33 replies to this topic

[pherthyl]

Doug, whats your motivation with this app? It's free and I didn't see any ads. Just for fun?

[bluefox]

We are not optimistic that the Blackberry app market will be a going concern over the next several years. As such, porting CTP priority would almost certainly be first Android, second Windows Phone... and a distant third for Blackberry, though probably never.

Just a friendly heads-up, you may want to reconsider your stance on BB.

Not only will business people who commute a lot find an app like this handy (hint: BlackBerry users), the new BB10 software developer kit allows app developers to port Android or iOS-based apps onto the BB platform in under 30 seconds. It's going to be frightfully easy to get your apps onto BB10. I've already seen it with my own eyes.

Add to that the fact that BlackBerry has actually been the most profitable revenue platform for app developers dating back to the very advent of the app, you'll need to take a look at where your priorities are, not to mention what market you're targeting. This is the kind of app that would be handy for a lot of people, but avoiding making a BB version of your app would be the wrong move IMO, especially if you consider the type of smartphone user most likely to use this app frequently.

(Just so you know I'm not blowing smoke out my behind, I work in the wireless industry.)

[SamCB]

RIM is all but done. Stocks are priced based on the value of its patents right now. So while the BB platform might survive if its picked up by Microsoft or another competitor, blackberry as we know it is very definitely on its way to the grave. If you believe otherwise you should put your money where your mouth is and buy some shares... I hear they're on sale

[bluefox]

RIM is all but done. Stocks are priced based on the value of its patents right now. So while the BB platform might survive if its picked up by Microsoft or another competitor, blackberry as we know it is very definitely on its way to the grave. If you believe otherwise you should put your money where your mouth is and buy some shares... I hear they're on sale

OK, I'll bite.

Anyone who actually believes what they read in the media needs to wake up. Sorry, but I find that whole "RIM is dead" spiel highly amusing. It's not based in fact or reality at all. Usually it's just people who have something or other against RIM that seem to think they're going to die.

A company which has no debt to pay off and which continues to have positive cash flow, and who is #1 in market share in numerous big markets in the developing world (Indonesia, Nigeria, South Africa, Brazil, India, etc. etc.) is not dead. Their subscriber base continues to increase. Those countries I listed are opening RIM retail stores to huge lineups, some of them even seeing stampedes to buy products.

RIM continues to be the #1 platform for business and government, and it is still by far the most secure and trusted mobile OS. BB also continues to have one of the lowest costs of acquisition for wireless carriers, making it a desirable choice. If RIM was actually dead, they'd be the first to drop the products.

By no means are they perfect... they're certainly not dead. People were ready to write off Apple back in 1996-97; look where they are now.

Anyway, back on topic, please.

[SamCB]

Lets get some perspective. RIM shares are down 94% from 4 years ago. Thats not media hype, it's fact. While you might be correct, and RIM might be the next Apple, you are one of the very few who has confidence in that company.

[sebberry]

I know I brought up the RIM issue as I was curious to know if this crossing the pond app will be available on BlackBerry phones.

Let's please continue future discussions on the future of RIM in the Mobile Technology thread.

Cheers

[Doug]

pherthyl,

We made the app primarily as a way to announce our presence as an app company in Victoria, and get people talking about us. If this thread is any indication, we have been at least partly successful in that regard.

We make other paid apps for a more global market that are mostly unrelated to Crossing the Pond.

That having been said, there may be ads in this app at some point. They would have to be aesthetically pleasing, useful for Victorians (ie. local businesses only, no Google ads) and unintrusive. We're open to anyone who wants to advertise in the app, which now has a user base of several hundred and is growing every day.

The app will always remain free to purchase.

[funkedelic_bob]

Not only will business people who commute a lot find an app like this handy (hint: BlackBerry users), the new BB10 software developer kit allows app developers to port Android or iOS-based apps onto the BB platform in under 30 seconds. It's going to be frightfully easy to get your apps onto BB10. I've already seen it with my own eyes.

Hey bluefox, I don't think you need to worry, Doug already touched on that exact point 3 posts up from yours. (I quoted it below... I hope my quotes work ) Looks like BB10 users will be okay!

I think the most likely scenario for Blackberry is BB10 Runtime for Android Apps, the emulator that will allow coding in Java/Android rather than Blackberry's native language.

I'm not too fussed that when I click to see the sailing waits it loads a safari window in-app. Yeah, I agree it would be nice to have it all in the app, but if it's to hard to pull in that information, then that's fine with me because it's faster and easier than navigating the ferries website.

[bluefox]

Hey bluefox, I don't think you need to worry, Doug already touched on that exact point 3 posts up from yours. (I quoted it below... I hope my quotes work ) Looks like BB10 users will be okay!

Haha, I realised afterwards the way I worded it made it sound like I work for RIM (I don't).

[Sparky]

^^ Welcome to vibrantvictoria funkedelic_bob. Geezus.... how the hell did you dream up that handle?

[sebberry]

Geezus.... how the hell did you dream up that handle?

Must have been taking a puff from your illuminated pipe

[Sparky]

Under the guise of being on topic...I indeed showed my frisky side tonight.....and as this is a crossing the pond thread......it was a water pipe. (yes I know where the penalty box is.)

[Doug]

FYI: This app has been discontinued. 

[Mike K.]

Thanks for the update, Doug. Why was the app discontinued?