Squiz Matrix for iOS: An Update
by Nic Hubbard
The Background Story
When I started work on building an iOS app for Squiz Matrix, it was just a proof of concept to see if I could get the Matrix Asset Map to show up as a TableView. It turned out to be really easy, which allowed for more ideas to creep in about how I could build a fully functional Squiz Matrix iOS app.
Current Progress
I have been working hard on this project, committing time each day to try and get the beta version ready for testing. Recently I have been finishing up the Metadata section of the app, allowing users to preview and edit their asset metadata.
The next features that I will be worked on are Moving, Linking and Cloning an asset. Right now this is invoked by pressing and holding on a row in the asset map. This brings up an options menu, which allows you to do things like see that Asset's screens, create a new asset, preview it, or, Move, Link or Clone. The small screen makes this idea slightly harder, but I think I have found a good way to make these features simple for the user.
There are some more advanced features that I have floating around in my head, but for now, I am focusing on the core features to make it appeal to the largest number of Squiz Matrix users.
The goal is to have the first version of the app finished and released by March, 2012.
Screenshots
The following gallery represents some of the screens that are in the app. Not all are shown, but this gives a good idea of the look and functionality.
Beta Testing
I am still looking for Beta Testers to help try out the app. If you are interested, and would like to get your hands on this app early, just signup through Testflight: http://bit.ly/ocOu5L
Beta testers should have their first version sent to them within 2 weeks.
Technical Stuff
To get iOS to talk to Matrix I needed an API that was flexable and easy to use. Since Matrix already has the SOAP Server, this was the obvious choice. To make things easier, I wrote an Objective-C library that wraps all of the SOAP function calls that I need. This way, I can make quick and easy calls to Matrix, and return the objects that are needed.
A Few Things to Clear Up
- This is not a replacement for the Matrix admin interface in your browser.
- Squiz Matrix 3.28.0 is the minimum requirement.
- SOAP Server is used to communicate with Matrix.
- The iPhone/iPod Touch version will launch first, iPad Universal version to come after as a free upgrade.
- The app won't be free. I need to make a living! :)
- It will include in-app purchases for some premium features.
Advantages to Users
Currently there is no way to use the Admin interface on an iPhone or iPad, iOS doesn't support Java, so we can't use the asset map. The Admin interface was designed with desktop users in mind, especially ones with large screens. Squiz Matrix for iOS was always build with the mobile user in mind. Need to make quick and easy edits on the go? Need to update the status of a page or edit some metadata? Need to snap a photo and upload it to Matrix? Want to create a new user and give them permissions while on the go? This is what you need a native mobile app for.
Questions/Comments?
If you have any questions or comments feel free to post them here!
Nic Hubbard is the Webmaster at Pacific Union College and the owner of Zed Said Studio.
You can find him on Twitter as @zedsaid or contact him on zedsaid.com.