Build *real* iPhone apps without a Mac? Maybe.

[Jackolantern]

I stumbled across this site a little while ago. It is called Dragon Fire SDK. Supposedly the creators stripped out all of the Mac-specific portions of the iPhone SDK, and rebuilt them with Windows-compatible components. You can build apps in C, C++ and "Visual C++" (I am thinking they mean C++/CLI, hopefully not Visual C++ 6.0). Supposedly the compilation process takes a while because it builds it back into the Mac-compatible format so that it can actually be uploaded to the AppStore. They have a list of apps made with their product to show that it works.

Note that I have not used this product, but I have been reading good things about it, and it does seem to be the only way to make native, legit, AppStore iPhone apps on Windows. It also won a Jolt Award for Mobile Development. If you don't feel like shelling out the high prices for a Mac just to make an app for the AppStore, this could be the one to check out.

[hallsofvallhalla]

nice, thanks for the link. I have seen so many people looking for a way to develop Iphone apps on windows.

[Jackolantern]

Definitely. I don't know about right this moment, but for at least a month if you typed in simply "Develop" into Google, all of its auto-complete options were for some form of "develop iphone apps on windows". That is a lot of interest! If this is as legit as it seems, these people are going to be millionaires provided another, free option doesn't surface soon (the above linked SDK is a $50 plugin for Visual Studio).

[Joey]

Definitely. I don't know about right this moment, but for at least a month if you typed in simply "Develop" into Google, all of its auto-complete options were for some form of "develop iphone apps on windows". That is a lot of interest! If this is as legit as it seems, these people are going to be millionaires provided another, free option doesn't surface soon (the above linked SDK is a $50 plugin for Visual Studio).

I got into the beta and it was a fantastic tool with live preview. VERY Functional. Also, Adobe did an Iphone SDK.

[Jackolantern]

Nice to see someone has tried it out. While $50 is a steal to develop iPhone apps compared to buying a Mac, it is still good to know someone who tried it since it isn't free software.

Also, isn't Adobe's iPhone SDK still based on Flash? Not taking anything away from Flash, as it is an amazing platform, but it doesn't cover everything the iPhone can do, such as advanced 3D applications. If it is a full SDK that gives the developer a tool for creating full-access, non-interpreted apps for the iPhone, I haven't seen that one yet.

[Joey]

Nice to see someone has tried it out. While $50 is a steal to develop iPhone apps compared to buying a Mac, it is still good to know someone who tried it since it isn't free software.

Also, isn't Adobe's iPhone SDK still based on Flash? Not taking anything away from Flash, as it is an amazing platform, but it doesn't cover everything the iPhone can do, such as advanced 3D applications. If it is a full SDK that gives the developer a tool for creating full-access, non-interpreted apps for the iPhone, I haven't seen that one yet.

Adobe Flash iPhone SDK a lot for the iPhone (Accelerometer, location, multitouch up to 5 fingers I think and lots more) and although it can not make 3D applications such as 'http://www.POCKETLEGENDS.com', It is capable of creating 3D applications if you use a 3D Engine for flash. There are a few out there too. You don't neccessarily need to make 3D games to earn a high income. Look at Doodle Jump, earned over $1000000 and it is a very simple 2D game. Shows how good the iPhone is, eh

[Baseball435]

Yeah you cant make them on windows and put them into the AppStore without dragon fire or flash. I personally like flash more because it's easier to use but I heard that dragon fire was pretty good

[Jackolantern]

Shows how good the iPhone is, eh

Well, yes and no. The AppStore is incredibly crowded right now, so getting noticed and making good money like that app is like winning the lottery. It ain't field of dreams, and just because you build it definitely doesn't mean they will come. The vast majority of hobbyist/indie apps hardly make enough for a dinner out. The sheer amount of apps is great for iPhone users, but difficult for app developers.

I just figured I would post this link, even though I think building for Android or Windows Phone 7 could be a lot more profitable for developers since there is nowhere near as many apps on those platforms, but owners are hungry for the same kinds of apps that iPhone has.