Jen Gordon is presenting “Designing the Details – What makes some apps stand out above the rest?” on Tuesday, and if you’ve ever asked yourself why one app is on the news and noteworthy section or the “what we’re playing” section of the iTunes app store, her session is for you!
360iDev – Speaker Jen Gordon
Jen Gordon is presenting “Designing the Details – What makes some apps stand out above the rest?” on Tuesday, and if you’ve ever asked yourself why one app is on the news and noteworthy section or the “what we’re playing” section of the iTunes app store, her session is for you!
360iDev – Speaker Kyle Richter
Kyle Richter is an awesome developer, with a ton, almost literally, of experience! He’s got a lot of experience to share with the developer community.
360iDev – Speaker Hendrik Kueck

We’re really excited to have Hendrik presenting on “Effectively using videos to explain and market your app” on Wednesday. Having seen some truly sad demo videos of apps, this session is a must! Especially if you’re doing your own marketing!
Q: How long have you been doing iOS development?
A: I started iOS development in July 2008, initially as a fun side project, procrastinating from my computer science PhD. These days I am a full time indie iOS developer. I released my first app Juxtaposer (iTunes Link) in October 2008.
Very cool!
Q: What do you like most about being an iOS Developer?
A: I love the complete freedom of choosing what to work on and when and how to work on it. And being able to comfortably support myself doing it. Apple created this amazing marketplace for us which eliminates most of the major barriers and pain points of software distribution.
It’s definitely cool to see so many developers able to make a living doing what they love. The software industry needs more indie developers that can survive on their own, and Apple’s done a great job providing a platform for that to happen.
Also, developing and marketing iOS apps has been a huge learning experience for me, and I love learning new stuff. I am looking forward to more learning at 360iDev.
Q: What’s your favorite Game?
A: The game I probably played the most is Toki Tori (iTunes Link). It is a great platform puzzle game with super well designed puzzles. I also really love Osmos (iTunes Link), a fantastic ambient game created by good friends of mine.
I haven’t tried Osmos, but have heard a TON of great things about it!! Hope that friend is coming to 360|iDev :)
Q: What’s your favorite App?
A: I love Yelp for discovering good restaurants. It is especially useful when traveling, but even in my hometown Vancouver I use it a lot to find cool new restaurants to check out.
I also really like the Reeder (iTunes Link), Twitter and Simplenote (iTunes Link) apps.
Reeder is my current favorite news reader, but Net News Wire is always my go to reader. Both are great apps. I never took to simplenote, favoring Elements and Evernote more.
Q: Robots or Ninjas?
A: Definitely Ninjas. Robots are making a lot of progress though. I predict Robots overtaking Ninjas in awesomeness around 2020.
I’m calling my booky
Q: What would you change about the iOS platform if you could change just one thing?
A: Apple has been good about addressing one pain point after another. It is amazing how much better things are today than when things started in 2008. There have been huge improvements in the SDK, the dev tools, the devices, the App Store, payment processing, dev support, the review system and more.
If I could change one thing, I would add a feature to allow for charitable donations in apps. It should use the same simple one-click payment system as in-app purchases. Ideally 100% of the donation would go straight from Apple to the charity and Apple would forward the donation tax receipt via email to the user.
That’s a pretty slick idea. Gifting apps was a huge step, so it’s not far fetched that this could happen someday! I’d love as much flexibility as possible in purchasing/gifting apps.
Q: What are you most excited about 360|iDev Austin?
A: I am looking forward to learning a lot during the sessions, but am maybe even more excited about the time outside the sessions: Making new friends in the iOS developer community and reconnecting with old ones. It will be fun times.
The non session stuff is a blast. It’s great to finally meet people you’ve emailed and IM’ed with, follow on twitter etc. Share a beer, some food, talk about code, and business. It’s a great experience! And of course the sessions are better than you’ll see anywhere else!
Q: Lastly, what would you tell someone on the fence about attending 360|iDev Austin?
A: If you are an indie iOS developer, you absolutely should come. You’ll learn a lot in the many great sessions. But more importantly you will meet many awesome developers who have similar passions and ambitions and are fighting similar problems as yourself and are more than happy to share their knowledge and experiences.
Damn straight!
Don’t miss out on the best indie iOS developer event around! Register now before it’s too late!
360iDev – Speaker Collin Donnell
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!
360iDev – Speaker Dave Wiskus
Dave found 360|iDev before he was even a part of the community. At the first ever 360|iDev Dave was in San Jose for his then day job, and came out to meet Brent Simmons at some event Brent was attending. Dave and I both live in Denver and knew each other, but he didn’t know I ran events. I saw him standing outside the conference and invited him in… A year and some change later the rest is history :)
Q: How long have you been doing iOS development?
A: About a year and a half. I quit my day job about seven months ago, and joined Double Encore shortly after that.
It’s been awesome to watch Dave move from guy who owned an iPhone to successful iPhone developer all from that first meeting at 360|iDev San Jose ’09
Q: What do you like most about being an iOS Developer?
A: The community: these people clearly love what they do. This isn’t a job, it’s a lifestyle.
The iOS Community truly is one of the best I’ve ever experienced! Whether helping each other promote apps, or collaborating on a project there’s no end to the greatness of this community.
Q: What’s your favorite Game?
A: Mail. Or Words With Friends.
Awesome! I love mail!! one of my favorite games of all time! Words with friends (iTunes Link) is fun too! I’m jwilker
Q: What’s your favorite App?
A: Boxcar. Because it means never having to frantically delete a post that was intended to be a direct message because I didn’t realize I was using the SMS app.
awesome. I’ve done that enough to warrant using boxcar! (iTunes Link)
Q: Robots or Ninjas?
A: We live in the future; why should I have to choose just one? I demand a robot ninja.
The Future is frakkin’ marvelous!
Q: What would change about the iOS platform if you could change just one thing?
A: Smart image scaling. If I do every @2x asset with even-number pixel dimensions, the phone should automatically scale down for non-retina displays.
Kinda surprising that’s not in there, definitely a suck point to make Developers and Designers deal with that, that if nothing else screams SDK/OS feature.
Q: What are you most excited about 360|iDev Austin?
A: I want to see Mike Lee give his talk dressed as a pirate.
I heard that was done at some other event, I think he should dress like a care bear.
Q: What would you tell someone on the fence about attending 360|iDev Austin?
A: iDev launches careers. The networking opportunities alone are worth the trip, to say nothing of the speaker line-up.
Don’t miss Mike Lee dressed like a care bear, and 30+ other great speakers delivering 40+ kick ass sessions! Register now! See you in Austin!
360iDev – Speaker Bob Koon

We’re really happy to have Bob koon on board as a speaker! He’s talking about App piracy (he’s against, just FYI) and data snooping on Monday at 10:20!
Q: How long have you been doing iOS development?
A: We have been iPhone developers ever since the SDK was made available to the general public, but our first title didn’t arrive until late in 2008
Ah, nice. It’s been a long road since then!
Q: What do you like most about being an iOS Developer?
A: Developing for iOS gives us the ablity to put our games into the hands of millions of people without a major investment in software or hardware.
The barriers to entry are very low for iOS, which is nice. There’s still a sense of “I can make it on my own if I work hard, and make cool things” and that’s totally true!
Q: What’s your favorite Game?
A: It’s really just a tech demo at the moment, but I think the most exciting potential game I have right now is Epic Citadel. (Rage looks amazing too but that’s not out yet.) These games are inspiring in many ways because it shows us what is possible. Exciting times!
Dang! Can’t wait to see them! Game play has evolved so much since the launch of the iPhone, and it’s so cool to see the unique and clever games and game play that iOS developers come up with!
Q: What’s your favorite App?
A: I’ll have to go with the official Twitter app for iPhone. It’s a bit of a cop-out but I don’t spend much time using apps. When I do, I’m out of the office so I look for ways to connect with my friends.
Well twitter’s been on more than one reply to this question so it’s a good cop out :) I do wish they’d give it a bit more love feature wise, keeping my fingers crossed!
Q: Robots or Ninjas?
A: Definitely robots, no question! I’ve been hooked on robots ever since I first saw Robby in Plan 9 From Outer Space. (Marvin is a very close second.) 3PO and R2 is the easy answer (almost a given), but I wanted something a bit more exotic.
I dunno. Hard to beat Summer Glau for exotic robot choices… of course she’d likely try to punch through your chest and pull your heart out, but still, Summer Glau… But yeah Robby is a great mainstay when talking about Robots!
Q: What would change about the iOS platform if you could change just one thing?
A: I’d love to stop the infusion of cruft in the App Store. It’s flooded with very low-quality apps that just make it more difficult for the good apps to shine through. There needs to be a way to cut through that.
Agreed. No offense to the fart app folks and the flash lights, and lighters, etc. but you guys aren’t trying hard enough, I’d love to see Apple put a bit more of it’s draconian scrutiny towards those types of apps.
Q: What are you most excited about 360|iDev Austin?
A: This will be my first 360|iDev, so I’m really looking forward to networking with all of my friends and colleagues from Twitter and developer mail lists, many of them I will be meeting in person for the very first time. I’m also looking forward to attending as many sessions as possible!
Yeah 360|iDev is always a great time to connect and re-connect. It’s great to put faces and beers to the twitter avatar!
Q: Lastly, what would you tell someone on the fence about attending 360|iDev Austin?
A: The iOS development community is a fantastic group of folks! Everyone is eager to share their knowledge and experiences! You get real-world information straight from the people in the trenches. If you want to learn about iOS development, 360|iDev is where you want to be!
As far as we’re concerned, there’s no better developer community out there! Whether supporting each other with code or collaborating on projects or even helping make noise about a new release, I’ve never seen a more friendly and open community! It’s my hope that 360|iDev helps embody and enhance that vibe!
Don’t miss out on what is often referred to as the best iOS developer gathering around. Sure you could go elsewhere, but why? Don’t miss this chance to be among the most awesome developers around, sharing stories over beers and helping expand the community! Register now!
360iDev – Speaker Justin Williams
I’ve never met Justin in person, but we’ve exchanged tweets on Mac vs. iOS events, and tracks within events etc. I’m super happy he’s on board as a speaker, and has submitted for 360|MacDev as well! He’s a great model of ‘the successful developer’
360iDev – Speaker Mat Martel
Matt Martel is a great guy, and long time supporter of 360|iDev. It’s always great to have him with us, especially as a speaker! Make sure you check out his session ‘Using an Ad Mediation Layer (AdWhirl, or Mobclix)’ it’s sure to be a good one!
Q: How long have you been doing iOS development?
A: Since April 2008, right after the first SDK was released. I started working on a companion iPhone app to a social networking site (Plum) that has since been acquired by Nokia.
where it died as all things nokia do?
Q: What do you like most about being an iOS Developer?
A: I like community of iPhone developers most. The tools are great, and the individuals at Apple are doing a super job, but the indie developers across the globe are so supportive and helpful.
agreed! The community around iOS is second to none!
Q: What’s your favorite Game?
A: That has to be Compression or Compression HD.
Q: What’s your favorite App?
A: It’s Twitter or NetNewsWire, though NNW needs some serious updating.
lol well you can tell brent simmons, over beers!
Q: Robots or Ninjas?
A: Yeah, robots for me. Have you seen Elf Command?
robot elves!?!?
Q: What would change about the iOS platform if you could change just one thing?
A: Right now I’m working on Game Center. It should run on all devices, and needs offline support.
that makes a lot of sense. I’d love to see game center extend to mac desktop games, how awesome would that be! Maybe by 360|MacDev we’ll have something like that to talk about, lol
Q: What are you most excited about 360|iDev Austin?
A: Never been to Austin, heard great things about it. Also excited to meet new devs and say hi to old friends. Then there’s this iOS 4.2 thing…
really hoping 4.2 comes the week before 360|iDev, how cool would that be! Of course it might put a few presentations in to quick update/rewrite mode, lol.
Q: What would you tell someone on the fence about attending 360|iDev Austin?
A: This is the one conference that can’t be beat. Unlike WWDC or GDC you will not be totally overwhelmed by crowds. This is highly interactive in a way that only a small show can be. Your best bet if you are on a budget or have a schedule conflict. The sessions are super, but the networking is priceless.
Well said! We often tell people, if you can hit both do, but if you have to choose, choose 360|iDev, you’ll get more, for less and there’s lots of beer!
Register now!
360iDev – Speaker – Brandon Alexander
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!
360iDev – The power of 12 year olds!
And no, we don’t mean like hooking them up to something and using them like batteries, though they probably have the energy to run a small town!
We mean, our friend Santi is coming to Austin and this time he’s bringing a friend! If you were in San Jose you’ll remember Santi as the awesome 11 year old, who sat up front during every session, and rocked the game jam, working with David Whatley! Santi and Charlie are joining us and we couldn’t be happier! These two are a great examples of how awesome the iOS dev community is. Between them they’ve released 12 apps. 12!
We’re so excited to welcome these two awesome and talented developers, and look forward to seeing what they can do in Austin!




