[Tux4kids-discuss] Problem with Tux Racing repository system and apple app store...

[Brendan Luchen]

Hey all,

Some brief thoughts before conking out-

- Before rethinking everything, let's check with Apple to clarify the 
website restriction. I don't think PhoneGap would exist as such if its 
biggest platform couldn't actually be leveraged. Also, considering Apple 
was a driving force behind HTML5, I find it hard to believe they'd 
reject it out of hand.

- The repository gotcha is more troubling. I guess it's a security 
consideration, which is reasonable. I don't see why you'd need teachers 
to fork the whole project to create modules, though. As long as the 
modules are sufficiently--er--modular, is there any barrier to having 
them read in from SD card or other local storage? That way they can 
still be downloaded (somewhat) conveniently, just not through the app 
itself. Maybe I misunderstand what you're saying, Kento.

- Shame about the name, but I suppose it's not worth fighting over. One 
option is to keep the game's concept but change the aesthetic so instead 
of racing cars, you're racing rockets. Tux Launch, maybe? *shrug*

Best,
Brendan
> Kento Locatelli <mailto:me at klocatelli.name>
> June 9, 2012 4:56 PM
> Hey all!
>
> I think we decided to use this mailing list for discussing GSoC 
> project things, right? Heh I hope so, otherwise this is in the wrong 
> place :/ Anyway...
>
> First, Tux Racing is definitely going to change name at some point... 
> I didn't think to check at the time, but there already are similarly 
> named  games.
>
> But more importantly, I was talking to some people about the 
> repository system [1] Tux Racing uses and learned of two Apple App 
> store rules that are problematic for Tux Racing:
> - Apps can't download code in any way, including Javascript code. But 
> that's exactly what the repository/practice module system does, 
> download/run/update untested (but trusted) 3rd party code.
> - Apps can't be bundled websites. Again that's exactly what Tux Racing 
> is, pure html5 webapp.
>
> Tux Racing violates both rules, and I'm not sure how to solve them... 
> I have two proposed solutions, but I'd really appreciate community 
> input on the matter:
>
> - The simplest is to simply not publish in the App store and hope 
> users make it to the website and set up a Web Clip (basically an icon 
> that launches the website). We lose publicity from the App store, but 
> retain the module repository system to allow teachers to make their 
> own practice modules for students.
>
> - The other is to remove the repository system and have everything 
> bundled locally in the app, which allows us to meet both of those 
> guideline requirements. We'll definitely get more iOS users, but 
> practice modules are no longer self-updating and it becomes harder for 
> 3rd parties to create new modules for mobile platforms. In order for a 
> teacher to get their module working *in the Tux Racing mobile app*, 
> they have to get it bundled with Tux Racing, wait for users to update 
> their apps, and repeat the process for any updates. note this is 
> removing the repository system in general, not just for iOS.
>
> I'm leaning towards the latter, but my reasoning is entirely based on 
> assumptions. My guess is if a teacher is creating a practice module, 
> simply forking TR will fulfill their needs. They can copy in their 
> module, upload to their website, and have students browse to the URL 
> on an internet-enabled device. Their module still works on mobile 
> devices, but through the web browser instead of the official app. 
> Looks the same, works the same, same code to hook in and everything. 
> Furthermore, I don't think there would be enough 3rd-party modules to 
> justify not being in the App store. Of course we can always re-add the 
> repository system and withdraw from the App store once more users know 
> about the application if it's determined the repository system is 
> genuinely useful in practice.
>
> What are your thoughts on the matter? Do my assumptions hold? Is there 
> a better alternative to those two proposals?
>
> Cheers!
> Kento Locatelli
>
>
> [1] - Tux Racing has a problem generator system. Repository system 
> allows adding/updating 3rd party problem generators to the game 
> without reinstalling/updating the application. The idea was for 
> teachers to create a problem generator for their students to practice, 
> and give their students a URL. The game then makes the new problem 
> generators available.
>
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