Author: Charles McKeever

On Friday I bought an iPad mini from the Apple Store. I've been using it all weekend, so I've created a quick video review to share my thoughts on the device. So far I can say that the iPad mini is an excellent device. It's everything the iPad is without the awkward size and extra weight. The lack of retina display is not an issue and I absolutely love that I can type using my thumbs without having to jostle the device to reach keys. so far I've been able to do everything on the iPad Mini and I can...

During our hangout with David Rangel of Corona Labs, he suggested several things that app developers should be doing to market their mobile apps. One of those suggestions was to create videos that show how your app works so customers can get a sense of what it would be like to use your app. Since video production can be intimidating, I thought it would be a good idea to show how simple it is to edit video clips using YouTube's built in video editor. This is especially useful if you don't already have video editing software or advanced editing skills. Charles McKeever CoronaGeek BTW,...

App: Joke Shake Developer: Dean Murphy, EchoEcho Price: Free, Ad Supported In-App Purchases: Remove Ads, 3 Joke Packs Device: iOS (iPhone, iPad), Developed using the Corona SDK App Review: When it comes to telling jokes, I can usually only remember about two or three and two of them can't be told in mixed company. So, when I came across Joke Shake I was instantly hooked. As you would expect the app does exactly what it's name implies. If you shake your iPhone or iPad you will get a new joke each time. Imagine the magic eight ball concept applied to jokes. For the most part, almost all...

During yesterday's special event, Apple announced the iPad mini, threw out some impressive iPad sales stats, and mentioned in passing that they have paid out $6.5 billion ( yes with a B ) dollars to app developers. That's pretty incredible considering that back in July they had already paid out $5.5 billion ( the .5 billion accounts for rounding errors, I guess ). That means they paid out another billion dollars to developers in just 2.5 months, give or take a few days. With those kinds of numbers flying around, it's pretty clear that there's plenty of demand for iOS apps...

Corona Geek On Air episode 11 is live! During this episode of Corona Geek we talk about how an indie Corona developer is using Kickstarter to drum up marketing dollars for his next app. We also have a great discussion about the iPad Mini, Windows 8, and implementing mobile app analytics using the Corona SDK and Flurry. Be sure to see the show notes below for a full list of resources that were referenced during the show. As always, be sure to join us next Monday at 2pm CST and add us to your Google+ Corona SDK circle. Thanks for watching, Charles McKeever CoronaGeek Show Geeks: Brian Burton - Author of...

During yesterday's Corona Geek Hangout, David Rangel shared that mobile developers often overlook implementing analytics into their apps. Corona developers can use the Analytics API within the Corona SDK to connect with a mobile analytics service like Flurry. Using Flurry developers can track the number of times their apps were used and how long their apps were used. However, according to David, Corona developers should be tracking more than just user sessions. Developer should be tracking events within their apps to determine how users are interacting with their apps. For example, it would be a good to know if 80% of your...

Corona Geek On Air episode 10 is live! During this week's episode of Corona Geek we talk with David Rangel, COO of Corona Labs and he shares a ton of great mobile app marketing advice. Everything from what to include in your app, to when you should start thinking about marketing your app. David also shared some insights with us about the Corona Ambassador program, the new Developer Evangelist position, and what Corona Labs will be doing in 2013. Thank you David for sharing your time with us. We really appreciate it. Be sure to see the show notes below for a full...

App: Fainting Goats Developer: Two Guys Called Steve Price: .99 cents Device: iOS (iPod touch, iPhone, iPad), Developed using the Corona SDK App Review: Let's face it, getting an honest app review can sometime be a real challenge. Your friends and family don't want to hurt your feelings. Paid reviews are exactly that, and sometimes it feels like the negative reviews are 10X louder than a 100 positive ones. But every so often, you get a truly honest review directly from the most important person in the world, your customer. Not just someone who bought the app, but a true customer. That's what the Fainting Goats...

Corona Geek On Air episode 9 is live! During this episode of Corona Geek we discuss Corona build release notes, using gravity versus accelerometer, Corona Certified Developer Program news, Fainting Goats app review and iOS App Store Clause changes. Be sure to see the show notes below for a full list of resources that were referenced during the show. As always, be sure to join us next Monday at 2pm CST for Episode 4 and add us to your Google+ Corona SDK circle. Thanks for watching, Charles McKeever CoronaGeek Show Geeks: Brian Burton - Author of Mobile App Development with Corona: Getting Started Toff Ward - Developer / Geek / Gnome Charles McKeever...

Corona Geek On Air episode 8 is live! During this special episode of Corona Geek we talk with Walter Luh, CEO of Corona Labs. Walter shared what it's like to support a wide spectrum of mobile devices and operating systems in a fast paced industry. He also shared some insights into the Corona roadmap, highlighted some things that Corona Labs is planning to help improve developer feedback, and spoke at length about the passion and strength of the creative Corona developer community. Be sure to see the show notes below for a full list of resources that were referenced during the show. As always, be...