[berry_apps]

I don't know how many developers we have out there. But would many people be into having a sight that shares source code for 3rd party BlackBerry apps?

If you've done something cool and want to share it...would you do that willingly?

[Tom]

Originally Posted by berry_apps

I don't know how many developers we have out there. But would many people be into having a sight that shares source code for 3rd party BlackBerry apps?

If you've done something cool and want to share it...would you do that willingly?

I'm pretty sure that most bigger companies wouldnt share their source codes, while the little guys, people developing programs/games in their own time would be willing to do so.

The problem is, that the program needs to be signed by RIM, and most of the little guys dont have the abilitiy to do so.

[berry_apps]

as long as you don't use certain APIs you don't need to sign your app

[Tom]

Originally Posted by berry_apps

as long as you don't use certain APIs you don't need to sign your app

Hmm, what are the certain API's?

[berry_apps]

http://www.blackberry.com/developers...lledAPIs.shtml

[Tom]

ahh, an interesting read. Glad I am not developing any software for the BlackBerry

[berry_apps]

why is that?

[Tom]

Originally Posted by berry_apps

why is that?

Cause of the pain with RIM's certain api's

If the software has anything to do with the network it usually means you need to get it registered with RIM.

[berry_apps]

no...you can make connections with out a problem, don't need the app to be signed.

[Tom]

Originally Posted by berry_apps

no...you can make connections with out a problem, don't need the app to be signed.

maybe I should of read it, instead of skimming it over.. I though I saw something regarding MDS connections needing to be signed.

[berry_apps]

you might have read the following;

"inter-process communication, SMS, network communication using datagrams, and application management."

Which doesn't deal with MDS or WAP connections. If your app was based on SMS then ya it would need to be signed.

[kirson]

Also, there are some of us with the ability to sign applications, that would be happy to collaborate with others in finalizing open source applications, and then getting them signed. All you need to do is get them to work on the device simulator, and once the signing party was comfortable that the application was legitimate, they could get it signed and posted.

Just a thought.

Ian

[berry_apps]

Not sure how well that would go over legally....but it would be nice to start pushing open development of BlackBerry.....code samples...how to's....

[kirson]

I think that as long as it was a colaboration it should be fine -- from a legal standpoint. I'm not sure, but I think the reason for the signing authority is more about maintaining a grip on security, and less about getting that $100. When you sign an app, RIM gets the hash sent to them. This way, if an app starts doing evil things, they know where it came from. So, in a collaborative environment, the person with signing authority would be part of the final development/release...if the app were "evil" he would be up a creek without a paddle.

[Mark Rejhon]

Free open source software with source code available for Blackberry:

GNU GPL Open Source Blackberry Compatible Software

- VNC Client for BlackBerry (works on 7280 with MDS)
- VIRCA IRC Chat Client (works on 7280 with MDS)
- BlackChat ICQ (works on 7280 with MDS)

Might Be Compatible

- TelnetFloyd (untested; could not successfully install)

[AndrewMoore]

Does anyone think it would be possible to programme a "hotkey" on the main screen that allows a user to dial an (eg emergency hotline) number by pressing just one key, or a simple key sequence?

[kirson]

Andrew,

If your question is whether you can set a key that you can press (and keep pressed) for a second or two and have it call an assigned number, then the answer is that this is a built in feature beginning in Handheld software 3.7.1.41.

If you want to have an icon on the main screen ribbon that will dial a number when selected - this is far more complex. As far as I know, the API for sing the phone in buried deep in the bowels of the OS - rumor is that it will be readily available in OS4.0. Like everything else

Ian

Posted wirelessly from a BlackBerry using wap.BlackBerryClub.com

[MrCynical]

Andrew,

I would think that you would probably want to avoid a single-keey duress button of sorts in that you could accidentally click it, and have the authorities breathing down your neck in no time!

I've seen things like that happen before with security systems in the service, and did not enjoy having guns trained upon me!

[AndrewMoore]

Dear Ian & MrCynical,

Thanks for both your comments;

I have discovered the speed dial function (RTFI!)

I will rememeber what you say about guns being trained and keep any use limited to a call center!

Best regards,

Andrew

[Elvis]

So who's up for sharing some code then? If I had anything to contribure I am sure I would ;)