The Pursuit of Happiness » Technology

Augmented Reality

Tom — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 07:51:31 +0000

There’s no doubt augmented reality has a big future in one form of another. Lately I’ve been toying with some ideas and code for both desktop and phones and while doing my research I came across GE’s existing application. Awesome!

Competition is great!

Tom — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 01:20:40 +0000

With Android becoming a force Apple can’t afford to ignore developers any more – and it seems they realised that too. Since New Year the AppStore approval process is much much faster. Earlier this month I had an update approved in two days but I attributed that to low volume of app submissions after Christmas however it seems Apple is keeping the momentum – today I had an update approved in less than a day with another (new) application moving to “In review” status after just 4 hours. Let’s hope it lasts!

Why I want TechHub!

Tom — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 15:39:01 +0000

Here’s my contribution to TechHub’s pitch to UK government and competition.

TechHub is a new and exciting project to create a physical space for tech startups in London reaching out to entrepreneurs across the UK, Europe, the US and beyond.

Thank you Apple!

Tom — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 12:05:15 +0000

Apple’s AppStore flaws are well documented – long review times, inconsistency and lack of transparency leading the pack. But I can’t help thinking that the hysteria that developed around hating developing for Apple is somewhat unfounded. Like influential developer Joe Hewitt “quitting” Apple over its tyranny. The whole tech blogosphere was appalled and disgusted! Let’s just gloss over the fact that it must be really easy to quit Apple when someone else is paying your bills (Facebook). The AppStore is the best platform to make money from at the moment and if that’s what you care about (or have to because you have to, you know, eat and pay bills yourself) there isn’t anywhere else to go. Android is growing but developing for it and making money there is still pain. Sure the AppStore and its review process have flaws and especially long review times are inexcusable for company of Apple’s stature but calls for opening the store to everyone are frankly ridiculous – Apple’s close control of its products is single most important factor in great user experience they deliver.

Why do I say all this? I quite recently decided to ignore the critics and develop my first app. Review process took 7 working days which is long and needless to say I was very anxious as to whether it’ll get approved or not. But once it was I was sorted. I have marketing plan but I didn’t need to use it yet (saving it for version 2 that should be approved soon). Within two weeks it was in TOP 10 paid apps in Reference category and doing well. Now show me a platform where I could launch a product, not tell anyone about it and still be making thousands of dollars every month.

So I thank you Apple. Thank you for amazing phone and platform that is fun to develop for and profitable too!

Happy New Year everyone!

Everything is amazing, nobody is happy…

Tom — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 22:31:45 +0000

This is amazing video… and totally true!