Take the name, please: Syncpad

[jefboyardee]

I and millions of silent others want yet another post-it type notepad app, but with one enormous difference: it would also sync to a Windows companion program. Enter text on either side and pow, it appears on the other.

The closest I can get now is a Windows shortcut to a notepad file that lives in my Dropbox folder. Once that file is saved, it shows up at the other side, but I have to open folders and files and save things.

You can have the name -- I just want the app.

One other thing: if possible, try to not require the Windows side to require the dot-net framework.

 

[sohguanh]

One other thing: if possible, try to not require the Windows side to require the dot-net framework.

Unless you are maintaining legacy Windoze programs, all new Windoze programs are built on the .NET framework. This is the direction given by M$ for all new program development on their OS.

Of cuz, developers can still develop using traditional Windows API, MFC etc stuff but it will be hard to find developers to do maintenance in the future.

 

[jefboyardee]

all new Windoze programs are built on the .NET framework

K, forget that part.

 

[somekid]

SyncPad is already an iPhone/iPad application for real-time whiteboard collaboration: http :// mysyncpad . com


However this notes thing does sound interesting, I might take a look into it if I get any sort of availability to write something up.

Edit:
How often would you want this to update from the android app.
- click a save button ( would almost be like dropbox then though )
- on app exit/backgrounded
- time delay, every 3seconds or something
- each typed character for most up to date always being pushed ( though would depend on windows apps fetch rate however before it was seen )

 

[jefboyardee]

SyncPad is already an iPhone/iPad application for real-time whiteboard collaboration

Dang.

However this notes thing does sound interesting, I might take a look into it if I get any sort of availability to write something up

Cool.

How often would you want this to update from the android app.
- click a save button ( would almost be like dropbox then though )
- on app exit/backgrounded
- time delay, every 3seconds or something
- each typed character for most up to date always being pushed

In my case, time is not essential. I just want a way to have notes entered at one side to be on the other side when I get where I

 

[somekid]

For the desktop app is Java ok? Then it has the possibility of Linux/Mac in that case. Otherwise my other language would be C#.net if preferred

As for sync rate I think I will make it on app start/resume it downloads from server, then on either screen lock or app pushed to background it will save. Desktop will load on open, or sync button since it may still be on when you return and will save after a time delay (1 minute?) after the last key press changing text or app exit in case of shutdown etc

Additionally I believe as long as life allows I should have a basic single notepad functional in a week or so, I started a bit now.
- will allow multi note in update

 

[jefboyardee]

For the desktop app is Java ok?

In case I

 

[somekid]

As of now I have a textbox that successfully saves to the server, using encryption while transmitting both your password and the note itself for your peace of mind (sorta I guess you really need to trust me there, it is encrypted though).

The username and password have to be registered as a user on my forums then you login via the app and notes save to the server as needed.



Next steps...
1) actually prompt for user/pass (hard coded test data )
2) on app open retrieve latest version of notes from server.
3) windows program
4) ???
5) profit

??? = a lot of stuff... multi-note, bug fixes, etc. not as critical though

 

[jefboyardee]

I guess you really need to trust me there, it is encrypted though

I

 

[somekid]

Now saving and loading upon onPause() and onResume() respectively.


Next steps...
1) actually prompt for user/pass (hard coded test data )
2) on app open retrieve latest version of notes from server.
3) windows program
4) ???
5) profit


Also like to throw out that this is a learning experience for me. Never developed an android application before and I do not own any Android powered devices (hope to remedy that one soon though) and am instead relying on the emulator. The closest I come to an actual Android device is my brother's Kindle Fire

 

[somekid]

Next steps...
1) actually prompt for user/pass (hard coded test data)
1.5) currently first load by a new user fails, but after saving something it works fine beyond that
2) on app open retrieve latest version of notes from server.
3) windows program
4) ???
5) profit

If you know how to load an unofficial .apk manually it is attached so you can test if desired. 3 Ways to Install Applications On Android Without The Market Method 2 via DropBox looks the simplest option to me

The forums used for the user management are BitSpill Forums - Index register an account there and use the same username and password when in the app.

I recommend not using a password you use for other services or storing any important notes though as this is still a WIP

As far as tonight goes there will be no more progress, 2am is not the best time to be coding.

 

[sohguanh]

gave up and used my Dropbox workaround. Then I decided to write one more plea here, and voila!

Hi somekid you are essentially duplicate what he can do using Dropbox. I think what he want is sync data from PC to phone direct and vice versa and hence do away with the need of a server in between.

 

[sohguanh]

The way for PC to phone direct and vice versa would be using Bluetooth to do the data transfer. I wonder on Windows do they have Bluetooth API or not.

 

[somekid]

The difference between this and Dropbox is that Dropbox you need to save, close, reopen to see the changes. I'm making the refresh automatic in a way rather than close and reopen. After I get this working that may be one of my updates to simply use their dropbox so none of their notes are on my server and is instead on a much more stable network, will see what works best as I go since this entire thing is a learning experience anyway.

The way for PC to phone direct and vice versa would be using Bluetooth to do the data transfer. I wonder on Windows do they have Bluetooth API or not.

All depends on whether the computer has a Bluetooth enabled wireless adapter or USB adapter. And I dont think it would be a windows API but something seperate. Not sure though.

 

[jefboyardee]

1. Using Total Commander (Astro equivalent), I made new folder called Somekid.

2. On PC, where I use this forum, I copied Notes.apk to my desktop and to Dropbox.

3. From Dropbox droid, I exported it to SD\Somekid.

4. Tapping Notes, I got “This program is not yet installed on your device. Package name: Version of this file:” Then two choices, Install and Open as ZIP.

5. Choosing Install, I got “Parse error. There is a problem parsing this package.” Tapping OK, it went away.

6. Choosing Open as ZIP, I saw two folders and three files. Assuming I was in the wrong neighborhood, I backed up to Somekid.

7. As far as I can tell nothing happened.

8. To further prove my inabilities, I have never used Bluetooth, don’t know why I’d want to, but since I got it to sit on my SD card, I guess I didn’t have to.

 

[somekid]

4. Tapping Notes, I got

 

[somekid]

well, I've been busy but still working at this, on the Kindle I get that parse error also. Will need to look into it more.

What Android version is your phone running? I might be setting the minimum sdk requirement too high. (might be my issue with Kindle as well, will play around with it some more)


Side note: Just noticed in my last reply I quoted the wrong part, should have been 5 not 4 that was quoted