Wednesday, 12 January 2011
A change of venue
Well as very few people actually check the blog we're going to put it into semi retirement - for now if you want to contact us try emailing us at clarkeapps@gmail.com or search for Clarke Apps on facebook - we plan to have a new website up and running in the next month or two, as soon as we get it made!
Monday, 4 October 2010
Upcoming features
So we're looking at what's coming up in Tap Play in future updates.
1) A Lite version of the App - not very interesting if you own it? Perhaps not, but we hope it'll bring in new custom which will allow us to fund future development. The Lite version will be heavily limited though so fret not.
2) iPhone functionality - this will allow you to navigate, walk, steer - whatever your toon does, using your iPod touch or iPhone - this is nearing readiness, just requires sometime to actually get it done - the tech's there, the time isn't. ETA? End of the month.
3) Customisable Key Presses - Well we've heard you on this, we think we know how to do it, but it'll come after the iPod/iPhone update which is relatively straight forward - ETA - Unknown
4) More buttons - A couple of people have requested more buttons, we'll probably add this in with the customisable key presses as it'll make most sense then, then you can customise it all as you want.
5) More skins for more games - coming as and when our Graphic Designer has the time to make them.
Anything else you want to see in app? Let us know! We'd love your feedback here or at clarkeapps@gmail.com
Anon
David
1) A Lite version of the App - not very interesting if you own it? Perhaps not, but we hope it'll bring in new custom which will allow us to fund future development. The Lite version will be heavily limited though so fret not.
2) iPhone functionality - this will allow you to navigate, walk, steer - whatever your toon does, using your iPod touch or iPhone - this is nearing readiness, just requires sometime to actually get it done - the tech's there, the time isn't. ETA? End of the month.
3) Customisable Key Presses - Well we've heard you on this, we think we know how to do it, but it'll come after the iPod/iPhone update which is relatively straight forward - ETA - Unknown
4) More buttons - A couple of people have requested more buttons, we'll probably add this in with the customisable key presses as it'll make most sense then, then you can customise it all as you want.
5) More skins for more games - coming as and when our Graphic Designer has the time to make them.
Anything else you want to see in app? Let us know! We'd love your feedback here or at clarkeapps@gmail.com
Anon
David
Monday, 20 September 2010
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Tuesday, 14 September 2010
V1.0.1 Out Now - and other news.
Hey everyone,
So it's been a few days since I reported the PTT bug we'd been having.
The simple reasoning behind this is follows.
I'm daft.
I programmed the whole app based around the idea that you tend to press a key and let go of it in MMO's. This isn't how PTT keys work, not at all. You push, and you hold.
Well this has been solved and was actually a really easy fix, hence the app's already updated (and if you haven't already, update in iTunes/App Store and download the updated servers as you need the combination to make things work properly.) but what's perhaps more interesting is that this little fix has allowed us to develop some new technology that we thought we were going to spend ages working on and is now, within the space of an hours work, almost ready to go.
That technology is the ability to fly your ship using LCARS - currently using the iPad you can fly the ship in the sense of being able to control your speed which while interesting, is not ideal.
This weekend we'll be starting initial work on converting the application into a universal App - this means that if you have both an iPad and an iPhone/iPod Touch you'll be able to use the iPad app as it exists already, and on the iPod or iPhone you'll be able to steer using a standard WASD setup. On this app as well we're also going to make room to include some basic speed controls (so those using the iPod by itself can access full navigation control) as well as access to your galaxy map.
Not enough? Well we're going to try and cram in access to shield controls as well to allow you to reinforce your shields in a firefight without reaching for the mouse or keyboard.
Unfortunately at first these expansions will be Windows only due to the way the technology works but we're going to look at adding Mac compatibility down the line. That said if you're a Mac user you'll still be able to use the iPad OR the iPod but not both at once.
We've also heard you asking for more customisation of what each key does - well we've heard it and we'll be looking into it, this will be further down the line at the minute as it's quite complex in comparison but rest assured we'll be bringing it when it's ready.
So it's been a few days since I reported the PTT bug we'd been having.
The simple reasoning behind this is follows.
I'm daft.
I programmed the whole app based around the idea that you tend to press a key and let go of it in MMO's. This isn't how PTT keys work, not at all. You push, and you hold.
Well this has been solved and was actually a really easy fix, hence the app's already updated (and if you haven't already, update in iTunes/App Store and download the updated servers as you need the combination to make things work properly.) but what's perhaps more interesting is that this little fix has allowed us to develop some new technology that we thought we were going to spend ages working on and is now, within the space of an hours work, almost ready to go.
That technology is the ability to fly your ship using LCARS - currently using the iPad you can fly the ship in the sense of being able to control your speed which while interesting, is not ideal.
This weekend we'll be starting initial work on converting the application into a universal App - this means that if you have both an iPad and an iPhone/iPod Touch you'll be able to use the iPad app as it exists already, and on the iPod or iPhone you'll be able to steer using a standard WASD setup. On this app as well we're also going to make room to include some basic speed controls (so those using the iPod by itself can access full navigation control) as well as access to your galaxy map.
Not enough? Well we're going to try and cram in access to shield controls as well to allow you to reinforce your shields in a firefight without reaching for the mouse or keyboard.
Unfortunately at first these expansions will be Windows only due to the way the technology works but we're going to look at adding Mac compatibility down the line. That said if you're a Mac user you'll still be able to use the iPad OR the iPod but not both at once.
We've also heard you asking for more customisation of what each key does - well we've heard it and we'll be looking into it, this will be further down the line at the minute as it's quite complex in comparison but rest assured we'll be bringing it when it's ready.
Sunday, 12 September 2010
Some troubleshooting Feedback
Just an update on a couple of issues we've heard about.
Push to Talk
This doesn't work at the minute - should have but doesn't. We have patch with Apple at the minute which should sort all these problems out but will need a new server download from Mediafire. Our fault. Sorry.
Severe Lag
One user reported severe input lag, when tapping on a button it took a period up seconds for his computer to respond to the command, if at all. This has been solved, the answer is to open port 5583 up for the iPad on your firewall. If you are unsure how to open ports please consult Google with a phrase such as "Open Ports on (Router name)"
We hope these alleviate some problems for people. The new versions will hopefully be out Monday or Tuesday - it's all in Apple's hands right now.
Push to Talk
This doesn't work at the minute - should have but doesn't. We have patch with Apple at the minute which should sort all these problems out but will need a new server download from Mediafire. Our fault. Sorry.
Severe Lag
One user reported severe input lag, when tapping on a button it took a period up seconds for his computer to respond to the command, if at all. This has been solved, the answer is to open port 5583 up for the iPad on your firewall. If you are unsure how to open ports please consult Google with a phrase such as "Open Ports on (Router name)"
We hope these alleviate some problems for people. The new versions will hopefully be out Monday or Tuesday - it's all in Apple's hands right now.
Thursday, 9 September 2010
Live at Last!
Hey everyone,
Just here to let you all know about our new iPad application.
We call it Tap Play, and it's an exciting new way to control your
World of Warcraft, Star Trek Online or any other MMO, Action using your iPad.
Using just your iPad and a small server application on your Windows or
Mac PC you can control your spell casting and gain access to regularly
used commands at the touch of a finger. Think of all that finger
stretching reaching to press Alt and 0 together - gone! Much faster
game play for all those situations where speed really does matter - the difference between life and death in your next PvP match!
Check out our
YouTube Video
Facebook Page
or
folllow us on Twitter @ClarkeApps
The app includes bound keys for items such as the different power
trays, spellbook, bag access and many more. It can also be used with a
number of other MMO's (so long as they support key binding or key
reconfiguration) so why not check us out? We're also running a small
competition on our Twitter at the minute so take a look.
Available on the App Store:
Any questions please give us a shout, we'd love to hear from you.
This is the creation of myself and my wife (who also plays) she's been testing it for the last month or so and loves it, makes controlling in space so much simpler, check it out.
Now for the trick - to get a chance to win a promo code, entitling you to a free copy of the app simply follow us on Twitter (@Clarkeapps) or Like us on Facebook, for every 100 follows/likes we will give away one promo code (up to a maximum of ten) Codes are available to anyone, but can only be redeemed in the US App Store (Apple rules, not mine)
Wednesday, 8 September 2010
Back in Review
Well we went into review late last night (UK time) and we're still in review so here's hoping that Apple let us through this time! Can't see why not, we corrected their requests so all 'should' be well.
Tuesday, 31 August 2010
Monday, 30 August 2010
An update
24 Hours on and got a bit more feedback from Apple. Apparently the icon (a version of the artwork on this page) and the search keywords are the issue. Apple ask for high quality Meta Data...oh well! Haha! Let's hope that's all it was.
Reasons for Rejection
So, just to explain my earlier rant, because it was a little unfair on Apple, but I am heartily annoyed by this. If you've seen our Facebook page you've got an idea of what we're trying to do, and the artwork we're using.
Our email last night explained that they were unwilling to accept the application as it contained "elements from Star Trek which Paramount Movies have raised issues with in the past" Now, Apple have yet to come back to us to explain what exactly it is that's the issue so we're a little in the dark right now and unable to really progress forwards - it's kind of like stumbling around in the dark wearing a blindfold.
Now we have a few theories as to what the potential problem may be so let's outline them.
1) The use of the 'arrowhead' on the icon and the iTunes Artwork (seen on the Facebook Page) now this is what we suspect the likely culprit to be, and it's not an unfair comment if so and will take a whole 24 hours to resolve for us. That said the arrowhead was chosen as it gave the nice double meaning to the Star Trek fans (as it is very symbolic) and to Warcraft fans, with it being intended to resemble an arrowhead as an archer might use. If this the case however I'm still a bit miffed as there are other apps in the App Store that use this arrowhead for Star Trek apps - be consistent please Apple.
2) The use of the word 'Impulse' in the controls set. Again, pedantic on all parts, but if that's it, that's it and we'll change it to full speed instead - less accurate but understandable.
3) The star trek esque layout in the controller itself. Now I'd like to start off and say that this was all our own work, not one downloaded image or anything - purely based off of Star Trek rather than using official artwork, if this is it Apple really need to search for both Star Trek and LCARS in the app store - again, consistency please Apple.
Anyway we'll see what comes in the next 48 hours and go from there, it's very dissapointing for us here but hopefully it'll resolve soon, if not we'll go for a whole new graphical style but that involves time and effort and further delay on the application's launch. Ho Hum.
Our email last night explained that they were unwilling to accept the application as it contained "elements from Star Trek which Paramount Movies have raised issues with in the past" Now, Apple have yet to come back to us to explain what exactly it is that's the issue so we're a little in the dark right now and unable to really progress forwards - it's kind of like stumbling around in the dark wearing a blindfold.
Now we have a few theories as to what the potential problem may be so let's outline them.
1) The use of the 'arrowhead' on the icon and the iTunes Artwork (seen on the Facebook Page) now this is what we suspect the likely culprit to be, and it's not an unfair comment if so and will take a whole 24 hours to resolve for us. That said the arrowhead was chosen as it gave the nice double meaning to the Star Trek fans (as it is very symbolic) and to Warcraft fans, with it being intended to resemble an arrowhead as an archer might use. If this the case however I'm still a bit miffed as there are other apps in the App Store that use this arrowhead for Star Trek apps - be consistent please Apple.
2) The use of the word 'Impulse' in the controls set. Again, pedantic on all parts, but if that's it, that's it and we'll change it to full speed instead - less accurate but understandable.
3) The star trek esque layout in the controller itself. Now I'd like to start off and say that this was all our own work, not one downloaded image or anything - purely based off of Star Trek rather than using official artwork, if this is it Apple really need to search for both Star Trek and LCARS in the app store - again, consistency please Apple.
Anyway we'll see what comes in the next 48 hours and go from there, it's very dissapointing for us here but hopefully it'll resolve soon, if not we'll go for a whole new graphical style but that involves time and effort and further delay on the application's launch. Ho Hum.
Rejected
So we finally got an email from Apple last night. They were concned that some elements of the app potentially infringed on some copyrighted concepts of Paramount. I'm a bit puzzled by this as there are several products on the app store using similar layouts and imagery already.. I've emailed back asking for more details as there are still many options for us, though it would be galling to have to do a full redesign if it's the UI that poses a problem. If it's just the icon and iTunes artwork then it's less of an issue.
Saturday, 28 August 2010
More time
So the app went into review yesterday, unfortunately it's no closer to release. Got an email from Apple yesterday saying they require additional time to review the application. What does this mean? Who knows, not us that's for sure. We'll keep you up to date as things progress.
Tuesday, 24 August 2010
An Update on our coming app.
Hey everyone,
Just to let you know we've submitted our newest App to Apple dated 20th August so we expect to see it up by the weekend (touch wood!).
It's called Tap Play, it needs an iPad, and it's a little bit special to us. Watch this space for a preview video in the very near future, and for what it's worth, we suggest one of these two, it'll all make sense soon enough.
Just to let you know we've submitted our newest App to Apple dated 20th August so we expect to see it up by the weekend (touch wood!).
It's called Tap Play, it needs an iPad, and it's a little bit special to us. Watch this space for a preview video in the very near future, and for what it's worth, we suggest one of these two, it'll all make sense soon enough.
Thursday, 19 August 2010
Starting Out
This is only a quick thought, I'll flesh it out more fully later, but everyone says start with something small and build up slowly.
I tend to disagree.
Start with something small and build a few small apps to get a feel for the SDK and the code, then pick something big, ambitious and new - and try and try. You'll learn more through doing this then any amount of baby steps will teach you.
There's loads of great places to seek advice and help and loads of books too, but I owe a special shoutout to the folks over at StackOverflow who have been genuine stars, a really lovely helpful community and well worth a look.
I tend to disagree.
Start with something small and build a few small apps to get a feel for the SDK and the code, then pick something big, ambitious and new - and try and try. You'll learn more through doing this then any amount of baby steps will teach you.
There's loads of great places to seek advice and help and loads of books too, but I owe a special shoutout to the folks over at StackOverflow who have been genuine stars, a really lovely helpful community and well worth a look.
Tuesday, 17 August 2010
Getting started programming for iPhone and iPad
Well as I've got a new blog starting here I thought as a first step it'd be nice to offer some friendly advice to those looking at starting their own app development setup.
I suppose the first thing to mention is really kind of the obvious, and this is that if you don't know what you're going to make into an app, it's probably not worth shelling out the hundred bucks to join the developer scheme, that is unless you have the money to throw away and just want to do this as a bit of fun, in which case go right ahead. This leads directly into another point and that is that Xcode (the iPhone development environment) is actually available free from Apple, this is rather handy as it lets you learn and develop the code for free, get an application up and running, then pay to play so to speak - check out here for downloads
Registration is free, but if you're looking into this you probably have an iTunes account already, in which case you're already registered - smart eh?
The second thing is that it isn't easy - Apple are really helpful in some ways, and terribly restrictive in others, and it's a funny balance. Apple offer loads of free resources out there, lots of sample apps, example code, reference materials and the like, yet sometimes they get funny about certain methods being used that they'd rather you didn't, now these are (apparently) documented somewhere, but for whatever reason you can't use them. Take for example NSHost, a simple little utility involved in networking, you can use it in a Mac app, but not in an iPhone app - why? You tell me - but it makes for fun and games that's for sure.
If you're getting started with programming for the first time I'd like to recommend a book that I bought that I found extremely helpful, it's not a tell you everything guide, but it gives a good go. The only downside is that it's written for OS 3.X which is now outdated, but to be honest it's still quite valid.
The book is simple to understand and easy on the eyes and mind. Take a look at Amazon's preview page if that helps, I believe there's an updated version coming out for iOS 4.0 but I've not seen it myself yet so time'll tell.
I'll come back in a bit and post links to one or two of my apps to show you what we've done, along with a possible sneak peak at one of our upcoming projects.
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