Monday, November 25, 2013

v1.1.1 SkyDrive Browse Task fix!

Oops!  My SkyDrive Browse task package was missing two files!  That's the problem with not testing it thoroughly enough!  I've updated to v1.1.1 to remove some unnecessary files and add two required ones.  Sorry about that!

Link: https://www.nuget.org/packages/ArianKulp.SkyDrive.BrowseTask

v1.1 SkyDrive Browse Task update

I've just updated my SkyDrive Browse Task for Windows Phone.  It now supports folder selection as well as file selection so hopefully it will suit even more application needs!

Link: https://www.nuget.org/packages/ArianKulp.SkyDrive.BrowseTask

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

SkyDrive Browse Task for Windows Phone 8

I love the task-based way of handling platform features on Windows Phone.  It works great for choosing or taking photos, sending email/SMS, or taking a user to Marketplace.  One inexplicable omission is that you have no way to let a user select files from SkyDrive, even though Windows Phone is supposed to be connected to the cloud!  To remedy this, I've created a fairly simple task-based SkyDrive browser for selecting files.  I made it look like the SkyDrive browser used by Office Mobile 15.  This displays the files and folders at root, along with sharing information.  You can tap a folder to enter it, the "up" button to go back a folder, or a file to select it.  Selecting a file passes it back to the caller (your app) so you can open it or do whatever you need.  The library currently supports English, Spanish, German, and French.

Preview image of SkyDrive file browser for Windows Phone 8


To use the library:

  1. Use NuGet Package Manager in Visual Studio to reference ArianKulp.SkyDrive.BrowseTask (direct link below).
  2. In your app, integrate Windows Live LiveClient authentication.
  3. Create the SkyDriveBrowseTask object and pass it the LiveClient.  This is required as it assumes that you are already handling authentication login/logoff in your own way.
  4. Handle the Completed event to deal with the selected file path (or canceled operation).
Handle the request:

var t = new SkyDriveBrowserTask();
t.LiveClient = App.LiveClient;
t.Extensions = "xlf;xliff";
t.Completed += SkyDrive_Completed;
t.Show();

Handle the result:
async void SkyDrive_Completed(object senderSkyDriveResult e)
{
    if (e.Error != null)
    {
        // TODO: Handle the error
    }
    else if (e.TaskResult != Microsoft.Phone.Tasks.TaskResult.Cancel)
    {
        var file = e.ChosenItem;
        // TODO: Do something with the returned file
    } }

Link: SkyDrive Browse Task

New App: Update Central

Looking to keep up with Windows Phone updates?  Always scouring the blogs to learn the latest rumors and leaks?  Update Central is your one-stop app for finding out about what's coming soon and what's already on your phone.  You can read through past version changes and find out what to expect.  It's a free app and should go live in about 24 hours!


Link: Update Central link

Another month, another chance to win!

The Microsoft Apportunity sweepstakes is still going!  Every month three devs can win money (up to $1000!) just for submitting an app to the Windows Phone Marketplace.  If you're doing it anyway, see if you can win.  Just one more reason to get cracking on your apps!

Link: http://bit.ly/183FiV6

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Google Helpouts is Live!

Looking for help bringing your Windows Phone app to market?  I'm using the new Google Helpouts platform to provide one-on-one help for Windows Phone code, navigation, localization, XAML, databinding, and more!  Check it out and maybe I can help you!

Link: https://helpouts.google.com/104266471681083032610

Monday, November 4, 2013

Microsoft Tech Affiliate Program

Have you heard of the Tech Affiliate Program before?  It's a great way to get involved with your communities to share knowledge of Microsoft technologies.  If you are already a speaker, or run a group, you might have been involved with Microsoft in the past with quarterly packages of swag, cards, and information.  Tech Affiliate gives you more flexibility by letting you earn points for your events to redeem for items that you need.  It's also a great place to get banners and contact cards, and to serve as your presence for affiliate contests.

I've been in the program for over a year now and it's really helped me to engage with more developers, and to be able to be a community resource for contests and Microsoft offers.  The Tech Affiliate Program is also great because it offers "scholarship" funds to help defray certain costs of hosting events.  If you are involved in the community, you need to check it out!

Friday, November 1, 2013

Wanna try Google Helpouts?

Google Helpouts is a cool new platform that allows people to offer services over video/chat for a fee.  This could be things like exercise coaching, language lessons. or even health consultations.  I've decided to offer code coaching for Windows Phone.  If you are struggling with a project and would like some assistance, you can use my Helpout to share code over screen sharing while talking and using the webcam.  Until the official rollout, all charges will be refunded, but it gives a way to test out the system, and test out the providers.

I have one invite code for the person with the best comment!  Just give me a quick reason why you would like the code.  With the invite code, you can use my hangout, but you'll also see all of the other ones.

Sound off in comments!