WPGA App Developers

By Mr. A. Lu, Computer Teacher

Blackberry’s Playbook is a competing product to Apple’s iPad. Released on April 19, the Playbook works in similar fashion to the iPad, and users can download apps from Blackberry App World. In order to help launch their product, Blackberry offered a free Playbook to any developer who could create an app by the end of March.

Grade 10 student Zhuowei Zhang created an app called “AwesomeMic” by the deadline. It was submitted to Blackberry, accepted, and then listed for free on Blackberry App World. As a result, Zhuowei received a free Playbook. His app currently has just over 200 downloads. “AwesomeMic is a simple app that is for fun and amusement,” said Zhuowei. “It records your voice and then adds applause, boos or other sounds after it. If you ever wanted to record a speech and add automatic applause, this app is for you.” You will need a Playbook in order to download the app.

Ben Pickles, grade 11, has also created a couple games for the Playbook. Those apps, "Fleeing the Popo" and "Idiot Test" are also listed for free. “Game development is challenging,” said Ben. “It takes lots of hours.” Those games will be listed for free as well.

Currently, Ben, Zhuowei, along with grade 11 art student and designer Nicole Xu, are working on a game app they plan to sell for $1. “We’re not expecting to make a ton of money,” said Ben. “But the experience is great.” They hope to release the app by June. Programming for the Playbook hasn’t been easy, but the Flash platform used was convenient. The team is planning to work together again in the future. The Playbook is the first step. The next projects would include Android or Windows products, and finally, the most challenging one of all – Apple iPhones and iPads.

It is time consuming to make an app, and it takes a lot of programming, art and design skills, business decisions, and teamwork, but the team agrees it is worth it. “It’s pretty satisfying to see your product listed,” said Zhuowei. The team is to be congratulated for their efforts.

And if you have a Playbook, be sure to download a WPGA app today.