• More Json With Windows Phone

    Feb 3 2012 5:47 PM

    A few weeks ago, I did a short blog post on consuming Json from Windows Phone. I posted more as a reference for myself but I have gotten a few emails about it so I figured I would expand on it. Consuming Json is Windows Phone is not hard but it can be a bit trick. The problem is on the parsing. Unlike XML, there is no LinqToJson available to allow us to parse / query Json. The best way to parse it is to Deserialize the message to a know type. Continue reading...

  • Beta of Amazon Web Services SDK for Windows Phone Released

    Jan 31 2012 11:33 AM

    Yesterday we announce the “beta” availability of the AWS SDK for Windows Phone. You can read all about it here.Getting started with the AWS SDK for Windows Phone:Getting started guideGetting Started video Video walkthrough of the samples provided in the SDK:http://channel9.msdn.com/Blogs/Interoperability/AWS-SDK-for-Windows-Phone-S3-sample-walkthrough Continue reading...

  • Windows Phone Resources

    Jan 31 2012 11:06 AM

    Over the last year I have had the privilege to attend various hack events. I really enjoy getting together with fellow nerds and just hack at code together. I saw this this on email and thought I would share it with everyone. Education · Jump Start Videos - 19 videos covering common developer tasks in Windows Phone. · AppHub Catalog - Tons of tutorials, samples and articles on Windows Phone development. Additional Tools · Silverlight Toolkit for Windows Phone - Includes more than 28 additional free controls like AutoComplete Box, List Picker, Hub Tile, MultiSelect List, Toggle Switch, Time Picker and more. · Marketplace Test Kit - Included in the Windows Phone 7.1 tools (but not well known). This tool can check for many of the common mistakes that cause applications to be rejected before your app is even submitted into the marketplace. · An image editing program such as PhotoShop, GIMP (free) or Paint.NET (free) - Needed for editing artwork, creating application icons and tiles, etc. · A vector graphics editing program like InkScape - May come in handy for editing scalable drawings that can be used in Silverlight applications and games. · An audio editing program such as Audacity (free) - May be useful for editing and converting sound effects or music. Starter Kits (Silverlight) · GART - Create Augmented Reality apps and games that use the camera, compass, GPS, etc. Create Augmented Reality apps in as few as six lines of code. · Media and Podcasts - Play audio and video. Integrate with music and videos hub. · Physics Helper Library - Create physics-based games and apps in Silverlight by drawing elements and attaching physics behaviors directly in Expression Blend. · RSS - Create applications that render HTML pages shared as RSS feeds. · Schools - Build an app for your school that includes information such as News, Maps, Links, etc. · Translator - Build an app that does language translation, including Text to Speech. · WordPress - Build a native app that allows users … Continue reading...

  • 30 Days to Launch Mobile App Challenge

    Jan 20 2012 9:20 AM

    To celebrate the launch of Seed Philly, the Philadelphia tech community's newest resource, we are throwing down a mobile app challenge in Philly throughout the month of February...join us over 4 weeks to build a Windows Phone app! Your tickets includes admission to all 4 sessions, and food and drinks will be provided. Dates: February 1 7:00-9:30 pm Getting Started with Windows Phone DevelopmentFebruary 8 7:00-9:30 pm Exploring Phone CapabilitiesFebruary 15 7:00-9:30 pm Data & Network AccessFebruary 22 7:00-9:30 pm Publishing Your Application Location: Seed Philly1650 Arch Street, Suite 1906Philadelphia, PA 19103 Why should you care? You could go home with a Windows Phone Device** on February 22nd and you'll have your new app in the Windows Phone Marketplace! Whether you're a mobile app guru or just starting out, the Windows Phone Marketplace is a great place to showcase your app. Many Windows Phone app developers are finding their apps are gaining more attention and downloads from the Windows Phone Marketplace vs. other marketplaces, which is increasing their downloads, revenue and exposure. We will be giving away one Windows Phone device each to participants who present their app onsite at the last session. (A maximum of 50 winners at the last session on February 22nd, 2012. If there are more than 50 individuals presenting, 50 winners will be selected at random from the presenters. Presentations should cover an overview of the app and be under two minutes long. App should be net new, not published to the Marketplace prior to the start of this campaign, January 30th, 2012). Detailed terms and conditions: * $99 registration fee applies. We will provide up to a maximum of 50 coupons good for a free registration to the Windows Phone marketplace, to the first 50 onsite that register on the marketplace. Windows Phone Marketplace terms and conditions apply to your use of the Marketplace. **Not available to Government or Public Sector Employees. Microsoft employees … Continue reading...

  • Introducing Project Woodland

    Jan 10 2012 11:59 AM

    Earlier I blogged about a new blog series that I am starting this year and will continue over the next few months. The idea is to document the process of creating a real product from start to finish. Since I am not making this a real business venture at this time, I will only focus on the technology side of thing. Continue reading...

  • My Secret Dream

    Jan 9 2012 1:46 PM

    Ok maybe is not a secret at all as I believe it is common knowledge that all developer dreams of striking it big. To come up with the one technology, framework or product that changes the game. Yes, I am being over dramatic but I am sure if we poll 100 developers, 90 or more will tell you that they thought about it. Continue reading...

  • Rock Paper Azure Is Back with a BANG

    Nov 28 2011 12:02 PM

    You asked for it and now you got it. Last year my teammates Brian, Peter and Jim created an awesome coding game  for Azure called Rock Paper Azure Challenge. The idea is was not new but they modified it to work on Azure and it is pretty cool. Actually it can be a bit addicting. This time around, we’ve made some more minor tweaks, and added some stellar prizes, including a trip to Cancun, Mexico! Yes you hear it right. So start working on your tan so you would not look out of place. Here is how to get started: Continue reading...

  • Using JSON With Windows Phone

    Nov 28 2011 10:49 AM

    I need to get better at naming my blog posts. Oh well for now lets just stick with this one. When we create mobile app, we just not simply port a web or desktop application to a mobile device, we should totally redesign and re-architect for mobile. Continue reading...

  • MySpace No Really

    Nov 21 2011 4:39 PM

    I am an outgoing person. Well, at least I like to think I am. When ever I speak to a live audience or meet someone in person, I am not shy at all. Go ahead and ask my three friends.  However, for some reason, I tend to be somewhat shy online. I have this blog, a twitter, linkedin and facebook account but don’t like to share much about me online. Not really sure why but I am trying to change that a bit. Continue reading...

  • Windows Phone Camp Pittsburgh

    Nov 21 2011 11:44 AM

    What's a Windows Phone Camp? A free, full day event chock-full of everything you need to know to develop a Windows Phone application. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or just getting started with .NET development this full-day event is for you. Interested in profit? We'll also lead discussions on how to monetize your applications and generate profits with your apps. Continue reading...

  • Metro Design Language of Windows Phone

    Nov 21 2011 11:14 AM

    I will be speaking at the NYC Windows Phone user group on December 9th. The topic for the day is cross platform mobile development and I will be speaking specific about the design principals that make up the Metro Design Language of Windows Phone 7. Continue reading...

  • We Want Your Apps

    Nov 21 2011 10:45 AM

    One of the things I love about my job is that I get the opportunity to help Windows Phone developers be successful in our platform. We are totally committed to the success of every Windows Phone developers. To show this commitment we are constantly doing promotions to get developers as much visibility as possible. Here is the latest one. Continue reading...

  • Windows Phone Hackathon NYC

    Nov 21 2011 10:27 AM

    Interested in developing Windows Phone Apps? Then this hackathon is for you. Join other New York City developers for a day full geeky-ness. We will have Windows Phone experts in house to help you with your App ideas. Continue reading...

  • Creating App Screen Images For The Windows Phone Marketplace

    Nov 1 2011 8:07 PM

    One of the things I used to hate to do was to create all the images needed to submit your Apps to the Windows Phone Marketplace. You need at least 3 sizes of your App icon. You need:Small mobile app icon  - 99 pixels x 99 pixelsLarge mobile app icon  - 173 pixels x 173 pixelsLarge PC app icon  -  200 pixels x 200 pixels Continue reading...

  • Using Value Converters To Change The Visibility of a Control

    Oct 31 2011 7:53 PM

    Since Silverlight is one of the frameworks developers can use to create Windows Phone application, there many new Silverlight developer creating awesome app for Windows Phone. Since many of the developers I talk to are new to Silverlight, I get ask some simple question about the platform. I hope to answer this on this Tips and Tricks series I am starting. Continue reading...