Mobile Content Challenge Blog

Developing BlackBerry Applications – Where to Start?

asrialbaker — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 13:51:15 +0000

I found an interesting link and I woant to share it with you guys. Especially for those thinking into developing BlackBerry application.

For your information, BlackBerry OS is one of the latest smartphone OS that opened itself to the world and BlackBerry also has it’s own application store called BlackBerry App World. There are numerous applications already added in the App World ranging from a simple calculator to social networking apps to GPS & Navigation solution.

So, if you are interested to kickstart your BlackBerry application development, why not give this LINK a shot and it will give you an overview and examples of the development environment.

3 Hours To Dateline

asrialbaker — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 12:27:09 +0000

The submission for Mobile Content Challenge 2009 will end at 12 midnight, tonight. So you have around 3 hours left.

If you have not submitted your idea yet, visit http://mobilecontentchallenge.com/reg_submission.php and follow the instruction. You will be one step closer to grab the prize of RM100,000.00.

When submitting your idea, please use the form at the above link and dont forget to attach your concept paper.

GOOD LUCK!!!

Choosing the right platform – Part 3 of 3, Symbian Application Development

asrialbaker — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 07:29:19 +0000

In this final part of the series, we will take a look into the basic requirements to develop Symbian applications.

Item	Requirement	Comment
Host OS	Windows XP SP2	Later service packs than SP2 will generally work, but are “not supported”
Host OS	MS Vista	See compatibility information.
CPU Speed	1.8 GHz
PC Memory	2GB RAM	Recommended for smooth operation of the IDE and Kits.
HDD	4 Gb +	The Tool kits (PDT/ADT) occupy approximately 1Gb of hard drive space. Application developers require a further 2Gb per ADK with additional space for the actual builds. Product developers require up to 100Gb for a full product build.

Assuming your computer meets the system requirements then setting up your PC for Symbian C++ development is as simple as downloading and installing (do so in this order):

Perl (use ONLY version 5.6.1.638, other versions are not compatible)
Application Developer Toolkit (ADT)
Software Developer Kit (SDK)

The rest of this entry can be read from the official Symbian C++ Development user guide.

Choosing the right platform – Part 2 of 3

asrialbaker — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 15:31:35 +0000

In this 2nd part, lets take a look at what is needed to develop for one of the hottest mobile platforms today. The iPhone.

What do you need to start developing native iPhone applications? Well, there are a few things. let’s take at the basics.

Step No. 1

Step No. 2

An Intel-based Mac running Leopard (OS X 10.5.3 or later). Any Mac released since 2006, laptop or desktop, should work. Borrow one or better,buy one!

Step No. 3

Download and Install the iPhone App SDK

Step No. 4

Object Oriented Programming, Objective C and Cocoa Touch

However, those are the utmost basic requirements. You need to equip yourself with more knowledge about the iPhone App universe to get going :

In this 2nd part, lets take a look at what is needed to develop for one of the hottest mobile platforms today. The iPhone.

What do you need to start developing native iPhone applications? Well, there are a few things. let’s take at the basics.

Step No. 1

Step No. 2

An Intel-based Mac running Leopard (OS X 10.5.3 or later). Any Mac released since 2006, laptop or desktop, should work. Borrow one or better,buy one!

Step No. 3

Download and Install the iPhone App SDK

Step No. 4

Object Oriented Programming, Objective C and Cocoa Touch

However, those are the utmost basic requirements. You need to equip yourself with more knowledge about the iPhone App universe to get going :

Useful External Documents/Sites: Outside of the iPhone Dev Center, I found the following useful:

CocoaDev: A fantastic wiki site for MAC OS X Cocoa developers.

From C++ to Objective C: [pdf] While I never learned C++, as a C programmer this document at least spoke my language and helped me translate much of what I learned in the world of C to the world of Objective-C.

Objective-C Resource Center: This site contains links to useful Objective C FAQs, tutorials, etc. However, these are of limited use since they all pertain to generic Objective-C and not to Apple’s proprietary version of Objective-C framework, namely Cocoa.

xCode: To apply all the Objective C and Cocoa goodness I’ve been learning, Apple provides a fantastic development tool – xCode. xCode is a multi-facetted development tool used to develop both Mac and iPhone applications. If there is anything that will delight you in the iPhone App development process its xCode. It just does what you want a development environment to do. So many of the menial tasks of the past are handled effortlessly for you. For details see the xCode Workspace Guide.

Interface Builder: Interface Builder (pictured above) is the part of xCode that you use to develop the visual/graphical interface to iPhone Apps – what you see and manipulate on the iPhone as you use iPhone Apps. The video version of the ‘Cocoa is my Girlfriend’ tutorial below was helpful as was this part of the more generic Intro to Cocoa Application Tutorial. The Interface Builder user guide is here (again, available only to those who have registered).

iPhone Simulator: One of the last pieces of the iPhone App development puzzle (before you start testing on an actual device that is) is the iPhone Simulator (pictured above). At any time during the development process you can build and test a version of your iPhone App and run it in the iPhone Simulator. It’s pretty nifty and easy to use.
Online Tutorials: There are several online tutorials that hold your hand, step by step, through basic iPhone application development:
- Your First iPhone Application (Apple’s introductory tutorial). This includes a terrific step-by-step description of the basic bootstrap process.Note: You will need to be logged into the iPhone Development Center to access this.
- icodeblog Tutorials: A computer science student named Brandon at the University of New Mexico has been posting useful iPhone App development tutorials on his icodeblog blog. His forum allows would-be iPhone developers to discuss his tutorials and learn from each other. His tutorials have been invaluable to my learning process.
- Cocoa Touch Tutorial: iPhone Application Example – [video version] (Cocoa is my Girlfriend);

Look Around : Nokia Announced Finalists for CallingAllInnovators Contest 2009

asrialbaker — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 15:23:40 +0000

I posted this news for reference and also for readers to look around and analyse where the market is going. Take their ideas as some kind of inspiration ok. Finalists in the 2009 Calling All Innovators contest include:

Internet Innovation Category. Developers were asked to submit either web applications known as Web Runtime widgets, or websites which are optimized for mobile browsing with Nokia devices.

1. Pixelpipe for Share Online. This WRT widget application from Pixelpipe, enables individuals to create and configure Nokia Share Online to use the Pixelpipe Media Gateway to distribute photos, video, audio and files to more than 90 popular social networking, photo/video, and blog services directly from the built-in phone gallery and camera applications.

2. Dianping. This widget for one of the top websites in China provides information about more than 275,000 restaurants, including descriptions, recommended dishes, address, phone number, price range and more. Individuals can search for restaurants by districts, categories, price range and key words. The application includes access to more than 7.5 million restaurant reviews, and coupons for restaurants, too.

3. Tech Buzz Homescreen Widget. The Tech Buzz Widget from UK-based Mippin, provides access the latest tech news anywhere on Nokia mobile devices. It regularly downloads tech stories from across the web, displaying the headlines and images in rotation on the Nokia N97 home screen, to give users immediate access.

Flash Category. Developers were asked to submit applications that expand the capabilities of Adobe Flash Lite on Nokia devices.

1. FLORIN: Personal Finance Tracker. With the FLORIN flash-based application from UK-based BlueskyNorth, consumers have access to a highly capable, but easy to use personal finance tracker for use on Nokia Series 60 5th Edition devices.

2. Reuters Slideshow. The Reuters Slideshow app from UK-based Tui Interactive Media, combines Flash and WRT widget functionality to deliver a constantly updated feed of pictures and news.

3. ActiveChinese. This mobile educational application, from the company of the same name, is comprised of 10 flash-animated lessons for English speakers to begin to learn how to speak Chinese. A series of built-in flashcards provides the most useful word and phrases, and includes: the Chinese character, Chinese pronunciation, PinYin, and the English translation.

Emerging Markets and Mobile Necessities Category. Developers were asked to submit applications or solutions that are the most innovative application using Nokia platforms, ranging from SMS through Series 40 and S60 device platforms. All applications would be evaluated, including those developed using Java, Python or open source.

1. Mobile JobHunt. Inspired by Nokia Life Tools in India, Mobile JobHunt from LEG aims to help people in rural areas in China. JobHunt provides timely and accurate job information from major cities on Series 40 Nokia phones. Other related services include employment news, skills training, employment legal rights, and entertainment.

2. Mobile Credit Card Terminal. Mobile Credit Card Terminal from 2C2P in Singapore gives business owners the ability to charge a credit card/debit card, and to manage transactions securely from Nokia S60 devices without additional equipment.

3. Blue Home. Created by Binu Johnson in India, Blue-Home installed on a Nokia S60 mobile device, and hardware in the home that can be purchased for approximately $30, an individual can monitor and operate six home appliances via Bluetooth in the mobile device.

Apps on Maps Category. Developers were asked to submit new ideas that harness the power of location-aware services using Ovi Maps on Nokia devices. From all of the ideas submitted, 14 developers were given exclusive access to the Ovi Beta SDK to turn their ideas into a completed application for use on Nokia devices.

1. PocketLife. As a location-based lifestyle app, with Pocket Life for Ovi Maps on your Nokia device, individuals can always be in touch with their closest friends, down to knowing precisely where they are at that given time. Using Pocket Life, individuals can discover new places, share photos, and quickly know their way around like a local.

2. Ground Guidance. How do you navigate when there are no roads? Ground Guidance with Ovi Maps solves this problem. With technology originally built for the U.S. Army, St. Paul, Minnesota-based Primordial uses an innovative, patented technique, combined with a wide range of data sources to create a walk-able route where no road data exists. Pick any two points in the app, and the user will be presented with a walk-able path to take.

3. Smart EggsCrack open a Smart Egg to get a multimedia review of the latest movie, or tips about special promotions from nearby shops. Engage in a mobile treasure hunt with your friends, collecting codes inside Premium Smart Eggs. This mobile app for brands, artists, and venues interacts with consumers at the local level, while promoting the use of multiple Nokia services and platforms, including Ovi Maps and more.

The Question of Copyright

asrialbaker — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 15:02:33 +0000

This is another question that always made it’s way to the Q&A session during our MCC 2009 workshops.

What if I win the competition and I want to commercialise it. Who owns the IP (Intellectual Property)? Will I still be the owner or Maxis will take it?

Without question, copyright is very important. With regards to applications and ideas, it’a all about Intellectual Property (IP).

I remember during MCC Workshop in Penang last month on July 23rd 2009, one of the speakers, Kartunis Ubi talked a great length about copyright and how he dealt with it in years. It’s refreshing and inspiring to be able to listen to his experience.

According to Kartunis Ubi, there are a few ways to secure your copyright, the easy ways and the hard ways. One of the easiest way to do it is by implementing the following :

- Compile all your materials. Your paper, your drawings, your cd, your original sketch on paper, and anything related to your idea. ALL OF THEM.

- Put them inside an envelope.

- Buy some stamps from post office and seal the back of the envelope using those stamps.

- Write your own name and address on the back of the envelope.

- Post / Mail the envelope to yourself.

- NEVER open the envelope after you receive it.

Well, it’s just one way of doing things and you’ll be surprised on how easy it is actually. So, dont forget to keep all your sketches and your doodles for future reference. Who knows you might need it in the future!

I Dare You – Part 3

asrialbaker — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 14:42:21 +0000

This is the 3rd in the series of challenges that I posted for readers of this blog. Especially those from Malaysian IHLs who are interested to participate in MCC 2009.

CHALLENGE NO. 3

“When receiving SMS, I want to see who’s sending it complete with the text, better if it also associates with my built-in contact photos. Right now, the word – New Message – is useless. It would be cool if when my phone receives an SMS, the screen will display a photo of the sender and the whole text is displayed on the screen”

Note : Take a look at Symbian application which is called Best FSMessage. It is cool and it gives the information in one full screen without touching the phone.

A look into 2008 MCC submission ideas

asrialbaker — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 15:59:32 +0000

Last year 2008, there are 185 submissions from all over Malaysia. The ideas vary and I must congratulate all of them for coming out with their ideas

The MCC Secretariat receives many inquiries and asking about what ideas could be forwarded. In which, we can only reply using generic answers. However, for the benefits of all who are interested in Mobile Content Challenge 2009, I posted the previous years submission for reference.

This information is actually available from the official MCC 2009 website and I reproduced the link here :

Top 12 Finalists

185 Submission

Hopefully, by making the information available in this blog, those who have not visited the official website will be able to access the information and get a clearer picture of what has been done and submitted last year.

Submission date extended to September 7th 2009

asrialbaker — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 15:49:11 +0000

That’s right folks. The date for concept submission has been extended to September 7th 2009. All in all, you have another 7 DAYS to go! This is to give you all the time you need in order to turn your ideas into reality. Once you guys are ready to submit, just go to the official submission registration page and fill in the information.

Nokia Widget Development How To

asrialbaker — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 05:53:57 +0000

S60 Web Runtime (WRT) widgets are stand-alone web applications that run on Nokia S60 devices.

Recently, Forum Nokia released plug-ins for Aptana Studio, Adobe Dreamweaver, and Microsoft Visual Studio, making widget development with these popular web-development environment simple and intuitive. If you are familiar with these web development tools, you can develop your Widgets in no time. Starting Nokia widget development is easy: All you need is basic-level programming experience within the area of web development. Knowledge of JavaScript, HTML, CSS, and Ajax will be an advantage and can enable you to create rich internet applications.

Here’s the steps to develop a simple Nokia Widget app using Aptana Studio:

You need Aptana Studio or Aptana Studio Pro 1.2 or later installed on your Microsoft Windows PC or Apple Macintosh computer. The current version can be obtained from the download page on the Aptana website.

Installing the plug-in

The Nokia WRT Plug-in is installed from within Aptana Studio by selecting the My Aptana tab in the editor, then clicking the Plugins icon. The Nokia WRT Plug-in for Aptana Studio is listed under the Platforms tab, and can be installed via the Get It link.

The Nokia WRT Plug-in for Aptana Studio is listed in the Platforms tab.

Once the Search Results dialogue opens, select the item Site providing the Nokia WRT Plug-in for Aptana Studio, and then select Next. The licence agreement is displayed; choose I accept the terms of the license agreement, and then click Next. The Installation dialogue now displays the items that’ll be installed. Click Finish to download the plug-in. Once the download is complete, the Feature Verification dialogue is displayed. Click Install all to start the installation. Finally, restart Aptana Studio once the installation is complete.

Create a new widget project

You’re now ready to create a widget. Select File > New > Project from the Aptana Studio menu. The Select a wizard dialogue, shown below, is now displayed. Expand the Nokia Web Runtime (WRT) item (see Figure 2), select New Nokia Web Runtime Widget, and click Next. (You’ll also see an option to import existing WRT widget projects or widget packages into Aptana Studio.)

Options are available to create new WRT widget projects or import existing ones.

In the Select a type of project dialogue, select RSS Reader Widget Project and click Next. Give your project a name in the New Nokia Widget Project dialogue. You can click Next to display a dialogue that enables you to set the feed URL and indicate that the widget includes a home-screen view; but for this quick start, click Finish and your WRT widget project will be created.

Edit your code

The content of your project can now be seen in the Project tab

The RSS-feed widget project is open in Aptana Studio.

You can now modify the code in the example to access your favourite RSS feed. You do this by editing the feedURL variable in the RSSReader.js JavaScript™ code

Edit the widget’s JavaScript code to customise the RSS feed displayed.

Preview your widget

There are three ways to preview a widget: within Aptana Studio, in an external browser, and, if you’re using a Microsoft Windows PC, in an S60 emulator. Full details of all these options are provided in the Nokia WRT Plug-in for Aptana Studio QuickStart Guide.

To preview the widget within Aptana Studio, open the index.html file and select the Nokia Web Runtime (WRT) tab. It’s possible to preview the widget in the screen resolution and orientation available on various S60 devices. This is done by selecting the Settings cog in the preview window, as shown in Figure 5, to display a list of preview settings options.

The widget preview can be set to match the size and orientation of S60 device screens.

Package your widget

Once the features of the widget have been confirmed and any debugging completed, the widget can be packaged into a *.wgz installation package. To do this, right-click within the project’s tree to open the shortcut menu and select Package Widget. The widget is now packaged and the file placed in the project’s root folder.

Deploy your widget

The plug-in supports the deployment of *.wgz files to S60 devices over a Bluetooth connection or to an S60 emulator (on Windows PCs only). Before this feature can be used, it’s necessary to select a deployment target. To do this, select Window > Preferences from the Aptana Studio menu, then select Web Runtime > Deployment.

In the Deployment pane, click Search to scan for available Bluetooth connections. When scanning is complete, click OK and select a device from the Select Device drop-down list.

Widgets can be deployed to an SDK or a device from within Aptana Studio.

Now, to deploy the widget, open the project’s shortcut menu and select Deploy Widget.

Install your widget

The widget installation package is now in your device’s Messaging Inbox, from where it can be opened. This starts the installation process, which follows the same sequence as installing an application. Once installed, the widget will be in your device’s Installations or similar folder.

The deployed widget is installed and can then be opened from the device’s ‘installation’ folder.