Wednesday, December 15, 2010

[Nuffnang] Nokia Ovi Workshop - Creating my blog app

With the usage of smartphones becoming more and more common, the mobile applications (apps) industry instantly become a goldmine where lots of developers tried to get into this hot pie. Just imagine if one app cost US$0.99 and one million people downloaded that app, the creator can become rich overnight. Hehe. Although I'm not so sure how they actually earned the revenue but it sure seems to me like a good source of passive income. 

Thus, when Nuffnang sent me an e-mail to ask us to join in the Nokia Ovi Store workshop that gives us a chance to learn how to publish our blog as a mobile app, I joined without hesitation. Luckily, few days later, I received a confirmation e-mail from Melissa to inform me that I've got selected for this workshop. Super looking forward to this day and the best part is my Boss is away for holiday today too. So, managed to leave slightly early then the usual office hour as I do not wish to rush too much.   


As I walked out of the Suntec exit, I was greeted by this huge white Christmas tree. It looks like it was created from a lot of snowballs. Too bad there's no real snow in Singapore. 


Next, as I went in, a little snow man greeted me. 


Increased my pace as I don't want to be late. Easily found the venue with the clear direction given in the e-mail. A small crowds has already formed outside waiting for the registeration. Everyone was carrying their laptop bags. Most of us came alone and we were waiting patiently. 


Finally the Nuffnang counter is open. The friendly Nuffnang staff whom I later found out is called Hui Wen checked for our attendance.


We were brought to the BEIJING room 


Choose my seat and settle down. On the whiteboard was the user ID and password to get to the internet. We played a short ice-breaking game and that is to try to draw ourselves on a piece of paper, after which would be collected back and re-distribute again. Whoever found the correct person first and also let the other party found first wins a coffee bean voucher. I was quite lucky cause for mine, the drawer puts in alot of clues like wearing Dior specs, grey blouse etc so it was quite easy for me to spot her. For the one who gotten my drawing, I really feel sorry for her. Cause I really can't draw so I draw a cartoon face. When she finally found me, I think she couldn't believe her eyes. 


Before we started the workshop, we had our dinner.


Nice spread of food from Fig & Olive. There's tarts, puffs, sandwiches, pizza, pasta etc. 


Love the food provided. 


Tutorial starts. Brought back feeling of my Poly days. Interesting. Makes me wanna go back to study so much. Halfway, the internet connection was down, a few of us keeps having problem logging on. 


We only managed to create our account and start using it after we changed our connection to Shanghai. See screenshot of how my page would appears if someone downloads the app. Cool huh? 


Also, there's a chance to win a Nokia N8! 


After the workshop, it's mingle time. I'm glad seated around me are like minded and friendly ladies. We started exchanging contact. Not contact numbers or e-mails but our blog address. Haha. First time ever, I was thinking maybe I should print some name cards with my blog address on them.   


Hui Wen with Valentine. 


Hui Wen and I


Won the coffee bean gift voucher. 


After my workshop, accompanied bf who just off work to eat at the Food Republic. Although I have eaten, I'm still hungry and ate his plate of Hokkien Mee. In the end he have to order another dish again.


Christmas decoration of Suntec road.

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What I have prepared in advance for the workshop

We need to bring our own laptop and charger.
- Prepare a 256x256 pixel image (PNG/GIF/JPG format) as my app logo
- Prepare a 360x60 pixel image (PNG/GIF/JPF format) as general logo

Without any IT knowledge to create pixel image, I was a bit worried that I might not be able to create the right image that suits my blog. I can't be using a Hello Kitty image as there might be some infringement of copyright. Tried to seek help from bf but no use, he only asked me to draw my own logo and say his arts fail one. Depend on others, might as well I try my own so I tried searching on the internet for clip arts.


Found this kitty head clip art. This kitty head just nice symbolize my blog title - MeOw~


My blog logo can't just be a kitty head or else others might think it's a blog about cats. Luckily for me, I found this lady clipart holding a blank signboard with a blank face. Yes. This is what I want! The idea of putting the kitty face onto the blank face struck me immediately.


So tadah! My app logo is born! ^^



Using the Paint program to smudge the white rings to be pink.


General logo would be this. Super proud of myself after I'm done. 


So if you have a Nokia phone, do support my app by clicking on the banner above and download the app even though I know my blog is messy cause I'm lazy or click here to see my app. =P

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