Any interest in a BlackBerry Cigar application?

[JE3146]

I'm currently playing with the BlackBerry Java SDK and was wondering if there was any interest in an application for it.

Obviously there is the iPhone counterpart being developed here, and I hope not to step on any toes by creating this, but it seems to be one thing the BB community lacks.

So if you're interested in such a piece of software, what features would you like for it to have?

I have a direction on paper I'd like to go towards, but at the same time I'm curious to know what people would actually like out of such an application.

Thank you in advance for any feedback.

[Eleven]

Easy Database entry.

Maybe Barcode functions for entering cigar info, and also exporting info for others to have.

PC companion software for tracking, importing, exporting, etc etc.

[Wolfgang]

Can I get a galactic overlord button?

[elderboy02]

Droid

I would pay up to $9.99 for an app.
I would like something where I could put the individual cigar details, date I bought it, what I paid, and then of course smoking notes that could all be edited at a later date if needed.
A search function would be awesome, type in the name of the cigar and it just redirects to the mobile browser with a google search.

The top of the line for me would be an app with pictures of the sticks, at least the bands. I could type in the name and it would bring up a picture and a link to a review, and also a pronunciation key. I would also be able to submit a review.

[JE3146]

Originally Posted by elderboy02

Droid

Not switching for a while. Sorry buddy.

I can pick up a new language/dev platform in about 1 to 3 days, so it isn't much of an issue, I just have nothing to test it on as I develop.

That and there are plenty of Droid developers. The BB market is stale for an app like this.

[elderboy02]

Originally Posted by JE3146

...
That and there are plenty of Droid developers. The BB market is stale for an app like this.

Very true.

Well, when you upgrade to the Droid, I will look forward to an app.

I'm in love with my Blackberry, and would love a cigar app.

[loki]

nope, not interested

[md4958]

i would have loved this a year ago... how about something for the Droid instead?

Would love one...

Maybe with a desktop interface too...

[JE3146]

Originally Posted by md4958

i would have loved this a year ago... how about something for the Droid instead?

I changed a few things around from my initial concept based on a couple conversations I've had and pending some trials with the Droid SDK, I'll be entertaining the idea.

The way the program will be setup will be easy to port it to the Droid if necessary. The device will source data from an online server and store it to persistent memory. It will also store local data in persistent memory and give the option to sync it to the server. The benefit here is two fold.

As long as you sync it periodically, you won't lose information tied to your account and you'll also be able to see averaged ratings of sticks compiled from other users. Not only that but it gives me the flexibility to eventually make a Windows application in C# and possibly a port of that for the Mac in Cocoa# that can perform a similar task as the mobile device.

Granted this is all up in the air based on how complex I want to make the database, but it should be a fun project.

Looking forward to it. I always have my BB, but I don't always have my notes.

[LooseCard]

Voted "not interested" because you specify BB

My next upgrade, which will be later this year, will likely be Droid/Android.

May be interested then.
Definitely would have to be PC connectable. I'd likely do majority of my data entry through a PC then the small screen device.

[JE3146]

Originally Posted by LooseCard

Voted "not interested" because you specify BB

My next upgrade, which will be later this year, will likely be Droid/Android.

May be interested then.
Definitely would have to be PC connectable. I'd likely do majority of my data entry through a PC then the small screen device.

Just to note this will be geared as a mobile app first, PC app possibly.

[JE3146]

So here's the rundown so far. At least what I'm aiming for. Minor details might change but for the most part, this has been my plan and will continue to be, if not all up front then in subsequent updates.

What's being developed now -

Features

• Easy to use User Interface that's clean and non battery consuming.
• Low file size for the application
• All data stored locally on device will be stored on the SD card in SQLite databases
• Centralized serverside database containing brands, boxes, cigars, and details
• Centralized serverside database containing user reviews of the cigars
• Ability to submit new cigars, brands, or boxes for the database via website form(they will require approval prior to entering the database)
• Ability to fill in details about a cigar not in the database for a review
• Ability to modify and delete reviews.
• Compiled ratings from centralized database
• 2 way syncing feature to re-download lost reviews or upload reviews to server.
• Ability to view reviews on device sorted by date, brand or rating
• Ability to add purchased boxes and link reviews to box purchases for reference.
• My Humidor page to show off a picture of your humidor

Requirements

• Blackberry OS 5.0
• SD card in device
• Currently being developed for BlackBerry Storm/Storm2, Curve, Tour, and Bold

And below a few prototype screen shots.

Enjoy

[jsnake]

Sounds way cool. I don't understand why all the iphone cigar apps when most cigar smokers I know are business professionals who use Blackberries.

[waffle]

Originally Posted by jsnake

Sounds way cool. I don't understand why all the iphone cigar apps when most cigar smokers I know are business professionals who use Blackberries.

Do you have any idea how many business professionals I run into now that are using iPhones... its crazy!!!! But I agree with you, BB should def. have an app.

[JE3146]

Just to add, I'm co-developing an app for the Android OS 2.2 (due to requests) as well that will be nearly identical to the BB app. They'll use the same online database, so if you were to switch phone types, it'd migrate seamlessly

Sadly the Android one will look nicer due to the nicer UI API features. BB's are inherently flawed it seems. Probably why no one develops for them.

[KenS]

Jordan,

As you probably know, I am the author of Mobile Stogie for the iPhone. I've had quite a few emails asking for a blackberry version, so I know there is demand out there. I have considered porting to Android, but don't really have the time to do so. As for iPhones for business professionals, as of today Mobile Stogie has sold 4,266 copies, so there is demand there as well

Although I'm not willing to "give away" the code to Mobile Stogie, I would be happy to offer feedback as you go through the development of your app, in terms of things that I've learned, how I connect to the online database, etc. Feel free to reach out to me if you want to discuss things with another developer.

I think it's great to see somebody tackling the app for blackberry and wish you the best of luck