Database Develop

App Development Training Course Project

Hello, everyone.. it's been a while since I posted on xda-developers. My last big project you guys helped me out with was Mupen64Plus AE, which is really turning out great, BTW!
I wanted to let everyone know about a new project I'm working on to create a training course on how to write Android apps. It will be a complete training course with a course book, exercises, quizzes, test booklet, and answer key, as well as a companion website and support forum. It will be geared toward anyone who is interested in learning how to write professional Android apps, whether they have prior programming experience or not.
Each new topic will first be related to real-world concepts, so they can be understood more easily. Then those concepts will be applied to create a practical, interesting demo app for each subject. By the end of the course, the student will have created several of these demo apps, that they can show off to their friends or potential employers.
I thought I'd see if anyone here has suggestions for topics that could warrant special attention in the book, or ideas for the demo apps that will be created throughout the course. Let me know what you think!
I've also set up a kickstarter campaign to help fund the project, to cover the printing costs and compensate for the time I put into it. Feel free to comment on there as well, if you have useful suggestions for the project!

so, what's the cost for the program approximately?

wcypierre said:
so, what's the cost for the program approximately?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would like to know this too.

Well, the reward prices for folks who pledge early on kickstarter are intentionally a lot lower than what I will be selling the completed course for. The price will of course be adjusted over time, depending on its popularity, but here's what I'm considering for a starting point:
$150 :: Course enrolment. This provides full, lifetime access to digital copies of all course materials (including all future revisions) and the support forum
$25 + S&H :: Paperback quizzes/test booklet and answer key
$100 + S&H :: Paperback course book
$200 + S&H :: Hardcover course book
If the course does well, I'll probably also set up e-lectures that students can sign up for. I'd probably shoot for a number that adds up to a net profit close to what I would normally make as a freelance app developer. So, the more students in the classes, the lower the application cost would be. Obviously, that one is hard to estimate a cost for at this point.

course app development
For the people who have no programming experience will they be in a different class? how does the breakdown work with the varying experience levels?

ScusiXDA said:
For the people who have no programming experience will they be in a different class? how does the breakdown work with the varying experience levels?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
want to know too

I've thought about that a lot. It really breaks down into two things: how the course is graded, and how the subjects break down in the course book.
For the graded part of the course (and this would apply to enrolling in the lectures to potentially save more experienced students some money), the student will have the option of skipping the first two chapters, and start immediately with the Android-specific part (which will be the main bulk of the course)
For the course book itself, there will be a short first chapter geared toward teaching XML, then a longer than normal chapter to teach Java. These two chapters will assume the student has no prior programming experience, but I'll do my best to keep them as interesting as possible, so it won't be complete snorzville for folks who are experienced programmers but need to learn XML or Java.
The reason for starting with XML, is because it is not really a programming language, and it will get the student into the mindset of using symbols to represent ideas, and starting to think about variables. It won't be the usual "beginners guide to XML", though. As with every chapter, the goal will be to create something practical and interesting. Since HTML is a practical use of XML, the chapter will be focused on creating a humorous web page. As a side effect of creating a web page, they will have acquired the skills they'll need later to create the XML layouts and whatnot needed for their apps. The later Android-specific chapters will start with simple XML usage for the early demos and build on that as the course goes.
The second chapter, on Java, will not just be to teach Java, but to teach beginners how to program, using Java. The reason this chapter will be intentionally longer than most of the other chapters, is because of those two goals. As with the first chapter, I will use humour and other techniques to keep the more experienced students engaged, while not loosing the less experienced students.
The technique of making the subjects engaging will continue through the book, and the goal of each chapter will be to create something practical, interesting, and fun. Simple, cartoonish artwork placed strategically through the chapter will enhance the humour. I've used this technique in previous training guides I've written, and I've always received positive feedback. I'm confident I can pull it off with this project too.

This sounds great. If I could afford it, I'd be in. I would love to learn how to write apps. Can you point me in the direction of some good free resources to help get someone started?
Sent from my SGH-T679 using xda app-developers app

twitch330 said:
This sounds great. If I could afford it, I'd be in. I would love to learn how to write apps. Can you point me in the direction of some good free resources to help get someone started?
Sent from my SGH-T679 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://code.google.com/edu/introductory_courses.html
A good place to start

twitch330 said:
This sounds great. If I could afford it, I'd be in. I would love to learn how to write apps. Can you point me in the direction of some good free resources to help get someone started?
Sent from my SGH-T679 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here's another great free one:
http://freevideolectures.com/Course/2981/Android-Application-Development-Spring-2012#
Obviously this will be more basic than what the OP is talking about going into in terms of project, but this should be a good place to start.

i would like to learn how to write apps too but im from india... :-/ is it possible from here??
Sent from my GT-I9100G using xda app-developers app

is there any website to sign up to??
Sent from my LG-P880 using xda app-developers app

I wrote some examples to demonstrate my basic teaching style.
This first example is what I envision for the first chapter of the course book, which will be teaching XML. This would be the first page of that chapter, and you can see that it makes no assumptions about the student's prior experience. The topic is related to a real-world concept before introducing anything technical:
http://www.paulscode.com/projects/android_course/example_lesson_context.pdf
My second example would be much later in the book, demonstrating my style of explaining the concept clearly before diving into the code. This would be toward the end of the chapter. Obviously by this point in the course, the student will be familiar with Java, so the code parts will be very simple to follow and relate back to the concept being taught:
http://www.paulscode.com/projects/android_course/example_lesson_decisions.pdf

aravind ashok said:
i would like to learn how to write apps too but im from india... :-/ is it possible from here??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is kickstarter still not available in India? I'll put up a forum so you can follow the project outside of kickstarter. Honestly, I'm not very familiar with transactions between the US and India, so I can't really answer your question at the moment. Do you have the ability to transfer money through PayPal to people in the US from over there? If so, you should be able to sign up for the course once I finish it, just not get involved in the kickstarter campaign.
dfreake said:
is there any website to sign up to??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The companion website is not finished yet, but I'll have at least a forum up in the next week or two for folks who want to follow and discuss the project outside of kickstarter. There aren't a lot of backers yet, but hopefully the community of interest will grow over time.

I've added a new reward tier to the kickstarter campaign. Backers can now pick t-shirts. You choose the size and color for the shirt, and pick from any of the designs below. I may add some more t-shirt designs here as well. If anyone is an artist and wants to help out the project, I'll definitely take more t-shirt design suggestions!
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can overseas guys join this?

I'm IN!!!
Okay, I'm in! I have already backed you in Kickstarter, plus the T-Shirt. :good:

mengfei said:
can overseas guys join this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you can sign up for kickstarter, yes. I understand kickstarter isn't available everywhere (not sure where, you'd have to check)

That is allot of money for me. Are you planning to make this cheaper in the future or are you gonna keep it at that price?

Depends on the demand. If there isn't any demand, it will go a lot cheaper. To be honest, at the current rate, the project isn't likely to be funded anyway. Doesn't seem to even be enough demand to get it initially funded. Oh, well, that's how crowd funding works. It gives you a pretty good indication of whether or not something is likely to be popular or not.

Rom Glossary with Reviews.

Big Changes coming. go to last post to see!​
ROM Makers!:
If you don't want your ROM on here let me know (on private message). I will gladly remove it in less than a day! Thanks.
ROM Users!:
I'm not responsible for anything that happens to your device.
ROM review's by personal experience!
My Mission
My mission is to provide a easy decision for new users to pick on ROM's providing best Fluidity, Customization, and Stability. This will make up the grading guide for these ROM's and this is not meant to pick on ROM developers since they spend there free time providing free work for users like you and me to use and so there contributions are greatly appreciated. I test these ROM's for three days and write my experiences on here. This thread gets updated mainly on weekends.
Grading Guide
The ROM's are graded from one to ten. One being the worst (for me, not meant to hurt the developer) to Ten being the greatest. This will consist of Fluidity, Stability, and Customization. I will list my definition of these terms since sometimes they could spread unclear messages because your meaning cant fit my definitions at times. All notes added to these notes are not counted for the ROM score there just rants, so clarify these don't count against the total score.
Fluidity: Smoothness with no UI stutter while using the device.
Stability: The devices amount of app crashes and force reboots that occurs during use.
Customization: The amount of options to changing the UI and addition to features added.
ROM Format
Name: (The ROM's name)
Link: (ROM Thread Link)
Date: (Last time it was reviewed)
Review: (The review it self)
Note(s): (Opinion about the ROM)
Scores:
Fluidity: (Graded from 1-10)
Stability: (Graded from 1-10)
Customization: (Graded from 1-10)
=Total Score (Averaged out by using Fluidity, Stability, and Customization Scores)
All suggestions welcomed!

ROM Review's
Name: MAHDI-ROM
Link: (Temporarily Unavailable)
Date: October 11th, 2014
Review: MAHDI-ROM offers great features and one of the few smoothest ROM I ever tried with keeping a aligned stock experience. It offers great speed with no catch to it with apps opening instantaneously and also boot up speed being around ten seconds its wonderful and excellent. The developer is always ever so nice helping out the users problems and try to identify them with logs. I never experience no hiccups when using Instagram, Google+, or YouTube. The battery life was a great point of the ROM getting almost three hours on screen time and eight hours of battery life with causal looking at Instagram and Google+ with brightness being at a quarter brightness. One point being ART is working on this and I haven't ran into much much crashes and no reboots at all while using this ROM. UI stutters only happening when going swiping down too quickly but, that's reasonable since it has to load up the data. I am amazed how the ROM has so much customization that you would expect from Carbon ROM for example and the customization menu is sorted neatly in a nice menu, but I sometimes find my self having to look for the wanted feature. I also noticed some parts that are scattered in the setting menu and to find the options you want at times can get difficult. I almost forgot one thing too, features. This ROM features Floating Window, Heads-Up, Active display along with other lock screen notification features. It does lack Hover but, that's replaceable with Heads-Up and much more.
Note(s): Nothing to say.
Score:
Stability: 8
Fluidity: 9.5
Customization: 10
= 9.1

This is so wrong. In so many ways.

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this IS wrong. what you are doing is grading developers, who spend their own personal time on roms, who do not get paid for this, in your own subjective ways, in your own opinion. also, what you think deserves a 10, someone else will think deserves a 5.

End it.....

Also *glossary.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app

monkeypaws said:
Also *glossary.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As well, *reviews.

Thread review- 1 out of 10.
Sent from my iPhone 6 using Tapatalk

Ok everyone. I contacted forum administration to come and have this thread for review and check if its infringing any of the forum rules. I want to clarify it says in the first paragraph that there work are still greatly appreciated and its not to pick on ROM developers. The grammar issues happen since I was awake quite late in forming this thread (I live in the Pacific Timezone). I'm going to get those checked and thanks for correcting me. If the thread is infringing on any rule it will be taken down.

Araan45 said:
Ok everyone. I contacted forum administration to come and have this thread for review and check if its infringing any of the forum rules. I want to clarify it says in the first paragraph that there work are still greatly appreciated and its not to pick on ROM developers. The grammar issues happen since I was awake quite late in forming this thread (I live in the Pacific Timezone). I'm going to get those checked and thanks for correcting me. If the thread is infringing on any rule it will be taken down.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
its not that its infringing any rules. its that the idea of rating developers, who work on roms and kernels on their own free time, without pay for it. especially rated just by you. rating them does not show any appreciation. basically, you also are not giving us accurate information. what you are doing is giving your personal opinion. opinions can be very off in accuracy. so its best just not to do it. and as you can see, already every response to you was unfavorable for starting this thread. all you are going to do is upset many more people. is that what you really want to do?

Until very recently, literally the past few days, Moderators would routinely close what we think of as "comparison" threads for phones, Apps, ROMs etc. The reasons we gave for doing this were that often such threads would encourage trolling and fanboyism. Also, comparisons are subjective; what suits me does not necessarily suit another Member with different needs and likes.
However, we have reviewed our policy and we have decided that Members views of ROMs, Apps and Phones, if they contain some level of analysis, can be useful to new Members or those who haven't yet tried them. It doesn't mean of course that you have to agree with the subjective views expressed in such threads and Members can express different views provided they do so in a reasoned non-trolling way.
We all compare things every day, we read or listen to the views of others before we buy things or use them. We probably don't just listen to one person but research different ponts of view before making decisions. Those who make ROMs, should expect that Members can express views on whether it suits them and what they find good and less good about them. Comparison threads must always be respectful to the developer however and must adhere to our basic rules on language and tone.
So we understand that many will be surprised we have changed our policy on this, but let's see if we can run this thread successfully. That means Members must respect each others views whilst expressing counter opinions if they disagree.
Note, this is not a comparison of Developers, it is a comparison of particular ROMs produced by them. A Developer may well have some excellent ROMs, but also some that are less good than one made by another Developer, accepting of course that a ROM can be good for one Member but not for another.
This thread and other comparison threads will succeed only if Members always respect the Developers and support their comparisons with as much evidence as they can. Also note that if a ROM comparison thread exists in a forum, it should be used rather than creating several different threads for the same purpose.
Mike

Araan45 said:
Ok everyone. I contacted forum administration to come and have this thread for review and check if its infringing any of the forum rules. I want to clarify it says in the first paragraph that there work are still greatly appreciated and its not to pick on ROM developers. The grammar issues happen since I was awake quite late in forming this thread (I live in the Pacific Timezone). I'm going to get those checked and thanks for correcting me. If the thread is infringing on any rule it will be taken down.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not infringing any rules, but it's just morally wrong towards those few people who actually do some work around here.
Another point is that this system of rating is very subjective. Let's take Mahdi ROM as an example (since you mentioned it), it's definitely one of the best ROMs around here, with almost every feature and customization option available out there, but i would never give it more than 8/10 for fluidity, nor 10 for stability. Someone else will come and rate it different. It just doesn't make any sense, and leads to nowhere.
Some people want more customization options, other are looking for simplicity, some others want battery life, some use hotplug in kernels, other don't. There is no one size fits all

the original nexus 5 "best" rom thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/google-nexus-5/help/best-rom-nexus-5-t2893766

simms22 said:
the original nexus 5 "best" rom thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/google-nexus-5/help/best-rom-nexus-5-t2893766
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This a comparison of ROM's on terms of Stability, Fluidity, and Customization. I don't mean to have the best 'ROM' when I rate them it doesn't mean there the "best". I'm pretty sure people will look at the rating for Stability, Fluidity, and Customization. The average is just there to have a fit score. Again, I don't mean to pick on developers since they work hard on there software.

rayiskon said:
It's not infringing any rules, but it's just morally wrong towards those few people who actually do some work around here.
Another point is that this system of rating is very subjective. Let's take Mahdi ROM as an example (since you mentioned it), it's definitely one of the best ROMs around here, with almost every feature and customization option available out there, but i would never give it more than 8/10 for fluidity, nor 10 for stability. Someone else will come and rate it different. It just doesn't make any sense, and leads to nowhere.
Some people want more customization options, other are looking for simplicity, some others want battery life, some use hotplug in kernels, other don't. There is no one size fits all
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm using my experience from these ROM's. When in my use I never had much crashes maybe like four but, that's it. I will mark of Stability to eight. I don't rate hotplug since that is kernel side. I'm sure mainly some people are not going to look at the average score but, the sub scores. Again, as stated below and above, I don't mean to pick on the developers since they spend there free time on there software and its greatly appreciated.

Araan45 said:
I'm using my experience from these ROM's. When in my use I never had much crashes maybe like four but, that's it. I will mark of Stability to eight. I don't rate hotplug since that is kernel side. I'm sure mainly some people are not going to look at the average score but, the sub scores. Again, as stated below and above, I don't mean to pick on the developers since they spend there free time on there software and its greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
4 crashes is an 8? seriously? ive never had a rom crash on me and my nexus 5(since december 2013, regular version and lichtis version of Rastakat).

simms22 said:
4 crashes is an 8? seriously? ive never had a rom crash on me and my nexus 5(since december 2013).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will I just got mine in September 6th. I believe this is a issue on my end since I would keep lots of apps open. Not a rom crash, app crashes. I might revise that a FC instead later on. I would experience these FC when I get on Google+ mostly and once in Instagram.

Araan45 said:
Will I just got mine in September 6th. I believe this is a issue on my end since I would keep lots of apps open. Not a rom crash, app crashes. I might revise that a FC instead later on. I would experience these FC when I get on Google+ mostly and once in Instagram.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i see. you are right though, its probably a user related issue and not a rom related issue.

simms22 said:
i see. you are right though, its probably a user related issue and not a rom related issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am going to try CM in a few days so I would see if its the ROM, I honestly think its my end though.

[APP] M104 - Battery percentage, clipboard manager, network-traffic (no root)

Hey buddies,
I want to share my new app with you.
The app is not a "Nexus-only" project, but I developed it mostly for myself to get the battery indicator (%-text) back on my phone After I implemented that, I thought a proper clipboard-managment would be a nice feature, too. Many of you know LG's solution.
The reason why I'm providing this app here in the Nexus forum is that the app's theme (colors, layouts) is a replica of the stock Android-look (vanilla) - please don't take the word "replica" too serious, I just tried my very best
However, if you're interested to give it a try, you will...
.
Please note:
The app is free-of-charge and doesn't contain ads (I don't want to waste traffic and battery by shipping ads to you - maybe I will add a premium-key in a couple of days).
If you want to support the project (as translator, tester), please send me a mail.
Google community: <MOD EDIT - LINK REMOVED>
Screenshots:
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Thanks in advance
Martin

Important note:
The app will expire after 21 days of free test-phase, but I don't want to earn money with you XDA-people, so if a dialog is shown, telling you that the test-phase is expired, please follow these two steps:
1. Do a long-click on "CANCEL" (keep it pressed for 2 sec.)
2. An ID is shown. Send this ID to me. Just touch it, choose your Email-app and send it to <MOD EDIT - LINK REMOVED> (I will unlock your app manually).
Thanks in advance.
Martin

Martini3001
Thank you for the great app,,,,
may I suggest,if possible, that you leave the data and clip tray up to the user to add or just keep the battery percentage by it self.
Thank you

cturbos said:
Martini3001
Thank you for the great app,,,,
may I suggest,if possible, that you leave the data and clip tray up to the user to add or just keep the battery percentage by it self.
Thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey cturbos, thanks for your compliment. I'm not completely sure what you mean. Do you mean that clip- and network-notification can be disabled by the user? This feature should be working already, just uncheck the specific notification in the app's settings (you can find the settings when you swipe from the left to open the navigation drawer).
Or do you mean that the dialog (popup) will stay open / resume at a given point (aka "the last shown entry")?
Greetings
Martin

Thank you for the quick response, the network notification settings.
I'll try it, And get back to you.
Keep up the good work
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

Clipboard notification should show up only when clipboard is not empty. Could you implement this?

Martini3001 said:
Important note:
The app will expire after 21 days of free test-phase, but I don't want to earn money with you XDA-people, so if a dialog is shown, telling you that the test-phase is expired, please follow these two steps:
1. Do a long-click on "CANCEL" (keep it pressed for 2 sec.)
2. An ID is shown. Send this ID to me. Just touch it, choose your Email-app and send it to [email protected] (I will unlock your app manually).
Feel free to leave a rating in GooglePlay.
Thanks in advance.
Martin
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure if this is the way you want to go...it may be better to provide an xda version that doesn't have the license check...collecting emails of users, even as a kind gesture (and it is really kind of you to offer this) may not be the best means, as it's akin to site registration (or at least could be construed as similar enough).
Sent from my Nexus 6P, #WhiteUIsMustDie, #EndDarkAppOppression

micmars said:
Not sure if this is the way you want to go...it may be better to provide an xda version that doesn't have the license check...collecting emails of users, even as a kind gesture (and it is really kind of you to offer this) may not be the best means, as it's akin to site registration (or at least could be construed as similar enough).
Sent from my Nexus 6P, #WhiteUIsMustDie, #EndDarkAppOppression
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello micmars,
I can understand your opinion and I totally agree with you. Collecting personal data may bring trouble in a project (let me tell you, that I am from Germany and we have one of the strictest privacy legals worldwide, so I really take care about these aspects when I'm releasing an app).
M104 doesn't take the email to verify the app's state. Please check the permissions, I' not able to receive users' personal data (such as email).
ALL required permission:
Code:
<uses-permission android:name="android.permission.RECEIVE_BOOT_COMPLETED"/>
<uses-permission android:name="android.permission.BATTERY_STATS"/>
<uses-permission android:name="android.permission.ACCESS_NETWORK_STATE"/>
<uses-permission android:name="android.permission.ACCESS_WIFI_STATE"/>
<uses-permission android:name="android.permission.READ_SYNC_SETTINGS"/>
<uses-permission android:name="android.permission.INTERNET"/>
These permissions are needed to ship the functionality the app has today.
Collecting data manually (by hand) is much too unhandy to (re)sell it.
If someone suspects this information isn't true, he can send me the ID without using the personal email-address (I assume everybody has a fake mail).
And there are other ways to send me the ID:
- Leave me a private message here on XDA
- Send me a letter containing the ID shown in the dialog (oldschool solution)
- Call me or contact me in GooglePlus
There are plenty of ways to contact me, without telling me "who you are".
Shipping two different versions sadly has the disadvantage that the statistics (rating in GooglePlay and statistics by Google Analytics*) are collected in two different scopes and will end in a development process which consumes more time and is more difficult to read/understand (and brings no improvements in terms of quality and stability).
*Please note that Analytics can be disabled by the user.
And to say it clear, if developers aim to harm users, they would implement functionality most users don't think of.
I guess it's not wrong to be interested in tech and feel better to know who made your software.
Regards
Martin

DimICE said:
Clipboard notification should show up only when clipboard is not empty. Could you implement this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Should be working since 0.1.2 (released Jan. 12th)... You can check your version in setting "Build-Version" (last entry).

Martini3001 said:
Hello micmars,
I can understand your opinion and I totally agree with you. Collecting personal data may bring trouble in a project (let me tell you, that I am from Germany and we have one of the strictest privacy legals worldwide, so I really take care about these aspects when I'm releasing an app).
M104 doesn't take the email to verify the app's state. Please check the permissions, I' not able to receive users' personal data (such as email).
ALL required permission:
Code:
These permissions are needed to ship the functionality the app has today.
Collecting data manually (by hand) is much too unhandy to (re)sell it.
If someone suspects this information isn't true, he can send me the ID without using the personal email-address (I assume everybody has a fake mail).
And there are other ways to send me the ID:
- Leave me a private message here on XDA
- Send me a letter containing the ID shown in the dialog (oldschool solution)
- Call me or contact me in GooglePlus
There are plenty of ways to contact me, without telling me "who you are".
Shipping two different versions sadly has the disadvantage that the statistics (rating in GooglePlay and statistics by Google Analytics*) are collected in two different scopes and will end in a development process which consumes more time and is more difficult to read/understand (and brings no improvements in terms of quality and stability).
*Please note that Analytics can be disabled by the user.
And to say it clear, if developers aim to harm users, they would implement functionality most users don't think of.
I guess it's not wrong to be interested in tech and feel better to know who made your software.
Regards
Martin
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All of this is well and good, but it seems that you're doing it for sake of expediency as opposed to doing that which is within the confines of providing your app to xda users.
Ultimately, I would rather see your app on the forums, and see you staying within the confines of that which xda allows.
Sent from my Nexus 6P, #WhiteUIsMustDie, #EndDarkAppOppression

Martini3001 said:
Hello micmars,
I can understand your opinion and I totally agree with you. Collecting personal data may bring trouble in a project (let me tell you, that I am from Germany and we have one of the strictest privacy legals worldwide, so I really take care about these aspects when I'm releasing an app).
<Snip>
These permissions are needed to ship the functionality the app has today.
Collecting data manually (by hand) is much too unhandy to (re)sell it.
If someone suspects this information isn't true, he can send me the ID without using the personal email-address (I assume everybody has a fake mail).
And there are other ways to send me the ID:
- Leave me a private message here on XDA
- Send me a letter containing the ID shown in the dialog (oldschool solution)
- Call me or contact me in GooglePlus
There are plenty of ways to contact me, without telling me "who you are".
Shipping two different versions sadly has the disadvantage that the statistics (rating in GooglePlay and statistics by Google Analytics*) are collected in two different scopes and will end in a development process which consumes more time and is more difficult to read/understand (and brings no improvements in terms of quality and stability).
*Please note that Analytics can be disabled by the user.
And to say it clear, if developers aim to harm users, they would implement functionality most users don't think of.
I guess it's not wrong to be interested in tech and feel better to know who made your software.
Regards
Martin
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately it can't work like that on this site. Either you need to provide a license-free version (i.e. XDA version that has core functionality in tact) or you cannot promote your app via email/PM with IDs. Given that your intentions are good, the fact that you want to have Users send their product IDs through their email address that you will inherently have "on-file" constitutes data farming. As simple as it may be, you cannot "require" someone to send you an email from the personal or otherwise email address for full functionality of said app.
With that said, you can however do a few things. The first is the XDA version that has core functionality that runs when installed. When I say core, I mean the core components have to work as advertised, however you can have add-ons that expand the operations of the app for in-app purchase/donation. As long as the app can run its basic functions unimpeded, then that is fine. OR...You can also set up a Beta-Testers group on the Play Store where you can invite Users to help test features and future development. Since that is outside of XDA jurisdiction, that will rely on Google Developer Standards and their policy to implement and enforce.
Sorry and I assume from reading the past few pages that your intention is passive and peaceful, but the rules of the site are clear about this.
micmars said:
All of this is well and good, but it seems that you're doing it for sake of expediency as opposed to doing that which is within the confines of providing your app to xda users.
Ultimately, I would rather see your app on the forums, and see you staying within the confines of that which xda allows.
Sent from my Nexus 6P, #WhiteUIsMustDie, #EndDarkAppOppression
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree and if there is any confusion about how this needs to be set up and running, OP can contact the Forum Moderators in charge of this section. They are listed at the tope of each individual N6P sections. OP, all you have to do is click on Themes and look at the top.

micmars said:
All of this is well and good, but it seems that you're doing it for sake of expediency as opposed to doing that which is within the confines of providing your app to xda users.
Ultimately, I would rather see your app on the forums, and see you staying within the confines of that which xda allows.
Sent from my Nexus 6P, #WhiteUIsMustDie, #EndDarkAppOppression
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, what exactly is wrong with the app or the way I am providing this to the users?
If I am not allowed to show my app here, feel free to mark / close / delete this thread. Since the last 7 days 7 user thanked here (some of them twice), I don't see a reason why this should be that bad.
If someone requests a feature I will implement it asap, if someone finds a bug I will fix it asap and if someone need help, I will do my best to help him out finding a proper solution.
Maybe you think I'm planning to reach 10 Mio. users, but that isn't. As I said, I made this app mostly for my own and after some friends tried it, I decided to improve the features. Still studying comp. science, not working as an professional app developer and earning >100k$ p.m..

Woody said:
Given that your intentions are good, the fact that you want to have Users send their product IDs through their email address that you will inherently have "on-file" constitutes data farming.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Given that my intentions are bad and I try to farm data, wouldn't it be much easier and effective to send every snipped the clipboard receives to a server and ship this app (unofficially in a forum) without telling the user where I live / how to contact me?
Keep in mind: Only permission "Internet" is needed and nearly EVERY app is able do this (and there are many of other flaws in the security model).
Sorry, I still don't see a benefit of a xda-version and I still don't see how I can farm data by receiving an ID.

Martini3001 said:
Given that my intentions are bad and I try to farm data, wouldn't it be much easier and effective to send every snipped the clipboard receives to a server and ship this app (unofficially in a forum) without telling the user where I live / how to contact me?
Keep in mind: Only permission "Internet" is needed and nearly EVERY app is able do this (and there are many of other flaws in the security model).
Sorry, I still don't see a benefit of a xda-version and I still don't see how I can farm data by receiving an ID.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol, so you want this on principle?
It's quite simple...there are hundreds of apps on these forums that follow the trajectory of exactly that which has been provided to you...xda version, Play Store version, and none has an issue with it.
I'm not a moderator, but the individual whom responded to you is.
As I noted from my first post on this topic, I think that it would be good for your app to remain on the forums, and also good if you had a paid version on the Play Store. That stated, the xda version cannot have any machinations whatsoever to collect user email addresses or any other identifying information.
If available on xda, you must offer a version of your software that is fully functional, offered at no cost, and requires no identifying information from the user.
That's the standard. Either follow it or don't.
Sent from my Nexus 6P, #WhiteUIsMustDie, #EndDarkAppOppression

Martini3001 said:
Sorry, I still don't see a benefit of a xda-version and I still don't see how I can farm data by receiving an ID.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Regardless of whether or not you see a benefit of it, it is what it is. You either need to provide a version that has core functionality without a license or pull your links.
A Guide to Paid Work on XDA-Developers
And it isn't the ID that is used in relation to farming, it is the email from which they come. Case in point, your email is in Post #2. That can be used very easily to gain all sorts of information on you with relatively minimal effort. Requiring someone to send you an email that is outside of the checks of the Play Store venue to gain access to app function is against the XDA rules.
FSM @Perseus will handle this from here, as it is his team's section to moderate.

Martini3001 said:
Given that my intentions are bad and I try to farm data, wouldn't it be much easier and effective to send every snipped the clipboard receives to a server and ship this app (unofficially in a forum) without telling the user where I live / how to contact me?
Keep in mind: Only permission "Internet" is needed and nearly EVERY app is able do this (and there are many of other flaws in the security model).
Sorry, I still don't see a benefit of a xda-version and I still don't see how I can farm data by receiving an ID.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We know that you have nothing but good intentions at heart. This you have made clear in more than one post so far. Which is exactly why the thread is still operational. You have been very forthright in listing the Permissions needed by the app.
Having said that, as I see it, your problem with creating a XDA Edition of the app is that your analytics is fragmented. (rating in GooglePlay and statistics by Google Analytics). I can understand that. But the XDA Rules have been in place to avoid use of XDA as commercial Advertisement for a paid app in Play Store. I know that you have made it pretty clear, that you have no such intentions. But the rules have to be uniformly applied. I hope you understand that. Having said that, there are quiet a few Paid apps listed in Our Community Apps. (Link bellow). They follow a fairly similar model. Specifically the author of BetterBatteryStats app had in past made clear he has the same intentions as you.
Speaking of analytics, you might want to review the subforums of Marketing, Distribution, and Analytics forum. You might want to review following questions in the Analytics subforum
[Q] How do you app developers prefer to track of your apps?
Good alternatives to Google Analytics for Android?
You are welcome to post your question there as well, should you feel like it.
Oh and by the way since this app is not more global for all devices, have you considered listing in XDA Community Apps. Also you might want to consider having your app listed in XDA Labs for additional visibility.
On on OT Note - For the sake of all that holy, don't be defensive. We are here to help not impede your idea. I have an LG and I know exactly what you mean. Feel free to PM me, should you need to take offline.

Perseus said:
On on OT Note - For the sake of all that holy, don't be defensive. We are here to help not impede your idea.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Amen...I think these words should be put at the top of every place on this site where the rules are posted...this is the most succinct and clearly wrought statement of the spirit of xda as I've read.
Sent from my Nexus 6P, #WhiteUIsMustDie, #EndDarkAppOppression

Great app! Can you add in a way to change temp from Celsius to Fahrenheit please?
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

XRaptor29 said:
Great app! Can you add in a way to change temp from Celsius to Fahrenheit please?
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks Yes, available in a 2-3 hours (0.1.5).

OP HAS NOT MADE A COMPLETELY FREE VERSION PER XDA RULES. Thread closed and links removed.
OP Check your PM.

Velvet Themes - Support & Feedback, Communication

Hey everyone! So after a bit of a break I'm back and I've brought along some new themes for everyone to enjoy! Some of you may remember me over the past few years from various LG devices. So what the purpose of this thread is, is to provide support, feedback and allow me to communicate, interact and discuss my themes with all members of xda. I know that a lot of people now are pivoting to telegram but honestly albeit convenient it's just not as good for people to find things. With this format other members can view the thread and see suggestions or issues that have been brought up or add their own. I much prefer it this way and with all of my other threads I've found XDA to be the best way to provide support and gather feedback from members all over the world. There are a few rules that must be abided by. First, the purpose of this thread is exactly what the title states; "Support, feedback & communication". It is not to generate sales/revenue and as such I request that no paid links be posted. I understand some people like to make life easier to those who can't find a link but I forbid this as does XDA rules. XDA rules (11) states that
Don’t use XDA to advertise your product or service. Proprietors of for-pay products or services, may use XDA to get feedback, provide beta access, or a free version of their product for XDA users and to offer support, but not to post with the intention of selling. This includes promoting sites similar / substantially similar to XDA-Developers.com.
So let's keep it that way. Next, I don't mind if you ask me about eta's. I know some people get quite fired up about that but it doesn't bother me. This doesn't mean that when you ask, that one magically shows up. My life has become much busier than it was in the past and I spend considerably more time creating themes than I did when I first was making them for the V20, G6, V30. After those devices it became possible to theme more elements and I also believe my abilities improved. So I really try to focus on attention to details. Next let's have some fun in here. After all this is supposed to be a fun hobby that we all share (customizing our devices). I absolutely love screenshots so if you want to post some of your home screen setup while using my themes, by all means show off your creativity. Lastly be kind and courteous to each other. If you've read this far I thank you for your time and I look forward to hearing your input and feedback. Update info:
In closing some of you may ask about (insert theme name) that you used to use on your old (insert name) device. Some of these themes are anywhere from 2-4 years old and honestly they likely won't be. After about a year or two I normally stop updating a theme. Some themes in all honesty don't require updates. More on that in a bit. But here's the thing. LG has an interesting way of doing things. So for example let's say you used pixel experience on your G7 of V40 and you liked using it. Sure I could technically update it to work on the V60. But by doing so it would cause it to stop working on the G7 or V40. That is simply not fair to do to those who have not changed their devices. I've tried to make it work in the past and it always causes more harm than good so for that reason I generally avoid that. Back to update frequency. As I was saying, not all themes will require frequent updates. A theme sometimes reaches a point where it is pretty much bug free and eventually it runs it course and I don't just update for the sake of updating. An update serves a purpose of either improving of correcting something and sometimes less is more.
Now for my first theme which has an optional add-on system icon pack:
E for Extinction​
Screenshots​
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So I really debated making this theme for a long time. I had the odd email here and there over the years asking if I could make this and I always politely declined. But I decided finally to do it... Why not right! Anyway I think this turned out pretty well and it has dark and light mode styles, icons and wallpapers. When you want to switch switch to default theme, then choose either light or dark mode and reapply the theme. If not the icons won't take properly. Here's some more screenshots if you'd rather look at them longer than shown in my video. Anyway I hope you like it! I'm honestly not sure how many more LG themes I'm going to make. It seems with LG discontinuing their mobile division that interest in themes has died down quite a bit.

Reserved 2

Reserved 3

Reserved 4

Reserved 5

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Reserved 7

Man I'm greedy eh? Taking the entire first page!!!

But I'm probably going to need it!

Wow aren't we a quiet bunch in here. Anyway Check this out

Deleted

Hi , how can i get only the system stock original icons ? I need them for an icon pack that im working.

lohigno said:
Hi , how can i get only the system stock original icons ? I need them for an icon pack that im working.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pull them from the system apps

delete

Really like this theme. One thing i would like to know is if you could update the brightness slider for android 11. Other than that excellent theme. Thanks for the LG support

Well this by far is the quietest LG themes thread I've ever had sadly. Anyway folks a couple of weeks ago I made another theme and I never announced it here. Anyway this is it here. Check it out. I hope you like it. I honestly don't know how much longer I'm going to continue making LG themes. I've been doing this for a very long time and interest is really dwindling now and I just don't know if I'm going to keep going for much longer.

Negan said:
Hey everyone! So after a bit of a break I'm back and I've brought along some new themes for everyone to enjoy! Some of you may remember me over the past few years from various LG devices. So what the purpose of this thread is, is to provide support, feedback and allow me to communicate, interact and discuss my themes with all members of xda. I know that a lot of people now are pivoting to telegram but honestly albeit convenient it's just not as good for people to find things. With this format other members can view the thread and see suggestions or issues that have been brought up or add their own. I much prefer it this way and with all of my other threads I've found XDA to be the best way to provide support and gather feedback from members all over the world. There are a few rules that must be abided by. First, the purpose of this thread is exactly what the title states; "Support, feedback & communication". It is not to generate sales/revenue and as such I request that no paid links be posted. I understand some people like to make life easier to those who can't find a link but I forbid this as does XDA rules. XDA rules (11) states that
Don’t use XDA to advertise your product or service. Proprietors of for-pay products or services, may use XDA to get feedback, provide beta access, or a free version of their product for XDA users and to offer support, but not to post with the intention of selling. This includes promoting sites similar / substantially similar to XDA-Developers.com.
So let's keep it that way. Next, I don't mind if you ask me about eta's. I know some people get quite fired up about that but it doesn't bother me. This doesn't mean that when you ask, that one magically shows up. My life has become much busier than it was in the past and I spend considerably more time creating themes than I did when I first was making them for the V20, G6, V30. After those devices it became possible to theme more elements and I also believe my abilities improved. So I really try to focus on attention to details. Next let's have some fun in here. After all this is supposed to be a fun hobby that we all share (customizing our devices). I absolutely love screenshots so if you want to post some of your home screen setup while using my themes, by all means show off your creativity. Lastly be kind and courteous to each other. If you've read this far I thank you for your time and I look forward to hearing your input and feedback. Update info:
In closing some of you may ask about (insert theme name) that you used to use on your old (insert name) device. Some of these themes are anywhere from 2-4 years old and honestly they likely won't be. After about a year or two I normally stop updating a theme. Some themes in all honesty don't require updates. More on that in a bit. But here's the thing. LG has an interesting way of doing things. So for example let's say you used pixel experience on your G7 of V40 and you liked using it. Sure I could technically update it to work on the V60. But by doing so it would cause it to stop working on the G7 or V40. That is simply not fair to do to those who have not changed their devices. I've tried to make it work in the past and it always causes more harm than good so for that reason I generally avoid that. Back to update frequency. As I was saying, not all themes will require frequent updates. A theme sometimes reaches a point where it is pretty much bug free and eventually it runs it course and I don't just update for the sake of updating. An update serves a purpose of either improving of correcting something and sometimes less is more.
Now for my first theme which has an optional add-on system icon pack:
E for Extinction
Screenshots
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Nice

Leave Twitter - move to Mastodon

You've probably read it too: Elon Musk, the new sole owner of Twitter, wants to monetize the existing accounts: hence it's time to switch to Mastodon, IMO.
Mastodon is the largest decentralized social network on the Internet. Instead of a single website, it's a network of millions of users in independent communities that can all interact seamlessly with each other. No matter what interests you, you can meet passionate people who post about it on Mastodon! Join a community and create your profile. Find and follow fascinating people and read their posts in an ad-free, chronological timeline. Express yourself with custom emojis, images, GIFs, videos and audio in posts
​
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Mastodon is open-source and has an elegant, well-documented API that is available to everyone. Make your own app, or use one of the many third-party apps made by other developers!​
Requires Android 6+ ( API 23 )
As a centrally operated service, Twitter – in contrast to decentralized platforms such as Mastodon – can be censored. Tweets can therefore be deleted, both by the author and by the platform operator.
More info here:
Mastodon - Decentralized social media
Learn more about Mastodon, the radically different, free and open-source decentralized social media platform.
joinmastodon.org

Basically it's rich jerk owner with outdated technological concept vs leftish wannabees with decentralized approach.
Generally I prefer federate systems just I fail to see the benefit in either:
xXx yYy said:
Express yourself with custom emojis, images, GIFs, videos and audio in posts
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did that mistake once with facebook. Very glad I left. Such social media is for companies and morons.
Isn't it?
Or is it?

Personally yesterday switched from Twitter to Mastodon because for me the most important thing to note about decentralized social media as Mastodon is that it doesn't consist of one central server. Many of the biggest social media networks out there today, including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, are all centralized, meaning one core authority holds all the power over the network.
Decentralized social media outlets have a very special characteristic: multiple distributed networks can exist within them. This means that individuals can choose which network they'd like to join. Any user can create their own network, allowing for individuals with similar interests or ideas to connect.
These platforms use a system of governance instead of the word of a few individuals - or only one like Elon Musk - to make decisions. Users can vote on things to have their say in how the platform progresses, instead of having to go along with whatever the central authority wants.
So, decentralized social media as Mastodon offer a fresh take on digital communication, wherein multiple networks can exist within one platform, all of which are controlled by independent servers.

xXx yYy said:
switched from Twitter to Mastodon because for me the most important thing to note about decentralized social media as Mastodon is that it doesn't consist of one central server
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good choice! I wonder how mastodon will work out for you in the long run.
Federation works email since decades (unfortunately for spammers, too). Will you switch also to XMPP with your messaging then?

I stay on Twitter as long as people who i follow stays too.

Dayuser said:
stay on Twitter
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As much as I despise social media, shouldn't you try to convince those people at least to switch to the better system?
Too often I see people I would rather admire, then I see them using twitter - instant turn off, I cringe.

SigmundDroid said:
As much as I despise social media, shouldn't you try to convince those people at least to switch to the better system?
Too often I see people I would rather admire, then I see them using twitter - instant turn off, I cringe.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My twitter usage is mostly reading Twitter and not tweeting anything. I follow large tech companies and sites so me saying "switch to Mastodon or something else" does not have any effect.
and i don't see any major changes to my Twitter usage even that owner is chanced..

So whats the difference in twitter now and a week ago? The new owner has more money and the leftist dont like the new owner.
Most twitter users do literally nothing but complaining but never take any responsibility. Thats why they need a decentralized social media. In fact you will get more and more ideological owners, but in a smaller package.
You change from a regulated big system to a non controlled small system. Thats fine but there are consequences. Its on you which matter more to you.
Anyway i dont have Twitter/Facebook/Instagram/Mastodon or anything else except XDA. This gives you much time to do useful things.

Mastodon that's been around for about 6 yrs, has emerged as a potential and popular choice. The very day of Musk's Twitter takeover, Mstodon gained 70,000 new users. As of 2Nov2022, it's grown to host 655,000 active users. Of course that's only a drop in the bucket compared with Twitter's reported 450 million daily users.
Warning: Mastodon’s model comes with its own risks. If the server you join disappears, you could lose everything, just like if your email provider shut down. A Mastodon server admin also has ultimate control over everything you do: if for some reason the owner of kpop.social doesn’t like that you boosted a toot from dolphin.town, they could remove it or even “defederate” the server, which would block all dolphin toots from the k-pop server completely. A server admin could also snoop on your private toots if they wanted to – or delete your account for any reason.

IMO the new Twitter boss now faces a difficult choice. On the one hand, the important advertisers are not very enthusiastic about the idea of seeing their messages next to potentially extremist, offensive or otherwise problematic statements that correspond to Musk's idea of free speech. On the other hand, Twitter must not only make up for its losses, but also bring in the interest if it does not want to finance the service out of its own ( Musk's ) pocket. Musk will have to pay a price – the only question is which one it will be.

Leave Twitter , Embrace XDA

karandpr said:
Leave Twitter , Embrace XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

karandpr said:
Leave Twitter , Embrace XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
^ Worthy of having it's own Thread!

galaxys said:
^ Worthy of having it's own Thread!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

For me personally I'm not leaving Twitter (at least for now) reason for this is because people like XDA still use it and it's harder for me to live without Twitter as long as my favorite content creators still use it.

Dayuser said:
I stay on Twitter as long as people who i follow stays too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here

Dayuser said:
I stay on Twitter as long as people who i follow stays too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Isn't this what these "companies" calculate with? That nobody makes the first step and tries to convince the others to follow...
I'm not using twitter, facebook, instagram, linkedIn, whatsapp (please name the rest), and I don't miss anything. And why do I only visit the portal when the forum goes "offline due to maintenance" (gratefully the bugs that made that regularly to occur a few weeks ago are fixed)? This is the reason:

Ive never suscribed to any newsletter, maybe its time to start...

Uhm, so twitter (and the likewise centralized alternatives) is worse is worse than mastodon (well, in a technical sense, not many people will disagree on this, I guess).
How about the next step? Going away from servers and use something p2p-like...
I know only of freenet (tried it eons ago), are there any other solutions?

I really don't know what's going on with Twitter right now, and I can tell you that there are a few others who can tell you that there are others who know it well. somehow the influence of musk is really different in how it's being made at this point. I can tell you that there are others who consider staying on the bird app simply because it's convenient. but then again, not everyone moves until they're affected, but I really couldn't recommend the mastodon if you want to do that too. just make sure you have even more options to consider.