darkSpyro

Quote: Xerxxees

Hmmm, that's grim news indeed. Apple is going to rush my latest build out, so that could be fixed today or tomorrow. After that, I think I'm going to have to pull back some of my most recent changes. I think the pictures will have to go for sure. Maybe a title change. I think the Amazon link is probably ok, but I'll have to seriously ponder it all.

If the Skylanders website was better organized I would just put links from the app directly to their website. But I haven't even been able to find links to the Spyro only figures like Sunburn. That's just bad IMO. If you don't allow people to get the information easily, then you have to allow for others to pick it up. (unless Activision is reading this, then I love you guys, and please leave my app alone )

Maybe because they were charging for it? Dunno. I haven't heard anything for sure. <crosses fingers>

I did make a note of taking pictures of the characters and using those. I can't see how posing with your own figure is a problem.

Personally, I'd go with the actual product box if there has to be a picture. I mean geeezzzz...you're helping others buy their product...what a bunch of douche nozzles...coming from a fan who just spent $3k or more on this crap.

I know their ATVIAssist account is Activision so they do have a presence here. I guess you should tell them you'll give them 85% of the app royalties and let Apple take the other 15%...that would be fair...lol. Oh wait--what's 85% of NOTHING?

It's not a risk worth taking. My bug fix build is out on iTunes, it also includes all the character updates that GhostRoaster and I worked on. So, if you hadn't upgraded yet, it's at least good for that.

I went through my app, stripped out the images, google ads, and changed the name back to its original version. I'm hoping when their lawyers took a look around it was before I put images in, so I'm going back to that method. Bummer though, I did like having the images there. If I can find the posed figure images, not the graphic artist renderings, then I might be able to put those in. If I had peoples own images, then I bet that would certainly work. I don't know really, I'm bummed.

The Unofficial application isn't using any character art; they are only using images of the skylander itself. Using boxed image art should be fine otherwise they would go after Wal Mart and Best Buy for defaming their brand lol. Not sure if they are approachable enough to get some feedback on this...couldn't hurt. It would be proactive anyway. And yes, this is ridiculous.

Btw, you might want to contact member t7gga...he's the ULTIMATE when it comes to quality images of raw skylanders---he might be interested in contributing to this providing it stays a non-fee application.

Apple was prety quick this time, I just got notification that my stripped down app is being pushed up to the store for Updates. The main thing is that the images are gone now. I've contacted t7gga so we'll see if we can do something there. I think for now I'm just going to hold off on any major changes and see what Activision does.

I'd like to update the interface a little on the Own It cells and I think the ability to filter based on attributes would be really handy. I was thinking of adding the base colors to the figure screens so hopefully the combination of base color and Series name would be enough for the more casual collectors to follow along.

I think it would be fitting for them to remove applications that prevented their customers from getting help shopping for their products. Meanwhile, Infinity eats their lunch....

Wait .... The Unofficial Catalog of Skylanders .... I don't see it anymore. I don't see it searching from my iPhone, nor from iTunes on my computer. iPhone and iPad versions are gone....

Can anyone else confirm that?

Yes, the Unofficial Catalog is no longer showing for me either on iPad or iPhone.

Hello by the way, I've just started using Skylister so thank you for that

Quote: beatrix71

Hello by the way, I've just started using Skylister so thank you for that

Hello!! I hope you're enjoying it, even without the pictures!

Yep--it's gone...I'll contact the author to confirm what we already know. I'm really starting to hate Activision...really?!?

Btw, in the application, he communicates the following:

"ZYX Computer Applications LLC is not affiliated, connected, or associated with Activision Publishing, Inc - the company that owns the trademark Skylanders Games. ZYX Computer Applications LLC developed the Unofficial Catalog of Skylanders app for Skylanders game players and figure collectors to better organize and manage their Skylanders figures. All photographs used in the Unofficial Catalog of Skylanders app were taken by ZYX Computer Applications LLC of original figures purchased by ZYX Computer Applications LLC. Skylanders trademarks are only used in the Unofficial Catalog of Skylanders for the purchase of identifying the application and related Skylanders figures, which is considered fair use. ZYX Computer Applications LLC does not engage in selling or trading of Skylanders figures."

So, the only thing that leaves is---someone isn't allowed to profit from Skylanders even if they follow the rules? I guess its a case of "we have enough money to run you down, so you have no choice to comply".

I'm also wondering if this thread has inadvertently brought attention to the apps. It looks a tad too convenient now.

Quote: GhostRoaster

I'm also wondering if this thread has inadvertently brought attention to the apps. It looks a tad too convenient now.

I suppose it's possible, but I've seen a number of other apps come and go over the last couple months. When I first started building mine I thought it was weird that nobody else had an app out there. So maybe they did a clean sweep just before then. Seems like cleaning house might just be part of their process. I wonder if the Android only apps have the same issues.

Well, I think I might have to just forget about my app now. Somehow, removing the pics has unleashed a vast assortment of hate on my current version in the App Store. Before I even had the pictures in I was getting 4 and 5 star reviews. Something to be proud of. Important when it's a free app too. But now that I took the pictures away, so it's like it was before... I'm getting 1 and 2 star reviews. Even though I still added the tags, email, facebook, searching, etc. It's a better app, but it's a worse rating? That doesn't make sense to me.

And even though I'm the only Skylister app now, I get WAY less than downloads than I did before. I think the current version ratings are killing it. And, when you have a labor of love, and all you get back is negativity, it certainly doesn't make it enjoyable to work on.

Don't you all just love that Apple has the power to pull apps from your device? Seriously, when did this stuff get acceptable?

Quote: Xerxxees

Well, I think I might have to just forget about my app now. Somehow, removing the pics has unleashed a vast assortment of hate on my current version in the App Store. Before I even had the pictures in I was getting 4 and 5 star reviews. Something to be proud of. Important when it's a free app too. But now that I took the pictures away, so it's like it was before... I'm getting 1 and 2 star reviews. Even though I still added the tags, email, facebook, searching, etc. It's a better app, but it's a worse rating? That doesn't make sense to me.

And even though I'm the only Skylister app now, I get WAY less than downloads than I did before. I think the current version ratings are killing it. And, when you have a labor of love, and all you get back is negativity, it certainly doesn't make it enjoyable to work on.

I will say, I personally stumbled across this app via this topic (I wanted to use it a bit before I gave feedback) and have started to use it because it's a complete list and really handy whilst I'm out and about. I don't really need the pictures because I can either look it up manually or I know what it looks like. It's great how I can Wishlist certain Skylanders and sort all Skylanders that way so I can easily see what I want. Favourites is also handy for when I'm playing; I favourite who I need to focus on level-wise until they're up to par with the others of their type.
(I especially don't mind it without the pics given that I've read this topic and understand why you're struggling with the app in general and pics cross some boundary that Apple don't like.)

It may be more down to what Activision doesn't like than Apple... If Activision have given Apple a DMCA takedown notice to remove any apps they see as infringing their copyright (or intellectual property), I don't think Apple would find much reason to refuse, especially as Activision are a prominent developer on the App Store.

This is not Apple, this is is the Activision Slamdown.

Maybe we can hope activision has their own app coming. Hopefully it's cool and runs well and it's more then 1.99

Yes, I definitely want to pay Activision more money...I live to give Activision my money.

I've still been pondering this one a lot lately. Trying to figure out why all the apps but mine were removed. I'm wondering now if the issue they have is ones that aren't free downloads. All the other ones I've seen cost at least .99 whereas mine was the only free one. Like this site is free to use, we don't pay any membership fees, so they might not have any issue with it. Only the apps that make money directly off their merchandise?


On the other side, I was wondering if I should add some of the other products, like:
1) Dog Tags
2) McDonalds Items
3) Mega Block
4) Books
etc...

What do you guys think?

Yeah, I say go for it, but I'd definitely block off the lists so if some of us aren't goo goo over the other items it won't be in the search list and muddled elsewhere. Beware that it is a slippery slope once you go there...we have mugs, T-shirts, Nintento DS stylus, etc...where does the madness end? The line will appear arbitrary to the person who doesn't have his or her items represented in your app.

So the "Unofficial" guy responded that apparently taking photos of YOUR OWN skylanders is apparently a breach. I guess this site will be shut down soon with all of these pics of our skylanders. Obviously, I think he was well within the "fair use" aspect, but when you have big guns and lots of money it really doesn't matter who's right...right?!?

Quote: Xerxxees

What do you guys think?

Just as an idea for pictures - you can allow the user to use any picture she/he wants for any skylanders/item in your app from user's photos on his/her mobile device. No legal issue for you and users who were disappointed by your removal of all pictures will be happy again.

If the Unofficial is using his own pics, then it is therefore illegal for everyone else to use their own pics. I don't think the former is illegal, but is legal under fair use, but Activision sees it differently. It's easier to bully ONE developer as they have more money to fight it--the legality is really secondary. It's a shame because these tools helps their customers buy THEIR products.

On letting others use their own pics: the problem of course is that Activision would have to go after all of the users and prove they have pics in their app--that of course can't be proven--and the cost of chasing it down is not worth it. It's really a question of what's worth the hassle. The legal question is kinda moot.

I'll protest in my own way--they'll not see my protest, but it will be "opportunity lost" come Swap Force. This kind of stuff really irritates me. The third app that actually used copyrighted images was a proper complaint---I have a different perspective on the Unofficial app.

I'd probably try to stick with those things that are most easily identifiable and catalogable. T-Shirts and mugs there could be an infinite variety. Whereas Mega Blocks versions are more straightforward. http://skylanders.megabloks.com seems like a pretty solid site to gather information.

Yeah, they'd be separate, and much simpler too. I think Date, Own, Tags, Notes would be the only things to track with those items. I think having them be added to the wish list would be handy. My sons birthday is in 4 weeks and I know he's going to want all sorts of the Mega Blocks. Right now, the Name/Element tags are very similar and I think I could combine those into 1, with just a button to decide between which view. Also Own/Don't Own are similar as well, and I could combine those into 1 tab as well I think. That would allow a new tab just for 'Other Collectables'.

I've been pondering an iPad app of Skylister where I'd have a lot more space to play with it to add more information. Ideally though, I'd need to have pictures.

Quote:

So the "Unofficial" guy responded that apparently taking photos of YOUR OWN skylanders is apparently a breach.

I could understand using their art work, but your own pictures just doesn't make any sense. There can't be a law against taking pictures of your own figures thats just crazy talk. I'm still thinking it has to do with charging for the app. Copyright is usually to prevent others from profiting from your work, but if there's no profit, how is it an issue? Then again, I went to school for Software Engineering, not a law degree.

Quote:

Using their own pics

I'll have to ponder how to add this in. I think it'd be a nice option for collectors.


Quote:

Links to Images

Someone suggested to me just to have links to images. So, click on the link and it'll open up safari and take you to a website that has info. That sounds fine to me, and might be somewhat useful. At least its just a click away instead. And with that it would also provide other information like stats, spells, etc. I'd prefer to send them to skylanders.com directly, but they don't have the data available. I only know of this site that has a lot of good data: spyro.wikia.com. Are there others that are similar or better?

"Copyright, a form of intellectual property law, protects original works of authorship including literary, dramatic, musical, and artistic works, such as poetry, novels, movies, songs, computer software, and architecture. Copyright does not protect facts, ideas, systems, or methods of operation, although it may protect the way these things are expressed."

Maybe there's some computer software aspect that I'm not getting even though they aren't in the listing business.

SOPA,CISPA, PIPA have passed run away.

Back to this post again?!?!?!

Well, I've had a number of email requests come in for allowing users to take their pictures of their own skylanders, like Rom 713 suggested. Technically, I know how I can do it, it' fairly straightforward. I'm just not sure how or where it would be used. Would it be best to try and have it as a thumbnail next to the Figure name? Or maybe just show it on the main detail page? Would it make sense to allow people to make the images 'public' so then I could have repository of photos that the app could pull from? Not sure how upset activision can be if I show user submitted pictures, like Facebook, Instagram, etc..


Any ideas?


Also for reference, I've sent 2 emails to Activision Legal to see about the copyright issues but I haven't heard back yet. I may try a 3rd and if I get no response then I might just put the old images back in, and keep the app free still. Hopefully that'll get me a pass with them.

Try it and hope it doesn't get pulled. Sorry not sure what the right answer is. I'm guessing you're good either way since the app is free.

Quote: Xerxxees

you'd be in like Flynn

What? Someone call me?

Id like to be able to add my own pucs either straight from the camera or from a folder.
It would also authenticate a collectors collection.. Lol

For the short term I went ahead and put the images back into Skylister like I had them before. I just submitted it last night so it'll be another 5-6 days until it gets updated. If I don't get anything from Activision then I'll continue on with more upgrades, like taking pictures and device-to-device syncing.

Odd that they want to bother other publishers but choose not to bother you and you are asking...maybe you haven't hit the right folks yet.

If you wan't to get real clever...
I used Adobe 123D catch on iOS to grab a 3D model of my HotHead.
I also wrote a .obj loader for iOS that allows me to load that captured model in to my apps.
So in theory, you could have a full (static) 3D model of each skylander to rotate and examine.
There is a fair bit of work capturing the model, and obviously you would need access to the figures to scan but I see no reason you couldn't put an option to load the model with instructions how the users can do it themselves.

I hope you have luck contacting them, but I expect not. Nobody at Activision is going to want to turn round and give you written permission for ANYTHING because it then becomes their ass on the line if something goes wrong.
So I expect they have read them and are ignoring it hoping you go away. The fact your app hasn't been removed is a good sign if the others have, that means they are probably aware of you but choosing not to play hardball right now.

Do your best to stay on their good side and that should continue.

Skylanders Collector was free and disappeared somewhere, so that couldn't be the issue.

I wish someone would gear their app towards collectors of not only characters but also all the packages sold--all singles/triples/adventure packs/battle packs--
I have talked to others who want this option too. Anybody ever seen this? This would set an app apart from the others--I am not technologically savvy but it doesn't seem like it'd be that difficult compared to what people are already doing.

Quote: shelly9871

I wish someone would gear their app towards collectors of not only characters but also all the packages sold--all singles/triples/adventure packs/battle packs--

shelly9871. I'm not sure what you mean exactly. You mean record whether, for example, you have the packaging to darklight crypt? And/Or all the characters are still in the packaging?

Yeah, I don't really know why mine was different. I don't expect to get a response from Activision, but I was hoping. At least now I can say that I tried. There's an app on the android market that's $2.99 and been around for a long time with images. So, don't know.

I don't know if images are that necessary right now, but when Swap Force comes out I think it'll be a bigger deal, especially when mixed characters start popping up making it more confusing. I'd like to add another option for just information on the characters. With a top and bottom, it'd be nice to know what features the SF characters have before purchasing. My long term list still has an iPad version, Personal Pictures, Device Sync, better disction between series, etc.

The Adobe 123D idea would be amazing. That looks really cool. However, I think it's beyond the scope of most users to do by themselves. If Activision were to give me a guaranteed green light then I might attempt it just because of how cool that would be, even for just a limited number of figures.

Ok, new Apple app approved. I have limited images once again on Skylister Free. We'll see if activision lets it keep sliding or if they drop the whammy on me finally.

Maybe they want to buy your app? lol...

What's Adobe program---3d rendering / modeling?

FYI: The E3 2013 Bronze Hot Dog has been added to the web service. So if you Close skylister and then reopen it, it'll download the new data list which will include it.

FYI: The 3 metallic variants have been added to Skylister. So if you close Skylister and then reopen it, it'll download the new data list which will include them.

Thanks Xerxxees---

Big big update was put out this morning.

These were recently added (in app names given):

Anchors Away Gill Grunt - Swap Force
Battle Hammer - Swap Force
Big Bang Trigger Happy - Swap Force
Blizzard Chill - Swap Force
Boom Jet - Swap Force
Bumble Blast - Swap Force
Bumble Blast - Swap Force Lightcore
Countdown - Swap Force Lightcore
Dark Ninja Stealth Elf - Swap Force
Doom Stone - Swap Force
Eye-Brawl - Pumpkin
Fiery Forge - Swap Force
Fire Bone Hot Dog - Swap Force
Fire Kraken - Swap Force
Flashwing - Swap Force Lightcore
Free Ranger - Swap Force
Free Ranger - Swap Force Legendary
Fryno - Swap Force
Grilla Drilla - Swap Force
Grim Creeper - Swap Force
Grim Creeper - Swap Force Legendary Lightcore
Heavy Duty Sprocket -Swap Force
Hoot Loop - Swap Force
Horn Blast Whirlwind - Swap Force
Hyper Beam Prism Break - Swap Force
Knockout Terrafin - Swap Force
Lava Barf Eruptor - Swap Force
Mega Ram Spyro - Swap Force
Night Shift - Swap Force Legendary
Ninja Stealth Elf - Swap Force
Phantom Cynder - Swap Force
Pop Thorn - Swap Force
Rattle Shake - Swap Force
Riptide - Swap Force
Rubble Rouser - Swap Force
Scorp - Swap Force
Sky Diamond - Swap Force
Slobber Tooth - Swap Force
Smolderdash - Swap Force
Smolderdash - Swap Force Lightcore
Spy Rise - Swap Force
Star Strike - Swap Force
Star Strike - Swap Force Lightcore
Super Gulp Pop Fizz - Swap Force
Tower of Time - Swap Force
Trap Shadow - Swap Force
Turbo Jet-Vac - Swap Force
Twin Blade Chop Chop - Swap Force
Volcanic Eruptor - Swap Force
Warnado - Swap Force Lightcore
Wham-Shell - Swap Force Lightcore
Zoo Lou - Swap Force
Zoo Lou - Swap Force Legendary

If any of those don't look valid, please let me know. If I'm missing some please let me know that too

I have a question---terrible memory. wasn't there someone here that posted a request for people to try out his new app and give him feedback? If so--who was it? you could take pics of your skylanders yourself. I had an iphone 5--dropped it--and had to get new phone so I got a galaxy note. I am trying to find that app again. And any other apps that people can recommend. Sorry that this is off subject.
Thanks
Shelly

On Skylister, will there eventually be a category for Swap Force like there is for SSA and Giants? I hate looking at the "don't own" list and seeing that I am missing 65 skylanders from SSA when in reality I'm only missing a handful and the rest are from Swap Force.

Quote: lady_valdyme

On Skylister, will there eventually be a category for Swap Force like there is for SSA and Giants? I hate looking at the "don't own" list and seeing that I am missing 65 skylanders from SSA when in reality I'm only missing a handful and the rest are from Swap Force.

Yes there will. I just finished my Disney Infinity app so it's time to turn back to Skylister. My first step was just to get up to date with all the figures and such. Next up is going to be the UI overhaul. This will include the ability to filter by SA, Giants and/or SF. So you'll be able to set just SA and Giants on and ignore SF completely.

Is Skylister available on Samsung?

Love the signature Lady V---(thanks)

Anybody have a clue about that app where you could take pics of the figures ? It was a tester situation

I did another search for apps on my Samsung and I cannot find Skylister---Maybe this samsung note was a mistake. With my iphone 5 being destroyed (by me) I thought that I'd get a bigger screen. I didn't think at all about losing other things like my apps I used. I thought they would be available on both--for sure....
Anybody else have a Samsung? Input about apps that are good? The few I found---stink

Quote: Xerxxees

Quote: lady_valdyme

On Skylister, will there eventually be a category for Swap Force like there is for SSA and Giants? I hate looking at the "don't own" list and seeing that I am missing 65 skylanders from SSA when in reality I'm only missing a handful and the rest are from Swap Force.

Yes there will. I just finished my Disney Infinity app so it's time to turn back to Skylister. My first step was just to get up to date with all the figures and such. Next up is going to be the UI overhaul. This will include the ability to filter by SA, Giants and/or SF. So you'll be able to set just SA and Giants on and ignore SF completely.

You're wonderful. Thanks!

WOW--you are very very busy---
and is Skylister going to be available on a Samsung Note---((waiting to hear a yes--fingers crossed))

Quote: shelly9871

WOW--you are very very busy---
and is Skylister going to be available on a Samsung Note---((waiting to hear a yes--fingers crossed))

Unfortunately, probably not. I think I'll build a general purpose regular web site/page first. Then you'll be able to just use your phone to connect to the site if needed.

Quote: Xerxxees

Big big update was put out this morning.

These were recently added (in app names given):

Anchors Away Gill Grunt - Swap Force
Battle Hammer - Swap Force
Big Bang Trigger Happy - Swap Force
Blizzard Chill - Swap Force
Boom Jet - Swap Force
Bumble Blast - Swap Force
Bumble Blast - Swap Force Lightcore
Countdown - Swap Force Lightcore
Dark Ninja Stealth Elf - Swap Force
Doom Stone - Swap Force
Eye-Brawl - Pumpkin
Fiery Forge - Swap Force
Fire Bone Hot Dog - Swap Force
Fire Kraken - Swap Force
Flashwing - Swap Force Lightcore
Free Ranger - Swap Force
Free Ranger - Swap Force Legendary
Fryno - Swap Force
Grilla Drilla - Swap Force
Grim Creeper - Swap Force
Grim Creeper - Swap Force Legendary Lightcore
Heavy Duty Sprocket -Swap Force
Hoot Loop - Swap Force
Horn Blast Whirlwind - Swap Force
Hyper Beam Prism Break - Swap Force
Knockout Terrafin - Swap Force
Lava Barf Eruptor - Swap Force
Mega Ram Spyro - Swap Force
Night Shift - Swap Force Legendary
Ninja Stealth Elf - Swap Force
Phantom Cynder - Swap Force
Pop Thorn - Swap Force
Rattle Shake - Swap Force
Riptide - Swap Force
Rubble Rouser - Swap Force
Scorp - Swap Force
Sky Diamond - Swap Force
Slobber Tooth - Swap Force
Smolderdash - Swap Force
Smolderdash - Swap Force Lightcore
Spy Rise - Swap Force
Star Strike - Swap Force
Star Strike - Swap Force Lightcore
Super Gulp Pop Fizz - Swap Force
Tower of Time - Swap Force
Trap Shadow - Swap Force
Turbo Jet-Vac - Swap Force
Twin Blade Chop Chop - Swap Force
Volcanic Eruptor - Swap Force
Warnado - Swap Force Lightcore
Wham-Shell - Swap Force Lightcore
Zoo Lou - Swap Force
Zoo Lou - Swap Force Legendary

If any of those don't look valid, please let me know. If I'm missing some please let me know that too

Only A Few Are Missing Dark Mega Ram Spyro, Dark Ninja Stealth Elf, Dark Wash Buckler, Dark Blast Zone & Dark Slobber Tooth