windigo – Ash Tewari

Do not learn another programming language

As software developers, many of us agonize over which programming language we should learn next. I have a suggestion – don’t learn another programming language. Learn a creative design skill – graphics design, 3-D modelling or Game Development. Learn basic photo editing skills instead of F#. I know Jamie and Chip will agree with me ;).

I have a bit of a designer inside me. Not a lot. Just a bit. I was probably 15 when I learned how to do architectural perspective drawings. I created a few of the house renovation my dad was doing at the time. One of my dad’s friend asked me to create a drawing for the addition he was doing to his house. More recently, I have designed some logos (for my own use), as well as UI design of Windigo, a Windows Phone app I created a couple of years ago. These are some of the logos I have created :

Windigo

CensusMapper

CodeDemo

The UI and UX design of apps is something that fascinates me and I can see myself indulging in that some more. I am one of those software developers who (think they) have some design chops. Although I have not asked her yet, but I am confident that my mother will completely agree with me on this. I think she is still saving some of the masterpieces from my kindergarten.

I am excited about the addition of Digital Tutors content in the Pluralsight library. I am drooling at the prospect of learning some new skills from there. I browsed the entire library to see if I can latch on to something. I started looking for a software in the library that I can afford. You will be lucky to find one that is less than a few grands. I am exaggerating, but only a little. I also noticed an interesting trend that some of this software is being offered for rent! Here is a list of four that I could start using a little or no cost and it is not a trial :

I think it is awesome that Pixar has made its RenderMan software available for free for non-commercial use. RenderMan has been used to create movies like Frozen, IronMan 3, The Dark Knight and Pacific Rim. Pluralsight has the RenderMan covered as well.

I will probably start with Unity first. I have already played around with it. I think it will be good to build on that. More on this later. Stay tuned.

Photo Credit : https://flic.kr/p/5FXV7r

Windigo 1.1 Released

Windigo is a windows phone app to access your diigo account on windows phone 7.

Create, edit and search diigo bookmarks. Slick, to-the-point interface. Browse and search public bookmarks of other diigo users. Tap on the bookmark for details, including tags. Tap on any tag to narrow your search. Trial version is available.

Windigo 1.1 is out on the windows phone marketplace now. Highlights of this update :

– Last SearchScope used is now persistent

– Fixed search when a search term is picked from suggested words

– Problem report now includes system info

– Handle crash on navigating from main page

– Fixed feature tracking for analytics

Last SearchScope used is now persistent
Fixed search when a search term is picked from suggested words
Problem report now includes system info
Handle crash on navigating from main page
Fixed feature tracking for analytics

Call For Windigo Beta Testers

Windigo is a windows phone app. It lets you access your Diigo bookmarks on the go from your windows phone. You can browse, edit and create new bookmarks. Search your and other’s (public) bookmarks. Drill-down using tags. Share your bookmarks with your friends.

I have completed developing this app and I would like to get it in the hands of a few more people to get some additional feedback before I submit it in windows phone marketplace. If you have a windows phone and a windows live id, you can help with this. Your phone does not need to be a developer (unlocked) phone.

If you are interested, contact me.

Here is what I will do for you :

I will acknowledge your role in preparing Windigo for release.

Your name and a link to your website will appear in the credits page for Windigo.

I will return the favor.