AppInventor is basically an online resource for making Android apps. However, to make them you don't need to write codes mostly, making this easier for people like me, who dream about actually being a dev.AppInventor, although is a great resource, but got lost in the forums .
The quality of app is really just dependant on the amount of time you are you wiling to spend on it, and how much time you have taken to understand the AppInventor program itself.
There are many apps that can be made from this, ranging to just info apps, to ones that provide links, and others that actually turn out to be mathematical games. Again, it is just up to the amount of time you decide to spend on the app itself, so don't expect your app to be something utterly brilliant the first time.
This can be used as a learning process. The basic logic behind any app development can be found in here.
So here are my first two attempts.
The first one is basically an app that provides me links.
'Indian Restaurants Guide'
This was my first attempt, so please bear my 'noobness'
The app basically provides buttons, which, when pressed lead the person to a website I built. I did not make it a a major thing, trying to draw traffic to the website, rather the website was built for the app. The app, and the website, both are low in content.
https://market.android.com/details?id=appinventor.ai_hateem_ha.glasgowcurrys&feature=search_result
'Neha Sharma Bollywood Actress'
This is my Second attempt
Basically, this app is a bit more complex, and a lot more logic was used.
The app is about an actress, and it gives some more info about her, and also provides links to her facebook and twitter profiles.
Further, it has also links which open up in the youtube application as trailers of her movies.
https://market.android.com/details?id=appinventor.ai_hateem_ha.trial&feature=search_result
The second app, if you notice was a bit more complex, and I had to make use of the Blocks Editor (a tool provided that helps you create the logic) much more. Also, I had to dig deep into the online resources about the app itself, to make sure that nothing in the design and the blocks went wrong. You get better at stuff as you go along, and I think this will be same.
Try Google AppInventor Now
http://appinventor.googlelabs.com/learn/setup/
Tutorials
https://sites.google.com/site/appinventorresources/home/tutorial-topics
'Publish Your App on Android Market'
Taking, it to the next step.
If you want to publish your apps on the Android market, you need to make an Android market publishing account.
The cost is 25$, but if you are even an amateur 'dev', this might be worth it.
With AppInventor, you can not think about generating revenue from the apps you make, unless they are exceptional.
However, once you make an account by going to
www.market.android.com/publish
you can start posting apps on the market.
All apps made on the AppInventor will need to be signed before you can put them on. However, before signing you might want to consider changing your app icon, because the one that comes from AppInventor is just the default one, and I expect you would want to add some personal touch.
Here are the steps on putting your own icon on the app.
[EDIT]
These steps below are not necessary now. In the Appinventor window, when you select Screen1 it will give you the option to set the icon for the app.
The steps below are here, if that does not work out or you are just trying to change the icon of any app.
1)- Get your finished .apk file and rename it from '.apk' to '.zip'
2)- Browse into the now '.zip' file (use any means you like 7zip, windows explorer, etc)
3)- In the first directory of your app you will see a folder called 'res', which will contain the image file.
Now I have tried replacing the file, but somehow it does not work, so select the 'res' folder and delete it.
4)- Make a new folder in the '.zip' folder called 'res'. Then make a subfolder 'drawable'
5)- Find your icon image that you want to put it.
The icon needs to be a 48x48 image in '.png' format.
I used Microsoft Paint on Windows 7 to resize my image to that size and then save as a '.png' file.
You can use that, or if on XP use the default image resizing tool called 'MS PowerToy'
Or you can use this program to resize the images
http://imageresizer.codeplex.com/releases/view/30247
6)- Place the image file in res\drawable\'your image file'.png
7)- Now re-name the image file to 'ya'
8)- Then rename the '.zip' file back to'.apk'
If you can't do it on your computer, send the file to your mobile, and use Astro to rename.
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.metago.astro&feature=search_result
9)- This bit's maybe an easier bit, signing your app.
Since there is no easy way to sign an app, I used this program which signs the app with your details.
http://amerkashi.wordpress.com/2011...version-of-app-inventor-apk-to-google-market/
Watch the video about this program, and all will be clear.
10)- After this get the '.apk' created which says 'zipaligned'
Goto your Android market dev account, and upload the '.apk'
Complete the steps, provide Screenshots, and another Icon. This time the icon
has a bigger size. 512x512. Use any way to Resize your image. Then make your '.apk' Active, and Publish your app.
Sounds maybe a bit complicated, but can be done easily if the steps are followed.*
Please leave your feedback concerning your experience with this program, also, please post any links to apps that you make using this.
*I have done all this on Windows 7, so the steps you need to take to complete the procedure might be different on a Mac.
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Bump.........
Cool. Good info. I may give it a try sometime. Thanks
Sent from my King's Alliance Evo running 4G data
Wow, this looks like a real easy way to get into making some apps. Thanks for posting this, I'm going to give it a try.
Thanks, hateem, this is a really good intro to the service. I wish I'd had it when I started!
FYI, AppInventor is one of those Google Labs projects that's been canned. It's still open and there seems to still be some question as to whether they're actually going to shutter it or move it elsewhere and open source it. No, I'm not trolling, I've been an AI user since shortly after it was launched and have been following the discussions over at its Google Group.
I made an account about a year ago, but did not start using it till now.
I did hear some news about it being dropped off by Google, but I don't think that has happened yet, or will anytime soon.
Bump........
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App
New way added, to set the app icon.
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App
Cool thanks, i guess this is why there are a million horrible apps in the market lol
The number of apps made by appinventor on the market are low, due to the payment needed for a market account.
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App
Bump........
New SAT app coming soon. This will be a major advancement from the Restaurant app, and will hopefully contain a tinydb.
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App
Now I just need a decent idea!
Im thinkin of making an app which lets you take a snapshot and then edit it quickly, maybe u cud beat me to it?
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App
Is this Easy to use?
PMGRANDS said:
Is this Easy to use?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is easier, in the sense that actual app development is exremely complicated. Parts of this (the really complicated apps which make use of webdb) are not easy to grasp, However, most of it is quite straight forward. Plus there are a lot of tutorial videos on this. Just search on youtube, and don't feel like you don't know anything after seeing a really complicated one cause that's really as hard as it gets.
Starters should really begin with Purr and paintpot app, and then maybe move on to making a twitter application and so on.
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App
Just made a quickn simple photo editing app, and a SAT guide using this, will be updating main post soon with links to them.
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App
App inventor can be frustrating at times due to some of its limitations, but all in all, its pretty good. I have seen that once MIT gets app inventor back from Google soon they have big plans to help it take off even more.
I have an app on the market too, its in beta, its free, and i havent really been working on it for very long. almost 1000 downloads in 2 weeks, so im happy.
Its a RPGish game, with barcode scanning, online battles, npc battles, items, leveling up, etc. Made a network with usernames/passwords, etc. App inventor can be pretty awesome if you use it to its potential.
Heres the link: Market Link
If anyone ever needs help with AI, email me at [email protected], I'd be glad to help.
Related
While I have seen mention of it elsewhere on XDA (here, here, here), it doesn't look like many EVO owners know about an incredible piece of software called DroidExplorer.
This thing is amazing. It integrates with your sdk setup and gives you total access to your rig from your home setup. I just customized my LauncherProPlus screens using DroidExplorer right from my desktop, including adding widgets and changing icons with DesktopVisualizer without laying a finger on my EVO. I think it could have excellent development application.
I played around with many other apps, "remote control" type setups, such as ADb Wireless, Android Manager WiFi, WiFi Explorer, Andro Remote Desktop, etc. and while many of those have some advantages in regard to wireless set up, they can't compete with the level of power that DroidExplorer achieves.
Real time screen cast, real time screen shot, complete root access, apps backup, bart manager ... amazing and fast.
Check it out, it is one powerful tool!
thanks for this! i already knew about it i just never had the time to play around with it...and....wrong forum but i forgive you
You must have developed this app since this is in Development, right?
HTC6800 said:
You must have developed this app since this is in Development, right?
Actually, I figured devs would get the most out of it, it's more of a tool than an app, but if it needs to go to another area, I certainly understand.
Mods, please correct my placement as necessary.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
HTC6800 said:
You must have developed this app since this is in Development, right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Jerk, everyone does that mistake.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
so ive always wanted to learn some sort of programing language but never really had the motivation to sit and learn one. came across this app inventor beta and ended up getting the invite having lots of fun with it but when it comes down to it... its lacking quite a few features. one app im working on is one that will let you browse different themes, preview them, download them and launch metamorph so you can apply the theme but... like i said, its lacking the the function to actully download. i have found a way around this but it kinda makes the app pointless. app inventor has the ability to launch another program (the work around i found would be to launch the browser pointed at the download link) but if one used any other browser than stock, then it wouldnt quite get the desiered affect im going for. let me get to my point...
im hoping someone could make me a app that has just a few features that my app inventor app could call on for the download part of things. those features im hoping for are...
1. allow user to set a default directory (first time running the app) that things get downloaded to (or even just having "androidthemes" folder being the place the app would download to
2. ofcorse download a zip when the app is opened with a url directed at it
3. close once the zip has been downloaded
i dont really care for any kinda progress bar or anything like that, metamorph zips are usually quite small and really hope someone can wip this up for me. i am having lots of fun with app inventor and its teaching me lots. hopefully someday i can start learning java or some other programing language. fell free to ask any questions on whatever and.... thanks in advance
Nuthin huh,i thought someone would help me out.
So, I decided that the $5 for the car cradle from verizon was too tempting. I've recieved it and have been using it for a day or so and it serves it's purpose. A good charging station that keeps it from sliding around my center console. I'd like to utilize the CarCradle app, but with the removal of bing (I'm not disappointed by this) the app dead-ends when selecting Maps, Voice Search & Navigator. Would it be possible to re-establish links to Google Maps, Goodle Voice Search & Google Navigator instead? I know that there are many other car apps on the market but this one isn't terrible, providing that the links work.
I've unpacked the .apk file but it's like trying to read Swahili. I wouldn't know the first place to begin. I'd like to eventually try my hand at app building but I'm a long way off.
Any thoughts on this would be appreciated.
Peace,
Ray
sure, wouldn't be hard at all actually! I'll work on this sometime this week/weekend
wouldnt this be considered as warez if it was modded for foryo.
Thanks Trailblazer, I look forward to seeing your result. The desk cradle app is suffering from the same de-binged issue if you're interested. I still don't understand why Samsung didn't allow for any customization with these two apps. Oh well, it is what it is.
Bierce22, I don't know. If that were the case you could say the same about 75% of the apps that make their way out to the public. Transparent widgets and apps and such would be similar, I would think. For that matter the froyo rom we now have could be considered the same. But I don't know the ins and outs of all this stuff. I'm just a simple end user looking the get the most out of a pretty good phone with lots of potential.
this is just my opinion i dont wont to start a big debate or flaming contest but i remember when theimpailer got in trouble for modding andgry birds to get it to run on lower devices he took out the adds in order to make it work. i just dont want to see someone get into trouble. if u fix it then keep it to yourself and problem soloved lol.
It's all good, I didn't see it as the beginning of a flame anything. The way I see that situation, and I only know what you have posted here, is that Angry Birds is a paid app in the market. Modding that and reposting could be considered copyright infringement, much like reposting an mp3 of a song on the old Napster. These Apps are included as part of the Samsung android os. I guess to eliminate the possibility of being infringement the "proper" thing to do would be to mod the app and only include it in an updated ROM. That way only current Continuum owners could aquire the Apps. But the nature of the open source OS is the ability to freely share modification and development. At least that's the way I see it, for whatever that's worth. Thanks for keeping us honest though. Simply because you can doesn't always mean that you ought. I don't see any issue with this situation... Then again, I'm a little biased as I'm the one interested in the mod. ;-)
Sent from my SCH-I400 using XDA App
Cradle Apps
Hi All,
I started the same musings on the accessory thread, then I started downloading alternatives. I haven't tried any of them because my car cradle was working with Google Maps and Search. I wonder if the de-Bing rom works the same way. I haven't tried that either. I get the same errors you speak of with the original 2.2 rom. I think to use these alternatives you just need to use something like Root Explorer to rename the stock app and name the new one the original stock app name. Search and you shall see the results of the different apps. I can post what I found if needed.
For those who spend a lot of time looking at a computer, and can't be bothered to look at their phone very often, Sand Studio has introduced AirDroid, an app that allows users to control their Android Phone from a computer via WiFi.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=WfNnQxpw7Uw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BfXRhSIm-m0
The great thing about AirDroid is that it works - it's easy to start up, and functions flawlessly (in my experience). The interface is also very polished - mimicking a desktop launcher complete with moveable icons, a task bar, and controls that allow you to do just about anything.
One of the most impressive features is the ability to access SMS messages, manage them, and send messages right from a web browser. Users can also manage contacts, uninstall/backup apps (AirDroid will download your apps as apk files), browse files, access the Android Market, and manage music and ringtones, in addition to the ability to look at phone information from CPU status to battery level and beyond.
Best of all, AirDroid is completely free from the Android Market. With all the powerful features it offers, this app is certainly worth checking out.
ITS FREE
DOWNLOAD
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sand.airdroid&feature=search_result
the market is blocked my country
can someone put mirror please
mehdi.moha said:
the market is blocked my country
can someone put mirror please
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
befarmain
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=AURZDHQ2
wish i could send and recieve whatsapp messages from it...
edit: just installed the app..sometimes the app makes the phone go crazy!! i have to logout fro the browser or turn off wifi for the phone to become normal.
This is without a doubt 'the best' app for controlling your phone from your browser. I've installed and played with many and this one tops the lot in my opinion.
It's clean, easy to use, great interface (both on the phone and PC).
Side note: This thread would probably be much better off in General Android Apps and Themes forum - http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=530. The app isn't specific an LG Optimus.
---------- Post added at 12:31 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:07 PM ----------
mehdi.moha said:
the market is blocked my country
can someone put mirror please
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's also available on the official website: http://www.airdroid.com/apk/airdroid_1127.apk
saw this in a google search, was just about to post in the GNote forum....
Anyone else used this? Am very tempted, but concerned of legitimacy of app (never heard of devs and truly paranoid about security )
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium
SpyderTracks said:
Anyone else used this? Am very tempted, but concerned of legitimacy of app (never heard of devs and truly paranoid about security )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm a little hesitant to try out apps like this as well but they have nothing but good feedback on the market and a good following on both Facebook and Google+, as well as having their own website, so I was happy to give it ago.
@smackdownn Yeah I am with you on the whatsapp, this app is brilliant.
@Nucleotide & SpyderTracks Seriously? Whats the issue with privacy? Scared these devs are going to email or sms your gf while you are out? Either that or learn to hide your porn somewhere that is not your phone. I have said this before on so many occasions, when you were using a nokia/winmo/other NON android phone, they sneakily NEVER asked for permissions, but you installed apps that could pretty much do anything on your phone anyway
This app is by far the best solution I have tried in this regard, it just works and damn well too
@Cornelha
Lol.... I get what you're saying, but I think it's a little naive... the information we hold on smartphones these days compared to "our old nokias" means security is vital. After years of dodgy torrents, malware and hacked accounts, I've learnt to take it a bit more seriously, albeit probably to the extreme
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium
This app is fantastic. We were the first to review it:
http://www.androidstatic.com/must-have-air-droid-lets-you-control-your-phone-from-your-browser
SpyderTracks said:
Lol.... I get what you're saying, but I think it's a little naive... the information we hold on smartphones these days compared to "our old nokias" means security is vital. After years of dodgy torrents, malware and hacked accounts, I've learnt to take it a bit more seriously, albeit probably to the extreme
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree. I don't have anything I would call "sensitive data" on my phone but I do have a lot of contact information such as names, addresses, email addresses, phone numbers and other information which although not really sensitive, I still don't want other people to have - especially if I don't know about it. Not only that but apps can track your location, the buttons you press on your phone, numbers dialed, text messages sent, websites you visited, and the list goes on.
With that in mind I take caution when installing any app. I check for things like the amount of reviews on the market, the quality of the reviews (good vs. bad), does the developer have a website, a Facebook page with a good following, and so on.
one of the best app i ever know
good job mate
slow files transfers but great app !
have been using it for about 2 days and I have to say it is great...downloading files takes a very long to though
-love the SMS from desktop feature and comes very handy for different ROM users when putting files on devices
Love this app
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA
i love this app!!!! i wish it would have a feature like an android simulator as well so we can open certain apps like whatsapp via mac/pc...
I have been using Lazy Droid but after using this for couple of days, I have uninstalled Lazy Droid. Nice app. thanks
I love AirDroid!!! It helps me to transfer photos and files from my phone to my PC wirelessly. I don't need to carry my cable anywhere with me. It's a great app. Nice job!
what do you have to install on the PC? if you want to link a PC to smartphone, for example
FASAR said:
what do you have to install on the PC? if you want to link a PC to smartphone, for example
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't need to install on the PC. You just need to open the browser and visit web.airdroid.com to log in. Then you can manage you phone on the web. Easy, right?
Full disclosure: I dont normally do forums so sorry if I do this wrong.
I purchased a Bluetooth Purification Mask named Atmoblue.
It originated in China. Ive had it for a few months now and it has bluetooth and there is an app for it but it looks like its taking forever for it to be moved over to English.
My question is how hard would it be for a person (or me, with no experience at all) to pull the basic functions out of the app?
For example I want to bypass the wechat login (cause, no) and basically get the pairing function up and running along with the fan speed and some of the auto features in the app and create a basic app til they release the full thing.
If any of you also want to try I can send you the link to the apk. Or if you would do it and require payment at completion how much would that cost?
In case you need to see the device just google Atmoblue.
Thanks again everyone.
mastershino said:
Full disclosure: I dont normally do forums so sorry if I do this wrong.
I purchased a Bluetooth Purification Mask named Atmoblue.
It originated in China. Ive had it for a few months now and it has bluetooth and there is an app for it but it looks like its taking forever for it to be moved over to English.
My question is how hard would it be for a person (or me, with no experience at all) to pull the basic functions out of the app?
For example I want to bypass the wechat login (cause, no) and basically get the pairing function up and running along with the fan speed and some of the auto features in the app and create a basic app til they release the full thing.
If any of you also want to try I can send you the link to the apk. Or if you would do it and require payment at completion how much would that cost?
In case you need to see the device just google Atmoblue.
Thanks again everyone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is pretty much a 99.9% chance that you won't find anyone to do this for you. The best you can hope for is someone might give you some links to guides showing how to decompile and edit apk files. What you would modify in the apk file to achieve your purposes would require you doing your own research to figure it out. You can ask further questions along the way about the things that you don't understand, but there are no guarantees that you will get any useful answers.
In other words, be prepared to dig in and do the work yourself, if you really want to accomplish this feat. If not, get used to dealing with the app the way it is.
Sent from my SM-S767VL using Tapatalk
Yea, i started researching the day I posted this. I've been reading and reading and reading. Ive gotten to the point where I now have access to the battery percentage. Currently, trying to figure out the characteristics in the device itself and the values needed to change each of the modes. Also, it looks like the app from the company is pretty much useless to try to use. Based on the code (from what I can understand after 2 days of research and starting off with 0 coding knowledge) the app has to use wechat to basically be able to access a server and then the server sends it back to the phone then the device. Meaning I can't just look in the code for what values I need, unless I was able to actually sign into wechat and record the log. Which I can't do since I don't have access to wechat.
So now I'm currently looking up how to write code in the programs I've found to write it and create a ui. Ive at least figured out uuids and figured out how to call up the battery percentage now. Only like 3 more settings to go! Wish me luck lol