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360iDev 2011 – Call For papers open!

February 9, 2011 By Leave a Comment

It’s that time! Got something you want to share with the iOS community? Here’s your chance! Submit a talk or three to 360|iDev 2011!

The submission window will be open until noon on March 4th. Don’t dilly dally. You can submit as many session ideas as you like. We prefer new fresh cutting edge stuff, no sloppy seconds from other events, etc.

Sometimes we select 2 topics from 1 speaker, so don’t worry about submitting just 1 or anything.

LASTLY. If you’re submitting a team presentation (that’d be you and 1 or more other folks) we can only provide 1 room per presentation, so you’ll have to share, or split the cost of the second room.

OK, go submit your topics!

Filed Under: Announcements, Community, Content, Denver, speakers Tagged With: , , , ,
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360iDev – Session video bundles

December 29, 2010 By 1 Comment

In case you hadn’t noticed, we’ve figured out to how to bundle session videos.

It’s still a work in progress but here’s what you need to know.

As we render each session and add it to the store page, we also add it to the Bundle (By the way, the bundle is per conference, there’s an Austin Bundle and a San Jose Bundle). If you’ve already purchased the Austin bundle you’ll notice it’s a bit light, it’s growing. You should be able to click on the download link you got in email and come back to you purchase page, it should be updated with the new videos we’ve added to the bundle since you initially bought it. Don’t worry, you don’t pay again, and you’re not aced out of future additions to the bundle. You just have to come back and get the new content.

We’re working as fast as we can to get more and more session videos rendered, so keep an eye on the store page.

That’s it! Happy new year!

Filed Under: Announcements, Austin, Community, Content, San Jose Tagged With: , , ,
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360iDev – Speaker Michael Simmons

November 2, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Michael Simmons (Long lost cousin to Brent Simmons) came to us late in the planning for 360|iDev, but is such a great guy we just had to have him with us!
He’s got a ton of experience in the iOS community from helping launch successful apps to now running his own shop!

Q: How long have you been doing iOS development?

A: Since Apple officially launched the SDK, back in March 2008. Actually, even longer than that! Back in August  2007, I was helping some friends with an app prior to the SDK (when jailbreaking was the only was to do native apps).
Ah the good ol’ days :)

Q: What do you like most about being an iOS Developer?
A: The freedom and flexibility to create pretty much whatever you want. Plus, the community is great. I enjoy the people I work with and get to collaborate with on both a professional and personal level.
It’s certainly easy to eat your own dog food as it were as an iOS developer.
Q: What’s your favorite Game?
A: At the moment, it’s Cut the Rope from Chilingo/ZeptoLab, which is a lot of fun and challenging, too!
On my purchase list! Man! Running 360|iDev is expensive!
Q: What’s your favorite App?
A: No way could I narrow it down to a single favorite! So I’ll say Mail. After all, it’s the “killer app”. :)
Oh yeah. killer indeed!
Q: Robots or Ninjas?
A: Ninjas for sure. Particularly since Steve Jobs is one (since he purportedly tried to smuggle shuriken into the US) :)
I think he’s still at the padawan stage of ninja-hood, but yeah if Steve wants to be a Ninja who can argue!
Q: What would change about the iOS platform if you could change just one thing?
A: Improving the App Store app approval time (specifically for bug fix updates).
It’d be cool if there were two channels. New apps went thru one, maybe more indepth, updates go thru another. Or at least worse case, an emergency channel for bug fixes.
Q: What are you most excited about 360|iDev Austin?
A: Giving my first speech that’s not product-specific. I’ve always spoke and presented products. This time, I get to share my experiences and knowledge with developers, something I think will be very rewarding.
w00t! can’t wait!
Don’t miss out! Register Now!
Filed Under: Austin, Community, Content, Geeking Out, Reasons to Come, The Speakers Tagged With: , , , ,
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360iDev – Speaker Brent Simmons

October 28, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Brent is a long time supporter of 360|iDev. in fact he’s been at every one I think. The first one he came as an attendee, and we didn’t even know we had a celebrity in our midst!

He’s a great guy and has been an active part in the Mac and iOS community for a long time! Hint he’s really like 83 years old! But you’d never guess it looking at him, he’s ageless ;)

Q: How long have you been doing iOS development?

A: About 30 years. Started on an Apple II Plus. Of course, we didn’t have Core Animation in those days. Or lower-case letters. And it wasn’t a phone. And it wasn’t actually iOS. But still, I felt like saying I’ve been doing this for 30 years.

I think that’s fair! iOS or not, that’s an impressive time in the larger MAC community! We thank ya! NetNewsWire FTW!

The first time I ever used a computer with a touchscreen was even longer ago — our class took a field trip to see the Plato system at the University of Delaware. (I grew up about three miles away, a Fightin’ Blue Hen fan.) I’ve been waiting for the future ever since then — I’m so glad it’s finally here.

AWESOME! Though I still want my damn flying car!!

Q: What do you like most about being an iOS developer?

A: Mostly it’s the espresso.

It IS good isn’t it!

Q: What’s your favorite Game?

A: Seeing how little sleep I can get and still function effectively.

Current high score?

Q: What’s your favorite App?

A: It’s a tie between OmniFocus for iPad and TouchUp.

I love OmniFocus, though the price point is a bit steep :( but I can’t argue they make awesome apps!

Q: Robots or Ninjas?

A: Robots make better drinking buddies. “Hey Robbie — want another beer?”

“Affirmative.”

Ninjas — you can’t ever find ‘em when it’s time to go out.

Or when the bill comes.

Q: What would you change about the iOS platform if you could change just one thing?

A: All the stuff with code-signing and provisioning profiles and limited number of slots and AdHoc builds and certificates and all that — it’s a huge pain, a waste of time when I could be writing code.

Yeah I don’t have a better idea but there must be one! The current method is terrible. I really hope Apple is working on this internally, and will pull an Apple soon and wow us with a better way of doing things!

I know it’s not realistic to get rid of all that. But I still would if I could.

Q: What are you most excited about 360|iDev Austin?

A: That it’s in Austin is very cool. I’ve been once before, for SXSW, and had a great time.

But mainly I’m looking forward to seeing the people — meeting new folks, seeing old friends. And then of course there’s a great speaker line-up, so I expect to learn a bunch of stuff I can use.

w00t!! Yeah I’m excited to be in Austin, i think it’ll be a great time! Can’t wait to meet my future new friends in the iOS community.

Q: Lastly, what would you tell someone on the fence about attending 360|iDev Austin?

A: It’s the year 2010. There’s no more time for fence-sitting. Those days are over. Make the call, imaginary person. (And, by the way, the correct call is to go there, because it will be awesome.)

Indeed it will!! There’s really no reason to fence sit! Go register right now!!

Filed Under: Austin, Community, Content, Drinks, Geeking Out, Parties, Reasons to Come, The Speakers Tagged With: , , , ,
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360iDev – Speaker Jen Harvey

October 22, 2010 By Leave a Comment
We’re really excited to have Jen Harvey with us in Austin, I think with the two Jens, Lindsay, and Jessica, we’ve doubled at least our women presenter count, which is always awesome to see! Jen is presenting on “The Reluctant SysAdmin: Managing the Server-side of a Client/Server iPhone app”. Talk about something that many developers probably don’t think about when dreaming up the next mega selling app. If there’s a server side component, whether it’s handling authentication or something more complex like data manipulation, success could be a problem if your back end isn’t set up right. If your app doesn’t stand alone, this is gonna be a good session to check out. Wednesday at 2:50p
Q: How long have you been doing iOS development?

A: Exactly 1 year, hard to believe – the year has just flown by!

Time flies when you’re having fun!!

Q: What do you like most about being an iOS Developer?

A: The community rocks. So much knowledge sharing, so many really fantastic peeps developing quality apps.

Yes it does. The iOS community is why we organize 360|iDev. We love being able to help such a great community of developers in any way we can.

Q: What’s your favorite Game?

A: I’m not a big gamer, but still can’t choose just one. I had a real Swords & Poker II “issue” for bit. Then I got suckered into Chuck Gnome, and now I’ve been goofing with Trainyard like everyone else in the world.

Both of those games really took the world by storm, Swords and poker, i’ve never heard of, will have to track that down, LOL. I love that it was an “issue”

Q: What’s your favorite App?

A: Again, can’t choose just one! I’m a Seesmic addict on my iPod, but really like the native Twitter app on iPad. And *of course* HeyTell on both to send quick messages to friends & family. ;) Skype & Gas Cubby have both been pretty invaluable on the road, in their own special ways. On the work side of things, I spend a little time each day with PositionApp and the Pingdom app has been a life saver (although Push Notification bings now make me twitch just a little bit).

It’s awesome to see folks making tools for the iOS community, LOL. That’s great!! HeyTell looks interesting, checking it out after I hit publish!

Q: Robots or Ninjas?

A: Robots! Robots with ninja star fingernails?

I can’t see how that couldn’t possibly go wrong!

Q: What would change about the iOS platform if you could change just one thing?

A: The complicated keychain…we automate builds, so every time we add a new build, I forget what we did to get it to work the last time…but that’s keychain…you have the same complicated issues with OpenSSL, too…maybe longer expiration for certs. :) All in all, though, our application development for iOS has been a pretty clean and positive experience.

Yeah even tinkering on my own (Yeah that’s where I’m at :D ) the whole keychain, cert, etc process is crazy daunting. I understand it’s probably for the best, but jeez. At least it’s a little easier now with the wizard.

Q: What are you most excited about 360|iDev Austin?

A: Seeing everyone we met in San Jose again, meeting new folks, learning from everyone’s experience, and sharing a few of the crazy things we’ve learned after a year on the road supporting HeyTell.

Awesome! Yup it’s like a family reunion and that’s what we like. It’s a family reunion, that welcomes new members, LOL.

Q: Lastly, what would you tell someone on the fence about attending 360|iDev Austin?

A: Go, go, go! I was on the fence before San Jose – no longer. Great people and talks–we learned so much that was helpful to us. We indies tend to live a little bit in a bubble, and it’s so nice to be able to get together with fellow developers to toss ideas around, validate what we’re doing, and so on–you can’t put a price on that. Also, Rock Band was totally fun and beer every night! The latter probably contributing a bit to me participating in the former. Fun times!

Yeah getting people off the fence is tough, once they’re off, they’re usually off for good, but yeah we have a hard time getting indies to see that value in taking the time, it’s great to hear yet another reformed fence sitter tell their tale LOL.

Don’t miss out on a good time, that will fill your brain beyond capacity. Register now!

Filed Under: Announcements, Community, Content, Geeking Out, Networking, Parties, Reasons to Come, The Speakers Tagged With: , , , , , ,
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360iDev – Speaker Joe Keeley

October 21, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Joe Keeley isn’t new to speaking at 360|iDev, and his session, “more Quartz 2D” isn’t one to miss if you’re looking for some hands on Quartz 2D action! Monday 1:30pm, be there!

Q: How long have you been doing iOS development?

A: Holy cow – two years this month! (That happened fast.)

Yes it did! I still remember, and just sold on Ebay, my iPhone 2G. I remember the lines, the launch of the app store, it’s been a whirl wind

Q: What do you like most about being an iOS Developer?

A: Freedom. And needing to have all the latest Apple toys for, you know, testing.

LOL, yeah it makes it a little easier to justify buying the latest laptops and iOS devices :D
Q: What’s your favorite Game?

A: Wish I had more time to play games!  I do have fun playing Doodle Jump and Harbor Master HD with my four year old daughter.  Well, actually, watching her trounce my best scores consistently is more like it.

Both awesome games by awesome folks! Love ‘em both! I can’t wait to play the FrankenDoodle update that Igor just released.
Q: What’s your favorite App?

A: Lately I’ve really enjoyed using Star Walk on the iPad when we go camping.  It’s nice to actually be able to see stars and know what you’re looking at!

That’s an awesome idea!!! Dang! Can’t wait for spring and summer to get here now!!! Stupid winter!

Q: Robots or Ninjas?

A: Hmmmm….depends on whether the robots obey Asimov’s laws. Probably robots since theoretically you can shut them off.

Well thanks to scientists, we’re now teacing robots to break the Asimov laws… why, i can’t even guess.
Q: What would change about the iOS platform if you could change just one thing?

A: If only you could merge changes to an XIB file – that would make team development a bunch easier.

Yeah I’ve noticed that Apple has a thing with binary files and files that are packages. Ever tried using SVN or GIT to manage pages files? ya can’t!!! It’d be so awesome to share and be able to merge iWork docs. Oh yeah I guess XIBs too :)

Q: What are you most excited about 360|iDev Austin?

A: Learning all sorts of unexpected new things!  And hanging out with the best iOS devs around.  It’s a great and humbling experience.

Humbling in a good way I hope :) But yeah I’ve never met anyone who left saying, “I didn’t learn anything new.”

Q: Lastly, what would you tell someone on the fence about attending 360|iDev Austin?

A: Fences are uncomfortable to sit on.  Try the nice green grass on the 360|iDev Austin side!  It’s much better.

You know it! I sat a wrought iron fence for an hour once, I was off as fast as I could!!

Don’t miss out. Register now!

Filed Under: Austin, Community, Content, Geeking Out, Hands-On, Networking, Reasons to Come, The Speakers Tagged With: , , , , , ,
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360iDev – Speaker Collin Donnell

October 6, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Collin, the world’s sexiest programmer has been a speaker at every 360|iDev, and is always a blast to have with us. Collin is presenting on Tuesday ‘Blocks and Grand Central Dispatch’. This ain’t no intro session, he’s bringing his A-Game, make sure you do too :)

Q: How long have you been doing iOS development?

A: Two and a half years since around April of 2008.

Q: What do you like most about being an iOS Developer?

A: Working on a totally new thing. It kind of feels like the future.

The future is grand, that’s for damn sure. I admit, seeing everyone at 360|iDev, and hearing what they’re working on, and seeing apps released throughout the year, is awe inspiring. The future pretty much rocks!

Q: What’s your favorite Game?

A: Right now? The Incident (iTunes Link).

I love that in every interview, this question is prefaced with “right now” it’s so cool to see casual gaming taking off. I never thgouht I’d be a fan, but even back on my Moto T720 flip, i’d fire up lemonade tycoon when waiting in lines, etc. It’s great to see gaming taking off, and to see so much cool stuff happening, that favorite games are “right now” only.

Q: What’s your favorite App?

A: 1Password (iTunes link) with Dropbox sync is really great.

I admit, I’ve never been able to put 1Password into my mobile workflow. I think because of the lack of browser integration. I never think ahead to open 1Password, then spawn a browser with the form fields populated, i just don’t work like that, so it’s never caught on.

Q: Robots or Ninjas?

A: Primitive mammal like robots.

Like rats, and possums?

Q: What would change about the iOS platform if you could change just one thing?

A: I’d love it if there was a way for developers to interact with their users more directly, such as responding to comments. It’s frustrating when you know you can solve a dissatisfied customers problem but have no way to help them.

Like on iTunes with rating and comments? Yeah it’s odd that Apple has made it largely a blind process for all concerned, I know as a consumer, sometimes your only option at expressing yourself is the ratings and comments in iTunes, which usually isn’t the best forum for that type of thing.

Q: What are you most excited about 360|iDev Austin?

A: I’ve never been to Austin, but I’ve heard it’s amazing there. I’m looking forward to seeing all of the great people and learning from amazing developers and designers.

Yeah Austin is a pretty kick ass city, I hope everyone gets a chance to get into downtown at some point. We really enjoyed our site visit!

Q: Lastly, what would you tell someone on the fence about attending 360|iDev Austin?

A: Every 360iDev has raised the bar over the last one; this is going to be the best one yet. The quality of presentations and the level of technical content has gone up a lot and I can honestly say this is a great conference for developers of all levels.

That’s what we like to hear! We strive to offer the best and most technical talks. We love the Rock Band, the beer bashes, and everything else, but by and large the main goal is to make the sessions be the focus and make sure they deliver a level of technical awesomeness that isn’t matched at other events (even WWDC, yes I said it :D)

Don’t miss out, Collin is right, this 360|iDev is on track to be better than those that came before it! If you’re an iOS developer, you owe it to yourself to join us in Austin. Whether you’re an indie or working for someone else, the networking and learning opportunities at 360|iDev, are beyond compare! Register now!

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360iDev – Speaker Brian Robbins

September 15, 2010 By 1 Comment

We love Brian! 1. he’s a local Denverite :) 2. he’s spoken at several 360|iDev’s now. and 3. He’s got a lot of great things to say. This time in Austin he’s doing a follow up to his great San Jose talk, ‘Building a Non-Hit Driven Business’ with ‘Building a Non-Hit Driven Business, 6 months later’ on Tuesday at 1:30!

Q: How long have you been doing iOS development?

A: Since May 2008, a month or so before the original App Store launch.

Awesome! One of the “available at launch apps”

Q: What do you like most about being an iOS Developer?

A: I still love getting to create new ways for people to interact with our games and apps. As well as the amazing developer community that exists.

Awesome. The iOS devices definitely have opened some interesting doors for games. From gestures, to play modes. It’s definitely a game (ha ha) changing platform.

Q: What’s your favorite Game?

A: I’ve been playing a lot of NinJump (iTunes Link) lately, but it’s tough to name just one as my favorite. It tends to change ever few weeks :)

I know that all too well. I find I get really into a game for a while, then move on, and sometimes I come back, sometimes I don’t. Must be a common phenomenon.

Q:  What’s your favorite App?

A: Flipboard for sure. I feel like that has really helped me keep up with my Facebook and Twitter friends far better than I used to.

interesting!

Q: Robots or Ninjas?

A: Ninjas every time.

What about Ninja Cats?

Q: What would change about the iOS platform if you could change just one thing?

A: Far less developers flooding the app store with junk apps that have little to no production value and little to no consumer interest.

Agreed! Though I think it’s far less a problem than on the Android Market, but yeah, I’d rather Apple turn it’s draconian approval practices to crap apps, more than ‘morally questionable’ apps.

Q: What are you most excited about 360|iDev Austin?

A: Reconnecting with all the great developers that are at each event.

Agreed! Shoot that’s what we’re so excited about too! :)

Q: Lastly, what would you tell someone on the fence about attending 360|iDev Austin?

A: The 360iDev conferences have quickly become my favorite conferences to attend. The sessions have a great mix of inspirational, technical and business focus so there’s really something for everyone here.

Great to hear :) That’s what we strive for, we want developers off all scope to come away with new info, skills, etc. Whether it’s design, business or development, so long as they leave with more than they came with :)

If that doesn’t convince you maybe the price will. $599 for 4 days, 40 sessions, over 30 speakers, parties, top developers from all over the world, etc. Shop around, any other events offer that? When you’re convinced that 360|iDev is the right choice, go register!

Filed Under: Austin, Community, Content, Geeking Out, Reasons to Come, speakers, The Speakers Tagged With: , , , , ,
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360iDev – Speaker – Brandon Alexander

September 14, 2010 By 2 Comments

As we approach 360|iDev Austin, we’re beginning our speaker interview series. These little interviews are a great way to get to know our speakers, before you meet them in Austin.

Enjoy!

Q: How long have you been doing iOS development?

A: 2.5 years or so

It’s funny, that’s about how long most have been in it I’d guess, maybe a smidge longer, for the folks who were there at launch.

Q:What do you like most about being an iOS Developer?

A: I love the language, development tools and most of all the community. Without the vibrant iOS dev community, I wouldn’t be writing iOS apps. Furthermore, the level of quality demanded by the users makes every project challenging. I love that challenge!

Very true. I suspect iOS users are probably the most demanding as far as app quality. No offense to Google and Android, but there doesn’t seem to be much demand for high quality games/apps right now. I’m hoping that will change, and it’s good to see popular iOS titles being built for Android, I think that’ll elevate the game a bit.

Q: What’s your favorite Game?

A: Right now it is Isaac Newton’s Gravity (iTunes Link)

That looks pretty sweet! It never stops amazing me how many games and apps escape notice. Downloading now!

Q: What’s your favorite App?

A: I couldn’t live without Twitter for iPhone or News Rack/Flipboard for iPad

I tried Flipboard, and got a little disgusted. Overcapacity at launch is kind of a non starter for me. HOWEVER it does look nicely made. It’s a visually appealing app for sure! I really dig twitter for iPhone, though I think the iPad version is a little to forward thinking.

Q: Robots or Ninjas?

A: I would have to say robots because I could build a Robot Ninja to protect me from other Ninjas. It could also protect me from the coming Zombie apocalypse. Plus having an army of Robot Ninjas sounds pretty cool to me.

Someone beat you to it, but that’s fine, now you can save the R&D money and just buy two more completed Ninja Robots.

Q: What would change about the iOS platform if you could change just one thing?

A: Cocoa bindings! I started learning Cocoa and got a bit spoiled by Cocoa Bindings. Since my talk is on using Interface Builder, I would love to see more support for Cocoa Touch in IB.

Ah, interesting! I’m gonna have to pop my head into your session :)

Q: What are you most excited about 360|iDev Austin?

A: This is my first 360|iDev so I’m mostly excited to meet all the fine developers I follow on Twitter and the creators of fine apps. I’m also excited to be consumed in really technical stuff during the day and hanging out with everyone at night.

Well put. Yeah you’ll need the nights to let your brain cool down and process all the great technical content :)

Q: Lastly, what would you tell someone on the fence about attending 360|iDev Austin?

A: You can learn anything from the web, but where else can you meet the same people who write those blogs posts and create some great apps?

Exactly! The web is a great place to solve that niggling problem you’re having right now, conferences are about learning the next generation tricks, and meeting the people you may be working with someday. It’s about the face to face interaction!

Don’t miss out! Register now! 4 days, 3 parties, 5 hands-On sessions on Sunday. All for just $599! I dare ya to find a better deal!

Oh and the Marriott is dirt cheap too!! Register now!

Filed Under: Austin, Community, Content, Drinks, Geeking Out, Hands-On, Parties, Reasons to Come, speakers, The Speakers Tagged With: , , , , , , ,
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360iDev – Austin schedule is live!

August 3, 2010 By 2 Comments

I know the wait has been unbearable… at least for me, but here you go. Go download the PDF of the 360|iDev Austin schedule and have a look see.

There’s some empty spaces, and I can’t promise we won’t shuffle a few things around in the next week or two, but in general terms, this is it. This is what’s in store for everyone in Austin!

To quote one of our schedule reviewers “I think this is a strong schedule, John- possibly the best I’ve seen yet.”

There’s plenty more to announce, we should have a party or two to announce by next week and much more. For now, start planning your week in Austin :)

I’ll be updating the speakers page later today

Filed Under: Announcements, Austin, Community, Content, Reasons to Come, speakers Tagged With: , , , , ,