My Android Stalker
At my job, I’ve been working on a proof of concept mobile app. Technically, it’s a web app using good old-fashioned HTML/CSS, with transitions applied using a Javascript library called jQTouch, and the whole thing wrapped up as an app using PhoneGap (which allows you to tap into device-specific features like the camera, geolocation, etc).
It feels a little like cheating at times, since I’m not developing a native app (using Objective-C for iPhone and Java for Android). But the benefit of the approach I’m taking is that you can develop an app once… and then use the same code for deployment to different devices. We’re targetting iPhone and Android for the time being, but PhoneGap lets you target BlackBerry, Palm, Windows Mobile and Symbian as well.
There’s tweaking to be had, but it’s markedly better than having to re-write the entire thing in a new language.
Lately, I’ve been working on doing tests with an in-house Android device (I’ve been using an HTC Droid Incredible). The phone number is active, but it’s not something I really use to make calls on. The phone is 100% for testing, and things like downloading other apps, online services, etc. I’ve never made a call on the thing, and never plan to.
Here’s the thing though: it rings a few times a day. As I’m looking through code, about three times a day I look over to see this:
I know it’s just telemarketers who are probably auto-dialing a ton of numbers. But it creeps me out every time.
Since I don’t have any contacts listed, all calls come up displaying the generic image of the Android robot. It was funny at first, but now with each call… it feels like I’m being methodically stalked by a persistent (albeit cute) robot, who simply won’t take no for an answer.
It’s like a young kid standing on your porch, tapping on your window with his finger. You don’t let him see you, and sort of hope he goes away. Which he does. But the fact that he shows up a few times each day and keeps tap tap tapping… it just starts to get a little unnerving.
This Post Has 0 Comments