Epic Orchestra for Apple TV - Dev Blog 1

The release of Epic Orchestra for Apple TV is set for June 8th! I thought I'd share the story of how this app came to be.

When Apple TV was announced in Nov. 2015, I shifted all my focus to creating apps for the TV. It was so cool! I grew up playing the NES and this felt like I was creating content for a home console. I created 3 apps at launch but they were quick and easy ports. I wanted to make something designed specifically for Apple TV. 

I had the idea of creating Epic Orchestra to combine my two passions: music and retro games. With the Siri Remote it was only natural to make a swipe or tap game. The project quickly ballooned as I added more levels and powers-ups. By the end of the project, I had created an entire classical music album (this didn't occur to me until yesterday).

In the first month of development I demoed the app at an Apple TV Tech Talk in Austin, TX. I just revisited that build and boy has it changed. Here are some before and after shots.

That is all for now. Thanks for reading and I hope you get a chance to play Epic Orchestra on June 8th!

Thanks,

Nick

Moby Pixel's Goals for 2016

Hello World!

I hope everyone had a great holiday! I thought that since this is the start of a new year I'd share some of my goals for 2016.

Currently Projects:
• A new Apple TV game called Epic Orchestra (more on this later)
• Rebranding Mad Calf Apps as Moby Pixel (http://mobypixel.com)
• Updating and maintaining iOS & Android radio apps

Future Projects:
• Updating iOS music apps including Pedal Steel, Guitar, Ukulele and More!
• Making Google Cardboard VR cart game
• Youtube app review series (https://www.youtube.com/user/The365AppChallenge)

Goals:
• Release the above mentioned apps
• Update my existing catalog of apps
• Rebrand as Moby Pixel

I'm really excited to get these projects under way. I hope to revisit this post later to see how it goes. Good luck to you in your adventures!

Thanks for Reading,
Nick

3 Apps for Apple TV - Developer Story

The beginning is nigh! In a few hours, the Apple TV App Store will be available to the public. Oh yeah! That means us indies can bring apps to the living room without breaking into the console market. Leading up to the release, I have been grinding to get product ready for the store. What follows is my journey: "Don't Stop, Believin'".

tvOS is Apple's new sdk for making TV apps. I find it funny that when I write "tvos" to friends it is autocorrected to "twos." This is a reminder of how new this concept is: making mobile apps for the TV (immobile apps, if you will). There are a few routes to take when making a TV app, and I chose the one most familiar to me--coding in Objective-C. Apple has been pushing a language called Swift for developers, but I'm an Obj-C dude. I actually have it tattooed across my chest. (image not found)

So here was the Goal. I wanted to make as many fun, polished apps for the App Store as I could before its release. As I began hacking, I quickly discovered the time-sucking monster known as feature creep. According to wiki:

Feature Creep is the ongoing expansion or addition of new features in a product, such as in computer software. Extra features go beyond the basic function of the product and so can result in software bloat and over-complication rather than simple design.

I ended up finishing 3 fun, polished apps that I'm stoked about!

NATURE SOUNDSCAPES

The 1st app I worked on was a port of my iOS app Nature Soundscapes. This app was a great learning experience as to the possibilities and limitations of Apple TV.

VIDEO POKER - GAME OF BOUNTY

The 2nd app I wanted to make was Video Poker - Game of Bounty. While in concept the app is simple, the addition of multiple card pack art and soundtracks made the development take the longest of any of the apps. I think the effort really shows in this app.

FREE CLASSIC MOVIES

The 3rd app I made was Free Classic Movies. This app is the most useful of the three. Every Apple TV owner needs an app like this. Why? Because you get to watch free old movies on your tv for free. Did I mention it is free? This app took the least time to complete but curating the list of movies will be an ongoing process.

So that is it! I'm now sitting here waiting for the App Store to show up and anxious to see if the time I invested is worth it. If you end up getting an Apple TV, I'd love for you to give the apps a try. Just search for: Free Classic Movies, Video Poker, or Nature Soundscapes.

Thanks for Reading,
Nick

Multi-Touch Piano (Unity Asset)

Multi-Touch Piano for the Unity Asset Store

DEMO

TUTORIAL

FAQ

Can I release this as an app to the App Store?

Yup. iOS is ready for release and you'll need to handle the back button press for Android. What you can NOT do is package this as an app to sell to other developers on sites like CodeCanyon.

When is Windows Phone support coming?

I'm working on a Windows Phone build but unfortunately the multitouch input controls are a bit broken between Unity and Windows Phone at the moment so I'm waiting for a stable version before implementing those features.

Why is there latency on some Android devices?

Good Question. Android has always had issues with touch input latency but it is getting better. Google "Android Audio Latency" for more on this topic than you will ever care to learn. 

More Free Radio Apps

Country Radio
View in App Store 

A Rock Radio
View in App Store 

Sports Radio
View in App Store 

Talk Radio
View in App Store 

Christian Radio
View in App Store 

Classical Radio
View in App Store 

Jazz Radio
View in App Store 

Oldies Radio
View in App Store 

70s Radio
View in App Store 

80s Radio
View in App Store  

90s Radio
View in App Store  

R&B Radio
View in App Store 

Rap Radio
View in App Store 

Video Game Radio
View in App Store 

Metal Radio
View in App Store 

Anime Radio
View in App Store 

Pop Radio
View in App Store 

China Radio
View in App Store 

Japan Radio
View in App Store 

Top 40 Radio
View in App Store 

Dance Radio
View in App Store  

College Radio
View in App Store 

Techno Radio
View in App Store  

Rock Radio
View in App Store 

Relax Radio
View in App Store 

Soul Radio
View in App Store 

Country Radio
View in App Store 

Christmas Radio
View in App Store 

Christmas Matching

*** Christmas Matching ***
===============
* 12 Unique Levels
* Engaging Gameplay
* Featuring Art FastIcon.com, VectorOpenStock.com, VectorJungle.com,
HandDrawnGoods.com, & DoubleJDesign.co.uk
* Soundtrack by Kevin MacLeod (http://incompetech.com)
* Additional song by Nick Culbertson
===============

5 Intermediate Guitar Solo Licks w/ Tabs

Halloween Matching

View in App Store 

Artwork from the app Provided by: 

http://www.vectoropenstock.com 

http://www.fasticon.com

&

http://www.vectorjungle.com

Music 

All Music by Kevin MacLeod 

Kevin's Site incompetech.com

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Beatbox Videos

Some Beatbox Video Favorites

Creative!

LOL!

App FAQ

Welcome to the Mad Calf Apps Blog Page.  Here are a few Frequently Asked Questions answered.

Q:  My App isn't Making Sound?
A:  Go into the settings on your device, select sounds and toggle your sound ON then OFF Then ON again.  Try this even if you don't think your device is currently muted.  Here is a great article explaining the how your device could be partially muted.  http://momswithapps.com/2012/06/10/using-the-ipads-side-switch-settings-to-bring-back-the-sound-in-your-app/
If none of the stuff listed above can get the app to work email support at madcalfapps@gmail.com

Q:  Will you add my radio station to your app?
A:  Sure.  Just email me the url stream and station title.  If I can get it working in the app I'll add it in the next update.  madcalfapps@gmail.com

Q:  (Android) This radio app doesn't work on my device?
A:  Android services over 3000 devices on a plethora of operating system.  Unfortunately, These radio apps don't support all of them.  This is the main reason we have decided to bring these apps to you totally FREE!  Try it out to see if we are coming in loud and clear, "Nothing ventured nothing gained."  We are adding support for new devices all the time.

Q:  Can I use the sounds and graphics from your app in my song?
A:  Sounds yes, Graphics contact me madcalfapps@gmail.com

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/The365AppChallenge
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mad-Calf-Apps/179369155500535
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MadCalfApps
Mad Calf Blog: http://MadCalfApps.Blogspot.com

Twitter & Facebook

Follow us @MadCalfApps on Twitter & Facebook to get news, updates, and a FREE APP every Thursday!

Twitter
https://twitter.com/madcalfapps

Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mad-Calf-Apps/179369155500535

Spanish Radio

Coming Soon...

Latin Radio

Coming Soon...

Japan Radio

AnimeNfo Radio

http://174.127.103.99:443

JPHiP Radio

http://5.79.86.161:8800

Japan Station

http://streaming203.radionomy.com/Japan-Station

Big B Radio - JPOP

http://50.7.173.162:8089

CALMRADIO.COM - ORIENT

http://calm1.calmradio.com:10408

Suburbs of Goa [SomaFM]

http://173.239.76.147:8856

Gensokyo Radio

http://216.17.100.29:8000/stream/1/

Japan-A-Radio - Japan mix!

http://64.62.194.40:9010

Armitage's Dimension Jpop/Jrock/Anime

http://172.245.183.32:8080

70s-90s J-pop Stream

http://198.178.123.14:7002

Japan-A-Radio

http://64.62.194.40:9010

J-Jams | Modern JPOP and R&B

http://72.46.136.154:7161

JPHiP Radio

http://5.79.86.161:8800

Big B Radio - JPOP

http://50.7.173.162:8089

AnimeAMAZE

http://199.187.121.124:10007

Japan Station

http://streaming203.radionomy.com/Japan-Station

J-Music-3

http://streaming204.radionomy.com/J-Music--3

Big B Radio Asian Pop

http://50.7.173.162:8118

Hitsujikai Radio - Japan Christian

http://64.111.18.90:9023

FMkahoku 78.7MHz Ishikawa JAPAN

http://118.21.141.67:8000

JPOP Sky.FM

http://pub1.sky.fm:80/sky_jpop

Gensokyo Radio

http://216.17.100.29:8000/stream/1/

AnimeAMAZE

http://199.187.121.124:10007/

J-Pop Stream

http://198.178.123.14:7002

Extreme Anime Radio

http://69.4.225.75:8100

AnimeNfo Radio

http://174.127.103.99:443

Anime Web Radio

http://s3.mediastreaming.it:8090/

Hotmixradio Japan

http://streamingads.hotmixradio.fm/hotmixradio-japan-64.aac

AnimeRadio.SU

http://animeradio.su:8000/

Radio Animati

http://server.radioanimati.it

RADIO JUNIOR

http://91.121.62.121:8080/

91.1 KLSU Radio

http://130.39.238.143:8002/

shinsen-radio

http://shinsen-radio.org:8000/shinsen-radio.128.mp3

Radio J-Hero - Anime JPop JRock JMusic

http://162.210.36.10:9566

Split Infinity Radio

http://listen.siradio.fm

Radio Conexao Otaku

http://173.193.223.178:8734

J-Jams Modern JPOP

http://72.46.136.154:7161

Radio Anime Obsession

http://198.27.69.116:8902

Anime Radio

http://172.245.183.32:8080

#MUSIK.ORIENTAL - WWW.RAUTEMUSIK.FM

http://95.141.24.127:80

Asian Mix 24/7

http://173.192.73.35:8060

Radio Oriental URUGUAY

http://199.217.118.9:7908

Suburbs of Goa [SomaFM]

http://173.239.76.147:8856

Big B Radio - CPOP

http://50.7.173.162:8093

Melody.FM - Singapore 24/7

http://50.7.96.210:8360

Subarashii

http://streaming205.radionomy.com:80/Subarashii

RadioTeenTaal 100% Indian And Bollywood

http://195.154.176.33:8000

CALMRADIO.COM - INDIA

http://calm1.calmradio.com:11708

1.FM - BOMBAY BEATS INDIA RADIO

http://205.164.36.115:80

Gaia FM New Zealand - Mixed

http://184.107.18.232:8000

kpop radio pdm

http://176.31.241.195:8800

Big B Radio - KPOP

http://50.7.173.162:8076

Jakarta - Indonesia

http://119.235.255.206:8052

Video Game Radio

Chiptunes - DIGITALLY IMPORTED

http://pub7.di.fm/di_chiptunes

Radio Nintendo

http://192.210.214.89:9994/stream

SLAY Radio

http://81.88.9.100:8000

8bitx Radio Network

http://198.178.123.2:7492

SpriteLayer.net Video Game Music

http://50.7.70.66:9117

Kh-vids.net Radio

http://108.166.161.206:8754/

Game-Streams - Video Game Music

http://69.175.94.98:8015

VIDEO GAME QUALITY

http://50.31.252.7:8068

Retro PC GAME Stream

http://119.230.134.107:8000

RunStopRadio.org

http://relay.runstopradio.org:8000/

RadioSEGA.net Stream

http://content.radiosega.net:8006/live

ARCADE RADIO - RETRO Game Music

http://199.195.194.140:9000/stream

StreamingSoundtracks.com - Movie Game & Anime

http://173.192.32.198:80

Armitage's Dimension Jpop/Jrock/Anime

http://172.245.183.32:8080

AnimeNfo Radio

http://174.127.103.99:443

Radio PARALAX - 24th Playlist

http://92.48.87.11:8414

Sonic Radio

http://184.178.114.216:8000

AnimeAMAZE

http://199.187.121.124:10007/

SpriteLayer.net Video Game Music

http://50.7.70.66:9117

Radio Anime Obsession

http://198.27.69.116:8902

NoLife-radio.com The Video Games Channel

http://88.191.123.8:8000

ARCADE RADIO - RETRO Game Music

http://199.195.194.140:9000/stream

Super Retro Playground

http://206.190.136.141:6119/Live

China Radio

Big B Radio - CPOP | The Hot Station for Asian Music

http://50.7.173.162:8093

Melody.FM - Singapore 24/7 Online Chinese Music

http://50.7.96.210:8360

Chinamerica Hit Radio!

http://sc7.1.fm:26814

Washington Chinese Radio

http://50.117.8.242:5760/Live

Big B Radio - Asian Pop | The Hot Station for Asian Music

http://184.95.62.170:8002

on air POWER - Hong Kong 24hrs Chinese Web Radio

http://61.92.48.222:8128

2CR CHINA RADIO NETWORK

http://198.178.123.17:8016

Subarashii

http://streaming205.radionomy.com:80/Subarashii

KHCB Radio Network: Chinese Radio

http://208.80.53.106:10234

Voice for Canadian Chinese

http://198.105.220.12:7859/Live

Asian Station

http://streaming.radionomy.com/Japan-Station

#MUSIK.ORIENTAL - WWW.RAUTEMUSIK.FM

http://95.141.24.127:80

CALMRADIO.COM - ORIENT

http://calm1.calmradio.com:10408

Asian Mix 24/7

http://173.192.73.35:8060

Radio Oriental cx12 770 URUGUAY

http://199.217.118.9:7908

Suburbs of Goa: Desi-influenced Asian world beats. [SomaFM]

http://173.239.76.147:8856

Big B Radio - JPOP | The Hot Station for Asian Music

http://50.7.173.162:8089

JPHiP Radio

http://5.79.86.161:8800

Armitage's Dimension Jpop/Jrock/Anime

http://172.245.183.32:8080

AnimeNfo Radio

http://174.127.103.99:443

AnimeAMAZE

http://199.187.121.124:10007/

RadioTeenTaal 100% Indian And Bollywood

http://195.154.176.33:8000

CALMRADIO.COM - INDIA

http://calm1.calmradio.com:11708

1.FM - BOMBAY BEATS INDIA RADIO

http://205.164.36.115:80

Gaia FM New Zealand - Mixed

http://184.107.18.232:8000

SeoulFM | kpop radio

http://62.210.82.213:80/seoulfm

Big B Radio - KPOP | The Hot Station for Asian Music

http://50.7.173.162:8085

Beach Radio

Coming Soon...

African Radio

Coming Soon...

Bollywood Radio

RadioTeenTaal 100% Indian And Bollywood

http://195.154.176.33:8000

1.FM - BOMBAY BEATS INDIA RADIO

http://205.164.36.115:80

Hungama Bollywood Hits

http://123.176.41.8:8056

CALMRADIO.COM - Bollywood

http://calm1.calmradio.com:12428

RadioAfsana - 24/7 Non-Stop Internet Radio

http://174.36.206.197:8198

Bollywood Hindi - Sada Bahar Music Radio

http://50.7.98.106:8512

>>> POLSKASTACJA .PL >>> - Bollywood (Polskie Radio)

http://91.121.92.167:4610

Desi Music Mix

http://198.100.149.27:8012

Planet Radio City IndiPop Radio

http://208.115.222.203:9968

Radio HSL - Hit Hai Toh Bajega!

http://50.7.70.66:8485

Hindi Bollywood Radio

http://199.195.194.140:8035

RADIOCITY HINDI

http://208.115.222.205:9962

Funmaza24

http://198.27.80.37:5152/stream

CALMRADIO.COM - INDIA

http://calm1.calmradio.com:11708

Bollywood Radio and Beyond

http://96.31.83.86:8084

Radio city 24 - 5aab Radio Punjabi radio

http://5.9.66.201:39132

bollybop fm - 64

http://stream.bollybop.co.nz:8000/bollybop64

Hindi Radio - Mera Sangeet

http://8303.live.streamtheworld.com:80/MERASANGEETAAC_SC

DeSi-RaDiO.com - Best Non-Stop Indian & Pakistani Music

http://204.45.41.148:80

Bollywood N Bhangra USA

http://streaming.radionomy.com/Bollywood-N-Bhangra-USA

Dushh.FM - Let BollyWOOD hit YOU!

http://184.154.145.114:8128

Matching iOS Game Artwork

View in App Store 

Artwork from the app Provided by:

http://www.vectoropenstock.com

http://www.fasticon.com

&

http://www.vectorjungle.com


*Bonus* Fitted iPad Wallpapers