Oct 2010
The other Doctor Who News App
28/10/10 20:47
I noticed recently that a second Doctor Who News app had appeared in the App Store and I decided to check out the competition. It is called simply Doctor Who News.
Well firstly the app uses Doctor Who in the app name, the TARDIS as its icon and pictures of Matt Smith in it. As a non-licensed BBC produced app, it is breaking copyright and so there is a good chance it will either need to remove these images or it will be pulled by the BBC.
More importantly I feel potential buyers need to know that app is created using an automated process using an app builder called Mobile Roadie. In fact you can go and sign up yourself. Basically you log into the Mobile Roadie website, pay your fee and upload some photos, music/podcasts, you tube videos and RSS feeds. crank the handle and out pops an app which then appears at the App Store in a week or so.
If you checkout Mobile Roadie at the App Store you’ll see there are hundreds of apps for bands, celebrities etc. That was why it was created so bands could quickly and easily generate an app for their fans to follow them on.
So why do I mention this, well because on the face of it this new kid on the block is cheaper, has video and looks a bit swish but there is no developer behind. When you send feedback and say I’d really like this feature added, the guy using Mobile Roadie hasn’t written a line of code for the app and can’t customise the app beyond changing a graphic.
WhoNews isn’t about a quick buck, it is a labour of love, it’s spending time in front of a keyboard and crafting code to produce a better experience based on feedback from you guys.
So feel free to go and try the new version but WhoNews and I will still be here when you come back.
Paul.
Well firstly the app uses Doctor Who in the app name, the TARDIS as its icon and pictures of Matt Smith in it. As a non-licensed BBC produced app, it is breaking copyright and so there is a good chance it will either need to remove these images or it will be pulled by the BBC.
More importantly I feel potential buyers need to know that app is created using an automated process using an app builder called Mobile Roadie. In fact you can go and sign up yourself. Basically you log into the Mobile Roadie website, pay your fee and upload some photos, music/podcasts, you tube videos and RSS feeds. crank the handle and out pops an app which then appears at the App Store in a week or so.
If you checkout Mobile Roadie at the App Store you’ll see there are hundreds of apps for bands, celebrities etc. That was why it was created so bands could quickly and easily generate an app for their fans to follow them on.
So why do I mention this, well because on the face of it this new kid on the block is cheaper, has video and looks a bit swish but there is no developer behind. When you send feedback and say I’d really like this feature added, the guy using Mobile Roadie hasn’t written a line of code for the app and can’t customise the app beyond changing a graphic.
WhoNews isn’t about a quick buck, it is a labour of love, it’s spending time in front of a keyboard and crafting code to produce a better experience based on feedback from you guys.
So feel free to go and try the new version but WhoNews and I will still be here when you come back.
Paul.
Anglotopia Feed
26/10/10 22:40 Filed in: Feed news
I’ve now added Anglotopia.Net to the list of WhoNews feeds. The website is for people who Britain and they have a regular Doctor Who feed which comes up with some real gems now and then.
For example the have a some wonderful Doctor Who Posters by a French Graphics designer. I recommend checking out the site http://www.anglotopia.net/doctor-who/doctor-who-really-cool-minimalist-dw-posters/
Cheers
Paul.
For example the have a some wonderful Doctor Who Posters by a French Graphics designer. I recommend checking out the site http://www.anglotopia.net/doctor-who/doctor-who-really-cool-minimalist-dw-posters/
Cheers
Paul.
The Ood Cast & Feed News
15/10/10 15:49 Filed in: Feed news
Another feed has joined the collective with the welcome addition of guys and girls over at The Ood Cast. So welcome to Andy, Chris Alpha & Sigma, Laura and The Littlest Doctor.
I recommend checking out the site and listening to their latest podcast. You can listen to their podcast from within WhoNews by clicking download on The Ood Cast web page.
In the background I’ve spent many hours working on the news generator. I have a new solution which should ensure slightly more regular updates as the old version was starting to creak under the strain of processing 30+ feeds in under 30 seconds. It is now live and I will be monitoring it closely.
Cheers
Paul.
I recommend checking out the site and listening to their latest podcast. You can listen to their podcast from within WhoNews by clicking download on The Ood Cast web page.
In the background I’ve spent many hours working on the news generator. I have a new solution which should ensure slightly more regular updates as the old version was starting to creak under the strain of processing 30+ feeds in under 30 seconds. It is now live and I will be monitoring it closely.
Cheers
Paul.
WhoNews the sticky, time-travelling app
03/10/10 12:47 Filed in: Reviews
I was very flattered to discover an article by Bill Siwicki at www.internetretailer.com on WhoNews.
Bill is the senior editor for mobile commerce and has used a WhoNews as a great example of what keeps users coming back to an app and keeping it on their home screen.
You can read the article here https://www.internetretailer.com/commentary/2010/10/01/sticky-time-travelling-mobile-app
Paul.
Bill is the senior editor for mobile commerce and has used a WhoNews as a great example of what keeps users coming back to an app and keeping it on their home screen.
You can read the article here https://www.internetretailer.com/commentary/2010/10/01/sticky-time-travelling-mobile-app
Paul.
