New App Suggestions Wanted...

[macfreek57]

Hi all,

I'm a programmer in my third year of Computer Science at Louisiana State University. I've also been working part-time for a local software company (we do mostly database-driven websites for state agencies, all in asp and asp.net).
My real passion is to develop for the Mac platform. Once I get a degree and some experience under my belt, I hope to work for one of the Mac development firms or maybe even start my own.
For the time being, I'd like to start developing for the iPhone/iPod Touch. I've been reading through some books on Cocoa development and messing around with the OS X & Cocoa Touch APIs in XCode for a while, and I'd like to get some real experience developing an app. That's where you come in.
I need some ideas. I've come up with a few, but most of those ideas have been developed into apps already and put on the App Store. So any ideas for an app that you'd like to see? What's missing from the store that you think should be there? Any suggestions welcome.
Now just to let you know, I am relatively new to Cocoa development. As a programmer, I'm capable of putting out some of the more complex apps, but for my first attempt, I would like to keep it relatively simple (I'm hoping to have it releasable within 2 months). So anything along the lines of "you should port Wii Sports to the iPhone!" or "Final Cut Pro would be nice" is not all that helpful for the time being. I'm thinking something more in line with the apps that sell for free to 2.99¢.

Thanks for anything you can give me. Hopefully I can fill a hole in the App Store's line-up (if there are any).

[nickspohn]

Well, it wouldn't be right if someone gave you a suggestion, and you made it, and then you charged for it and made a profit while the person that suggested it gets nothing.

[macfreek57]

Well, it wouldn't be right if someone gave you a suggestion, and you made it, and then you charged for it and made a profit while the person that suggested it gets nothing.

I wasn't planning on charging for it. I don't think what I'll develop will be worth much (or at least at this point, I'm not willing to commit the time required to make it worth charging for). But, if it turns out better than I thought and I decide to charge for it and I'm able to make money off of it, I promise I'll be sure to thank whoever gave the idea (monetary-wise).
Again, I don't think my first app will be worth charging for -- I was mostly hoping to give non-developers the opportunity to get an app they feel is missing from the store.

Thanks

[MacToddB]

Well, as a developer, I'd love an app that could do one or more of the following:

Screenscrape iTunes to tell me when my position changed (100sounds (http://www.100sounds.com) is currently #9 in Entertainment and #70 OVERALL), or when my average reviews change (by .5 or 1 star in either direction) or a (specified number of) new review's posted, etc.

I'd also like to know when the sales figures are posted since it can vary by several hours. (itts.apple.com). I'm using the cool opensource app AppSales that shows trends but it'd be nice to have an alert.

I'd also like a video player that COULD LOOP video. Unless someone knows of such a thing. I'd like to play short videos at tradeshows.

[macfreek57]

Well, as a developer, I'd love an app that could do one or more of the following:

Screenscrape iTunes to tell me when my position changed (100sounds (http://www.100sounds.com) is currently #9 in Entertainment and #70 OVERALL), or when my average reviews change (by .5 or 1 star in either direction) or a (specified number of) new review's posted, etc.

I'd also like to know when the sales figures are posted since it can vary by several hours. (itts.apple.com). I'm using the cool opensource app AppSales that shows trends but it'd be nice to have an alert.

I'd also like a video player that COULD LOOP video. Unless someone knows of such a thing. I'd like to play short videos at tradeshows.

The App tracker sounds like a good idea, albeit a little out of my scope for the time being (it seems like the sort of app that would need to be exhaustive in its stat reporting and also would need to work more-or-less flawlessly for it to be of much use).
The video looper, however, would be very achievable. I might look into it.

[MacToddB]

The App tracker sounds like a good idea, albeit a little out of my scope for the time being (it seems like the sort of app that would need to be exhaustive in its stat reporting and also would need to work more-or-less flawlessly for it to be of much use).
The video looper, however, would be very achievable. I might look into it.

great. and you do NOT owe me anything if you sell it!

I just want to be customer #1 !!!

[icedmocha]

Port an existing game? Montezumas revenge, miner 2049er...

[macfreek57]

Port an existing game? Montezumas revenge, miner 2049er...

Porting a game is a bit more complex than it might seem. At least it's too much of a task for me to take one under the current circumstances. I'm really looking for something that will take less time, which ideally means an app whose interface can be made up with the standard interface controls provided by the SDK.
Thanks for the suggestion, though!

[bobfitz14]

i think there should be a MacRumors (mainly forums-based, but whole site in general as well??) App. but i don't know if that would have to be made by MacRumor's Moderators or if you could get consent from them to create it.

oh, and it should be made so you can log in obviously so you can post replies or post new threads and whatnot. i kind of felt the need to mention that because on the Youtube App (though standard on the iPhone/Touch) doesn't allow you to log in. argh!

[macfreek57]

i think there should be a MacRumors (mainly forums-based, but whole site in general as well??) App. ...

Hmm... that sounds interesting. I might talk to Arn about his interest in that.

[akacaj]

Make a Call GOD app, have the user press 1 to speak english. para srvicia espanol....2. Then play some church music while they are on hold. Then finally they get an indian person on the phone. (with indian accent) Hello, Thank you for calling God. My name is Brian. Are you calling regarding an existing case....

[detz]

Do something you want...I've found that works the best not only for yourself but often if you want it so do others. My iOwn app I created for myself in about two weeks, I fiancee told me to post it up because everyone I showed loved it so I did. :-) Everyone loves it. The two websites I run are the same thing, I built them to satisfy a itch I had and others find them useful too.

[laserfox]

I want a proper google docs editing app. Something where I can download and upload google docs to edit on the go. I know it may be out of your control, but I just had to express this wish!

[deadsouls]

Well, it wouldn't be right if someone gave you a suggestion, and you made it, and then you charged for it and made a profit while the person that suggested it gets nothing.

why in the hell wouldn't it be right? thats ludicrous.

[nickspohn]

why in the hell wouldn't it be right? thats ludicrous.

maybe you should read and quote my whole post, it would make sense.

[Vader]

I would love a snood-like game. There aren't any closely resembling snood out yet (that I have found).

[kas23]

I would want an app that can hold and edit MS Word apps and then email them. That would be cool. Open Office Mobile??? I just want it to recognize doc files and Google Docs doesn't do this.

And any other idea I can come up with, I'll let you know. I couldn't care less if you made money off of it as I am not a developer and would NEVER make the app myself. So, you deserve the profit if you make it.

[cc82793]

My little cousins were playing one of those claw-machine games online. It wasn't where a webcam is set up and you actually try to win stuff out of a real machine, it was a cartoon and you just had to move the claw and pick up the most toys you could in as little time.

This could be fun on an iPhone. Like have different levels, where Level 1 has big toys and a big claw, and then as you go up the levels, the claw gets smaller, toys get harder to grasp.

With great graphics, this could be fun.

[iunnohead]

You could make a Chinese Checkers app. I haven't seen any in the App Store and it seems like a good idea.

[hobbbz]

Well, as a developer, I'd love an app that could do one or more of the following:

Screenscrape iTunes to tell me when my position changed (100sounds (http://www.100sounds.com) is currently #9 in Entertainment and #70 OVERALL), or when my average reviews change (by .5 or 1 star in either direction) or a (specified number of) new review's posted, etc.

I'd also like to know when the sales figures are posted since it can vary by several hours. (itts.apple.com). I'm using the cool opensource app AppSales that shows trends but it'd be nice to have an alert.

I'd also like a video player that COULD LOOP video. Unless someone knows of such a thing. I'd like to play short videos at tradeshows.


http://ctl.du.edu/staff/josephlabrecque/vidloop/ Adobe AIR cross platform

[deadsouls]

maybe you should read and quote my whole post, it would make sense.

umm i did quote your whole post. thats all you said. as evidenced IN YOUR POST ABOVE.

[icedmocha]

This is a great game concept that I spent hours playing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1A_cxFdsvRk&feature=related

Take the concept and make it your own.

[MacToddB]

http://ctl.du.edu/staff/josephlabrecque/vidloop/ Adobe AIR cross platform

Does this run on an iPhone???

I can loop video on a computer. What I'd like to do is setup several iPod Touch's or iPhones showing videos.

[bobfitz14]

Hmm... that sounds interesting. I might talk to Arn about his interest in that.

do i get any credit/reward if it goes through?! :rolleyes: haha...i'm somewhat serious..

[macfreek57]

Thanks for all the ideas guys!
I can't wait to get started on something. There have been some good suggestions -- I'll be evaluating them over the next few weeks as I prepare to choose a project and get down to it. I'm not quite ready to start yet, as I have to wait till next week when I'll be getting a new iMac (here's hoping they update them Tuesday). My current machine is only a G4 which keeps me from being able to compile and debug iPhone apps. I've mostly been messing around with the SDK on a friend's computer.
I'd like to keep track of the development here on Macrumors forums as it seems that it could serve as a good insight into the process. I'll be sure to keep you all updated.
Thanks again for the input and keep 'em coming!

[macfreek57]

do i get any credit/reward if it goes through?! :rolleyes: haha...i'm somewhat serious..

To reiterate, the answer is "yes." I very much appreciate you guys' help, and I will be sure to make mention of whomever's idea I go with. Also, as I said before, if the app turns out good enough that I think I might be able to make money off of it and it does make money on the App Store, I'll be sure to send a monetary "thank you" your way. I can't say right now how or what it will be as I have no clue what will actually happen once I do get it published to the store.

[kas23]

An app that can create/edit text documents and then send them to a fax machine (in addition to email) would be useful to some. I know this may be dated, but many companies still want to have documents faxed to them. And I am unaware of any current apps out there that can do this. And of course, charge 1.99 for it and you'll make some cash for your efforts (just give us promo codes!)

[bobfitz14]

To reiterate, the answer is "yes." I very much appreciate you guys' help, and I will be sure to make mention of whomever's idea I go with. Also, as I said before, if the app turns out good enough that I think I might be able to make money off of it and it does make money on the App Store, I'll be sure to send a monetary "thank you" your way. I can't say right now how or what it will be as I have no clue what will actually happen once I do get it published to the store.

sounds swell. i wouldn't mind spending $0.99 on a MacRumors App, it would be very interesting. let me know if you get confirmation from MacRumors to do this!

[SFC Archer]

How bout this (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=619841)

It could be tied with the database software that is available from Exact Change (http://www.exactchange.info/) or CoinManage 2008 (http://www.libertystreet.com/shots21.htm).

It could then be expanded into baseball cards, non-sport cards, comic books and lord knows what other collection software is out there.

Seems profitable to me...good luck to whoever grabs it first!

[kas23]

Another app I would kill for would be a better traffic app. One where you would be able to enter a Point A and a Point B and it would not only give you the driving directions (on Google Maps, for example), but would also tell you all the known accidents/delays along this route.

Currently, the only way to search for accidents and delays is to enter in a zip code - I drive 40 min to work each day and I must drive through ten different zip codes, half I don't even know and I only care about the accidents/delays along my route.

I would probably pay $4.99 for an app like this.

[akacaj]

Another app I would kill for would be a better traffic app. One where you would be able to enter a Point A and a Point B and it would not only give you the driving directions (on Google Maps, for example), but would also tell you all the known accidents/delays along this route.

Currently, the only way to search for accidents and delays is to enter in a zip code - I drive 40 min to work each day and I must drive through ten different zip codes, half I don't even know and I only care about the accidents/delays along my route.

I would probably pay $4.99 for an app like this.

In addition to what you just said, I think this app should also have a "I just got into an accident while using this app" button. :) you know just to keep the accident count more accurate. :)

[Branskins]

I am really trying to find a virtual pet-like Tamagotchi app. I looked at iGotchi but the pets do not evolve!

I think that kind of app would be killer :)

[Michael CM1]

Speaking from recent experience, something VERY useful would be a "what do I do in an accident" app. It could be very simple and if you take long enough, tailor it by states. I got Fed in the A by some dude who lied about whose fault it was and I really just didn't have a clue what my process should be. He backed into my at a light, put a hole in MY bumper and cost ME $500 (plus the outcome of this stupid court date). My car is a 2-year-old red Camry, so purty. He dented my child!!!

Back on topic. I would've loved an app with a list of what to do. You should start with ALWAYS CALL THE COPS and that the other guy will lie if there isn't a witness. Take photos, and you can tie that to the camera function. Then a list of info to swap, like insurance, phone, name, etc. Also list to use a darn voice recorder because I wish I had gotten him to make a statement so he couldn't have lied his way out of it.

There's a start for you. Whenever video capture is added, a link to the video function would be great.

[S Brake]

Another vote for snood!

[gekkota]

I'd really like a world map, or even a globe. (Pocket Globe doesn't count, since it is not a very good app.) A map that shows countries in relation to other countries, with the ability to zoom in to major cities in each country.

Where is Darfur in relation to Cupertino anyway? Well, if we had a map app, we'd see that they are not close at all!
I have been waiting for such an app to miraculously appear, but I guess developers are too busy making hundreds of fart apps and match three games...

[kas23]

I'd really like a world map, or even a globe. (Pocket Globe doesn't count, since it is not a very good app.) A map that shows countries in relation to other countries, with the ability to zoom in to major cities in each country.

Where is Darfur in relation to Cupertino anyway? Well, if we had a map app, we'd see that they are not close at all!
I have been waiting for such an app to miraculously appear, but I guess developers are too busy making hundreds of fart apps and match three games...

Doesn't Google Earth do this for you???

[MacToddB]

Doesn't Google Earth do this for you???

I had the same thought but perhaps he wants to use it offline?

for example I was on a plane yesterday for 5 hours and it could be cool to see where we were. on a related question can gps work in airplane mode? obviously not the wifi location part. I still have my original iPhone... waiting to see macworld announcement (though I'm at CES in vegas!!!!)

[kas23]

I had the same thought but perhaps he wants to use it offline?

for example I was on a plane yesterday for 5 hours and it could be cool to see where we were. on a related question can gps work in airplane mode? obviously not the wifi location part. I still have my original iPhone... waiting to see macworld announcement (though I'm at CES in vegas!!!!)

Google Earth still has some functionality offline, but it is limited. For instance, for some odd reason, you cannot search for location. You can scroll to the location though. Additionally, you cannot access the wiki articles and panoramio pics either (of course).

[KRAPPS]

I'm assuming you cannot "tweak" anything to do with text messaging (but maybe you can since there are plenty of third party email apps) ... but I would love an app which would give you the ability to forward text messages ... seems silly the iPhone does not have this functionality.

Good luck to you!

[anim8or]

I would LOVE if someone made an App for this site.... would be a life saver all the time!

http://www.mybustracker.co.uk/

The chances of this actually happening is low though as it is a bit localised!

[gekkota]

Doesn't Google Earth do this for you???

I was thinking more in terms of an offline app--something like a "world atlas" for the iphone...

[orrelse44]

Remember the game Dark Tower, made by Milton Bradley?

That was s uch a sweet game, and I think it could translate well to the iphone. Obviously you may have copyright issues if you used the exact names and characters of the Dark Tower game, but it would be easy to replicate it.

I'd also love to see a bagpipes app similar to the Ocarina theme.

[Gokunama]

A Rotten Tomatoes app that only downloads the basic info. The Tomato meter, the average rating, the synopsis, and the general consensus. Would save time and battery life while standing in a video rental shop wondering what to get.

[kas23]

Remember the game Dark Tower, made by Milton Bradley?

That was s uch a sweet game, and I think it could translate well to the iphone. Obviously you may have copyright issues if you used the exact names and characters of the Dark Tower game, but it would be easy to replicate it.

I'd also love to see a bagpipes app similar to the Ocarina theme.

There is a bagpipes app. I would give you the link, but I haven't installed cut and paste on my iPhone yet.

[MacToddB]

I would LOVE if someone made an App for this site.... would be a life saver all the time!

http://www.mybustracker.co.uk/

My Bust Racker?

I thought Apple didn't allow such apps...

Oh, Bus Tracker! Nevermind ;)

[kas23]

Great idea! Make a bust tracker!

[macfreek57]

As you all know, there were no new iMacs released Tuesday, so, as I can't justify buying one now when I know they are just going to update them in a month or two (hopefully), I'm putting a hold on the whole operation. Or at least I will have more time to prepare (hashing out ideas for apps, going over Cocoa Touch documentation, etc.).
You guys have had some good ideas, and I'm looking into a few of them. However, I would like to emphasize that I'm really not looking to make a game. I don't really have the skills graphics-wise or the time to invest that most games require. Plus, I'm not really that interested in honing my graphics skills at this time. I could possibly make a very simple sprite-based game (par example, Snood is a possibility), but I'd only do that if it's the only thing left.
I'm more interested in the synergistic apps (to use a term that has a very, very unfortunate existance). The ones that bring together different technologies to make things more convenient. The bus tracker (or bust racker, if anyone can explain what that does, I'd be very interested to know) app, the Rotten Tomatoes app and the coin collector's app are good examples of this.

Thanks again for your help,
Ryan

[SFC Archer]

As you all know, there were no new iMacs released Tuesday, so, as I can't justify buying one now when I know they are just going to update them in a month or two (hopefully), I'm putting a hold on the whole operation. Or at least I will have more time to prepare (hashing out ideas for apps, going over Cocoa Touch documentation, etc.).
You guys have had some good ideas, and I'm looking into a few of them. However, I would like to emphasize that I'm really not looking to make a game. I don't really have the skills graphics-wise or the time to invest that most games require. Plus, I'm not really that interested in honing my graphics skills at this time. I could possibly make a very simple sprite-based game (par example, Snood is a possibility), but I'd only do that if it's the only thing left.
I'm more interested in the synergistic apps (to use a term that has a very, very unfortunate existance). The ones that bring together different technologies to make things more convenient. The bus tracker (or bust racker, if anyone can explain what that does, I'd be very interested to know) app, the Rotten Tomatoes app and the coin collector's app are good examples of this.

Thanks again for your help,
Ryan

When/If you start on the coin collecting App...Let me know, I'd be happy to be your guinea pig and or info source on ideas. I am also currently taking a programming course in college this quarter so may be able to do something toward my project. I just don't/won't have a mac to do it with (damn apple).

[KRAPPS]

How about an Urban Dictionary app ... cool web site, would translate well into an app.

[kas23]

How about an Urban Dictionary app ... cool web site, would translate well into an app.

That's a fantastic idea! I don't think it would make it past the approval process. A webapp may be nice though.

[Diode]

That's a fantastic idea! I don't think it would make it past the approval process. A webapp may be nice though.

http://www.urbandictionary.com/iphone/

[bigdaddy1182]

I wished someone would make an app for employers to keep track of employees time, I'm a sub-contractor in the flooring industry and would like to see an app just for employers i know there are alot of time keeping apps already but they are more for clients and such more on keeping track of my own time wich i dont really need hope you concider this app if i knew how to do it i would thats for sure:)

[macfreek57]

I wished someone would make an app for employers to keep track of employees time, I'm a sub-contractor in the flooring industry and would like to see an app just for employers i know there are alot of time keeping apps already but they are more for clients and such more on keeping track of my own time wich i dont really need hope you concider this app if i knew how to do it i would thats for sure:)

This sounds like a good fit. Tell me more, if you could, about what you'd think it should be. I've never had need of this sort of application, so I'm not sure exactly what it would need to do, but I could see that having some utility.

[drvsafe]

How about an application that can backup apps already installed on your iPhone. I bought my iPhone used and it came with a ton of applications from the app store. But now that the 2.2 unlock came out, I cannot perform the upgrade/jailbreak/unlock without losing all of those apps. I can't reload them from the app store because they weren't purchased by me.
I'm sure there are plenty of users that would benefit from this utility.
So there is my suggestion.

[kas23]

http://www.urbandictionary.com/iphone/


Sweet. I just learned a new word: faceboink.

Hooking up with someone via an online community.

[Jeremy1026]

How about an application that can backup apps already installed on your iPhone. I bought my iPhone used and it came with a ton of applications from the app store. But now that the 2.2 unlock came out, I cannot perform the upgrade/jailbreak/unlock without losing all of those apps. I can't reload them from the app store because they weren't purchased by me.
I'm sure there are plenty of users that would benefit from this utility.
So there is my suggestion.

No chance Apple would allow something like this.

[KRAPPS]

http://www.urbandictionary.com/iphone/

Cool - thank you! Wonder if they'll eventually release a native rather than a web app

[vw195]

I was thinking more in terms of an offline app--something like a "world atlas" for the iphone...

Id second that.. But I would also like a quiz mode in said app

[jgunn]

I have 2 that are pretty original but would only be interested if we could split the profits. PM me if your interested.

[shigzeo]

based on real physics: even if it is turn by turn: would be great to serve, cut, loop, drive, bat, cricket my way to the top. real physics, real rubbers, real bats, real glue, real balls: real table tennis: when you get it up - if anyone does, send it to www.touchmyapps.com for review.

[Wesquik]

I Would To See A Egptian Ratscrew Game Like Snap

[LSUtigers03]

i think there should be a MacRumors (mainly forums-based, but whole site in general as well??) App. but i don't know if that would have to be made by MacRumor's Moderators or if you could get consent from them to create it.

oh, and it should be made so you can log in obviously so you can post replies or post new threads and whatnot. i kind of felt the need to mention that because on the Youtube App (though standard on the iPhone/Touch) doesn't allow you to log in. argh!


I second this.

Also if you know about making mobile websites let me know. There's an LSU site I go to everyday and I want to see what's involved in making a mobile site.

[pMad]

Baseball score card

[jamie314]

I would LOVE if someone made an App for this site.... would be a life saver all the time!

http://www.mybustracker.co.uk/

The chances of this actually happening is low though as it is a bit localised!

You just need to find a friendly local developer who thought the same! :)

Website: http://www.busesapp.com
iTunes link: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=301893363