Keeping up with tech ..

You don't need to keep up with the Kardashians but its important to keep up with tech... even more so if you work in developer environments. Back in 2008/9 i started getting the idea of sending personalized SMS greetings. Armed with a PC and a Nokia, i did this manually via nokia PC suite. In 2010 i got my first iPhone (the 3gs) . I immediately saw this as an opportunity to get an app out that automated this.

I soon found out that iOS3 did not allow 3rd party apps to send SMS. But i kept on monitoring the developments of iOS even though i was not a registered iOS dev at the time. Eventually iOS4 proved to have the enhancements required for 3rd party apps to send sms. From there.. not knowing a single line of xcode... i outsourced my entire app concept to an external developer. He in turn for payment gave me the app and full source code. I published the app immediately and enhanced it piece by piece from there.. slowly learning xcode in the process.

The point here is
1) if i did not keep up with the evolution of the iOS, i would not have known the changes to the restrictions
2) its actually possible to create something with knowing how to technically do it. Provided you do know its technically possible

So if you were interested in mobiles (for example) ..
1) never limit yourself by saying android or iOS (or if your feeling wacky .. windows mobile hehhe) is better then the other. Its important to always understand they were fundamentally developed from 2 entirely different stand points
2) try to keep up with most os restrictions & changes. you may have had an idea 5 years ago that was only made possible today. In Malaysia Mobile Prepaid is a big thing thus making airtime share equally big. My boss once threw out the idea , instead of sharing airtime balance .. why can't we share our battery ... Sending 1 or 2 bars over to your friend :D .. It might sound ridiculous today.. but i believe one day this could be possible. However if we don't keep up.. we'll never know :)
3) its a big puzzle. using mobile as an example.... mobile phones are now as essential as your wallet but they are getting extend by other surrounding devices namely wearable tech. Understanding what the product acts as a catalyst to and how emerging products effect its existence can help you develop better enhancements/products leveraging on supporting technology. A prayer reminder app for example can be enhanced  to have its times and reminders projected now on to a watch!

So remember ... its important to keep up with tech .. especially in your craft to ensure your future products remain competitive and relevant ( or in my case.. would actually be  developed! )