App UI Feedback - Standard Approach - Design, Prototyping, UI, Graphics

First time post, so please be gentle!
Our App recently featured on an XDA article, but now we're really after some feedback on the UI (user interface) and how people feel about it.
The App is called The News Free: UK News Edition and allows users to see a consolidated list of UK newspapers and read their articles. It was developed by a regular contributor to the forums (h4oxer) and the approach that we tried to take was a minimalistic approach using standard Android UI principals. However, a slightly different approach was taken when viewing the articles on the websites which allows the users to strip out all the adverts, etc ... and just read the core article. We're happy with the way the App looks / performs, but ideally we would like some impartial feedback.
I know that there are a lot of talented guys on here, so if you are kind enough to be able to spare a few minutes to take a look and pass comment we really would appreciate any feedback that you might have that will assist us with the future direction of the application!

Related

Changes at XDA, Please Read

Hey Everyone,
I’ve been an XDA user (under another name) for a long time, but now I’ve been appointed a new role to work with Flar and the moderators to make the user experience here better. For example, some of you may have noticed that the site has gotten faster in the last several days and that there are fewer 502 gateway errors. This is no fluke—we’ve employed an expert server administrator who has been restructuring the database to allow for quicker access speeds and far fewer errors. There is still a lot of work to be done, but we’re off to a pretty good start.
Beyond improving site speed, number two on our list is to cut down on spam. We’ve already experimented with a few tactics that have had varying levels of success, and we’ll keep at it until we get it right.
We’re also working on a home page redesign (or the “portal” as some of you know it). Our goal is to make it a useful destination for finding the best content in the forums and to make it easy for users to find new information about a particular device without having to scan through dozens of threads. We are recruiting volunteers to help identify and "promote" content to the main page, which requires some writing skills (see the "news" posted to the home page in the past couple of days). If you're interested and serious about helping, send a PM to Flar; she is organizing the effort.
Finally-- and hopefully this doesn't cause a mass uproar-- we are considering the idea of selectively adding non-HTC device forums (focused on Windows Mobile and Android devices). Every day we get requests from users for this, and there's really no good reason why we cannot oblige them. Already the discussion is happening in the general forums. That said, we will only add new forums if: 1. We are confident added traffic won't cause site speed to suffer; 2. We can recruit quality moderators; and 3. The content and discussion is of high quality. The only way to know these things for sure is to try it out. So, within the next 14 days we are going to add two or three non-HTC forums. The delay is to ensure the site continues to operate at a reasonable speed and so we can figure out where to put the new forums (the forum homepage is already absurdly long and cluttered). We are open to suggestions as to deserving devices for our first non-HTC forums, so give us your ideas in this thread.
I look forward to working closely with you to bring about exciting new changes to XDA that will make the experience better for you.
Hi Svetius
I asked a while ago for a forum for the Roadster, HP iPAQ HX4700, unfortunatly i received no more information on the topic since I sent a PM to Flar, if this could be added as a new forum, i would be happy to moderate it
svetius;5335158
The delay is to ensure the site continues to operate at a reasonable speed and so we can figure out where to put the new forums (the forum homepage is already absurdly long and cluttered). We are open to suggestions as to deserving devices for our first non-HTC forums[/QUOTE said:
It's not that bad Just make a Bookmark
Thanks
Badwolve1
Click to expand...
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XDA in 2010
Great to know about all this changes and modifications!
XDA is the number one forum on it´s genre
Personally I think adding non HTC devices could add a lot of intensive traffic and may deviate the main objectives and efforts from what this site was created, but I will support and promote any final decision made by Owners & Admin
Count with my help if required.
Just my 2 cents
Long live to XDA!!
It's great to see another Admin aboard XDA, and a very ambitious one at that! These sound like very exciting changes XDA will be going through, and some are much needed, like spam control and an update to the portal. I look forward to watching these take effect
Amen to non-HTC devices!
As a longtime HTC fan, I appreciate the great community we have here at XDA. But I'm looking to branch out, and I recenlty purchased a Toshiba TG01 that is a powerful device and I'd love to see a forum for that if there is enough demand.
The LG Expo is also poised to be a big seller here in the states; already there is work going on with that here at XDA, so perhaps that deserves a forum (it's one of the first WinMo Snapdragon devices after all).
Long live XDA!
PS Maybe a different color scheme would be nice, the yellow has been giving me lots of eye strain recently...
chambo622 said:
Amen to non-HTC devices!
PS Maybe a different color scheme would be nice, the yellow has been giving me lots of eye strain recently...
Click to expand...
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If you use Firefox you might want to try this.
Very glad to hear XDA is dropping their completely non-sensical rule of not allowing non-HTC devices (oh, but we will allow Android on a WM-centric site? pfff)
Aside from l3v5y, none of the better known people on XDA I talk to on a regular bases agree with this rule (most think it's a really stupid move), so I'm sure a lot of people will be happy there will be change.
If I might be so bold as to make a couple of device suggestions:
- Samsung Omnia 2 I8000 GSM & I920 CDMA
- Samsung Omnia Pro B7610 & Giorgio Armani II B7620 (pimped pro)
- Toshiba TG-01 (aka T-01A)
- LG Expo (aka IQ, Monaco)
- Acer F1 (aka neoTouch S200)
Of course there are lots of others but most of them are quickly getting old... At least from my perspective these are the most important devices... Then again, what do I know, ey?
Nice to hear that you guys are so busy in making the experience better on XDA.
But I think we should not include those other non-HTC phones.
Personally I hate those Omnia's, they're in my opinion just crappy phones.
Sad to see it happen but you Mods probably know what's best for the community...
Sounds great to me!
It means my SE X2 will have your support!!!
Bravo!
Chainfire:
The main reason I've been opposed to extra forums is because it would impact the rest of the fora here. If the speed of this site is the first priority, and if this site can still achieve what it was made for (it's in the name really, XDA developers) then I can't really disagree.
Also, it would make a significant increase in the workload for the existing moderators, unless we recruit more....
I think it would work well if the devices selected were only ones that pass muster and are as feature rich as their HTC counterparts (e.g. Omnia II, Toshiba TG01 etc).
I'm fairly new to here, but one thing I do like is that this site is heavily slanted towards Windows Mobile. So while I think it would be great to welcome other Windows Phones into the community, I do not think that Android devices outside of HTC phones should be accepted.
This is absolutely awesome, thanks so much. Having the support of Xda-Devs is absolutely a must when buying a phone. until today buying a Samsung-device was completely unimaginable!
Maybe you can add some JS/AJAX to the page, so all device-specific subforums are folded, except the devices the user needs (multiple devices would be nice).
And IMHO you need a really good and catchy logo.
If you want me to help with designing feel free to send me a PM
What a great Decision
I am really happy to hear this. With my second smartphone (TD) i entered the world of xda developers and found answers for every question i ever had. I think it is the best place for discussions about htc devices. When i bought my Samsung Galaxy i was i little bit f***d up because of no more xda developers and it is great to hear this news now.
...hopefuly there will be a section for Galaxy Users?
I was crazy about xda back when I had an Apache/ppc 6700. But I am also a person who likes to try new things and move on to better things. There is no reason we should be penalized for buying a MOTOTOLA DROID or SAMSUNG GALAXY. Show us some love.
Great News Indeed
Wow! Just an awesome news! I think this is a realy good idea and the right way to became thes most important source for ALL Winmo (and Android) devices.
It's not nonsensical to focus on HTC devices on a website that is FOR those devices.
Imagine people asking for help with their Honda's on a Ford Mustang Forum.
As a long time XDA user, I love this website, when I got the Wizard, then the sapphire, I was insanely grateful to have such resources available to me on this site.
Eventually I got the DROID, at which point I had to abandon this forum, and all it's resources, which sucked, but I understand this isn't the place.
With that said, I am excited to see this forum open up for non HTC devices, as I will directly benefit from it. I am worried however that the forum may suffer not just in speed, but in focus. Think about those Chinese food restaurants that sell Italian food, hamburgers, and burritos, they make everything, but they don't make any one thing well. XDA forum is the equivalent of the BEST burger shop in town, so I think it is a very good idea to run a "Trial Period" and I hope for the best!
.... and yes svetius welcome on board mate
This site keeps getting better and better, I appreciate you guys taking time to consider and address suggestions (adding other popular phones-Android and Windows based) to the site. Keep up the good work guys and gals!
samsung galaxy

CMS-based directory for all member-created apps, themes, skins and tutorials

Should there be a dedicated section where all xda-members can submit their stuff through a pre-defined form? Like with the following features:
Subcategories
for themes: WM 6.5, Titanium, Sense, WAD, Mobile Shell, lockscreen, boot animations, icons etc.
for ROMs: per device (every device gets its own subcategory)
Pre-defined fields, for example
compability (WM 5, 6, 6.5, 6.5.3)
resolution (QVGA, WVGA etc.)
CAB install (yes/no)
for ROMs: build, free RAM etc.
Filter by fields (for example only WM 6.5.3 and QVGA)
additionally presets for common devices, like WM 6.5 and WVGA for HD2 (already implemented in the current frontpage)
Rating system (which should not be placed in some drop-down nearly out of view like on the forums)
Sort by rating, views last x days, last update etc.
Featured entries which show up on front page
Provide file hosting space
I think you get the idea, it's vaguely similar to freewarepocketpc.net. The main benefit would be that it's a lot easier, especially for new people, to find the things they're looking for, and a forum thread isn't exactly the best and easiest-to-maintain way to show off your apps/themes/ROMs. Fields additionally ensure consistency among all posts.
Also, right now the more posts, the more attention a thread gets. This poses the problem that, for example, an app where many users post to report a problem gets more attention than another app where everything just works fine, as only a small minority bothers to post a "thank you". As almost no one rates threads (on the average there is less than one rating for 10,000 views) and even fewer people sort threads by views or rating, these apps (or themes or whatever) do not get the attention they deserve. With a rating system and the ability to sort by it, this problem could be solved.
Of course, the implementation of such a system could be somewhat challenging. I only want to hear what others think of this idea.
What do you think? Like the idea or not? Leave a comment and vote, thanks !
I think this is a brilliant idea, it's like an app store, but with apps ETC... will support in anyway i can
Badwolve1 said:
I think this is a brilliant idea, it's like an app store, but with apps ETC... will support in anyway i can
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Yea idd! Like an app store, but with apps!
No seriously, good idea. The more active a post is, the more visitors it will get. Lots of good stuff after page 10 of the dev category aswell haha.
Yep, not only that but also the consistency and accessability, especially for new people, will be a great advantage. I also contacted svetius and he seems to like this idea, so I hope this will be done in the future. Thanks for your support guys!
Livven said:
Yep, not only that but also the consistency and accessability, especially for new people, will be a great advantage. I also contacted svetius and he seems to like this idea, so I hope this will be done in the future. Thanks for your support guys!
Click to expand...
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We need to put this in our Sigs who has photoshop (He says to the theme designer )
I think it's a great idea - especially for noobies. I don't have developers skills but have learned much over the years just reading and browsing threads. Enough to even add some simplistic help here and there. But most people don't have time to look through many threads hoping to find some glitter of gold they are looking for. This might slow down the "Is there an app for this?" threads. Not everyone has time to just sit and browse but those of us who want to might not have so many uninformative threads to look at.
I would suggest a link to the initial thread where support could be given and all the "Thank you" responses kept in the new posting. And with all the needed information posted up front it might also stop all the "Will this work on my XXXX?
Hope it can happen!
That´s a great idea, I miss this database here..would help a lot!
A very good idea to have a database here & it's references!
yeah it would be great
We've gotten many requests for this, and it's clearly something we would like to do. There are two (obvious) issues:
1. Figuring out the best implementation method -- Can we somehow use Wordpress (which is what the portal runs on now)? If not, what CMS? Exactly how should the database be structured? That's not exactly a simple question given all the different permutations of devices/operating systems/resolutions that are supported by different software.
2. Figuring out how to keep it updated -- Do we rely on the devs to post their creations both in the forums and the database? Or do we have volunteers scan the forums daily to pull stuff into a app database? That sounds like a boring job . Anyway, we don't want to spend the time building something unless we have a sustainable and affordable model for keeping it going.
Anyway, if anyone is serious about helping us implement something (conceptual design, development, etc), send me a detailed PM. Or we can discuss it here.
As it is, this is definitely on my list to figure out, but there are also 5 or 6 other things (some front-end stuff like the forum re-design and other back-end server stuff). Plus to the extent all these projects have some cost, we like to spread them out.
1. I don't think WordPress, as a blogging tool, is suited for something like this. Drupal, with the module CCK, provides this kind of funtionality out of the box, and you won't need to worry about how the database is structured. Then we'd just need a custom theme (perhaps the same ones who are currently redesigning the forum).
2. If new things are only posted in the new section, then a forum thread with a summary, link etc. should be created automatically in the right subforum. So, threads will only be used for discussion, not for presentation.
For any further discussion of this idea, I'd like to suggest we keep it in this thread, so everyone can see it and comment.
Great idea! As already mentioned, I guess the maintenance/upkeep would be the sticking point.
mic_888 said:
Great idea! As already mentioned, I guess the maintenance/upkeep would be the sticking point.
Click to expand...
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i think ppcmods.com is making some progress on this subject
mic_888 said:
Great idea! As already mentioned, I guess the maintenance/upkeep would be the sticking point.
Click to expand...
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That shouldn't be a problem as the entries will be maintained by the respective creators like forum threads.
So, whens it going to be up n running?
willing to BETA test
YES! I'd strongly recommend Joomla and DocMan or any other similar component. I've used it successfully on other sites and it's terrific.
app store, what a great idea!

Microsoft $5000 idea competition

Hi guys before some hours Microsoft announce a $5000 competition where they call us to submit and vote an idea for a windows phone 7 which will take place on the real devices with all others Microsoft apps free...
No development skills needed!!! you should just text your idea and describe it correctly and your idea will instantly complete other ideas for the best place. The inventor of the 1st idea will be prized $5000 for a nice holiday...
check out mine...
http://www.windowsphone7.com/ineedthisapp/?pbb_qsi=43237689
have a nice day...
Andy
check out mine
http://www.windowsphone7.com/ineedthisapp/?pbb_qsi=43241829
its so you can send & receive text & voice messages to & from the xbox to the phone
edit: dont forget to vote..for mine that is
nice idea
nice idea, do you do interesting my idea?
An Open Letter to Smartphone Users from the founders of appubator, inc.
appubator, inc. Suggests That Users Think Twice Before Participating In Microsoft 'App' Contest
This week, Microsoft announced a contest called "Hey Windows Phone, I Need This App". This contest offers a $5,000 prize to the person whose idea for a new Windows Phone application receives the most votes from the general public.
We at appubator, inc. want to suggest that people think twice before participating in this contest. While a $5,000 prize sounds attractive, there are many drawbacks to your participation.
1) Your great idea for a new smartphone app is no longer yours and out in the open for people to copy.
2) Microsoft is only commiting to develop one mobile app from the hundreds or thousands submitted.
3) No matter how successful your idea is, you will not participate in the revenue that your app provides above the $5,000 prize.
4) Your idea is limited to a single smartphone platform. More than 80% of US smartphone users are on other devices than Windows Phone and you're now missing the opportunity to make money from an app idea for those platforms.
We'd like to suggest instead that you visit our website at appubator.com. appubator develops new mobile apps for the leading smartphone platforms based on ideas submitted from the general public. Unlike the Windows Phone contest:
1) appubator allows you to keep control of your 'app ideas' by keeping them confidential. Just register at www.appubator.com and securely submit your idea to our evaluation team where it remains yours regardless if it is accepted for development.
2) appubator will develop as many apps as there are commercially viable ideas submitted. With appubator, we develop a significant % of the apps that are submitted (not just one as MS suggests in their contest). We've had over 300 submissions so far and have 35 apps under contract / development.
3) While appubator cannot pay $5,000 upfront to one lucky winner, we fund 100% of the app's development and sign a contract that gives each submitter 30% of future revenues.
4) We look to release apps based on approved ideas for all major smartphone platforms in addtion to Windows Phone. This increases the chances for the app to succeed and generate more money for you.
The Microsoft contest is certainly fun and a great way to see your name in lights.
On the other hand, if you'd prefer to have more control of how your ideas are used and want to make real money from the exploiding economy around mobile software and smartphones, be sure to come and visit apppubator at www.appubator.com.
thanks
thanks igolfchip i will take a look...
thank you all
thank you all who supported me (rank 32 of 264)
http://www.windowsphone7.com/ineedt...spx78x253Fbidx253D40032x2526scidx253D538x2526
keep voting...thank you all
That submission system is horrible, in every way possible.
I think that the one who developed it was TRYING to make is as bad, irritating and un user-friendly as possible.
Why the **** would you block the browsers back function AND open in new tab function. Also, the UI makes no sense at all. It took me several minutes to realize that there actually was a way to step back to the enteries list.
And. The idea at first place is horrible. Who the **** would use that?
a lot of people apparently. I found it pretty confusing as well...anyway heres my idea
~style~
sorry re did the link
style1 said:
a lot of people apparently. I found it pretty confusing as well...anyway heres my idea
~style~
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you link doesnt lead to your idea try redoing it plz...thanks
Location based reminder
How about a Location based reminder application? it should be really usefull
Support my Idea
http://www.windowsphone7.com/ineedthisapp/?pbb_qsi=43312565
thats a great idea, similar the the Else phone prototype I've been playing with for the past couple days.
~style~
igolfchip said:
appubator, inc. Suggests That Users Think Twice Before Participating In Microsoft 'App' Contest
This week, Microsoft announced a contest called "Hey Windows Phone, I Need This App". This contest offers a $5,000 prize to the person whose idea for a new Windows Phone application receives the most votes from the general public.
We at appubator, inc. want to suggest that people think twice before participating in this contest. While a $5,000 prize sounds attractive, there are many drawbacks to your participation.
1) Your great idea for a new smartphone app is no longer yours and out in the open for people to copy.
2) Microsoft is only commiting to develop one mobile app from the hundreds or thousands submitted.
3) No matter how successful your idea is, you will not participate in the revenue that your app provides above the $5,000 prize.
4) Your idea is limited to a single smartphone platform. More than 80% of US smartphone users are on other devices than Windows Phone and you're now missing the opportunity to make money from an app idea for those platforms.
We'd like to suggest instead that you visit our website at appubator.com. appubator develops new mobile apps for the leading smartphone platforms based on ideas submitted from the general public. Unlike the Windows Phone contest:
1) appubator allows you to keep control of your 'app ideas' by keeping them confidential. Just register at [removed] and securely submit your idea to our evaluation team where it remains yours regardless if it is accepted for development.
2) appubator will develop as many apps as there are commercially viable ideas submitted. With appubator, we develop a significant % of the apps that are submitted (not just one as MS suggests in their contest). We've had over 300 submissions so far and have 35 apps under contract / development.
3) While appubator cannot pay $5,000 upfront to one lucky winner, we fund 100% of the app's development and sign a contract that gives each submitter 30% of future revenues.
4) We look to release apps based on approved ideas for all major smartphone platforms in addtion to Windows Phone. This increases the chances for the app to succeed and generate more money for you.
The Microsoft contest is certainly fun and a great way to see your name in lights.
On the other hand, if you'd prefer to have more control of how your ideas are used and want to make real money from the exploiding economy around mobile software and smartphones, be sure to come and visit apppubator at [removed - new user].
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think the main point of this Microsoft initiative is to allow regular users (not power enthusiasts) to get their ideas out and there and iterate in a community fashion. Already, I've been threads pop up on the site, with people contributing new features and fleshing out applications. Sure, the idea gets out there and is essentially public domain, but if the user truly believes in the idea, perhaps someone else, not necessarily Microsoft will pick it up.
Appubator sounds like a pretty neat business model, but the apps that do get submitted seem to go into a deep, dark hole. There's no visibility into how the final application will develop from the initial kickoff idea. And to play devil's advocate, there's little to stop you from 'rejecting' an idea, only to come up with another application that is but a variation on a theme. I am in no way saying that you have, or will do this.
Both models are valid, I'd just like to throw a somewhat counter-argument out there for people to consider as well. No offence intended at all, Appubator!
anaadoul said:
How about a Location based reminder application? it should be really usefull
Support my Idea
http://www.windowsphone7.com/ineedthisapp/?pbb_qsi=43312565
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey lol, your idea is like mine!! hahaha its the same concept! only problem is that I put it first XD
http://www.windowsphone7.com/ineedthisapp/?pbb_qsi=43302578
chuck232 said:
I think the main point of this Microsoft initiative is to allow regular users (not power enthusiasts) to get their ideas out and there and iterate in a community fashion. Already, I've been threads pop up on the site, with people contributing new features and fleshing out applications. Sure, the idea gets out there and is essentially public domain, but if the user truly believes in the idea, perhaps someone else, not necessarily Microsoft will pick it up.
Appubator sounds like a pretty neat business model, but the apps that do get submitted seem to go into a deep, dark hole. There's no visibility into how the final application will develop from the initial kickoff idea. And to play devil's advocate, there's little to stop you from 'rejecting' an idea, only to come up with another application that is but a variation on a theme. I am in no way saying that you have, or will do this.
Both models are valid, I'd just like to throw a somewhat counter-argument out there for people to consider as well. No offence intended at all, Appubator!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for replying to my posts! No offense taken at all.
You bring up few interesting points and since this is out in the public, I'd like to clarify a few things:
appubator isn't intended for power users. Its more for the 'average joe' who uses smartphones and might have a great idea but no understanding or resources to make it happen. By submitting an idea and our current high rate of approvals, they have a real chance of their app making its way to market.
As for your 'black hole' comment, we've worked hard to build a system that's based on secure submission of the idea and to provide timely feedback to the user. When submitted, we score the idea (which the user can see) and look to provide approval / rejection for most ideas within 30 days.
Your point about rejecting then doing variations is the farthest from our minds. We don't believe our business will work f we did not treat submitters fairly and regard their submissions with the highest levels of integrity. There's actually been a case where we independently had an idea prior to a submission, but to ensure that there were not concerns, we recognized the submitter's idea anyway and executed our rev. share agreement.
Basically, we at appubator think that throwing all these ideas out into the public domain is wasteful. There would likely be a dozen or more commercially viable concepts within and folks have better odds of making their $5,000 by working with appubator or other app development houses than this contest.
This is my idea, please comment, thanks!
heres my Automotive/nav App
http://www.windowsphone7.com/ineedthisapp?pbb_qsi=43443148&=PP_EntryDetail_538_PPIMEMAIL_PPIMEMAIL
Weather Alarm for Windows Phone
How about supporting my idea?
http://www.windowsphone7.com/ineedthisapp?pbb_qsi=43456444&=PPIMEMAIL
Weather Alarm is an app that checks your current location via my location service and then checks accuweather or other weather service for upcoming weather changes.
Just before the regular alarm clock ring time, the weather alarm checks the weather. If the forecast is significantly different from what it was the last couple of days, the screen flashes at the time of the alarm notifying the user of clothing/accessories he/she must carry for this day (ie. take the umbrella, take a hat and sunglasses, take water with you, take your coat, use non slippy shoes, wear sun lotion etc.)
How do you find my idea? If you like it, please follow the above link. Don't forget to click on that green button on that page saying: "Vote for this entry"
Thanks so much for your support!!!
Dimitris.
I'm supporting everyone who posts here. I truely hope someone from XDA wins. Microsoft owes its existence to this site, we've been fixing WM since forever, give us some love. I honestly think we should all get together, choose the best idea and have everyone we know vote for that one idea. We might be salting the waters but its for a good cause.
~style~
Halo4WP7
Created this one before the job posting for MS Game Studios for Mobile was even found. Now that we know there's a chance, let's boost it higher!
windowsphone7.com/ineedthisapp/?pbb_qsi=43474572
Just a reminder to all members deciding to vote for the ideas in this thread...
You can vote once per day until the end of the competition, ie July 8th, 2010.
So if you want to support us (and if you have the time of course while checking out XDA developer forums ), you can click on each of our idea links on this thread once a day.
Here is my idea for the Weather Alarm app..
http://www.windowsphone7.com/ineedthisapp/?pbb_qsi=43247062&=PBB_ineedthisapp_538_PPIMEMAIL
Thanks!
Dimitris.
PS: Don't forget to click on the green "Vote for this Entry" button of the idea pages

Want Something on the Front Page? Contact Us.

Hey all,
You may have noticed that the front page (a.k.a. the portal) of our beloved forums has been getting regular updates, leading to news, improvements, and more.... anything related to xda-developers. Keeping up with the latest and greatest apps, themes, mods, hacks, etc. is our way of giving those developers that put the time and effort in this community some 15 minutes of fame by being featured in the largest online community of its kind in the world. However, since we are not omniscient and hence cannot spot every single piece of software that shows up in a 2.5 million member community, we would like to ask you for help. If you see something that is of interest to you, that you believe could have an impact on XDA, or you simply made the next best app in the world, drop us a pm. We will be more than happy to evaluate the submission and feature it on the XDA Portal.
Here is the contact information for the News Writer Team:
orb3000
ben_duder
mic_888
Wen(WM)
ElCondor
sirphunkee
Livven
nqnguyen2
Leddy
wingman1487
egzthunder1 - Portal Administrator.
Any help and tips are greatly appreciated Together we can make xda-developers even bigger than it already is.
Sincerely,
News Writer Team
Introduction
As some of you may know me
I´m orb3000, and been around XDA since 2006; this site change me the way of seeing mobile world. Interested mainly on Windows Mobile platform.
I started with Universal which I had for almost 5 years, after that I got a Rhodium and a Maple and later a Leo.
I write most of my articles for that OS and also do active help on spam reporting, as well as welcoming new members
I do not consider myself as an expert, I am simply a regular member trying to help to they wayI do better to the first and only community I love so much
XDA!!
So, feel free to contact me if you think something of your work may go to our Front Page.
Come on!, don´t be shy
orb
Thanks guys, I love the way you are being updated without losing the essence.
Everything in xda is getting better.
I am ElCondor, and I'm from Holland. You might know me from the GTX Sense theme.
Back in February, I started this job as a news writer, because I wanted to be part of and contribute to the xda-developers community.
Since then, I started to love writing these articles, and my English improved drastically.
My articles are mostly Android or Windows Phone 7 related.
You can always contact me if you have any suggestions or special requests. Also if you have found something newsworthy, something other users may enjoy too, just let me or any other newswriter know.
Best regards,
ElCondor
XDA News Writer
Hi guys, I've been around since 2007 when I bought the HTC Touch, well things have moved on a lot since then, and I've tried my hand at developing for WM and Android (still learning), but wanted to contribute more by becoming a News Writer for XDA
I write mainly Android articles, and some Windows Mobile. We're always sifting through the masses of threads for front page news, but do let me or the other guys know if you think anything is newsworthy including any breaking news!
I guess I will add my little "intro" in here as well
I'm egzthunder1 and I am the Portal Administrator as well as a Senior Moderator. I have been a XDA member for a very, very long time... since July 2005 to be more precise. I have gone through many devices, starting out with a Wallaby (SX56) and kept on going afterwards with many other devices (Blue Angel, Wizard, Vogue, Raphael, Herman, Mogul, and ultimately HD2)... most of which I still own and are fully functional. I have helped many, many people throughout these years, despite my lack of development ability. A few months ago, I became a News Writer based on a suggestion by Flar (Retired Admin) to try to increase the flow of people to the site by creating a more dynamic front page of the website, with up to date content about everything XDA. Shortly after, I became Senior Moderator, and really shortly after, due to Flar's departure, I became Editor in Chief and Portal Administrator.
I would like to invite all of you (as I stated in my first post in this thread) to let us (the news writer team) know if you know of something that would be cool to have in the front page.
Looking forward to your input and thanks for supporting XDA!
Sincerely,
egzthunder1
Hi there!
I've been a member since 2008, when I got my Universal after having the Monet for some time. Although it was basic, the Monet forced me to get another Windows Mobile phone as I was instantly addicted to how much potential the operating system had - before then I could never really check emails, browse the internet or watch video without booting up my PC.
After the Universal came my much-adored Touch Pro, which I still use. I recently bought and fixed up a G1 so that I could branch out into the Android side of the site a little more, and I'm really enjoying tinkering with the system.
I wanted to become a news writer as I have always felt an urge to contribute to the community despite not having any technical knowledge (some of you might have seen me giving out dodgy advice around the forums ).
Having both phones should let me write articles about both Android and Windows Mobile, and I hope I can help if you want to get your story out on the front page.
Well done is better than well said.
Maybe something to expand on....
Found a website that analyzes the value of other sites.
What is the Website Value of XDA-Developers.com
It seems that xda-developers.com is being valued at $13.28 Million. With 1.66 Million Pages and with a World Wide rank of 1,806. Compared to that: Htc.com is only worth $12.66 Million Google is ranked 1 worth $8 Billion and Microsoft on rank 19 worth $1 Billion.
http://bizinformation.org/us/www.xda-developers.com
A little side note, my Blog only ranks at 1.4 Million and is only worth 7800.- For Obvious reasons.
Thanks for the information!
Not sure if we can write about that but I will find out
swiss420 said:
Found a website that analyzes the value of other sites.
What is the Website Value of XDA-Developers.com
It seems that xda-developers.com is being valued at $13.28 Million. With 1.66 Million Pages and with a World Wide rank of 1,806. Compared to that: Htc.com is only worth $12.66 Million Google is ranked 1 worth $8 Billion and Microsoft on rank 19 worth $1 Billion.
http://bizinformation.org/us/www.xda-developers.com
A little side note, my Blog only ranks at 1.4 Million and is only worth 7800.- For Obvious reasons.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Website valuation sites are notorius for being crazily inaccurate when it comes to valuing Forum sites and Blogs. They tend to be based on assumptions about traffic, potential sales and ad clicks. Few Blogs and Forums sell much if anything and that just leaves ad clicks. Forums are very poor at generating ad clicks as Members tend to become completely blind to the ads and don't click them at all. Much of the traffic to blogs and forums is repeat traffic and they are even less likely to click on the ads (not to mention ad blockers). When was the last time you click an ad on here!?
Mike
mikechannon said:
Website valuation sites are notorius for being crazily inaccurate when it comes to valuing Forum sites and Blogs. They tend to be based on assumptions about traffic, potential sales and ad clicks. Few Blogs and Forums sell much if anything and that just leaves ad clicks. Forums are very poor at generating ad clicks as Members tend to become completely blind to the ads and don't click them at all. Much of the traffic to blogs and forums is repeat traffic and they are even less likely to click on the ads (not to mention ad blockers). When was the last time you click an ad on here!?
Mike
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Absolutly true, and I am sure I did not motivate anyone to sell xda-developers.com. But it is still a amusing evaluation. For me XDA-Developers.com has definetly much more continues value then htc.com but I guess one might not exist without the other. But regarding clicking adds I rather donate directly. But off course I donate to many different people not just XDA-Developers.com. Regarding the adds I wonder how much money they really generate? If they are useless I would not mind to see them gone. Dont worry I will donate something for saying that. lol
mikechannon said:
Website valuation sites are notorius for being crazily inaccurate when it comes to valuing Forum sites and Blogs. They tend to be based on assumptions about traffic, potential sales and ad clicks. Few Blogs and Forums sell much if anything and that just leaves ad clicks. Forums are very poor at generating ad clicks as Members tend to become completely blind to the ads and don't click them at all. Much of the traffic to blogs and forums is repeat traffic and they are even less likely to click on the ads (not to mention ad blockers). When was the last time you click an ad on here!?
Mike
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wait, there are ads here?!?!?!?!
chrialex said:
Wait, there are ads here?!?!?!?!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
'nuff said.
I love XDA, for not having those huge ugly pop up ads ! Now days some forums/portals have the ones which can't even be shut !
All hail XDA. It's worth can't be counted in millions or billions of dollars.
He he, in the mean it is:
The site is ranked 1,702 in United States.
price less knowledge!!
swiss420 said:
Found a website that analyzes the value of other sites.
What is the Website Value of XDA-Developers.com
It seems that xda-developers.com is being valued at $13.28 Million. With 1.66 Million Pages and with a World Wide rank of 1,806. Compared to that: Htc.com is only worth $12.66 Million Google is ranked 1 worth $8 Billion and Microsoft on rank 19 worth $1 Billion.
http://bizinformation.org/us/www.xda-developers.com
A little side note, my Blog only ranks at 1.4 Million and is only worth 7800.- For Obvious reasons.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
as the guy stated the websites are mostly rated by how many clicks and traffic they have from ads as well. I believe the knowledge that this site provides it's priceless. And because it is distributed free the value ranks it to one of the most important (if not the most important) website from celphone developers to the least know hows users. This website I consider it the Great Library of Alexandria!
nikoskavliaris said:
as the guy stated the websites are mostly rated by how many clicks and traffic they have from ads as well. I believe the knowledge that this site provides it's priceless. And because it is distributed free the value ranks it to one of the most important (if not the most important) website from celphone developers to the least know hows users. This website I consider it the Great Library of Alexandria!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Completely agree!!
note, although im not listed on the main post by Ez iam a news writer maybe its cause im still a newbie
Captainkrtek said:
note, although im not listed on the main post by Ez iam a news writer maybe its cause im still a newbie
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Patience, you too will be on the front page.
Lol. So much to be on the front page

How to Fix Threads in Mango (Concept)

Hello everybody, I'm Saad from Windows Phone Daily and I thought it'd be worth sharing a concept I worked up last night and published this morning to the site.
It's actually in response to the editorial I read in WMPoweruser from Malcolm.Williams in which he pointed out many potential issues in Mango's Threads feature. I was pretty compelled by the idea of improving the feature, so I decided to pretty up his own concept. Instead I ended up with something a little more complex with more features than I thought I would include
Anyway to make a long story short, I noticed many comments about the iffy Threads implementation and so I did something about it. The pictures are pretty large so I can't upload them here, but please feel free to check it out at the site and leave us a comment there or here about what you think!
http://windowsphonedaily.blogspot.com/2011/06/how-to-fix-threads-in-mango-concept.html
So, do you like my approach or Microsoft's? (Tell me honestly!)
I Am Honestly don't like your concept. The pivot implementation just doesn't feel the regular pivots (bigger fonts for each pivot). And I read the article on wmpoweruser too, I feel like the author was trying to create a problem that wasn't there. I for sure dont care much about where the message was from ot sent to as long as the conversation flows. Plus, I believe in mango, you can see which platform you are currently chatting on that's all it matters.
Sent from my HD7 using XDA Windows Phone 7 App
Nice concept.
I like that concept!
sunxin8086 said:
I Am Honestly don't like your concept. The pivot implementation just doesn't feel the regular pivots (bigger fonts for each pivot). And I read the article on wmpoweruser too, I feel like the author was trying to create a problem that wasn't there. I for sure dont care much about where the message was from ot sent to as long as the conversation flows. Plus, I believe in mango, you can see which platform you are currently chatting on that's all it matters.
Sent from my HD7 using XDA Windows Phone 7 App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree & disagree, I see no problem with the way it is, but this concept does add a nice feature too.
Thats exactly what we propesed in the other thread.
I would rather make the pivot text big and than have the name as the title so you keep it in line with the default panorama controls (check email hub or marketplace to see how the design should be http://newsziphone.buyer.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/WP7-Marketplace-Apps-300x291.jpg instead of ALL --> FIRSTNAME LASTNAME).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abZxFxk-rtQ&feature=player_embedded
here is a good video about it.
The main concern is the frequency in which IM's are delivered and that people use SMS for more important stuff like adresses and meeting times. If those get rapidly sunk in all the high frequent IM's comming in, the average consumer will switch the feature off or will be annoyed by trying to find this address back.
And switching with pivots will prevent you from opening a selection menu, it will keep the user experience streamlined and on the same level. It will be more pleasant and quicker to use and/or find the information you need.
I like the concept of the pivot feature but it does not look quite right as people have said, really good idea though and I hope they implement something like it.
I totally should've asked you to PhotoShop that!
Again a lot of ideas to toss around the swimming hole, so to speak. Its surprising to find a more intelligent discussion of it on xda though...but again it is also why it is xda DEVELOPERS and not USERS
Again, I never said in the article that a unified messaging hub is a bad idea. Heck I was impressed and as a user anyone would be impressed. But Microsoft has this thing of good idea, poor implementation. That's not to say that the current implementation is poor, but like everything, there is room for improvisation. I think a pivot is far easier than going through an option menu and in the options there should be far more filtering available.
The people I have multiple contact information with, I don't use the same mannerisms or speech. Frankly if I have a SMS conversation with someone, I won't be discussing the same thing on MSN or vice versa. Chances of me myself switching a conversation due to availability is great, but what about users who keep those identities separate? There is still freedom for me to do as such, but wouldn't it be far easier than punching through a setting?

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