Trials and tribulations of an independent iPhone developer

To make full use of the new features of the new iOS4, I have updated the LogYourRun iPhone application to support running the app in the background. Background GPS is supported on the new iPhone 4 as well as the 3GS. Running the app in the background means that you will no longer have to worry about leaving the app on the screen and what will happen when you get a text or a phone call while running. Also, locking the screen will greatly improve the battery life and let you run longer without worrying about the battery draining. In recent tests on a 3GS iPhone I was able to run the program in the background for 1 hour after which the battery was down 12%. This is a 2x improvement over the battery consumption if the app is run with the screen on.

While running in the background the app turns off the pedometer – so you will only be getting GPS information. But the option for automatically tweeting every mile or so will still work as long as there is a data connection available.

As you run the application badge (number in red circle in top left corner of the app) will show your distance so you will not forget that the application is collecting data. Also the location services icon will be displayed in your status bar. Once the iOS4 NDA is lifted I will post some pictures of the app in action.

Additional features in 2.8 include:

* In case of emergency (ICE) contact information – enter name and phone number and you will be able to easily call your ICE person straight from the app.
* Power save button. Get most of the benefits of running the app in the background even if your phone does not support background apps. This button stops the screen from updating and turns off the pedometer for some extra power savings.

For more information please see:

http://www.logyourrun.com/iphone/