Dear iPhone App developers..

[gwenix]

I may not be the most typical user of the iPhone*, I suspect most people don't put a pterm (putty) app on their phone in the first day so that they are sure they can get SSH access to their UNIX servers. However, I do suspect I have a lot in common with most iPhone users in what I consider to be the primary uses for it

Comments

[gwenix]

Given that this is available in the jailbroken versions, it is definitely possible and already implemented. I would actually be surprised if Apple didn't allow for backgrounding in the new OS release, especially with the Android pressure.

[gwenix]

Thing is, you're addressing iPhone core functionality. I was actually trying to talk to the more average iPhone app developers out there. :)

But yes, folders would be nice. Or at least a better way for me to organize my apps rather than trying to find them in my 10 screens (which is why I went on the pruning kick -- I was about to go over my screen limit!)

[dariaphoebe]

the audio issue is actually that opening the audio device (playing or not) steals the audio. unlike a real mac, there's no in-software mixing.

perhaps developers should avoid opening audio until they need it, or make it optional sometimes.

[gwenix]

The more well-developed games detect if you're already listening, and don't steal it. My Tap Farm does this, for instance.

[aniline]

I'm pretty sure the majority of iPhone users use it as a gaming console, they just don't consider it a primary function. Real time online gaming seems to be in the *vast* minority though, most games all have a similar pause function where you can hit the home button at any time and your progress will be saved.

It's not really an either or situation - people interested mobile gaming aren't out there trying to decide between an iPhone and a DS because the DS doesn't really function as a phone or a music player. Even in the event that a gamer has both like myself - I'm much more likely to pay $5-$10 for a game than $25-40. I don't consider my iPhone my primary gaming device but I spend about 30-60 uninterrupted minutes on it about 3 or 4 days a week playing something or other.

[gwenix]

That is totally fair. And yes, I rarely find the games that seem to think that you necessarily have uninterrupted time; but I did find "Dots" this morning, which assigns you to another player online, and you play a game of Dots together in real-time -- if either leaves in the middle, they are penalized. That seems like poor design for an iPhone game.

[aniline]

Yeah, low barrier of entry results in a lot of questionable design. heh.

[clynne]

I suspect most people don't put a pterm (putty) app on their phone in the first day so that they are sure they can get SSH access to their UNIX servers.

There's putty for the iPhone? Because, that and lack of a decent IRC app were my two major stumbling blocks toward getting one. I'm going to need a new phone in less than a year, and I could see going iPhone if I can replace my constant companions of EVDO + netbook.

[gwenix]

Here is a list of iPhone SSH apps. pTerm is what I use, since, well, it's PuTTY, and I know PuTTY.

[clynne]

Thanks!

[hopita]

I just stumbled across this post so I started a Words With Friends game with you. :)

[gwenix]

Hee, awesome!