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fusionsch
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02/09/13 08:35 AM (12 years ago)

Plugin Creation Challenge Series #3: LetsMeet

I definitely hate code, so I don't think I'll develop plugins. But I've got some plugin ideas that may be useful for me and fellow BuzzTouchers! Here's one... So many things could be done with location sharing functions... But I imagine it would be quite tough to create a plugin that sniffs which persons use the same app around you and shows them on a map with some details about them... Uses for such a function would be innumerable, from flirting to networking... Anyway, the LetsMeet plugin idea is much simpler. It's just about sending your actual location (or another location) by SMS to somebody you already know. Imagine I'm sipping a glass of wine in a restaurant, you're supposed to join the party, but you don't know where exactly... Wouldn't it be nice to be able to format my GPS coordinates as a link and send it to you by SMS? You'll just tap the link, it'll trigger your native Maps app and soon you'll be here! Of course, this simple function wouldn't be enough if I'm not yet sitting in this restaurant. Therefore I need also a variation of the Location Map plugin which function will be to send you the GPS coordinates of a place by SMS. Maybe two different plugins, one for sending my actual GPS coordinates, the other to send any other? Anyway, the simple 'send my location by SMS' could have numerous uses: finding your kid lost in the streets of the town you're visiting, receiving a SOS from your grandma who broke her leg somewhere in the forest, telling a loved one you're arrived safe at a destination, and so on. Tech specs Sending my actual location: loading the screen loads my address book in the app so as I can select your phone number. When selected I see an editable field where I can type 'I'm here' and a 'send location' button. (And of course one can imagine further functions: take a photo directly from the app and send my location and the snapshot by MMS...) Sending any location - here too, maybe 2 different plugins could be created: 1. Just a variation of the current Location Map plugin, with a 'send location by SMS' function instead of 'show driving directions', 'load this screen' or 'do nothing' 2. A Location Map screen showing my actual location, but where I can pin any other location before loading the 'send by SMS' function relevant to the location I've pinned That's all, folks! Who'll take the challenge?
 
MacApple
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02/09/13 08:44 AM (12 years ago)
There is an 'SMS my location' plugin coming soon. You could contact the developer with the additional functionality when it comes out or even prior to release. Here is the post: https://www.buzztouch.com/forum/thread.php?tid=E8891EF458E6F3C23CAB30C&command=isSearching&currentPage=1&topicTitle=SMS&createdBy=&repliedBy=&minViews=-1&maxViews=-1&minReplies=-1&maxReplies=-1&forumCategory=
 
Red Dog
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02/09/13 09:02 AM (12 years ago)
Scringo does exactly that. It shows all on line users of your app on a map and let's you chat with them.
 
MacApple
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02/09/13 09:11 AM (12 years ago)
Love Scringo!
 
Red Dog
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02/09/13 09:25 AM (12 years ago)
@MacApple. I made the mistake of taking out Scringo and replacing it with Socialize in my app. My next update will be bringing Scringo back.
 
MacApple
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02/09/13 09:28 AM (12 years ago)
Bring it back!! Some really cool things in the pipeline for Scringo and their guys are some of the best.
 
fusionsch
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02/09/13 10:22 AM (12 years ago)
Thanks, MacApple and Red Dog! I'll have a look at Scringo and contact SmugWimp!
 
SmugWimp
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02/09/13 01:51 PM (12 years ago)
Ya, I'm finishing up the touches on my 'SMSmyGPS' plugin. Adding email as well as SMS. iOS is pretty much done, now I'm wrestling with Android. Hopefully not 'too' much longer... Cheers! -- Smug
 
fusionsch
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02/10/13 02:34 AM (12 years ago)
That's great! Don't forget the default message ('I'm here') which should be user-editable ('I'm here but beware of the sharks if you come swimming')... :-) Cheers! Jack
 
Niraj
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02/10/13 11:10 AM (12 years ago)
Until the desired plugin has been created, the built-in Apple Maps has a way to share your current location. 0. Open the Maps app 1. Tap on the triangle to center your location on the screen. 2. Tap on the pulsing blue dot to get info about your current location. 3. Tap on the circle-blue arrow for options with your current location. 4. At bottom, one of the buttons is "Share Location". 5. Select your communication method: Mail, Message (SMS), Twitter, Facebook. That technique has helped me locate folks who are so-so-nearby in crowded areas. -- Niraj
 
fusionsch
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02/10/13 11:57 PM (12 years ago)
You're right, Niraj, you can do it that way! Advantages of a plugin: 1. bypassing operations 1-2-3... more user-friendly! 2. ability to use the function without being connected... data transfer rates are quite expensive when you're abroad!
 
fusionsch
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03/10/13 06:24 AM (12 years ago)
Hi everybody! Plugin Creation Challenge #3 almost realized by SmugWimp, and the SmugMsgLoc plugin will be awesome! I'm currently testing it on iOS (there will be an Android version too) and it will be useful to many of you, as a utility tool as well as a fun function. SmugWimp is doing a great job! Cheers Jack
 

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