Hi everyone,
I drew Michael Morcombe’s attention to some of the points discussed here yesterday. He has asked me to post the following.
“Publishers have advised there will be a Blackberry version, then also for some other makes of so-called “smartphones” . (Blackberry version very soon to be released for the Sibley Guide). Also, we are exploring use of GPS linking in several areas There will be additional personal bird list data storage and access features. Further search facilities will include (but not be limited to) plumage patterns (in addition to present colour choices). Some of these features have been proposed to the publisher by myself and/or David Sibley, but have not included in this first version (nor yet his) due to time needed for programming and/or database rebuilds, and testing.
The Sibley version was published about March 1010, already up to version 1.5.2, and it is anticipated the Australian version will have a similar rapid sequence of updates, additional features, adjusting and extending present functions, and correcting errors and omissions. The first version differs from the Sibley in many details, where it seemed appropriate.
Compared with paper version, there are many new maps, and this updating will continue. Also new or additional illustrations, some of the present having been made some 10 to 20 years years ago. The bird list follows quite closely the Christides & Boles 2008 list, but for present excluding offshore islands. Taxonomy likewise is 2008 C&B. Most importantly, suggestions and wishes expressed on sites such as Birding-aus will be most valuable in the future evolution of the programme.” ============================== To unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message: unsubscribe (in the body of the message, with no Subject line) to: birding-aus-request@vicnet.net.au
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Absolutely. My ears perked up when I heard that the Morcombe and Sibley apps are based on the same basic code. iPhone development is a very peculiar beast. If someone has worked out a decent framework and engine for converting bird field guides into iPhone apps, it’s fantastic news for several reasons:
* It increases the chances of more guides being turned into iPhone apps. (I’m buying iPhone guides that duplicate some of my paper guides or that supplement guides I’ve already got on paper. You can never have too many decent field guides…)
* Bugs fixed/features added to one guide can easily be made to the other.
* Who wants to learn a new interface for each guide? It’s far better if they’re similar.
* Economies of scale. I _want_ the developers to make money and they’ve got a better chance of doing so if their code is sold more often. Development, testing, provisioning (surprisingly hard) and app approval for the App Store are….involved. So much the better if the developers have multiple guides to make money from. ===============================
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As a software developer I can state that there is probably a large benefit in using an existing application – there are two parts to such a development calls, images etc). If you don’t have to redevelop the code bit but “only” get hold of the descriptions, images etc then it saves a lot of cost and time.
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That’s good news regarding versions for other phones. I’m now wondering if the Blackbery version will work on the non touch screen versions, which have a smaller display.
It’s also interesting that an Australian guide seems to be “piggy-backing” on the development of an American one. I don’t know what it would have cost to develop to software, but I doubt it would be insignificant and would probably have been a roadblock for any Australian trying to go it alone in our much smaller market.
And it can only be a good thing that we now have a field guide format that allows for updates from the author.
Peter Shute
________________________________________ href=”mailto:birding-aus-bounces@vicnet.net.au”>birding-aus-bounces@vicnet.net.au [birding-aus-bounces@vicnet.net.au] On Behalf Of Murray Lord [mklord@iinet.net.au] Sent: Saturday, 23 October 2010 7:04 AM href=”mailto:birding-aus@vicnet.net.au”>birding-aus@vicnet.net.au
Hi everyone,
I drew Michael Morcombe’s attention to some of the points discussed here yesterday. He has asked me to post the following.
“Publishers have advised there will be a Blackberry version, then also for some other makes of so-called “smartphones” . (Blackberry version very soon to be released for the Sibley Guide). Also, we are exploring use of GPS linking in several areas There will be additional personal bird list data storage and access features. Further search facilities will include (but not be limited to) plumage patterns (in addition to present colour choices). Some of these features have been proposed to the publisher by myself and/or David Sibley, but have not included in this first version (nor yet his) due to time needed for programming and/or database rebuilds, and testing.
The Sibley version was published about March 1010, already up to version 1.5.2, and it is anticipated the Australian version will have a similar rapid sequence of updates, additional features, adjusting and extending present functions, and correcting errors and omissions. The first version differs from the Sibley in many details, where it seemed appropriate.
Compared with paper version, there are many new maps, and this updating will continue. Also new or additional illustrations, some of the present having been made some 10 to 20 years years ago. The bird list follows quite closely the Christides & Boles 2008 list, but for present excluding offshore islands. Taxonomy likewise is 2008 C&B. Most importantly, suggestions and wishes expressed on sites such as Birding-aus will be most valuable in the future evolution of the programme.” ========== To unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message: unsubscribe (in the body of the message, with no Subject line) href=”mailto:birding-aus-request@vicnet.net.au”>birding-aus-request@vicnet.net.au
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http://birding-aus.org ==============================
Hi Murray et al,
When I have visiting birders I carry Pizzey & Knight and without fail the pocket Morcombe guide.
The fact that the Morcombe maps have all the sub-species shown is invaluable for visiting birders to get to grips with our birds. I use it a lot and recommend it so am looking forward to the App being perfect as I’m sure it eventually be with Murray and all B Aussers help and advice.
Best
Alan
PS what’s a Blackberry? 😉
******************************************************************************* Alan McBride, MBO.
Photojournalist | Writer | Traveller | + Member: Australian Photographic Society Travel Writers Association – Board of Directors American Writers & Artists Inc. International Travel Writers & Photographers Alliance National Association of Independent Writers & Editors Travelwriters . com Travcom New Zealand Regional Representative Australia: Neotropical Bird Club
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Hi everyone,
I drew Michael Morcombe’s attention to some of the points discussed here yesterday. He has asked me to post the following.
“Publishers have advised there will be a Blackberry version, then also for some other makes of so-called “smartphones” . (Blackberry version very soon to be released for the Sibley Guide). Also, we are exploring use of GPS linking in several areas There will be additional personal bird list data storage and access features. Further search facilities will include (but not be limited to) plumage patterns (in addition to present colour choices). Some of these features have been proposed to the publisher by myself and/or David Sibley, but have not included in this first version (nor yet his) due to time needed for programming and/or database rebuilds, and testing.
The Sibley version was published about March 1010, already up to version 1.5.2, and it is anticipated the Australian version will have a similar rapid sequence of updates, additional features, adjusting and extending present functions, and correcting errors and omissions. The first version differs from the Sibley in many details, where it seemed appropriate.
Compared with paper version, there are many new maps, and this updating will continue. Also new or additional illustrations, some of the present having been made some 10 to 20 years years ago. The bird list follows quite closely the Christides & Boles 2008 list, but for present excluding offshore islands. Taxonomy likewise is 2008 C&B. Most importantly, suggestions and wishes expressed on sites such as Birding-aus will be most valuable in the future evolution of the programme.” ===============================
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http://birding-aus.org ===============================
When you think about it, the great thing about online guides is that there is less of a limit on the number of plumage variations that can be included – the authors can include juvenile, immature, sub adult, various breeding / nonbreeding / mid moult for each race / morph …
Just the thing for field guide illustrators …
Regards, Laurie.
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