PipClock Laboratories

About Android

I receive several emails and messages every day asking me the same thing: "Are you making an Android port? When is it going to be ready?".

I don't hate Android. I know there are a lot of people who would like to have PipClock on their Android phones. 

I really, really want - as I said few months ago - to port PipClock to Android.

But unfortunately, right now, I'm unable to create an Android version for several reason.

The SDK I'm using, Corona SDK, can export natively to iPhone and Android. Problem is, while almost every API command support both platforms, some  elements are not yet supported on Android. 

The MapView element, the one you see below the Geiger Counter, as well as a hidden one to manage all the GPS positioning, manual location, geocoding and so on, is NOT currently supported on Android platform.

Besides MapView, there are other commands not working on Android, especially for the new functions coming in PipClock 1.3.

Long story short, I'm stuck until Corona SDK fix those problems and add Android support for the API I'm using.

Developing an Android version cutting the unsupported API (therefore missing some features compared to the iPhone version) would result in an entire, independent, code branch. That means, every time I add a new feature, every bug I fix or part of code I change, needs to be adapted to two different branches of code.

Maintaining two independent branches of code it's unfortunately something I can't currently do, since I don't have the time/resources...

Keep in mind that behind PipClock, behind every line of code, every pixel, every sound effect, every message on Facebook, every support email, there's just one single person: me. 

Keep also in mind that while I'm very happy how PipClock is so well received (great reviews and user feedbacks), is not exactly a super commercial success, let's say it's more comparable to a part-time job… That's why I still need a full-time job, and dedicate my spare time and nights working on apps.

So, are you planning an Android version?

Hell Yes, I want to port PipClock on Android!

When is the Android version going to be ready?

Basically, when I'll be able to maintain a single branch of code for both platforms. That means, as soon as those API I need are supported on Android.

It's definitely on Corona SDK Roadmap. There's a major update of the SDK coming in the first days of August. 

I'm not sure, but I HOPE the new update is going to fix those problems. 

In that case, I'll definitely continue working on the Android port.

By the way, since Corona SDK supports natively Android, as soon as I'll be able to use the API I need on Android, the porting is going to be very easy and fast. I estimate probably 2 weeks. 

About PipClock 1.3

It's coming and is going to be great, but is going to require some time. 

I'm currently working on a new app (going to be released soon, and I bet you're going to love it) using many technologies I developed for PipClock 1.3… as soon as that app will be released I'll shortly release the new PipClock major update.

Sorry for the lack of updates, but unfortunately, due to a sudden and serious family illness I'm temporarily going back to my home country. 

That doesn't mean the PipClock development is stopping. 

I'll still continue working on the next version of Pipclock as well as the Android port, however, at least for the next weeks, I'll probably not be able to post updates on Facebook and Twitter.

Thanks to all of you, 

and if you have time please say a prayer.

Sorry for the lack of updates, but we've just resumed working on PipClock after a brief stop (we're based in Tokyo, and as you may know a terrible earthquake, tsunami and nuclear emergency struck the country almost two weeks ago).

So, the next PipClock update is almost ready, just need to write some documentation and be sure there are no bugs.

What's going to be in this update?

Ok, let's see:

Performance Improvements - Now the PipClock is much faster on old devices

Graphic changes and more realistic CRT display effect

12hour clock option

Night mode to use PipClock as night stand clock

Bug fixes and optimizations

Access Log World Map - Check in realtime where other survivors are located

World Weather Stats - Highest/lowest temperature, highest wind and rain collected among all the PipClock users

The Wastelander - a real time news feed of biological, chemical and nuclear disasters all around the world

New graphics and effects for the Geiger Counter

Looks like there are a lot of survivors scavenging the US territories!

PipClock update 1.1 is ready... but, we've decided to wait few more days before submitting to Apple headquarters.

PipClock has been made using Corona SDK, and since a new release of the SDK (with new cool functions) is going to be released tomorrow, we're waiting to see if there's something we can use to enhance our Nuclear Wasteland Survival App.

So, it's just one more day, don't despair.. I guess you'll be able to download PipClock 1.1 in less than 1 week!

And if you're having problems with the GPS lock, it's because your PipClock has been a little damaged by radiations, but DO NOT WORRY, the 1.1 update will fix all your problems!

A special communication about radio streaming on the PipClock:

I'm not against having a 50s radio on the PipClock.. actually I've already coded the audio streaming library ;)

The problem is licensing..

 Basically, there is no public domain music from the 50s that I can include in the PipClock.

I've already contacted some 30s,40s and 50s music radios to include their streams inside the PipClock but unfortunately, no green light yet.

Since I'm receiving a lot of requests about making PipClock more similar to PipBoy, I think I should answer to this particular topic..

As you know PipClock is "inspired" by the PipBoy in the Fallout series, HOWEVER, it's also inspired by many other post-apocalyptic movies, books and anime.

It's a completely original project, not affiliated with or endorsed by Interplay or Bethesda Software. Every single pixel, icon, button, animation and sound has been created by me.

I really want to add all the features you ask me, maps, voice memo, to-do list and so on... but I can't add any PipBoy art, graphic, icons, sounds and so on. 

Our engineers are working hard on the next firmware update... some features:

Faster GPS location The GPS Location function has been completely rebuilt from scratch, it will be faster, better and stronger. 

Custom Location Settings New setting to set your own custom location, so you can skip the GPS phase and just get the weather infos.

A LOT of bug fixes

Post apocalyptic eyecandies & graphics

LANDSCAPE mode But we want to see some shots of your iPhone at your wrist 

Basic Maps beta

and other cool functions & settings

About the maps, for this first update we've decided to focus on bug fixing & general improvements, so the first implementation of maps will be pretty simple. However, be assured we have something pretty cool already working on our laboratories, it's just that we need a little more time to give you the best experience.

In the next days we're going to send the firmware 1.1 to the Apple headquarter for approval. 

In the meantime, we're publishing a photo of a ROK12 assault drones we've deployed during the war in Hong Kong. 

The Complete PipClock Experience.

Thanks Bill for featuring PipClock on Megaton.us! 

Thank you William for your awesome review of PipClock!

Check it out here:

Amazing news! PipClock has been featured as App of the Week on Corona SDK homepage!

Honestly, I have to thank Ansca for making this awesome tool to build iPhone/Android apps.

I'm a Flash developer, so I tried to build my first version of PipClock with Flash SDK and iPhone export tool, but I was so disappointed when I realized the performance was incredibly poor.

I tried using XCode but the learning curve was so steep and too different from Actionscript, and honestly, I didn't want to be just a iOs developer, I also wanted to develop for Android phones in the future. 

That's when I learned about Corona SDK. I tried the demo and in few days I realized, that was the SDK I wanted to use!