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Friday, December 31, 2010

Version 2 just around the corner!

It's been a while since the last update, but that's because I've been hard at work on a major rewrite of the SplitTheCheck utility!  Well okay, I've been a bit distracted by Minecraft lately, but I finally got a couple days off from work and have forced myself to work on this app.  There.  Happy now?  ;-p

It will feature support for 20 diners, sharing up to 10 items as well as dividing diners in up to 10 groups.  The layout has been massaged a bit by adding screens and displaying the information in what I hope will be a more intuitive layout.  All that remains is the creation of one final summary screen, and a good deal of final acceptance testing.  I'm hoping to have it released by the end of the weekend (fingers = crossed).

Like before it will be released in two versions, paid and ad-supported.  Unlike v1.00 however, the ad-supported version will not be limited in any way.  It will allow you the same functionality as the paid version, but ads will be displayed.  If you opt not to pay for the app, all I ask is that you take a moment to look at the ads and explore what these sponsors have displayed. 

As always, thanks for reading and using the app!

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Version 2 finally underway!

Well, for the three or four of you who downloaded the first Split The Check, you've probably noticed some shortcomings.  No option for sharing an item.  People can't be grouped in any way.  The totals screen isn't laid out as well as perhaps it could be.

Fear not!  Version 2.0 will address all these concerns.  It will be possible to share large items like appetizer plates, wine, etc, across multiple individuals or groups.  To that end it will also be possible to group attendees however you see fit.  Finally, the totals screen layout will be slightly altered, and should now show the grand total with tax, but without tip.  This should make it simpler to tell the waiter/waitress exactly how much to put on your credit card. After all - that's why you downloaded the app in the first place!

If you have any other suggestions, please send them to splitthecheck@gmail.com.  Otherwise, keep checking back for updates.  There's still a lot to do, but it's coming!  Promise!

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Ad-driven "Lite" version launched!

I think this comic is relevant.

Some people just don't like to pay for apps.  I'm usually one of you, but now that I've seen how much work goes into creating a functional app, I have a bit more sympathy for the developers. 

Nevertheless I understand where you're coming from and I'd like to get this app to as many people as possible, regardless of whether or not they can pay for it.  To that end, and to avoid excluding those of you who can't spare an extra $0.99, I created a LITE version. 

If you're searching for it, it's called "SplitTheCheck LITE"  It's free, but is limited to 5 people with 5 items each, and displays a rotating ad banner at the top of each page.  It still has the same functionality as the full version, and should work nicely with small groups of people who don't eat very much.

Like an app?  Remember the developers - click on an ad every now and then! 

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Official Launch!

SplitTheCheck! v1.00 broke onto the Android Market this morning at about 9:45am PST.  The development team, consisting entirely of myself and a large mug of coffee, couldn't be more proud.

This is a simple app that aims to remove the awkwardness associated with dining out with a large group of friends.  We've all been there, having a great time, loving the atmosphere, and trying to find a covert way of asking the server for separate checks.  Since no one wants to be "that guy", no one asks for it and a single giant check arrives at the table.  You stare at it, hoping someone else will pick it up and split it for you.  You rack your brain trying to remember everything you ordered so you can estimate how much you should contribute.

This simple app allows the user to input all the information straight off the receipt, break it down by individual name, and generate a simple summary for each person at the table.  It's not the fanciest app in the world, but I believe it will be incredibly useful.

This is the development blog for the application.  This is the best way to leave your thoughts, comment on features you like or don't like, things you'd like to see added, etc. 

Thanks for stopping by!