Code Shogun

I’ve got hundreds of emails regarding my Android NPR Podcasts app.
Most of them are saying great things about it. Many also send in comments and suggestions, and of course, bug reports.

As of now, the Android SDK has been updated to support 1.5 (Cupcake) version. However, I don’t have a phone that’s running 1.5 yet. So there will be some strange bugs which I cannot really debug until my G1 is provisioned with Cupcake. Rumor has it that T-mobile is rolling out the OTA update starting this week. So let’s hope it comes real soon.

Here are a few email excerpts from the app users:

“This a very cool app and I miss it terribly. Tomorrow is another round of car talk and wait, wait, don’t tell me. My kids and I listen to it together at bedtime saturday nights off of my g1. This was only possible because of your app.
Thank you for developing it.
A family and fans”

Wow great! I don’t even know this app can be part of your family quality time It’s so nice to know!

“Thank you for a great app, I just love NPR!”

Yes, me too

“First, let me just say that I absolutely LOVE this app! My comp is broken right now so this is the only way I have to get any podcasts. Really glad you made it.”

No problem! G1 is a mini-computer! ^_^

“Inside of the application you already have a setting menu, it shows you thought ahead and acknowledge the grandiouse task the project would be. You showed great insight into a future of a tremendous app by already creating what you had! ”

Hehe, that’s flattering, but I will take it

“Hi, I love the NPR android ap – thank you.”

Same here!

“Thanks for developing this program- I love being able to access the podvasts via my phone!”

That’s the power of Android!!!

There are many many more appreciation emails and very constructive comments and suggestions! I thank you all for the support and I will keep making the app better little by little.

Android Shogun Android email, feedback, NPR Podcasts, user

Finally, San Francisco Chronicle featured NPR Podcasts in their “app-a-day” section:
App-a-Day: NPR Podcasts

One of the many things the G1 does well is streaming media. And one of the best apps for exploiting this feature is the NPR Podcasts app, which will overwhelm you with its sheer breadth of programs. Not only does it categorize just about every podcast on the National Public Radio feed but also a ton of locally produced shows at different NPR stations across the nation. You can stream any of the podcasts or download them to your phone where you can play them in the G1’s music player. It will also give you an onscreen summary of the podcast while you’re listening to it. You can also save a list of your favorites. It’s a must-have for the G1.

android Android, Mobile NPR Podcasts, SF Chronicle

A month ago, I received an email from Google’s Marketing department:

Hello! I’m Linda Tong, with the Android team at Google, and I am contacting you regarding your application on Android Market. Your application, NPR Podcasts, is currently one of the top apps in its individual category, and we would like to showcase it on the Android Market website at http://www.android.com/market/free.html#app=nprpodcasts.

And today, it shows:

There are still some bugs and improvements I need to make.  But I really don’t have time now.  Hmmm… need to squeeze some time…

android Android, Mobile Android, google, NPR Podcasts, showcase

NPR Podcasts is a simple yet highly useful applications on the Android Market.

It has quite many features,

Search for NPR local stations near your current location.  The list will return the stations call letters, frequency, city and state information.

It can also show you approximately where the stations are in Google map.

You can either save the podcasts to listen later or listen to streamed podcasts.

Save your favorite programs and channels for quick access.

The downloaded podcasts are also available in the built-in Music app.

The server keeps a list of all podcast RSS feeds and station signs with latitude and longitude information.  The data transported to Android app is via PHP/JSON.  Very lightweight and efficient.

Current install base as of Jan 23, 2009 is 6139 active users.  ^_^

I just got an email from Google that “Your application, NPR Podcasts, is currently one of the top apps in its individual category, and we would like to showcase it on the Android Market website at http://market.android.com.”

Pretty nice I guess!

android Android Android, NPR Podcasts