An update about our developer program
by @chuckstar
Things at litl have been busy and exciting these past few months. After winning the multiscreen award at Adobe MAX in October, we've been focused on securing markets for our existing webbook device and the TV set top box prototype. In our search for the ideal market to sell devices and promote developer apps, we've found our webbook has already struck a chord with several groups of users - particularly those looking for simplicity in everyday computing. And it makes sense. We've made photo sharing a snap, accessing the web as simple as possible, and turned Facebook into a relaxing and entertaining experience.
Our company has decided to focus on delivering more experiences and devices to markets where simple computing is essential. This strategy will affect our existing developer community efforts in a few ways:
1. As most platforms continue to do, we will no longer be looking for any-and-all apps from developers. In the coming months, we will assemble a specific list of apps based on core values of simple computing. We will work with industry experts, content and service providers, as well as developers to cultivate the very best applications for our users. This will allow us to focus platform SDK features and support on apps that bring the most valuable experience to our users.
2. Access to the litl SDK will be limited to only developers who have been approved to work with us on apps for our newly focused markets. If you are an existing registered developer, you will be among the first to be invited to re-join our community once everything is set in place. If you have been working on a litl app (also known as a Channel), we will be announcing details on a final submission date soon. Developers that formerly submitted apps for review by our Feb 14 deadline, as part of our MAX incentive program, will have their apps reviewed and be rewarded accordingly.
3. We are taking steps to dramatically increase our platform's distribution in key markets. Developers will find renewed opportunity as we ship devices to new users that we expect will purchase apps to further simplify their computing experience. We hope to create new incentive programs around these opportunities to help meet the demand of apps on our platform.
We have a great opportunity to continue improving the way people of all ages use technology and, our focus in strategy will help solidify our platform as the perfect launchpad for valuable applications for users looking to us for simple computing.
Request access to private beta of upcoming SDK
by @chuckstarWe are conducting a limited private beta of our new Flash SDK which features accelerometer control of litl channel content. Our SWC and Simulator have been updated to allow development of new accelerometer events, a key functionality of the new litl set top box device debuting at Adobe MAX 2010. With the new simulator, you can actually test/play games and content with your own Android device via our AIR-based simulator tool.
You can request access to the private beta of the upcoming SDK by filling out the survey below:
litl now accepting Channel Submissions
by @chuckstarYou can now submit Channels to be reviewed, published, and distributed to litl device users!
We have spent months designing and developing a process that, true to our brand, made it as simple as possible to publish and manage your Flash-based Channels. The process starts with a simple entry of your Channel name and description and includes what may be the most transparent app review process in the industry. Here is what you can do now:
1. Register your Channel name and idea
Whether you've started building your channel or even downloaded the SDK and Simulator, you can register your Channel now. All you need is a developer account and you can "Create a Channel." After you've signed into your developer account, simply click the "Channels" link on the left side navigation and hit the "Create a Channel" button. Fill out the easy form, including Channel name and description. This will let us know of your plans to soon build and publish the channel. While it won't prevent other developers from doing something similar, you can reserve the name and it does help us support you should the Channel idea get us excited!
2. Upload the Channel package and Images
Once you've registered your Channel name/idea, you can continue, or return to the site in the near future, and upload the Channel package. The package consists of your completed .swf file and a few other files you need to round out your Channel. This step also lets you upload screenshots of your Channel in action, which will eventually be featured in the listing of your Channel in our Channel store.
3. Submit your Channel for review
Lastly, you submit your channel to be reviewed by a member of our team. We'll evaluate your channel and make sure it meets checkpoints in our submission guidelines. We have implemented a very friendly and transparent process for giving you feedback on your channel, and should we find anything that needs further attention, you will receive a report card outlining exactly what we suggest you modify so we can get your Channel in the store as soon as possible.
Future features
In the coming months, we'll be implementing new features into our litl OS that support users purchasing Channels. These features will make their first into the Channel submission process, so you can ultimately set a price for your Channel and setup your account to receive payments from your Channel sales.
Channel ideas from litl device owners
by @chuckstar
So you've downloaded and mastered our simple SDK. Now you might need an idea for a litl channel to build. Who better to get channel ideas from than litl device owners themselves? Here are some of our favorite ideas that we've heard from our users. Pick an idea below (or one of your own) and start coding. We'll be accepting channel submissions soon and you'll want to be one of the first to get something in our new Channel store!
Sign Maker
Enter text in laptop mode, select a style, then flip it into easel mode to display your message. Use a variety of styles and fonts to create a post-it note reminder to pick up milk, or a menu de cuisine for an ambitious culinary outing.
Rimshot on Demand
Crack a joke, then use the litl remote control to cue an instant "ba-dum-ching" sound effect. For both real and ironic use.
Fishing Expedition
Reel 'em in using the wheel on litl's webbook or remote. One possibility for this game could involve a fishing rod pivoting in a pendulum motion from side to side atop a screen full of fish. Press the "go" button to cast your line; if you make contact with a fish, use the wheel to reel it in. Throw back, re-bait, try again.
Metronome
Keep the beat with a simple metronome. Adjust settings in laptop mode, then flip to easel mode to use. The "go" button would stop and start the beat.
Instrument Tuner
Annoy your friends and family less - play in tune! Use the tuner to produce tones for each string or valve or whatnot. With microphone APIs, the next step would be to gauge whether your instrument is sharp or flat.
Fantasy Sports Ticker
Keep track of your fantasy sports team's performance with a ticker of news on only your fantasy players.
Birthday Cake
Select the number of candles in laptop mode, then flip to easel mode for a birthday surprise. With microphone APIs, you can also blow into the mic to blow out the candles.
Movie Times
Check movie schedules with the spin of a wheel. The channel could display show times for theaters near your house in easel mode based on your zip code.
Kaleidoscope
Use the wheel on litl's remote and webbook to change shapes and colors like the classic kid's toy.
How I Spent My Summer Vacation
Want to wow your friends with vacation photos, but need the ability to pause to explain the background story? Build this channel to control when your Mediawall slideshow photos advance with the "go" button on the remote control.
Shuffleboard
Choose your angle with the wheel and "go" button, then hold the remote wheel-side down against a flat surface to replicate a shuffleboard stick. Shuffle the remote with the right force to get the puck into prime real estate on the board.
Shaving
This can be as simple or as complicated as you want, but the premise is that you use the litl remote as a mock razor against your face to simulate shaving. Taking the complicated route, you could start with a photo on the webcam of your face, on which you can superimpose facial hair. Then, apply a dab of shaving cream using the "go" button, take out your razor, and show that beard who's boss.
Yelp
Enter your location and food preferences, and see a slideshow in easel mode of top-reviewed and popular restaurants, bars, and other businesses in your area.
Ebay
Keep an eye on the top online auction site with a channel showing a slideshow in easel mode of the items that interest you.
We'l keep a master list of the most wanted channels on our new "Most Wanted" page, so check back for more details. Also, keep an eye out for an update when we start accepting channels for review!
Getting started with the litl SDK in under 5 minutes
by @chuckstarRyan Canulla has posted a quick and super easy video showing how simple it is to get started building a litl channel with FlashBuilder. With all the tools and sample channels litl provides, Ryan demonstrates how you can be coding and even testing the channel in our Simulator in less than 5 minutes.
You can download the SDK & Tools here, and then view tutorials and download samples channels here.
SDK Preview: litl device features & AS3 events
by @chuckstarThe following table is a preview mapping of litl device UI Controls/Views to AS3 events in our SDK. To express your interest in our SDK and be considered for our limited private beta, sign up here.
| Device UI Control/View | AS3 event via litl SDK |
|---|---|
|
The litl webbook flipping from Laptop to Easel mode: service.addEventListener(ViewChangeMessage.VIEW_CHANGE, handleViewChange); Additional object data will include view NAME and SIZE. |
|
|
The litl webbook flipping from Easel to Laptop mode: service.addEventListener(ViewChangeMessage.VIEW_CHANGE, handleViewChange); Additional object data will include view NAME and SIZE. |
|
|
A channel is launched from Card View on the home screen: service.addEventListener(ViewChangeMessage.VIEW_CHANGE, handleViewChange); Additional object data will include view NAME and SIZE. |
|
|
In Easel mode, the wheel is moved up: service.addEventListener( UserInputMessage.WHEEL_NEXT_ITEM, handleWheelNext); |
|
|
In Easel mode, the wheel is moved down: service.addEventListener( UserInputMessage.WHEEL_PREVIOUS_ITEM, handleWheelPrevious); |
|
|
In Easel mode, the Go Button is pressed, held and released: service.addEventListener( UserInputMessage.GO_BUTTON_PRESSED, handleGoPressed); service.addEventListener( UserInputMessage.GO_BUTTON_HELD, handleGoHeld); service.addEventListener( UserInputMessage.GO_BUTTON_RELEASED, handleGoReleased); |
|
 |
The HDMI port of the litl webbook is engaged with an HDMI cable: service.addEventListener(ViewChangeMessage.VIEW_CHANGE, handleViewChange); Additional object data will include view NAME and SIZE. |
Visit developer.litl.com for more information and to sign up for our SDK.
litl sdk sneak peak: simulator
by @krotondo in addition to today’s announcement, i thought i’d give you a sneak peak into the part of the sdk that i am currently polishing. the simulator is a program that you can run locally while you’re developing, that simulates the OS side of channel-OS communication. it is key for those rapid testing cycles while you’re [...]My litl business cards
by @chuckstar I’ve had a lot of business cards in my career, but none have been as expressive as what I’ll be giving out as Chief Channel Evangelist from litl. So far, I have been very impressed with our internal design team. Not only did they apply incredible ingenuity to the hardware design of our device, but [...]We won!
