So I recently got very interested in Windows Phone 7 (mango) and I had been thinking about starting to create my own apps for a while. The result is the idea for an app that is as follows:
Name: Crumbs
Possible abbreviation: to send somebody a "crumb"
In short: An app that capable of: writing/creating, organising, sharing and following instructions, AKA crumbs.
What I want to achieve with this is a new option into social networking, but this time it's also very useful and not just fun to show off. What could these crumbs be? Well, I've thought of some categories already:
Routinely task:
like the stuff you do every morning, shouldn't forget, etc.
Work/study task:
some sort of study schedule, with certain points you should handle to complete the whole task.
Preparation/cooking task:
doesn't need any explanation.
Scavenger hunt/adventure:
wouldn't it be great if you can give a list of instructions to someone with some reward at the end?
Travelling:
similar to your adventure, but could contain various flight data or a couple of options (so you don't "finish" an item, but finish 1 item in a dillema.
Other: always have some other category..
User defined: if a user wants to make his/her own category.So these are the categories, but as you've already seen, each category has different types of commands/operations one has to perform to complete the whole task. So when writing a new one, you could filter the entry-options by the ones most important for that category and give the users a seperate option to add another operation than the ones listed by default. Some possible operations and their integration ideas are as stated below:
Action: very straightforward, do something and when executing the crumb you simply check the box when done. Maybe some option with a timer that alerts you that you should be done with the operation soon (for example: cooking).
Navigate: go to a specific location and then you check the operation. Possible GPS integration/maps?
Input: give certain input to go on. For example useful when creating an adventure (go there, look for the church and read what's on it) or something else that should need a password or any other input.
Alert: to alert yourself/the executor OR (and this is important) some other user that you've arrived at a certain operation in your crumb.
Yeah, you read it right, another user. Because one other important aspect of almost every app nowadays is SHARING. So ofcourse, there will have to be the option to share crumbs. People will be able to manage their crumbs on a phone ofcourse, but if there's a lot, wouldn't it be easy to have them stored online too? A place where you can rapidly type, organise and share your crumbs. So there should be a format to save them in (.crumb looks fantastic ). So, you simply send someone the crumb using a public link you create for your privately stored crumb. But what about something called instructors/friends? Wouldn't it be awesome if you can allow certain people to GIVE you crumbs straightaway, so you'll get alerted and know you have to do something (OK, "your mom" wouldn't be awesome, but useful nonetheless). To make things easier for this, the users will have to be able to manage these friends/instructors too and have their own cookie jar/cake box to receive their crumbs directly in (on the website and in the app). I sense some Facebook/social integration, don't you?
Then there's this weird habit of people: they've got calendars and tasks on them. Wouldn't it be great if the crumbs are linked to calendar and/or outlook-task items?
Sooo... This is my (already quite complex) idea. To conclude things once again: the outlook task system isn't capable of managing real tasks. You can give certain progress percentages, but that's just something that could be managed by this app, since it's much more in depth.
Problem is, I'm not that good at developing (yet)! So if any developer out there is willing to take this thing on with me (I just feel this could turn out great), please let me know. Meanwhile, I'll keep dreaming on and I'm a quick learner, so I hope to show a mockup of some sorts soon . I've already thought out some sort of menu structure/frame everything should be hung up in and that's what I'll be working on the time to come.
And keep in mind:
This idea is NOT for sharing by anyone but me right now. That it may be very clear that this idea is not for your own use!
Related
Here we go:
I use a number of Microsoft Access Databases for my work, and each one is intensely coded and designed and basically run like actual programs. What I am looking for is to be able to take these databases with me. Now understanding that Microsoft and Android are two completely different beasts, what I really am looking for is the ability to take the tables (I use all Back-end database so all my tables are in a completely separate file then all my forms, queries, and reports) and the data with me and be able to run them in a program on Android that keeps the relationships and fields and all of that sort of stuff.
Now what would be great is the ability to use forms (even if special forms for android need to be made), run queries, and even be able to run reports and print as PDFs.
now I know how to code in VBA, hence the extensive coding I have done in Access, so anybody willing to WORK WITH in creating an Android Program to basically be an extension of Microsoft Access please contact me. Please not I use the words WORK WITH loosely, while I am trying to learn how to Program for Android, I currently do not have a computer that I can use to develop programs for android on, and well I would be only able to create the "Hello World" starter program and this project seems a slight bit more complicated. But what I can bring to the table is real world experience in testing and using the program day in and day out, a number of already existing Microsoft Access Databases ranging from Complex to Simple that I use every day. Really a program that can run Microsoft Access Tables on Android would be really useful to me and I am willing to do anything to help make this happen.
kronos82 said:
Here we go:
I use a number of Microsoft Access Databases for my work, and each one is intensely coded and designed and basically run like actual programs. What I am looking for is to be able to take these databases with me. Now understanding that Microsoft and Android are two completely different beasts, what I really am looking for is the ability to take the tables (I use all Back-end database so all my tables are in a completely separate file then all my forms, queries, and reports) and the data with me and be able to run them in a program on Android that keeps the relationships and fields and all of that sort of stuff.
Now what would be great is the ability to use forms (even if special forms for android need to be made), run queries, and even be able to run reports and print as PDFs.
now I know how to code in VBA, hence the extensive coding I have done in Access, so anybody willing to WORK WITH in creating an Android Program to basically be an extension of Microsoft Access please contact me. Please not I use the words WORK WITH loosely, while I am trying to learn how to Program for Android, I currently do not have a computer that I can use to develop programs for android on, and well I would be only able to create the "Hello World" starter program and this project seems a slight bit more complicated. But what I can bring to the table is real world experience in testing and using the program day in and day out, a number of already existing Microsoft Access Databases ranging from Complex to Simple that I use every day. Really a program that can run Microsoft Access Tables on Android would be really useful to me and I am willing to do anything to help make this happen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think we must have the same job
Android utilizes an sqlite database engine and it looks like sqlite already offers a conversion utility HERE. The real question would be how to get the data in and out of the phone. Regarding forms, they definitely would need to be custom built.
Thanks this is deffenetly a start, From what I can tell this This Looks to be the most promising, It looks like all you would have to do is put a MS Access Database file on your SD CARD and have a program access it. That way you copy it back and forth. Unfortunately it doesn't support Access 2003, but I can save down. I also got a lot of learning to do in programing Java programs.
Forms would be as simply as making a program, this is great thanks much
kronos82 said:
Here we go:
I use a number of Microsoft Access Databases for my work, and each one is intensely coded and designed and basically run like actual programs. What I am looking for is to be able to take these databases with me....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would like to say, "yes, please!" to this idea. I currently use Smart List to Go (the descendant of ThinkDB) on my Palm TX. The TX is dying, and I've been shopping for a replacement. HanDBase exists for the iPhone, but I don't want an iPhone. So I've been focused on WinMo - not by choice as much as by necessity.
And android option would be very welcome around my computers.
benmyers2941 said:
I think we must have the same job
Android utilizes an sqlite database engine and it looks like sqlite already offers a conversion utility HERE. The real question would be how to get the data in and out of the phone. Regarding forms, they definitely would need to be custom built.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
androids sqlite its for applications to access and store data using java code.
try the pocket office app
Freedomcaller said:
androids sqlite its for applications to access and store data using java code.
try the pocket office app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly and we're talking about creating an app that would enable manipulation of an sqlite database. Essentially all that would be needed would be to create a ui framework wrapper for the existing api in android. Not the least monumental task I've heard of an individual taking on but not the most either.
The versions of pocket office that I've seen for android do not currently support Access databases as far as I'm aware. If I'm wrong could you post a link and save everyone some trouble?
aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
kronos82 said:
Thanks this is deffenetly a start, From what I can tell this looks to be the most promising, It looks like all you would have to do is put a MS Access Database file on your SD CARD and have a program access it. That way you copy it back and forth. Unfortunately it doesn't support Access 2003, but I can save down. I also got a lot of learning to do in programing Java programs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Jackcess library is now patched to support android (will be in 1.2.2 release). Also seems to support 2000, 2003 and 2007 formats now.
Works great for me.
View jackcess site. Couldn't find anything on support for android. I'm using htc desire and would really like to find program to view ms access file. Can you tell me how you do it?
As I remember reading worked as on PC, while writing had some problems.
This forum prevents me from linking directly, but if you click tracker/patches on Jackcess project, check Android Compatibility Fix - ID: 3101578
The changes are in trunk and will be in the 1.2.2 release. I've added some
notes which will eventually make it to the FAQ page on the website
detailing the compatibility steps:
- Set the system property "com.healthmarketscience.jackcess.broken
Nio=true"
- Set the system property "com.healthmarketscience.jackcess.resour
cePath=res/raw/"
- Copy the *.txt, *.mdb, and *.accdb files from the
"com/healthmarketscience/jackcess/" directory in the Jackcess jar to the
"/res/raw" Android application directory.
- Before executing any Jackcess code, set the current Thread's context
classloader, e.g.
"Thread.currentThread().setContextClassLoader(Database.class.getClassLoader())".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Until this version (1.2.2) is released you need to build lib yourself.
You also need commons-lang and commons-logging from apache commons.
Before you use Jackcess in Android code, you set
Thread.currentThread().setContextClassLoader(
getClass().getClassLoader());
System.setProperty(
"com.healthmarketscience.jackcess.brokenNio",
"true");
System.setProperty(
"com.healthmarketscience.jackcess.resourcePath",
"res/raw/");
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
and copy those resource files to res/raw
Then you can work as on PC, for example open /sdcard/yourprogram/file.mdb
Jackcess has no GUI, it's a library to read/write access files.
Getting an Access file into Android
I keep a lot of information on a Psion Revo, which has just turned its face to the wall and is giving up the ghost, and have always backed the information up on to my pc as an Access file. It looks easier to get this into a format acceptable to Android by converting the Access .mbx file into an Excel .xls file. This can be searched readily by Column and Values. Maybe this deals with too simple a need for most enquirers to the forum, but if it helps somebody then so much the better.
hi all i have beenlooking for something the same for some time now and just the other day i came accross this site cellica.com
the android app is free and the desktop application has a 5 day trial period or its $50 to buy it works great the only thing you can not do is create a report from the phone
i have emailed support team and they said they will be adding it on in the future.
Any Updates???
I currently build and use databases in MS Access and was wondering if there are any updates on this topic now that Tablets are in use now. Looking to get the Motorola Xoom (2nd version) in the future, but would love to be able to use a program that I would be able to access my MS Access databases while "on-the-go".
Anyone? This would be huge (I believe), since we now have tablets.
Thanks a bunch,
~Kilch~
Access to MS Access by Android
Hi,
I'm also looking to get on-the-go access to my Access databases on my Android HTC Tattoo.
The file is on it, I just need a tool to access it in read-only / search mode, but judging from the previous comments, there doesn't seem to be an oversupply in applications.
The "convert to Excel format" may be OK for me. I want to use a 3 language Access DB (dictionary) on my phone, so I'll try the Excel solution.
It would be nice if we had an ACCESS reader though...
John
Panacea Database
I know XDA frowns upon excessively hawking your own products here, but I do seem to be directly answering more than one of the reply questions, it just happens that the answer is an application my company released.
The Panacea Database application can handle Access from Access 2000 to Access 2007. It has also worked so far on every Access 2010 database we've tested, and we've received no complaints in that department yet. We release updates from time to time as we improve its functionality and features, often guided in our priorities by user e-mail and market comments. Our next update will be focused on improving screen layout for a variety of Android devices - from small QVGA smartphones, to large WXGA tablets. After that we may move onto other functionality.
In the interest of fairness, I'll point out arafa1209's post. He mentions Celicca Database, which is the only other application that I know of that deals with Access databases on Android. It has features Panacea does not have (yet) - ability to work with forms, ability to create and modify databases, ability to connect to your PC etc. Like us, they also send out updates improving their app regularly. So you can compare the apps, and use which one fits your needs better (or use both). If anyone knows of any others they can post here as well, but these are the only two I know of currently.
Just tried Panacea. Although it is more basic and annoyingly doesn't remember the last files you'be opened necessitating finding the file each time you open the app I prefer it for the simple reason you don't have to convert the Access database to another format.
amwebby said:
doesn't remember the last files you'be opened necessitating finding the file each time you open the app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you update the app, this should be fixed, the last version should have this feature.
Got the update last week. Certainly goes a long way to making it more user-friendly. Keep up the great work!
Since the last update it seems to be broken. Although it remembers the last database I cannot open a table within any database.
Edit: It appears the file was corrupted. Loaded a new file and all working again.
Any news in this topic.
I tried panacea Database, works fine. But not very effective. Searching data is a must for me however I didnt manage to find a search option. When I search for tables, it cant even locate the tables by names.
I am curious about this plug-in for the Locale app. I think it has a lot of potential but am failing to understand how to use it. If anyone has successfully configured this plugin to work for a situation I would like to hear about the details of the configuration. Thanks
Locale Variables Android
I just downloaded this yesterday.
Check out this site droidmunkey.com/localeVariables/" to see one example of how it is used.
Basically, you can assign one condition a variable and then use the variable to activate another action. The possibilities are endless. There was one instance where I created one condition that referred to another and back again which caused my phone to crash over and over but I beat it by quickly (upon phone startup) disabling Locale.
I feel that this only scratches the surface on the usage of this Locale Plug-In but with the lack of support on the web for the variables plug-in specifically, hopefully people will land here and leave some info. Let me know how you have used it.
I am a Personal Trainer not a programmer.
uppereastsidepersonaltraining.com
Name: Notepad
About the app:
The Office app is powerful, but its syncing features slow it down. Notepad by AppsForMe is a great app to choose if you just want to take plaintext notes without the wait. It’s also the only text editor that supports folder structures, and the look of the app makes it feel like a part of the operating system (animations included). You can also pin documents or directories to the Start screen and send documents as emails or text messages.
The app has 4.6/5 stars over 48 reviews.
“Amazing app and it does what it says without any problems. Easily the best Notepad app on the marketplace and the fastest” 5/5
“Superb. You can store email and SMS templates. It makes life a lot easier. Don't miss it.” 5/5
“Very, very, very well done. Thank you.” 5/5
Developer's notes:
I'm always looking for more feedback on Notepad. Unfortunately, I don't get a huge number of support emails, so I'm left up to my own devices to figure out what could be added or needs to be changed.
Please give the application a shot. If you like it, great! If you don't, let me know what's up (in the comments). Chances are I can do something about it. Thanks for reading!
Possible future features (not guaranteed in any way, and not listed in any particular order.)
+ change keyboard theme
+ password-protect
+ lists
+ quick folders (swipe in directory view)
+ "emtpy trash" button
+ scroll sideways on long filenames
+ "import all" to parse "backup all"/"export all"
+ "export all" -> skydrive
+ import from url (skydrive/dropbox)
+ "are you sure?" -> "ready to send?"
+ title of note title -> "document title"
+ custom-name "root"
Source:
http://www.windowsphone.com/en-US/apps/626c487d-f1b0-e011-a53c-78e7d1fa76f8
I'll be watching this thread as well as my developer email, [email protected], for any questions, comments, complaints, or concerns. Thanks!
Some screenshots (attached).
Thank you!!!
Glad you like it!
Please let me know anything about it that seems weird or cool. I do things a lot differently than all of the other text editor applications, and I want to know what's good and what's not.
Wow really good Idea ! I have searched this for Quick Notes ( i use on the PC often the Editor ) and I would use a similiar App on the Phone ...
Thank you!!! i need this for school
simple and does what it says, good app
Notepad Suggestion
First, great Notepad app. I would just like to add a password to a note file.
Thanks!
It's good to see interest in the application! Notepad just hit 15,000 downloads today, and I'm always looking to make that number higher, so the more suggestions you guys have the better.
So far I'm seeing requests for:
(1) a new live tile, particularly for pinned documents/directories
(2) change the name of the "root" directory (to what, though, I wonder?)
(3) password-protect documents
(4) implement lists as well as documents
Anyone have any other suggestions, or want to plus-one a feature?
--AppsForMe
Guess you had missed our review. Skydrive Integration and ability to send notes as attachment.
Yes, I definitely saw your review! I actually did implement two of your suggestions (preview of content when pinned, ability to move folders).
Here's how I feel about your other requests:
First, the Windows Phone operating system prevents third-party developers (read: me) from sending email attachments. Same goes for speech-to-text.
Second, as soon as you want SkyDrive, you should just be using Office. The Office app supports either (a) local files without folders, or (b) SkyDrive files with SkyDrive folders. Goodness knows that I can never match the Office app for stability, integration, features, or UI. Plus, Notepad's other sell is that it's fast--loading notes, saving notes, navigating folders--implementing web functions would slow everything wayyyy down. I see the lack of SkyDrive as a selling point.
(Side note: Office supports sending documents as attachments. Two birds with one stone!)
Notepad for WP the best
I think the requests thus far are pretty much what is missing although it seems it's going to be an uphill battle due to OS restrictions. Installed the app last week on my Lumia and it's amazing, clean and easy to use. Keep up the good work.
I used to use this app, but it had this bug where i could not scroll to the bottom of the longer note. Has that been resloved in the meantime?
Also, I think skydrive sync is important (or even dropbox). When someone changes phones, how is he going to transfer notes?
thank you i need this apps
All the problems with long notes have been fixed.
I'm going to leave the auto-syncing between SkyDrive and the phone up to the native Office application--it does it better, faster, and more reliably than I ever could.
If you need to back up your documents, use the "backup all" feature to email yourself the text of the documents.
Hi Isaac,
Great app. I registered here just to say that, and thank you. I'm a note taking person but one that wants to keep them organize and your app is the only one that does it with ease. (I must of downloaded a dozen to try and removed..only one other did folders, the rest was just one giant list of notes).
If you're serious about taking users feedback, here are some of mine...all are minor little things that are mostly ui based and these are just my opinions. I think your application here is quite impressive so take these only to help out for those you agree with..
- replace 'root' with 'home' or 'my folders' perhaps?
- replace 'Remarks' when creating a new directory with 'Note: ' or remove the word entirely and place the remark note under the text field.
- titles of Directories and Notes become all lower-cased when viewing
- clicking the back button when in Search mode hides the keyboard only, so it requires clicking the back button again to exit the search function..this may be an OS thing I've seen and not something that can be changed unless you can find a way around this.
- add a Folders button at the bottom when in a non root directory to take you back, just like how it appears when in a note to take you back to its directory.
- when in a directory, can the word Notepad and the Directory name on top take you back to the folder list view or one folder out if in a subfolder?
- possible to allow user to choose which directory(ies) to list mango-syle to the right where they can swipe to the right and to go into that directory (sorry if this is unclear, I'm not too familiar with WP terminology yet)
- Button to empty trash when viewing trash directory. btw, how does the trash work..deletes automatically after so long?
- when viewing a file that has a long filename (and the feature is turned on), can it scroll?
- reduce space between documents filenames ..currently lists 5 before needing to scroll?
- backup all..cool feature. I would change 'Are you sure?' which sounds a little scary to something like 'Ready to Send?' btw, can you import back into Notepad? If note, perhaps call the feature 'email all' instead for now..
- when creating a new note it shows 'new document', the next screen where it ask for the file name it displays 'new note' ..just a consistence thing
- are all notes saved as txt files on the device? what if you remove the .txt? does it need to be displayed if it's automatically saving them as txt files.
- Can titles of notes and directories names be the system's accent color and turn black when choosing them? ..the reverse essentially.
- when adjusting toggle sliders in Settings, the phone wants to swipe to it's neighboring page a little too freely (btw, love all the settings you have here!)
- remove the larger 'root' when in the root directory list to gain some real estate back to see more directories and so it's not repeating perhaps?
And if you need any simple graphics help, I can help out.
I'd love to see Dropbox support with everything being saved to dropbox and loaded from dropbox. I'd even pay for a dropbox enabled version.
Can it handle long text file ?
Can it import text file from skydrive?
Can we Password lock the app or folder?
thanx
First: Thanks, Lumiame, for the excellent feedback. You've greatly extended the set of features I'm considering adding, and you've noted UI inconsistencies and confusions that I'll make sure to address in the next update.
To everyone who's commented so far: thanks for the good feedback. This quarter at my university is slower than my last quarter, so I should be able to get to work on the app.
Look for a good number of changes in the next updates.
thanks for sharing
Hi XDA!
I know the forum is mostly aimed at mobile dev but the people here are so good i thought it the best place to ask a question regarding dev in general.
I have a database (mySQL) with rows that contain latitude/longitude values representing the locations of customer complaints. I'd like to plot these on Google Maps / Earth and put up a dashboard so that we can see if there's any particular location that's a 'pain point'... any idea how to do this? I need the plotting step to be completely automated cos I already know how to automatically insert new rows into the mySQL table whenever a new complaint comes in.
I've done some Googling and i usually see people talking about manually importing an Excel file with the co-ordinates... This won't work for me cos we get thousands of calls coming in daily and the whole process needs to be completely automated for it to be practically feasible.
Ok, some background about me: I'm not a 'proper' developer... I've never worked in a structured dev environment. I'm just someone who knows a little bit about dev and I've had to write some code cos there was nobody else to do it
I can do some mid-level Java (I've written a few servlets that run on tomcat ...they listen for HTTP requests and respond with some XML... nothing hectic) and I know enough about mySQL to be able to work with it comfortably.
I'd really appreciate any help with my plotting question
I’ve enjoyed writing down my thoughts and my entire workflow as one big chunk of text before starting coding. It helps me to get an overview of the things that I need to be doing. I’ve noticed that different developers have their own unique way of planning and organizing their work - right from paper and checklists, to visual boards.
It would be interesting to see 1. what tools each of us use to manage your project plan? 2. how we share this plan with our team members/clients? 3. how do we manage our specific daily tasks and todos? and 4. our workflow/ project management process?
Feel free to share your thoughts. Probably we could learn from each other's best practices.
Well, I have a system about the daily tasks and todos. Whenever I start any work I have to have a list of tasks, written in paper or in computer, to tell me all the things I have to do. These tasks can be very small things, like fixing some small flaw, or bigger things, such as starting to implement some bigger feature. Once I have all the tasks written down, I start doing the items in list in what ever order I feel like is the best, wiping things off the list as I finish them. Usually the list grows as there comes up some stuff that I was not able to plan beforehand, but as long as I have all these tasks written down, they will eventually all be dealt with. This system is super simple and helps to keep the stress down as I do not have to try to remember all these small things, and I am able to focus on the task that I am doing right now.
Talking about my own, single person projects:
Earlier, I just started coding and then had a lot of refactoring, removing, redoing...
In my recenty projects, I started writing document and just put in all my ideas. Writing helped to organize my thoughts and ideas.
The document ended it paragraphs like
- motivation
- interface
- feature x
- feature y
- feature z
... and rough ideas of how to implement something (client-server communication, how to...)
So I just used something like word.
I think, moving it further, you could use scribbles of classes, class diagrams... but for that I am still an too impulsive coder.
I'm using trello.com and creating 3 boards TODO DOING DONE. It help a lot with organization .
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