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One of the more interesting features that was announced during the preview of iPhone OS 3.0 was the GameKit framework.

The video above is just a simple demo I wrote a few months ago with a beta version of GameKit and the cocos2d-iPhone framework. The two devices discover one another over Bluetooth, coordinate the client / server relationship, and begin play. There’s currently no scoring, and my protocol implementation is highly inefficient.

While the framework provides many neat features, I was most attracted to the zero-configuration P2P over Bluetooth. Multiplayer applications were previously only possible using Bonjour over WiFi, or some roll-your-own solution over the cell network. These methods provide a significant barrier of entry when you consider that the most popular games on this platform are the pick-up-and-play / get-in-get-out kind, with a typical play session lasting five minutes or less. If I have to fiddle with my network options in order to play an ultra-casual game with you, I most likely won’t.

The bad news? Bluetooth P2P is only available on iPhone 3G and 3Gs, and iPod Touch 2G.

Exploring ETFs, the financial e-learning site I’ve been working on for the past four months, recently launched:

We’re excited to announce the launch of Exploring ETFs, a site for Barclays Global Investors designed to educate financial advisors & individual investors about Exchange Traded Funds. It’s been a culmination of over 6 months of collaboration between the IQ team and the folks at iShares, and we’re ecstatic with the way it’s all come together.

As the art director on the project put it, it’s really the total package. Within a PaperVision3D environment, it incorporates photo-realistic 3D models with studio-shot video, custom-manufactured props, an elegantly intuitive design, and a custom-composed soundtrack.

(from http://www.iqinteractive.com/blog/?p=47)

As lead developer on this project, I am very happy with how it came out. We had a great team as well as a great client.

Exploring ETFs

My first iPhone / iPod Touch application, Tiny Violin, has been approved for the App Store. More details to come, but here is a description of the application:

Play the world’s smallest violin on your iPhone or iPod Touch.

An indispensable tool useful for showing sympathy toward another’s misfortune.

Slide your finger or thumb across Tiny Violin to play one of three short violin riffs, each designed to show sincere condolence for any situation.

Update: I’ve created a page for Tiny Violin.