Le mans apps

[DRJ]

Hi guys,

I was thinking about developing a small app for le mans, I will be going for my 17th time this year, so I have a bit of experience (not as much as some of you all here I bet).

I have created something simple with maps, useful information, trivia, driver standings, line ups, timetables, etc.

Is that something anyone would be interested in? Or do you already use an app for Le Mans?

[robmlufc]

The Audi one was pretty good last year but a fan made one should be better. I started making one for the WEC before Xmas but it got put to the back of a pile of work.

Is it Apple or Android?

It would deffinatly be helpful for the virgins and pros!

[muppetdave]

If you're going to do it, is it worth you to speaking to young Steven (can't remember his username, someone will advise I'm sure) who does the excellent guide - might give him more exposure for his work and help you with content?

[DRJ]

@robmlufc:

The audi one is very cool. My idea is to create something simple, like a newby and pro camping and activities guide. It is about 90% finished for android and iphone. I could publish it within a few days and then get some feedback from everyone as to what is missing

@muppetdave

I would love to work together with other people that have some cool content. The app is going to be free and I could link to their content, or use their content in different ways. I could also do something with PH if they are interested I guess.

[dredgey]

I don't own a iphone or anything similar (very old fashioned I know) but most of my friends do- so I don't know wheather this is a possible suggestion but could an app be made giving live info on the race- leaders in each class, time differences/mileage between the top three cars, who's retired, news about incidents etc? I know Radio Le Mans covers this but I'd find standing there plugged into a radio a bit anti-social plus a bit geeky!

[FraMac]

Excellent idea DRJ, and I think anything that you're prepared to spend time developing has to be a good thing, either to give folk choice compared to what's already available, or bring something fresh to supporters - and if you've been going for 17 years you'll have a great handle on what fans like.

A couple of junior questions, for which I apologise - will it ramp up users' roaming charges if their carrier is UK based and will it work on Blackberry.

[muppetdave]

FraMac said:

will it ramp up users' roaming charges if their carrier is UK based

I was wondering the same and I guess ideally certain info wants to be 'offline' to avoid making it too data-download heavy?

[eps]

DRJ said:

Hi guys,

I was thinking about developing a small app for le mans, I will be going for my 17th time this year, so I have a bit of experience (not as much as some of you all here I bet).

I have created something simple with maps, useful information, trivia, driver standings, line ups, timetables, etc.

Is that something anyone would be interested in? Or do you already use an app for Le Mans?

Definitely. I'm also thinking about something similar.. for Android. What platform are you targetting? PM me if interested.

For Android there was a very simple App which had a list of Runners & Riders, with pics, but that was all and I don't think they're going to do another one this year.

I would want some sort of update every 15 mins or 1/2 hour showing the running order..

[DRJ]

He guys, to answer your questions:

I will publish first to android which is much quicker to launch than iPhone. But as soon as everyone is happy with the app I will publish to iPhone as well. I am creating both versions.

So far I have created the following sections in the app:

- Maps (circuit, camp-sites, grandstands, supermarkets)
- Teams (team, drivers, nationalities, class)
- Guide (regarding camping, travelling, shopping, our favourite bakery, the best kart-tracks and overall Le Mans experience)
- Radio le mans tweets (this gives you the rlm latest updates via twitter in the app)
- ACO news feed (also updated continuously)
- a few interesting Le Mans podcasts (audio)
- Videos (hot laps, important le mans cars, etc.)
- Crashes (videos of the most important crashes)
- Trivia section (past winners, record holders, special cars, etc. etc. ) This is a really cool feature I think that can keep people busy during the bbq and beer.

Most of the features will be available off-line (I think), however the updating sections (the RLM and ACO twitter and news updates)and the video would require connection to either your mobile phone provider or local wifi.

@FraMac:
I am not sure how easy it will be to convert to blackberry, I will need to launch to android first for testing purpuses.

@eps:
I will let you all know when you can download the beta version so you can test it and give me some feedback. Hopefully have that ready by tomorrow. Let me know if you find anything missing that you would like to include.

Thanks for all your thoughts so far everyone, the support is much appreciated!

[robmlufc]

Always good to get android apps tested on as many platforms as possible! I guess you have a nice supply of testers on the PH LM forums

[DRJ]

@robmlufc

Yeah, I am counting on some feedback! I hope there will be a few people with android phones on PH to test the app.

[eps]

Blackberry Playbook is possible, using an existing apk.

No probs, happy to test drive a Beta version.

What are you developing in?

I've been using Basic4Android which cuts out a lot of the Java tat.

[FraMac]

eps said:

Blackberry Playbook is possible,

That's good - I got a bargain Playbook

[eps]

FraMac said:

eps said:

Blackberry Playbook is possible,

That's good - I got a bargain Playbook

But you (the Developer) needs to register with Blackberry as a Developer and also as a Distributor... Then the App can be converted (for free, using Blackberry's converter). Then submit and wait to see... They don't want to see the word Android used in the App description or the Droid used in the logo.

[DRJ]

Have had a really bad flu and now I'm off to a seminar, so the app won't be finished till next week. ;(

Will keep you posted on the progress.

[Logbert]

New to all this... But sounds a good idea. I haven't got an iPhone. I use an iPad would it work on this?

[Logbert]

New to all this... But sounds a good idea. I haven't got an iPhone. I use an iPad would it work on this?

[HooWhoHoux]

DRJ said:

Have had a really bad flu and now I'm off to a seminar, so the app won't be finished till next week. ;(

Will keep you posted on the progress.

Please do! Looking forward to having a look!

[DRJ]

Ok guys, I have just finished the app. I will publish it to the android market and provide you with a link later on.

[DRJ]

Ok, the app is now live!

Just go to the android market (play.google.com) and search for LeManians. The full name of the app is LeManians 24H Le Mans guide.

Please give me your feedback so that I can add your wishes to my next update of the app.

Thanks and enjoy!