TechMunch : iPhone Application for TechCrunch

News Update June 12 2009: Please rate the app using the RateItAll Widget on this page! Tell your friends, spread the word! Keep your ideas for improvement coming! News Update June 1 2009: TechMunch Update 1.1 has been approved and is now available from the AppStore

The first version (below) of TechMunch (iPhone application for TechCrunch blogs) received a wide spread welcome, I sincerely thank everyone who've encouraged the initiative and provided feed backs on the first version.

I have just uploaded version 1.1 to the Apple App Store (might take a couple of days for review to finish, hold the excitement till then ;) ).

This version features a significant performance boost and usability improvements. Especially the table columns now feature smooth scrolling and image caching. The application loads significantly faster. Well, with this version, you can instantly share the stories using twitter via Twitterific application! (also email).

The reading pane has several improvements as well, now the jumpy nature of the reading pane has been removed as it was annoying. Also the formatting has been improved a lot, with more legible font, spaces between lines and rightly sized pictures.

The tables now alternate in color, differentiating the stories, making it more readable. Yup, the most sought after feature, smooth scrolling of the table even with pictures! I would say the improvement is to the scale of at least 4x

Several optimizations have been done to provide a crash proof experience, hope you all like it.

Yes you might have noticed, the application features a new much more professional looking icon! Nicholas from apporacle.com was kind to work on this, I must say Nicholas is a very talented designer, he came up with very nice prototypes; We narrowed in on this one in a very short time. The best thing, he was very proactive in following up with me on the design, when I had thousands of things running in parallel. Also he does this for a very reasonable price. I would definitely recommend him for any one who wants a designer for their iPhone apps.

What's planned for the future releases:

1. Searchable news! a search bar to do a full text search on the news items

2. Facebook connect! Share your stories instantly using you Facebook profile

3. Extended viewing of pictures in reading pane

4. Allowing hyperlinks in reading pane (this is kind of tricky, in terms of usability)

Please feel free to suggest more features / report bugs, hope you'll all enjoy the new release.

May 24 2009 News: TechMunch 1.1 on its way!

TechMuch! my first application for Apple App Store!

I am one of the big time fans of TechCrunch, I started writing this for myself and hope all iPhone fans enjoy it.

Note: iTunes link

Application Description

Have the latest technology news on the GO! TechMunch is an easy to use application that helps you keep updated on the latest technology news through the spectrum of TechCrunch blogs. Articles are categorized as Tech (TechCrunch), Gadgets (CrunchGear), Mobile (Mobile Crunch) and Enterprise (TechCrunchIT) along with news updates from TechCrunch UK, France and Japan.

Features:

Elegant and easy to use interface Easy navigation without having to switch back and forth Refresh news feeds for each category Offline Reading Instantly share stories with friends Ability to launch Safari to read extended story Support for UK, France and Japanese versions Maintenance free, no need to manage records

Languages

English

Requirements

Compatible with iPhone and iPod touch, Requires iPhone 2.0 software update.

Feedback

I am all ears, will listen all feedback for improvements, please feel free to comment on improving for the best experience