Allow me to quote egzthunder1 which described very well the application's scope in Android applications area.
If you are as clueless as I am about this whole concept, the first thing that you may have thought is: “there is a typo in the article’s title”. As it turns out, this is an outdoor activity where people will determine a path to follow and will try to make it in the least possible amount of time. This can be done either walking, by bicycle, or car, a good sense of orientation, a map, and a good compass.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Android client is in beta testing but the Windows Mobile 6.5 client is stable and can be downloaded from http://vorienteering.com/downloads
Virtual Orienteering is formed by a team of passionate developers, lovers of nature and surrounding environment.
Together we try to create a large community of curious beginners in discovering the joy of this game, as well experienced players of real orienteering sports.
Everything we offer is free, all you need to do is register (very easy to do) on www.vorienteering.com make a track, download the application for your smartphone and start executing it. After that, if you want you can post a message straight to Twitter of Facebook so that everybody will know what you did The best players will be on top so everyone can see them.
Video tutorials on how to use the site and the application are coming in the next days, but it should be pretty easy to use it. Just give it a try. We also have a feedback button and you can tell us what problems or ideas you have. Every feedback is welcomed. Together we can improve the whole concept.
This community has done so much for me since I join, I'm glad that with VOrienteering we can offer you something in return.
Thank you xda-developers for the chance of showing out application.
Ah... did I mention that you can earn badges ? See you in top 10 users.
As a quick summary, I work for public safety in Indianapolis, IN and have need to develop an app that will monitor SMS/email messages on an Android tablet or phone sent from our dispatch center that will automatically route to an address via Google Maps at the touch of a button.
That's the basic gist of it. The potential in making such an app is ridiculously marketable with the right direction (mine).
If you have the skill and/or are interested in helping me with this project, I would love to talk with you.
Thanks
Does anyone know of someone to sign up for Free Online App Development classes? I want to learn how to develop/code/design apps (nothing big or spectacular) to expand my knowledge. I'm more of a "hands on" & "visual" learning; which I'm sure many people are. I'm just having trouble finding the right place to start from. I've browsed through the Google provided training, but still having trouble getting started. The training pages Google provides doesn't go into much, if any, detail about how to start with the IDE (I downloaded the new Android Studio). Google pretty much throws some sample code at you; without really explain how to start your "own" project.
So if you could post some links to videos, online classes (free [preferably] or really really cheap) I would greatly appreciate it.
(not sure if this was the right place to post this question, so if the MOD could move it to where more appropriate)
Hi all
This is my thread for an ongoing project im working on called AndroidOAP
OAP is not Owesome Android Project, lol
This is Andriod Old Age Pensioner!
But WAIT!! This may have many applications to other areas in the caring community!
Background
My mum is 75 and has early stage altzimers. I have noticed a lapes of memory, eyesight and hearing. I have also just got her a 10" rk3066 4.1 tab for xmas.
The aim of this is to help her keep in touch with family and friends (social networking), keep up to date on the weather/news (she loves it), keep her mind active (games).
Aim of Project
This project has a few aims, guided by anyone who wants to contribute. some of which are :
BASIC
- Creating a simple UI that is easy for pensioners/handicapped people to use
- Identifying simple to use apps that perform complex tasks
- Utilise the accessibility capabilities of android specifically for the users needs
- Monitor the device remotely
- Monitor the users interactions and provide alerts (IE medication, doctors apointments, etc)
EXTRA
- Create a working rom that can be installed on devices that can be given to the target audience (OAPs, disables, etc)
- Obtain ongoing support for this project
This will probably not interest most of you but anyone willing to contribute to this nobell cause will be very appreciated
Please get in touch with any ideas
Thanks for your time
Chriz
Cass1977 said:
Hi all
This is my thread for an ongoing project im working on called AndroidOAP
OAP is not Owesome Android Project, lol
This is Andriod Old Age Pensioner!
But WAIT!! This may have many applications to other areas in the caring community!
Background
My mum is 75 and has early stage altzimers. I have noticed a lapes of memory, eyesight and hearing. I have also just got her a 10" rk3066 4.1 tab for xmas.
The aim of this is to help her keep in touch with family and friends (social networking), keep up to date on the weather/news (she loves it), keep her mind active (games).
Aim of Project
This project has a few aims, guided by anyone who wants to contribute. some of which are :
BASIC
- Creating a simple UI that is easy for pensioners/handicapped people to use
- Identifying simple to use apps that perform complex tasks
- Utilise the accessibility capabilities of android specifically for the users needs
- Monitor the device remotely
- Monitor the users interactions and provide alerts (IE medication, doctors apointments, etc)
EXTRA
- Create a working rom that can be installed on devices that can be given to the target audience (OAPs, disables, etc)
- Obtain ongoing support for this project
This will probably not interest most of you but anyone willing to contribute to this nobell cause will be very appreciated
Please get in touch with any ideas
Thanks for your time
Chriz
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I read this correctly, you want to develop an OS based on Android, but one that is extremely simple to use? All I know is that this would be an extremely time consuming project, probably half a year at the least, because you'd have to remove tons of drawables (images and stuff that is rendered) and code, and add in many more. It would be much easier to just install a launcher with big icons, change the system font size to the largest possible, perhaps use some accessibility settings, and debloat the tablet to the max.
Has your mother ever used electronic gadgets before? I forget the saying, but it's something like you can't teach an old dog new tricks. Considering that these types of electronics didn't exist during older peoples' generations, it'll be significantly harder to get them accustomed to such things. I don't know if I'm stereotyping or not, but it may be increasingly difficult to teach her how to use Android because she has Alzheimers. I'm not saying it's not worth a try though. As long as she doesn't feel overwhelmed or frustrated, I'd say to definitely try it out for a while and see how it goes. Happy holidays and have a happy new year. I hope your gift does good for you all.
Codename13 said:
If I read this correctly, you want to develop an OS based on Android, but one that is extremely simple to use? All I know is that this would be an extremely time consuming project, probably half a year at the least, because you'd have to remove tons of drawables (images and stuff that is rendered) and code, and add in many more. It would be much easier to just install a launcher with big icons, change the system font size to the largest possible, perhaps use some accessibility settings, and debloat the tablet to the max.
Has your mother ever used electronic gadgets before? I forget the saying, but it's something like you can't teach an old dog new tricks. Considering that these types of electronics didn't exist during older peoples' generations, it'll be significantly harder to get them accustomed to such things. I don't know if I'm stereotyping or not, but it may be increasingly difficult to teach her how to use Android because she has Alzheimers. I'm not saying it's not worth a try though. As long as she doesn't feel overwhelmed or frustrated, I'd say to definitely try it out for a while and see how it goes. Happy holidays and have a happy new year. I hope your gift does good for you all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the input dude, but, I think your over complicating things. A custom rom doesnt mean rebuilding it from the ground up! The aim is to find the most user friendly apps and the best settings and then create a rom around that. no need for new icons, etc.
Just to let you know, even though my mum is 75 she has been a nurse all her life so is well versed on using computers (hell, she brought me up and im a developer, lol). Touching icons on a screen will be no problem for her, altzimers or not. To be fair, you are stereotyping and its pretty sad
Regardless of the support I will continue with this as its a personal project that I will persue. I was just after any help I could get, not negativity.
Have a nice day
Cass1977 said:
Hi all
This is my thread for an ongoing project im working on called AndroidOAP
OAP is not Owesome Android Project, lol
This is Andriod Old Age Pensioner!
But WAIT!! This may have many applications to other areas in the caring community!
Background
My mum is 75 and has early stage altzimers. I have noticed a lapes of memory, eyesight and hearing. I have also just got her a 10" rk3066 4.1 tab for xmas.
The aim of this is to help her keep in touch with family and friends (social networking), keep up to date on the weather/news (she loves it), keep her mind active (games).
Aim of Project
This project has a few aims, guided by anyone who wants to contribute. some of which are :
BASIC
- Creating a simple UI that is easy for pensioners/handicapped people to use
- Identifying simple to use apps that perform complex tasks
- Utilise the accessibility capabilities of android specifically for the users needs
- Monitor the device remotely
- Monitor the users interactions and provide alerts (IE medication, doctors apointments, etc)
EXTRA
- Create a working rom that can be installed on devices that can be given to the target audience (OAPs, disables, etc)
- Obtain ongoing support for this project
This will probably not interest most of you but anyone willing to contribute to this nobell cause will be very appreciated
Please get in touch with any ideas
Thanks for your time
Chriz
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi @Cass1977, I see your project as a great initiative to encourage older people to use technology. Although this project might be huge (and I don't have the tablet to test), I might be able to just provide suggestions for your project.
In the Basic section:
Simple UI: It should be easy, due to the fact that many launchers today are user-friendly and easy to use.
Simple to use apps that perform complex stuff: do give some examples.
accessibility capabilities: I don't know of much apps for that (there could be some in the play store) but once we attract the attention of some developers, we can start rolling.
Monitor the device remotely: what do u mean exactly?
Isn't monitor the user's interaction same as the point above? Correct me if I'm wrong.
More suggestions:
Create some tutorials for some complicated apps.
Better colour profile.
Less bright screen=less strain to the eye in low light conditions.
Bigger font=less strain to the eye.
More suggestions will come as I think of them.
Smack that thanks button if I helped!
Note 2 LTE powered by Illusion ROM and Plasma Kernel.
Sent from dat small country called Singapore.
P.S. replies with quotes will be replied to faster.
Hi @Cass1977, I see your project as a great initiative to encourage older people to use technology. Although this project might be huge (and I don't have the tablet to test), I might be able to just provide suggestions for your project.
In the Basic section:
Simple UI: It should be easy, due to the fact that many launchers today are user-friendly and easy to use.
Simple to use apps that perform complex stuff: do give some examples.
accessibility capabilities: I don't know of much apps for that (there could be some in the play store) but once we attract the attention of some developers, we can start rolling.
Monitor the device remotely: what do u mean exactly?
Isn't monitor the user's interaction same as the point above? Correct me if I'm wrong.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good advice, but I feel too many launchers have too many options. the main thing the user needs is simple to access apps. Maybe large icons, etc.My mum likes her news and weather too so simple widgets may help with things like that (A lot are provided with the apps).
TTS will be required too (Text to speech). Maybe an app that will speak highlighted words? Probably have to be built?
More suggestions:
Create some tutorials for some complicated apps.
Better colour profile.
Less bright screen=less strain to the eye in low light conditions.
Bigger font=less strain to the eye.
More suggestions will come as I think of them.
Smack that thanks button if I helped!
Note 2 LTE powered by Illusion ROM and Plasma Kernel.
Sent from dat small country called Singapore.
P.S. replies with quotes will be replied to faster.
By the way, By 'Monitor the device remotly' I mean basically the same thing I have with my kids tabs. Screen Time (MASSIVE RESPECT TO THIS APP!!!) It monitors what my kids do on their tab and allows me to lock it at certain times and give them chores to earn rewards. NOT the same thing we need here, but, thats the kind of monitoring im thinking. Monitoring medication (pop up reminder and if its not used a remote notification)
Any more ideas you have then let me know, Many thanks for your input
Chris
Cass1977 said:
Good advice, but I feel too many launchers have too many options. the main thing the user needs is simple to access apps. Maybe large icons, etc.My mum likes her news and weather too so simple widgets may help with things like that (A lot are provided with the apps).
TTS will be required too (Text to speech). Maybe an app that will speak highlighted words? Probably have to be built?
By the way, By 'Monitor the device remotly' I mean basically the same thing I have with my kids tabs. Screen Time (MASSIVE RESPECT TO THIS APP!!!) It monitors what my kids do on their tab and allows me to lock it at certain times and give them chores to earn rewards. NOT the same thing we need here, but, thats the kind of monitoring im thinking. Monitoring medication (pop up reminder and if its not used a remote notification)
Any more ideas you have then let me know, Many thanks for your input
Chris
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can help test launchers according to what u want and report back. Widgets are easy. (Most news apps has widgets.) There may be some apps for TTS designed for this but it's rare (if not none). (TTS apps are extremely complicated) yea, we might need to build it. (Build from Google voice search, possibility)
OK... I'll have to search it up on Google. (We may have to build from another app...) we can build from Screen Time (add some features into it, we could ask Screen Time's developer for help!)
P.S. I think editing a system file can increase the maximum volume of the sound...
Smack that thanks button if I helped!
Note 2 LTE powered by Illusion ROM and Plasma Kernel.
Sent from dat small country called Singapore.
P.S. replies with quotes will be replied to faster.
I'm looking for an app that allows users to send a request for help/assistance with built in location, short message and some pictures.
Other users detecting a request within a preset range would be notified of the event and be able to respond.
I've found a couple of apps that do this sort of thing, however they are centralised/restricted to specific areas. For example Australia has only two cities covered, each by a different app.
My desire implement it for off-road driving recovery requests. I'm a member of a Facebook group for such requests of people whom are bogged or otherwise challenged. The most common issue I see it people asking where the stuck vehicle is located and where is "such and such" track located.
A few times when a request has been nearby to me, I've not seen it until too late because Facebook felt it wasn't important enough to show it to me.
I've search everywhere I can think of but an unable to find anything close to suitable. I'm hoping someone here might know of something (or even be willing to start a new project).
Many thanks in advance for any assistance.