Interview with Isaac Waller Developer of YouTube Downloader
by Android Tapp
Jun 10, 2009 5:00 AM –
Although removed from the Android Market, there’s still high demand for the YouTube Downloader Android App. Today we’ve interviewed the developer of it; Isaac Waller of Sirius Applications:
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
My name is Isaac Waller and live in Canada. I enjoy programming PHP, Javascript, XHTML, C#, and, my favorite, Android in Java.
Why did you create your app?
Because I love Java, and I think Android will be the next big thing, so it made sense to make Gulp!; Isaac’s first Android App, which I had already made for the iPhone (just a web app) and normal computers. It has actually turned out well, because Android + iPhone players compete for the top spot.
What technology did you use in creating your App and why?
The touch screen is used heavily in my application – it can be used without, but it is way harder to use. Also, Android provides a way to embed web content right into your application, so adding the hi-scores was a breeze – I just used the same code as the iPhone + desktop version.
About how long did it take to create your App?
About 2 weeks. Every day after school, I would come home, and program until dinner. I got about 3 hours every day, and on the weekend, I would get like 5. Because it was my first app, it was hard at the beginning, but I got the hang of it and it got easier. It actually took longer to do the iPhone webapp version, because Android is very easy (but powerful).
What is a cool uncovered tip or trick you can do with the App?
Hmmm… my app is really simple, so there is nothing really, but there is one thing: I have not yet added this to the UI, but you can see a stream of the 100 last hiscores submitted here: http://www.isaacwaller.com/gulp/hs.php?debug
What other interesting uses can come from the App?
The hi-scores have become a battle between the iPhone and Android – soon J2ME dumbphones will be added to the mix too. Android players hold the top 10 positions though 
Can you tell us about future feature enhancements with your App?
The current Gulp! is quite boring and simple after a while. I have a new one under development where drinks go out of stock and other twists.
What did you really like about creating Apps on the Android platform?
It was way simpler. When I program for iPhone, there is a lot of unnecessary complications, and Objective-C just sucks.
What are some things you would like to see improved with Android?
A onscreen keyboard would be nice. When I first released my app, it had a bug with whenever you rotated the device or slid out the keyboard to enter a hi-score, the whole game would restart. That’s fixed now though.
What is your opinion of the Android App Market’s distribution method? In comparison Apple’s model (strict control over the iTunes store) or the Windows Mobile model (no store at all).
Android wins hands down. The iTunes store is good, but there is so many innovative apps you just cannot make without access to background processes, bluetooth, etc… And Windows Mobile needs a store badly if it want to compete in the smartphone market. I hear one is under development, though.
What is your Opinion on the state of the Rating/Feedback system in the App Market?
Not bad. For my app, there is a mix of “Hate this app boring delete it” and “Wow a 12 year old made this?” which keeps my rating at a average of 2.5 stars. I do wish there was a reporting system for inappropriate comments.
Do you have plans on releasing Apps for other markets (i.e. iPhone, Windows Mobile, Blackberry, etc.)?
Yes, I have quite a few ideas for other markets. I got a Mac recently to program iPhone, and my first impressions are: Android is way better. Android will always be my favorite, but I want to put Gulp! on every single phone platform out there.
Must-have Android Apps?
Gulp! Also, Ringdroid is pretty cool, and ShopSavvy is great also.
What advice would you give to another aspiring mobile application developer?
Use Android. Mobile is the future of computing, and I think Android will be a major player. Also, if you are programming anything remotely speed related, you need the real device. Last – Make sure your application adjusts to the screen size of any phone – Android will be on tons soon.
Can you tell us what future Android Apps you have brewing?
Quite a few, but if I told you people would copy me
Thanks Isaac for Interviewing! Don’t forget to check out our Android App Review of his cool YouTube Downloader app.