New radar app for Droid

[Scott Hammel]

The code to support the option of orientation in the next version is already there. It works fine on the emulator and on my phone, but I'm always hesitant to say features are committed until the beta testers get a hold of it. It will be a hard selection (you'll chose portrait or landscape) in the preferences and it will stick until you go to preferences and choose the other orientation. Personally, I dislike the auto-orientation changes on applications as it always does it when one least desires it. But, the ability to choose is certainly worthwhile.

I wouldn't have gone through the trouble if I were writing it solely for me, but because so many people wanted that capability, I added it. That can be said for many things actually, but that's how this thing evolves. Ya'll talk, I listen and implement as I can. It helps makes the program the best it can be.

Have had some slow progress the past few days because of ftp timestamp issues which I think I finally have resolved. All work now is on the newer file acquisition service which handles the logic to pull the right files down for looping. At this point, I don't know of anything that will prevent the addition of looping in the next release, but I haven't anticipated a lot of things that have caused this release to take a month to write...so far. Funny how things pop up when writing for a new platform. Of course, looping isn't the only new addition either
Joe

Just wanted to pass along a big thanks for keeping us so up to date with the evolution and process of this application. I've loved using it so far and cannot wait to run this sucker in full screen on my Moto Xoom once it comes out. Glad to hear that the looping function is under way and I look forward to the next release. Thanks again!

 

[Dave Rennie]

Joe, I second the big thanks for your work. I know how hard it can be to anticipate and deal with all of the variables encountered when trying to program for different platforms. Keep up the good work!

 

[joe.jurecka]

Just wanted to pass along a big thanks for keeping us so up to date with the evolution and process of this application.

I appreciate the words of encouragement. Thank you! I think that collaboration is the best way to really make a product that the users like and I enjoy sharing some of the progress that I make.
Joe

 

[Scott Roberts]

Joe, I wanted you to know that I had been on the fence about whether to add the full version of PYKL3 to my Droid...your responsiveness here was the thing that pushed me over the fence, just as rapidly as I could get the paid version downloaded and running! Thank you! I look forward to the updates as we get closer to season.

 

[joe.jurecka]

...your responsiveness here was the thing that pushed me over the fence...

It's just how I do business. Yes, not very typical of companies, but I think it works better for all. Thank you!
Joe

 

[Darrin Rasberry]

My wish list in order (items that aren't currently in your queue):

1. Ability to get feeds other than NWS (i.e. Allison House);
2. Echo Tops;
3. VIL;
4. Storm reports one day in advance

 

[joe.jurecka]

My wish list in order (items that aren't currently in your queue):

1. Ability to get feeds other than NWS (i.e. Allison House);
2. Echo Tops;
3. VIL;
4. Storm reports one day in advance

Hmmm...actually, 1-3 are in the queue.
As for #4, I'll get right on that. Is 500' resolution on those good or do you need 50'?

 

[joe.jurecka]

Are there any users who are on the T-mobile network who have had issues finding the full version of the application?
Joe

 

[Scott Bennett]

I grabbed the app last night it's nice! On US Cellular galaxy S phone works great.... can't wait for some weather to try it out proper!

 

[joe.jurecka]

Interesting. There was another guy with the same phone on T-mob that was not able to find the full version in the market...only the free. Thanks!

 

[David Poch]

What T-Mobile phone was it and what version of Android was it running?

I have the Vibrant and I can't see the full version either. This is why...

There is a file in Android that states it's build, version # etc. and if I remember right the market reads that file to allow or disallow apps to be seen. The problem is when there is an update for Android the allowed builds database for the market has to be updated as well. One example is when the Vibrant had a 2.1 update it took a week for the database to be updated.

Most apps are installed under the data/app directory. All of those will be able to be seen. The apps you will not be able to see are the ones stored in data/app-private. This app is stored in the private folder. If your build doesn't match what is in the database you will not see apps in the market that install to the private folder.

I suspect the demo installs to the app folder and that is why it can be seen.

What I had to do was buy the app from my old MyTouch 3g, get the app off that phone and onto my computer where I could transfer it to my vibrant to install it. All of that requires root though.

My Vibrant can't see this app because I have been running the leaked 2.2 updates.

Now that is out of the way on to the app. I love it! I can't wait to see what future versions bring. This is the kind of radar app I have been wanting to see on Android for a looooong time!

My job has me outdoors and driving a company truck all day. This will be perfect while I am stuck working since bringing my laptop would not be an option.

This app rocks on the Vibrant hardware. From the click of the icon to full radar is about 5-6 seconds.

My wish list would be:
Allison House integration.
Watches/Warnings
More roads besides Interstates.
An audible notification if in a watch/warning.

 

[Rob H]

I need to find a workaround for my Viewsonic G Tablet. Amazing tablet (once you install a custom ROM), but PYKL3 doesn't show up in the Android Market, and Appslib won't work with this tablet. I'm starting to hear the screams of the Apple fan boys... "FRAGMENTATION!". Since it's a paid app, I assume sideloading via APK isn't really an option. Any tips for someone who just dove into the realm of Android rooting today? I've already got the full paid version on my Droid X phone.

Edit: nvm, apparently my custom rom had a valid build.prop but the market fix requires a few reboots sometimes. The app is running great on my tablet, all I need now is a Bluetooth GPS unit!

 

[Mike Parker]

I am on T-Mo with the Vibrant and have no issues finding it. I am on a custom Froyo 2.2 rom so that may be a difference.

You might want to add a QR Code to your website that would direct people straight to the app.

 

[David Poch]

I am on T-Mo with the Vibrant and have no issues finding it. I am on a custom Froyo 2.2 rom so that may be a difference.

You might want to add a QR Code to your website that would direct people straight to the app.

A lot of the custom roms have the build.prop file edited to fix the market issue.

 

[joe.jurecka]

Thanks all for the insight...The mobile in question was a T-Mobile Galaxy S Vibrant. I'm working toward getting the app on the Amazon market in the future. They will not take it now because of the issue found regarding opening the keyboard on a Samsung Moment (Why a phone forces a screen orientation change when one explicitly tells is not to is beyond me.) Nevertheless, that is an issue which is being addressed in the next release. Still working on it and making a little progress every day.

Joe