AppCraver caught up recently with Brian Wurster, developer of the popular Tangrams iPhone application.
AppCraver: When did you start developing applications for the iPhone?
Brian Wurster: I am a PC developer by trade, so programming for the iPhone was completely new to me. I have been doing it for a couple of months now as a hobby, and was able to pick up some useful books on traditional Mac and Quartz development which came in very handy.
AppCraver: What was the inspiration behind Tangrams?
Brian Wurster: Recently I went on a weekend trip with some friends to a cabin we rented by a lake. I don't remember who brought the Tangrams game along, but it was very popular around the cabin. I had been keeping a list of potential iPhone apps and that just seemed a natural fit for the touch screen.
AppCraver: How did you like the developer tools provided in the iPhone SDK? is there anything missing?
Brian Wurster: I really enjoyed using the tools Apple provided. Coming from Windows and Visual Studio was a big change, and Interface builder was especially awkward at first. I find just diving in and experimenting is the best way to learn, and the documentation was very complete.
AppCraver: Is your company privately owned? Venture backed?
Brian Wurster: This is just a hobby for me, and am enjoying the chance to share some of my software ideas with a bigger audience.
AppCraver: What are some of the other iPhone apps that you like?
Brian Wurster: I'm really enjoying Tris right now, and was really impressed the first time I tried Shazam.
AppCraver: What kind of features should apple implement in future versions of the iPhone / SDK?
Brian Wurster: I think some interesting things could be done if developers had more hardware control, but I don't think that will happen. I'm very much looking forward to the addition of push notification. I think that will bring about some very unique applications.
AppCraver: What’s the development cycle for iPhone apps like?
Brian Wurster: The way I have approached iPhone development is very similar to other platforms, though I would have a hard time describing my method. Now that I've released my first application, the one aspect of the cycle that is unique to iTunes is the application review process. I have been very grateful to get lots of positive and constructive comments on how to improve my game. This kind of feedback is very exciting and I would like to be able to respond quicker, but for now the review delay is something everyone is learning how to work with.
AppCraver: Are you working on any other apps that you will be releasing soon?
Brian Wurster: I have a few more ideas that I could see coming in the future. I'm tinkering with some now to see if I can find the time, but am trying to maintain and improve Tangrams for the moment. I hope I'll be able to share something else soon.
AppCraver: Thanks Brian!
