Muud.io - Embarrassing Baby Photos

11 October 2011

I found these Muud.io prototype screenshots while migrating to my new MacBook Air.

12 September 2011

If you're running a Wordpress install, keep an eye on your themes folder and its subfolders.

There's a nasty hack going around that allows a hacker to upload phishing-related files to your server.They then use your site as part of a phishing scam to collect bank details from unsuspecting users.Judging by where these files reside, I'm guessing that they're using an exploit in the theme uploader.

The App Sandwich site was hit by this hack yesterday. Luckily, I was informed of it shortly after it happened, and I've since removed the offending files.

I've also gone through the extra trouble of removing Wordpress completely from the server. I'd been looking for an excuse to migrate from Wordpress. To date, their security has been sketchy at best (my install and plugins were 100% up-to-date), and I've been looking for something more lightweight for the site anyway.

Keychain access as simple as NSUserDefaults

18 August 2011

https://github.com/carlbrown/PDKeychainBindingsController

I can't remember exactly where I found this link, but it's a great project.

Using PhoneView during iOS Development

10 August 2011

https://www.ecamm.com/mac/phoneview/

If you're debugging an iOS app on-device, and need to access data that you're storing somewhere within the app's home directory, just fire up PhoneView and click on the Apps section. Easy!

[Reblogged] 2010/2011 Wishlist

19 February 2011

Re-posting this from the old blog, dated 25th May, 2010. It's great to see so many items on the list becoming a reality. Still waiting for iTunes.com though…

16 February 2011

Prior to releasing EirText for Mac v2.0 on the Mac App Store"), the app was sold via Paypal on my website. So far, the app has only been on sale for a week, but using the App Store as the sole method of distribution* has been the right decision in this particular case.

To give you a frame of reference, EirText for Mac v1.x was on sale for approximately 18 months. Prior to the App Store, I had to build my own licensing system and manage payments using Paypal**. This method worked fine for the most part, but there were times when codes would get lost in spam filters, or there would be issues with the user entering incorrect info on the license screen.

The downsides of switching from my own system are the usual App Store complaints - lack of control over updates, no trials, Apple's 30% cut, etc. As an iOS developer, I'm more than familiar with these issues, and while I would be happier without the restrictions, I believe the pros definitely outweigh the cons.

The Mac App Store removes the complexity of licensing and has boosted sales significantly. In one week, the app has already increased the EirText for Mac user-base by 85% (17% of which were gained on launch day). In another couple of days, more copies of v2.0 will have been sold than there are licenses for 1.x.

Crazy, huh?

* Technically, it's not the sole method of distribution, as legacy 1.x users receive the 2.x updates outside of the App Store.

** Of course, I didn't have to do this. But, EirText for Mac wasn't a high priority at the time and paying for a licensing system didn't make sense financially.

iOS Training Course

15 February 2011

https://compub.com/?page_id=626

CompuB are teaming up with Big Nerd Ranch to provide a week-long iOS development course in Dublin.

iOS: Debugging Web Services

03 February 2011

Some useful tools & tips for debugging iOS apps which connect to web services:

Debugging in the iPhone Simulator

Wireshark - free, open source app.
Charles Web Debugging Proxy - paid app, with free trial. Supports SSL connections.

Debugging On-Device

Paros Proxy - free, open source app. In Paros, go to Tools -> Options… select the Local Proxy option. Enter your Mac's IP address and leave the port at 8080. On your iOS device, go to Settings -> Wi-Fi, select the same network as your Mac and tap the blue button. Set HTTP Proxy to Manual and enter your Mac's IP address under Server and 8080 for the Port.

Charles Web Debugging Proxy - On your iOS device, go to Settings -> Wi-Fi, select the same network as your Mac and tap the blue button. Set HTTP Proxy to Manual and enter your Mac's IP address under Server and 8888 for the Port.

Apple TV (v2) Display Issues [Updated]

16 January 2011

Update: It looks like this issue will be resolved in the iOS 4.3 update. Currently, beta 2 has an option to change the HDMI mode. Switching the mode to RGB High prevents the display issue from occurring.

Over the holidays, I was lucky enough to receive a Sony Bravia KDL-32EX401 TV as a gift. I'm finally able ditch my old Bush HDTV, with it's wacky array of non-HDMI ports.

This has reduced clutter behind my set, as I can now use a single HDMI cable instead of all the cables I previously used to work around the Bush TV's lack of HDMI.

The Sony TV is wonderful - the picture is great and the TV firmware is actually quite usable. It's also upgradable via USB, which is a nice touch.

Unfortunately, I've encountered a serious display issue with the Apple TV when it's hooked up to the Sony TV. The display randomly flickers and the colours become inverted (see image below). The only way to resolve the issue is to switch the HDMI input source and back again. This is infuriating when watching a movie or TV show.

I've reported the issue to Apple over on their bug tracker - the bug has been closed as a duplicate of issue #8511726.

There are a number of other users reporting the same issue over at the Apple Discussion Forums. The problem seems to be spread across a number of different manufacturers and models.

If you are seeing this issue, please report it to Apple customer care, or better yet, file a bug report at Apple's bug tracking system (you may need to sign up as a developer to do so - it's free to register). The more users who report the issue, the higher the probability of Apple providing a fix for this quickly.

Hopefully Apple can resolve this issue ASAP. Until then, I'll be searching for a workaround…

Old Apple TV -> iTunes Media Server

13 December 2010

UPDATE: See here for my latest setup

Since purchasing the new Apple TV, my old grey Apple TV has been collecting dust on a shelf in my office. With the new model retailing for $99 / €119, there's not much point in trying to sell it (especially with the lack of updates for it).

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