iPhone + AIM + push notification = Happy Josh Highland

By Josh Highland in interviews, iPhone, software

aimPush

I got my real start in programming making “progies”, back when MaGuS and fungii ruled the scene (only a fist full of people will know who I am talking about), circa 1995. I have and always will have a soft spot in my heart for AOL instant messaging. I don’t use the AOL service anymore, but I still have a bunch of friends that use AIM (AOL Instant Messenger). AIM is one of the biggest things that I missed when I got rid of my T-mobile Sidekick and went to an iPhone. Sure iPhone had an aim app, but it was garbage. It would sign you off line the second that you closed the screen or got a call or SMS message. Complete garbage.

Just moments ago, the iPhone AIM app with push notification launched. With the release of the iPhone 3.0 software it is now possible to stay connected to services like AIM and get notified when you have a new message with hout having to have the app always running. It works in a similar manner to SMS message. It’s called “push service” because the notifications get pushed to your device, instead of your device polling the server on a timed interval.

With that said, I have decided to retire my 15 year old AOL screen name and create a more fitting one. You can reach me on AIM at “xJOSHHIGHLANDx“. Let’s party like it’s 1995!

My Brute on iPhone

By Josh Highland in iPhone, video games

Lately I have been consumed by an iPhone game called “My Brute”. My Brute is an RPG fighting game based on the popular MyBrute.com. It works like this, You create a character, pick their body, their clothes, their hair and skin color. You pick an animal to represent your dojo (snake, fox or bear… I’m the bear of course). Once you have this all set up, you enter the arena, pick a person to fight and then WATCH your character fight for experience points, bonus weapons and award, and honor. Notice I said WATCH and not control. You have NO control over the actions of your brute. It basically turns into a spectator sport where you cheer your character on and hope he kicks the crap out of the other guy. It also adds stress when you only can fight 5 times in a 24 hour period, very stressful.

I am completely hooked on this game. On top of trying to make my brute the best he can be, you can recruit people to join your dojo. To join my dojo, enter in the following secret code when you are asked: HGHHFHFE

I think this game is worth the $4 I spent on it. My Brute is awesome to watch, and it totally draws you in despite the fact that you don’t control the action.

Check out the screen shots below

IMG_0087

IMG_0085

IMG_0082

IMG_0083

My Dojos code is HGHHFHFE, join me and together we will crush the competition!