Interview: Alexander Muse Creator of ShopSavvy

by Android Tapp Nov 27, 2008 8:54 PM – 2 Comments

We had a chance to interview Alexander Muse, co-founder of Big in Japan, the developer of
the popular Android App ShopSavvy. A definate must-read interview, learn more about the product and what’s in store for it:

AndroidTapp: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

Alex: My name is Alexander Muse and I am a co-founder of Big in Japan. Feel free to read more here: http://www.texasstartupblog.com/about/

AndroidTapp: Why did you create ShopSavvy?

Alex: Our team created ShopSavvy to change the way consumers shop.

AndroidTapp: The original name was GoCart, why was it changed?

Alex: T-Mobile’s marketing agency felt that GoCart was not descriptive enough. After extensive market research and focus group testing ShopSavvy was selected. Our team was attached to the old name, but we decided that we would leave product naming to the experts. Hopefully we made the right decision. More about that here: http://www.texasstartupblog.com/2008/11/19/shopsavvy-or-shop-savvy-when-no-one-knows-your-name/

AndroidTapp: What technology did you use in creating your App and why?

Alex: The backend is written in .Net and the frontend is Java. .Net was selected because the lead developer is very strong in .Net and Java because it is the best solution for Android.

AndroidTapp: Can you tell us about future feature enhancements with ShopSavvy?

Alex: Where do I start? Last weekend we released version 3.0 that included a 75% increase in local results as well as local map integration. Our next major release will incorporate payments allowing users to click ‘Buy it Now’, enter a four digit PIN to buy any item they scan. We believe mobile payments will make ShopSavvy a must have application.

AndroidTapp: What did you really like about creating Apps on the Android platform?

Alex: The open nature of Android is instantly appealing to both developers and business people alike. In the end I believe open wins. I write more about my thoughts here:
http://www.biggu.com/2008/09/13/open-versus-closed-androids-advantage/

AndroidTapp: What are some things you would like to see improved with Android?

Alex: To be honest the only real deficit with Android is that it is only available on T-Mobile. We can’t wait for every major carrier to adopt the platform.

AndroidTapp: Must-have Android Apps?

AM: ShopSavvy (of course), Shazam (way cool), Tunewiki (one of our guys was one of the developers) and Toddler Lock (because my 10 month old loves it).

AndroidTapp: What advice would you give to another aspiring mobile application developer?

Alex: Get started now!

AndroidTapp: Can you tell us what future Android Apps you have brewing?

Alex: Really? Why would you need another application? Isn’t ShopSavvy good enough?

Thanks Alex for the interview, keep up the great work! For more on ShopSavvy, read our Android Tapp Review, you can Rate the App and even Post your Comments.

Tags: Alexander Muse, Android Apps, Big in Japan, Biggu Inc., Interview, Shop Savvy, ShopSavvy

Categorised in: Interviews

2 Comments

By Cory on December 18, 2008 at 12:37 am:

First of all i just tried to register to the site and the join link isn’t working. As far as the interview I thought it was cool. The link to the open-versus-closed article was very interesting.

[quote] Alex: To be honest the only real deficit with Android is that it is only available on T-Mobile. We can’t wait for every major carrier to adopt the platform. [/quote]

There is not a posting date that I can see easily but i would assume Alex hasn’t heard of unlock codes to open it to use with AT&T sim cards.

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By Android Tapp on December 18, 2008 at 8:20 am:

@Cory the website signup link is here: http://www.androidtapp.com/wp-login.php?action=register

(Or click “Join” in top right sidebar)

The date we aired Alex Muse’s Interview was November 27th, 2008.

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