice. They could also be a little strict with them and tell them that if they find them not obeying their instructions, they will not permit them to use the family car on their own Hopefully, this will have a favorable impact in their teenaged children and the number of texting while driving accidents will decline. We ourselves, need to set an example to our teenaged children and should not be seen sending text messages or reading them while driving, as, they will simply imitate us and believe that if my Dad can do it, why not me.