The latest and greatest info on DaVinci for iPhone
The DaVinci for iPhone prototype is now available in the App Store. Just search for "DaVinci" or "a la mode, inc". If you have iTunes installed, click here to go directly to it in the App Store. When we submitted our iPhone app for agents to Apple, called TourNarrator, it took them 17 days to approve it. DaVinci for iPhone was approved in just five!
Being a prototype, it's not quite ready for prime-time, but it's ready for you to download for free, try out, and let us know what you think. Here are some important things to note.
- In the first week of December we'll release the full WinTOTAL synchronization in an update
- After the sync update, we'll take several weeks to address customer feedback in preparation for the official release
- The official, non-labs, full-on Live release is coming very soon, but we haven't set an offical date yet, and when we do, we'll let the industry know
- Downloaded the app and have questions about sketching? View our unofficial QuickStart guide here.
- We're still working on getting the full manual completely written and edited, but you can view our first draft of the DaVinci for iPhone manual here.
Check out our commercial!
Want to see how the app works? Watch the video below and let us know what you think.
From bar napkin to prototype
There are as many kinds of mobile devices as there are people with opinions on which are best according to their particular preferences. But undeniably, the iPhone is one of the coolest devices to come along, and also one of the most useful from a business standpoint. And the iPhone is rapidly gaining in market share as a result. Now, Apple has released their new iPhone 3G S models, and lowered the price of the standard iPhone 3G devices to $99. Given the price drop and multiple choices, the iPhone will likely see another spike in users this summer. And of course our DaVinci for iPhone might make some appraisers take another look at the iPhone as well.
So what is DaVinci for iPhone? You've already got Pocket TOTAL for the Pocket PC, and soon you'll have DaVinci for iPhone for, well, the iPhone. And eventually it will end up as a replacement for Pocket TOTAL (we'll continue to support Pocket TOTAL, however).
DaVinci for iPhone combines the data gathering functions of Pocket TOTAL and DaVinci Mobile Pro with the unique interface and usability of the iPhone. And it will also include integrated DaVinci sketching. But unlike Pocket TOTAL, you're not presented with a "form". Instead you're presented with DaVinci Mobile Pro-like data gathering screens. And just like DaVinci Mobile Pro, you can customize the data gathering screens 100%.
Data entry with DaVinci for iPhone
DaVinci for iPhone utilizes the iPhone's unique user interface to allow for QuickLists, checkboxes, "Yes/No" and text entry to make data entry as simple as tap-select-and-go.
Photo Management with DaVinci for iPhone
DaVinci for iPhone will also take advantage of the camera that comes built into the iPhone, allowing you to take photos on site using the same device you use to gather data. That's one less gadget to carry with you.
Sketching with DaVinci for iPhone
DaVinci for iPhone also includes a "pocket" version of DaVinci sketching. The first release will have a simple "length and direction" style sketch pad. And as part of the iPhone operating system, we'll be able to include the abilities to zoom, pan and scroll in the sketech by flicking and pinching on the screen with your fingers.
No Vaporware here
DaVinci for iPhone is alive and running, and will be available on the Apple App Store very soon. In the meantime, we've posted some screenshots from the actual running application for you to check out and tell us what you think.
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Ready to take a short tour of DaVinci for iPhone? |
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One of the coolest parts about DaVinci for iPhone is that it uses a web service to sync your files from your WinTOTAL on your desktop to your iPhone via the internet directly, and vice versa. And for non-WinTOTAL users, you can even e-mail yourself all the data you gathered with DaVinci for iPhone. The e-mail has a TOTAL XML file attached that any form filling vendor can easily import so you don't have to retype anything.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. I downloaded the app from the App Store, how do I get it to sync with WinTOTAL?
The app you downloaded from the App Store is a labs prototype. We're still buckling down the last few items needed for our official launch. Synchroization with WinTOTAL is working seamlessly now for our Beta testers, and we're making a few tweaks before updating the app. Also, there's a WinTOTAL update needed that non-Beta testers don't have. That WinTOTAL update will be ready for you the first week of December. Once released, the labs prototype will be almost completely ready for its official release. In the meantime, we'd love for you to let us know what you think of the app!
2. Which iPhones will DaVinci for iPhone work on?
All of them. However, it's optimized for the new 3G S iPhone models.
3. Will DaVinci work on the iPod Touch?
Yes. However the GPS and Photo features won't work on the iPod Touch, since the device doesn't have a camera or GPS antenna.
4. Do I need the iPhone with 32GB of file storage?
No. DaVinci for iPhone doesn't use much storage. Even an 8GB iPhone will work great.
5. When will it be ready?
We've submitted DaVinci to Apple for review, and hope to have it available in the App Store in mid to late November. Once submitted to Apple, we wait...
6. Can I help beta test DaVinci for iPhone?
Currently, all of our beta slots are full.
7. Will you be making a version for the Blackberry or other devices?
Possibly. We don't know for sure just yet, but it's definitely possible. We want to get this version delivered first before wading off into development for other platforms.
8. I need some help with sketching, do you have any documentation?
We're getting a final sketching manual put together now and will have it available before the end of November. In the meantime, view our unofficial QuickStart Guide here.
If you're interested in DaVinci for iPhone, get it from the App Store today. If you'd like to be kept up on it's development, submit ideas or offer feedback, send an e-mail to labs@alamode.com.
