Topic: Next Episode 3.0 for the iPhone
I wanted to give you guys a quick update on how the new version is fleshing out.
First of all - this is not going to be a free update.
I'm still figuring out the details of how I'm going to implement this, but ideally - the app will turn into a free ad-supported one, with in-app purchase (to unlock some functionality and remove ads).
Current users of the app will get the existing functionality (with no ads) - but will have to pay (a discounted amount) for the new features.
The app was out and supported for more than 4 years now (with most of the sales occurring in it's first year). I'm sure some people will be pissed at having to pay for new features, but I hope they'll understand.
Now the new and updated stuff:
1) iPhone 6/6+ Support - the app now looks good on all iPhone sizes
2) Today's Widget
Tapping on any of these opens the corresponding show in the app.
3) Push notifications
Those will configurable, and can be turned on for:
a) New episodes in stuff to watch (Episodes in the app) - all or only season pilots
b) When a show gets a premiere date - any season or only pilots
c) When a show is canceled/ended
4) Discover New Shows (Top Charts)
Added "Upcoming" and "From My Creators" to the top charts. Those work pretty much the same as the site top charts.
All charts lists now include the channel name as well as the show genre.
This is for example Hot Shows:
You'll be able to swipe to hide shows from those lists (and restore them later from settings).
5) Show Details additions
Show details now include "Status" (Canceled/Ended, Running, Returning, In Development etc.), year in which the show premiered, and show creator.
When tapped, show creator opens a list of other show created by the same person.
There are various other tweaks and improvements throughout the app.
I'm 90% done with all of the above, and hopefully will be able to release the app in the upcoming 1-2 weeks. Mostly I need to polish it and test it on various devices and screen configurations.
Please let me know of any thoughts / comments / suggestions and requests that you have. Now's the time for those
Cheers!