Interview with Minh Pham Developer of UMusic Streaming Music Player
by Antonio Wells
Apr 14, 2010 5:05 AM –
UMusic is an awesome streaming music app that streams high quality audio in from YouTube videos creating a Free personal music player for Android phones. Today we’re interviewing Minh Pham developer of UMusic and how he did it in only 10 days. Learn more…
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
My name is Minh Pham. I’m a senior majored in Computer Science at The Ohio State University.
Why did you create your app?
I like music but also respect the copyright law, so I want to create an app that allows free music while doesn’t violate copyright.
What technology did you use in creating your App and why?
I use standard Android SDK and YouTube API. Because YouTube already has a huge library of music but nobody taps into that resource. There are apps in the market to download video from YouTube but they clearly violate YouTube term of use.
About how long did it take to create your App?
It took me about a week to do the Smart Tip Calculator as a way to get familiar with Android. Then it took me another 10 days to do the UMusic app.
What is a cool uncovered tip or trick you can do with the App?
In UMusic, you can press the Home button and the music will keep playing on the background. If you press the Back button, then the music player will stop. Many options in UMusic reveal when you long press an item in Songs Tab and Albums Tab.
What other interesting uses can come from the App?
Users with 3G connection can use UMusic as the standard music player for their phones.
Can you tell us about future feature enhancements with your App?
I’m trying to reduce the loading time and will implements new features as users request.
What did you really like about creating Apps on the Android platform?
Android SDK allows app to run on the background. And it’s a key feature in my app.
What are some things you would like to see improved with Android?
There are still some minor bugs that needed to be fixed. But Android is a new platform, so it is expected.
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).
I think Android App Market is a good balance. But it needs to improve the way user discover new apps. Having a search option is not enough because sometimes users don’t even know what to search for.
What is your Opinion on the state of the Rating/Feedback system in the App Market?
I haven’t received any rating yet, so I don’t have any opinion about that matter.
Do you have plans on releasing Apps for other markets (i.e. iPhone, Windows Mobile, Blackberry, etc.)?
Android allows background app that’s why I choose to do an Android version first. Now it looks like iPhone 4.0 also supports background app, so I might check out if I can port my app to iPhone.
Your app is a paid app, why did you choose this model over the free model, and how to you project its success?
I’m looking into different models. I have to wait to see how users react before deciding which paid model to go with.
Must-have Android Apps?
UMusic 
What advice would you give to another aspiring mobile application developer?
If you meet a problem, try to do an app to solve that problem. There’ll be more people having the same problem and need your app.
Can you tell us what future Android Apps you have brewing?
I’m looking to solve everyday problem by using app. Maybe a cooking app is next in line.
Don’t forget to check out our Android App Review of UMusic. Thanks Minh for a cool app and keep up the great work!