Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Updates

We just wanted to drop by here quick to give a small update on current activities.

We are currently very happy with the new version of SWTOR Skill Build Calculator.  It has now reached a status that we would like to think is nearly perfect.  With the addition of the full skill listing, we have reached the point that we will start devoting more time to our other upcoming apps. 

We also are working on completing our permanent website.  We have the hosting and much of the graphic work done.  All that is needed is time to get it in place.  A link to the new permanent site will be put up here when it is completed and our apps will have URLs listed in them updated accordingly as well. 

Monday, February 13, 2012

An update on the next planned changes

We have been hard at work on the next planned update to the SWTOR Skill Calculator app and wanted to take just a moment to let our current plans be known.

We have come to the realization a couple of updates ago that the App Store approval process takes too long to go through for us to be able to keep data as current as everyone including ourselves would like it. For that reason we have been working behind the scenes to put a framework together that will allow us to push data updates out without releasing a new version of the app. A very small check will happen in the background when the SWTOR Skill Calculator app starts up and pop up a notification if there are updated data files available. This check will use minimal bandwidth and give the option to download the files so that there is control over whether to use the bandwidth to grab the updated data files or not. We will compress the files for the transfer to make sure data usage remains as low as possible.

In addition, we will be bundling the most current version of the data files with each update once this framework is in place. These changes should allow us to keep on top of updates in a much more efficient way without being at the mercy of the app store review process. It also will set up part of the foundation for some features we have had planned that will be announced at a later time.

We have one other big change we would like to fit into the next update but it will be largely dependent on time. The new methods we are using for the data files will allow us to implement a full skill list for the classes in the near future. We will be doing our best to get this functionality into the next update but the data files being current is more critical than added functionality at this time so will be pushing this back if it takes too long to get implemented.

As always, we are committed to providing you with the most accurate skill calculator app with the best functionality available. If you have any suggestions or find any bugs don't be afraid to send us a message either here or in the app.

Friday, January 27, 2012

Preparing for release of the next update - Update

[UPDATED] We have completed the new update and submitted it to the app store at this time.  This update should bring the data back in line with the recent large patch that was released for SWTOR.  The new update will also bring with it some interface boosts that retina display users should be especially happy with.


Here is a little sneak peak of what is to come.


Base Class Select - Republic
Skill Tree View w/Skill Displayed
Advanced Class Select - Sith Inquisitor
 

Saturday, January 21, 2012

Work underway on the next update

Work is well underway on the next update.  We are hoping to have it ready to submit soon.


The biggest feature this update will have is an update to graphics and the interface.  Along with that we are busy checking over data again to fix any errors we can find in the skills and trees and squashing any smaller bugs we come across.

Saturday, January 7, 2012

Update 1.1 has been submitted

Update 1.1 has been completed and is currently waiting for approval.

Change that will be found in this update once it is approved are as follows:

  * Updates to a few items in the skill tree data that had errors during the initial entry.
  * Modifications to the damage calculation formulas used for skill descriptions in order to make them more accurate.  The formulas are now based on the stat bonuses and damage from the starter equipment each class receives.  This gives a stable base for the calculations and will be further tweaked as needed to make them as accurate as possible.
   * The save/load file list dropdown menu now shows a scroll bar if the list is dragged up or down.
   * The save file list now scrolls down to show the empty file slot at the bottom of the list.
   * New buttons for the add/subtract buttons for skill points that are larger and should be easier to click. (per user request)
   * Miscellaneous minor bug fixes and cleanup.

 If all goes well and the backlog of holiday submissions to the app store has died down, this update should hopefully be available by the end of next week.

Thursday, January 5, 2012

SWTOR Skill Build Calculator 1.0 is live!

Version 1.0 has been approved and should show up on the app store soon if it has not already.

SWTOR Skill Build Calculator on iTunes

Progress towards version 1.1 is steady and it will likely be submitted by the end of the weekend.

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Waiting for the app store still

We are still waiting for App Store approval at this time, even though it says that 96% of all new apps submitted the last 5 days have been approved.  While we are waiting, data continues to be verified and formulas for damage calculations are being further refined for accuracy. 

So far, 5 of the 8 base class paths have been adjusted and verified as being accurate at this time and any  adjustments to values should be released shortly after the initial approval.