CAP iOS and Android app

[ARandomCadet]

Who else here agrees they need to make an iOS and Android app for CAP. I know there is one out there (CAPCadet) but it isn't an official CAP app. Several other cadets in my squadron, agree that they need to make an official app with eServices built in, and a mobile version of testing because we all hate having to zoom in while taking a test on a mobile device. I can eService to my home screen, but I don't think that is enough. They need to have guides, regulations, and general info along with eServices built into an app. Also anybody have any other suggestions they need to add?

[SarDragon]

Ooh, ooh, an opportunity for my favorite Q: "Who's going to pay for it?" I doubt the programming involved is a trivial task.

[ARandomCadet]

Ooh, ooh, an opportunity for my favorite Q: "Who's going to pay for it?" I doubt the programming involved is a trivial task.

I know that the most expensive part is getting a Mac or 2, because all that XCode (iOS programming software) runs on is on OSx which is the Mac operating system. That is a couple grand per computer so overall, the actual programming costs for the first year are at least $4,104. After you buy the computers, it only costs $104 for the software and access. They can have a couple IT people from NHQ do it easily.

[Spaceman3750]

Ooh, ooh, an opportunity for my favorite Q: "Who's going to pay for it?" I doubt the programming involved is a trivial task.

I know that the most expensive part is getting a Mac or 2, because all that XCode (iOS programming software) runs on is on OSx which is the Mac operating system. That is a couple grand per computer so overall, the actual programming costs for the first year are at least $4,104. After you buy the computers, it only costs $104 for the software and access. They can have a couple IT people from NHQ do it easily.

Because all IT people know objective C, or Java (in Android's case), and how to use it on the given platform.

You can pick up a Mac Mini for $700, but this is something that would probably have to be contracted out. And whoever did the ops qual entry UI design isn't allowed to play.

[JoeTomasone]

And if they decide to contract it out, there's got to be some red tape concerning non-FBI approved contractors with unfettered access to info about Cadets (well, everyone, but especially Cadets). 

That being said, the few times I've needed to access anything on eServices or the Members site on my phone and iPad wouldn't justify an app.   <shrug>

[Spaceman3750]

How about just making eServices and WMIRS smartphone friendly? That would go a long way for me...

[ARandomCadet]

Ooh, ooh, an opportunity for my favorite Q: "Who's going to pay for it?" I doubt the programming involved is a trivial task.

I know that the most expensive part is getting a Mac or 2, because all that XCode (iOS programming software) runs on is on OSx which is the Mac operating system. That is a couple grand per computer so overall, the actual programming costs for the first year are at least $4,104. After you buy the computers, it only costs $104 for the software and access. They can have a couple IT people from NHQ do it easily.

Because all IT people know objective C, or Java (in Android's case), and how to use it on the given platform.

You can pick up a Mac Mini for $700, but this is something that would probably have to be contracted out. And whoever did the ops qual entry UI design isn't allowed to play.

You can get a Mac Mini for $700 but you also have to get a Thunderbolt Display for it. The Thunderbolt Display costs over 1k

How about just making eServices and WMIRS smartphone friendly? That would go a long way for me...

It already has a mobile version, but an app is way more smartphone friendly.

[SarDragon]

Ooh, ooh, an opportunity for my favorite Q: "Who's going to pay for it?" I doubt the programming involved is a trivial task.

I know that the most expensive part is getting a Mac or 2, because all that XCode (iOS programming software) runs on is on OSx which is the Mac operating system. That is a couple grand per computer so overall, the actual programming costs for the first year are at least $4,104. After you buy the computers, it only costs $104 for the software and access. They can have a couple IT people from NHQ do it easily.

Did you read and understand my question? I didn't ask how much it would cost. I asked, "Who's going to pay for it?"

[ARandomCadet]

Ooh, ooh, an opportunity for my favorite Q: "Who's going to pay for it?" I doubt the programming involved is a trivial task.

I know that the most expensive part is getting a Mac or 2, because all that XCode (iOS programming software) runs on is on OSx which is the Mac operating system. That is a couple grand per computer so overall, the actual programming costs for the first year are at least $4,104. After you buy the computers, it only costs $104 for the software and access. They can have a couple IT people from NHQ do it easily.

Did you read and understand my question? I didn't ask how much it would cost. I asked, "Who's going to pay for it?"

Tack an extra $1-2 onto membership fees, that pays for it all plus more.

[Spaceman3750]

Ooh, ooh, an opportunity for my favorite Q: "Who's going to pay for it?" I doubt the programming involved is a trivial task.

I know that the most expensive part is getting a Mac or 2, because all that XCode (iOS programming software) runs on is on OSx which is the Mac operating system. That is a couple grand per computer so overall, the actual programming costs for the first year are at least $4,104. After you buy the computers, it only costs $104 for the software and access. They can have a couple IT people from NHQ do it easily.

Because all IT people know objective C, or Java (in Android's case), and how to use it on the given platform.

You can pick up a Mac Mini for $700, but this is something that would probably have to be contracted out. And whoever did the ops qual entry UI design isn't allowed to play.

You can get a Mac Mini for $700 but you also have to get a Thunderbolt Display for it. The Thunderbolt Display costs over 1k

How about just making eServices and WMIRS smartphone friendly? That would go a long way for me...

It already has a mobile version, but an app is way more smartphone friendly.

Except for the two Mac Mini servers that I took care of in my day job, both of which used DisplayPort . And the one we sold a few weeks ago, also with DisplayPort. And the one listed on the specs page...

The eServices homepage has a mobile version but the actual modules are not. As far as WMIRS goes, the only thing that is mobile friendly is air sortie close out. Everything else is the desktop version. If I could open or close a ground sortie, input my mileage/fuel $, and upload a receipt image from my phone's camera, in a mobile friendly web app, I would flip.

Web apps could probably be done with existing resources, and be cross platform capable. Native apps would require a mobile developer and an API developer, at a minimum.

[ARandomCadet]

Ooh, ooh, an opportunity for my favorite Q: "Who's going to pay for it?" I doubt the programming involved is a trivial task.

I know that the most expensive part is getting a Mac or 2, because all that XCode (iOS programming software) runs on is on OSx which is the Mac operating system. That is a couple grand per computer so overall, the actual programming costs for the first year are at least $4,104. After you buy the computers, it only costs $104 for the software and access. They can have a couple IT people from NHQ do it easily.

Because all IT people know objective C, or Java (in Android's case), and how to use it on the given platform.

You can pick up a Mac Mini for $700, but this is something that would probably have to be contracted out. And whoever did the ops qual entry UI design isn't allowed to play.

You can get a Mac Mini for $700 but you also have to get a Thunderbolt Display for it. The Thunderbolt Display costs over 1k

How about just making eServices and WMIRS smartphone friendly? That would go a long way for me...

It already has a mobile version, but an app is way more smartphone friendly.

Except for the two Mac Mini servers that I took care of in my day job, both of which used DisplayPort . And the one we sold a few weeks ago, also with DisplayPort. And the one listed on the specs page...

The eServices homepage has a mobile version but the actual modules are not. As far as WMIRS goes, the only thing that is mobile friendly is air sortie close out. Everything else is the desktop version. If I could open or close a ground sortie, input my mileage/fuel $, and upload a receipt image from my phone's camera, in a mobile friendly web app, I would flip.

Web apps could probably be done with existing resources, and be cross platform capable. Native apps would require a mobile developer and an API developer, at a minimum.

Yeah, I hate how modules, and tests are not mobile friendly. I took my OPSEC and Safety training during school, because they were letting us use our phones since it was the last week of school. But neither of the tests were mobile-friendly. I would prefer an app, that could integrate CAPCadet in it along with regulations, and guides.

[a2capt]

A Mac does not cost "$2K" and that Mac Mini comes with an HDMI to DVI adapter, as well as supports HDMI out of the box, and those monitors can even be had for under $100. Yes. Under $100.

I don't mean this in a mean way at all, but .. if you spent just half of the time working on your leadership materials, and AE modules, you could get to a point where  .. you might understand a bit more of how the organization and the real world work, and how they work together.

Specifically, do some real research before you just spout off "facts".

[Critical AOA]

Tack an extra $1-2 onto membership fees, that pays for it all plus more.

Ahh... a future leader in the democrat party.  Making everybody pay for something regardless if they want it or not. 

[JeffDG]

I don't see that NHQ has the capacity or the funding to build all the apps that would help folks out.

All they need to do is build a secure interface to the data, and let members develop apps that will help them do their jobs effectively.  If there is a need, someone will step in and fill it.  Those that work well will spread and flourish, those that don't will die quiet deaths.

[ARandomCadet]

Tack an extra $1-2 onto membership fees, that pays for it all plus more.

Ahh... a future leader in the democrat party.

Actually that first sentence is true.

A Mac does not cost "$2K" and that Mac Mini comes with an HDMI to DVI adapter, as well as supports HDMI out of the box, and those monitors can even be had for under $100. Yes. Under $100.

I don't mean this in a mean way at all, but .. if you spent just half of the time working on your leadership materials, and AE modules, you could get to a point where  .. you might understand a bit more of how the organization and the real world work, and how they work together.

Specifically, do some real research before you just spout off "facts".

I had to pick a product that I would consider buying for Personal Management in Boy Scouts, so I picked the iMac which is what you should use for app development. The whole iMac unit costs a little over $2k per computer. Also, I am an Apple Developer, so I do know what I am talking about. The Mac Mini is capable of using different displays (I have seen that myself), BUT it is best (learned from experience) to use a Thunderbolt Display.

[SJFedor]

...an official app with eServices built in, and a mobile version of testing because we all hate having to zoom in while taking a test on a mobile device...

You talk like you've had to take a lot of tests on this system... 

[a2capt]

The whole iMac unit costs a little over $2k per computer. Also, I am an Apple Developer, so I do know what I am talking about. The Mac Mini is capable of using different displays (I have seen that myself), BUT it is best (learned from experience) to use a Thunderbolt Display.

Funny, four iMac models currently offered, the list price on the top of the line model, $1,999.00. The entry level, $1,299.00, which is absolutely enough for app development, and other everyday use. I just bought a MBPR for $1,600 which is about on par with that 27" iMac, power wise.

An iMac, the Mac Mini and the MacBooks are pretty much the same thing. Efficient, laptop-like technology, packaged differently. Best to use a Thunderbolt monitor? How so? Best for Apple's quarterly reports. But totally un-necessary.

Apple developer? So.

I've been using Mac's since that day in 1984. That could very well be twice as long as you've been alive. I've been servicing them, for darn near as long, too, and I still say your "facts" are .. not.

Oh, and I love Windows, too! .. It pays the bills. 

[Eclipse]

Maybe get to your second or third stripe before trying to "fix" CAP?

[Jon Moser]

I haven't done much in the way of mobile web or native app development however (and please correct me if I am wrong) I would say that either a mobile friendly website or an API of some sort as was suggested earlier would probably be the better way to go.  This would avoid issues with having to maintain apps for two different OS versions (assuming we are ignoring WinMo) which could take a lot of time and money depending on the changes the OS developers introduce in each new version. This would also allow for wider availability across more mobile devices.

[ARandomCadet]

Maybe get to your second or third stripe before trying to "fix" CAP?

Thanks for the suggestion, but I think I'll pass on that suggestion. I don't think that it is how many stripes you have, I already am very familiar with CAP and I have learned most of that from one of my very good friends who is also my flight sergeant. I believe that it has some spots that need to polished, so CAP is not living in the past. Especially when it comes to some of the recruiting efforts.