Well, if anyone here or anyone you know has experience coding apps and would be interested in working on an app like we're interested in I'd be more that willing to work with you to do some grunt work. If you can teach me how to code dials in whatever would work for an app send me a PM and I'll go through the sets. I wish I had even the most basic of coding expertise, I'd just make it myself!

I'm sure plenty of us would be willing to pitch in if we could get a free app out there for folks to use!

We need one for Android too.

Still gotta go through the iTunes store, which has a 3 month waiting list for app approval. So every single module would need to be approved separately. Do iPhone apps even have a way to allow addons?

From my understanding on how Apple's process for iPhone apps (which is based on what I read, and my experience with my iPod touch, I don't have any experience with the SDK), if you don't want to have an active connection to the internet (which I assume is a big want within the community), the application would have to be modified itself. There are in-app add-ons you could package, but I believe they have to cost something (id est, can't be free). So, yes, there will have to be some delay for database updates.

Well, any app can be updated. I think free app is the way to be thinking right now, to keep away from any possible legal issues, anyway, so free updates through the itunes store would be the best option IMO.

I get free updates for apps all the time. Look at something like flight control, which has added double the original content for free.

Right. But, since you are changing the core code of the program, it still has to wait in queue at Apple for review and approval. Not a big deal, I suppose. It just means the new set won't be available for a while, unless NECA partners with a developer.

I am very annoyed with the SDK process -- I looked into it last year. Apparantly it ONLY runs on MACS... even the mac emulators will break if you try to run it. And they make it very clear that the SDK's virtual iPhone (for testing) is not accurate.

There is no reason at all for keeping the SDK a Mac-only product. That's just so incredibly stupid.

-The Le

there are programs for the iPhone that let you download the original program (sometimes for free)

and then connect to the programs server to download modules

ie Olive Tree Bible software - dozens of versions of the bible and various study books, some free, some cost but the main program was free I think now it's a buck..... something about Apple making them charge it because of the offline content.

While I understand that the iPhone is top notch, the BLACKBERRY has actually the biggest smart phone penetration right now, and the Android might make a serious dent too.

From a business standpoint, it may be more logical to develop apps for the Blackberry and Android (both dev kits use Java), rather than the iPhone.

Not to mention their store restrictions and openness is far more appealing than Apple's policies.

-The Le

Its a good idea. But there shouldn't be any dial info. Just the fig points, card, and any errata or revues. The reason for no dial listing is because I had a guy play me who kept looking at all his clix and mine on the realms while we were in a cutthroat tourney. He'd consider pushing, look at his phone, then clear or push. And there wasn't anyway to tell he was doing it for sure until after the match ended and I walked around to his side of the table to look at his trades.

If that happens in the future, let the judge know and have him monitor the game. That is highly illegal. It spelled out pretty clearly in the tournament rules that you cannot do that.

-The Le

Ah but you're not taking into account for Ipod touch. I know I have one. So the Blackberry and android may have more of the "smart phone" market but I doubt there's more of those than Iphones and Ipod touches combined.

Of course, all this is useless without people who actually know how to develope said apps lol

Definitely not legal but also not a reason to not have dials. Having dials would make it infinitely more useful, from team building to judging. Really, anyone with a smart phone and a data plan can access the realms and the units section. The solution isn't to confiscate phones or limit things, it's simply to tell the judge and have the judge say "Hey, you can't do that and if I see you doing it again, you'll forfeit the match".

And seconded on the iPod Touch. I don't have an iPhone but I do have an iPod Touch and I already use it for different things at tournaments when I judge. I've used the WiFi/browser to look up dials, used some FTP programs to allow me to store rules, errata, FAQs, etc. The timer for rounds. I have a Blackberry too but it's through work and they've got it locked down as far as putting things on it.

if there is a problem updating the app with every new set, what about making a hcrealms app that has access to the units section and a more phone friendly format. when the site updates with new figs, you wouldnt have to update the app. Just a thought, i dont know how hard or possiable that is.