“As you start to walk on the way, the way appears.” – Rumi
When trying to bring a new product to market, the final product that gains traction with users, in many cases, differs vastly from the initial concept. Yet, dreaming, aiming, and passionately working towards that first idea is crucial. The journey, with its uncertainties, twists and turns, ultimately shows you the way to its polished final destination.
In March 2023, Mango Display was exclusively an Android app, compatible with Android and Fire tablets, as well as Android and Fire TVs. Initially, it gained traction from customers who used it on tablets. However, as TV prices kept dropping significantly, we saw a significant shift in demand with more users wanting to use the app on their large screen TVs.
For those familiar with the TV market, it is clear who the big players are:
source:https://scoop.market.us/smart-tv-statistics/
Visitors frequently asked us when we would support Samsung TV (Tizen) and LG (WebOS). It was clear that if we were able to do that, we could increase our supported device base from 38% to 92% of the overall market, increasing our customer base and sales. However, figuring out how to achieve this wasn’t straightforward. What does Rumi say in this situation?
“Work. Keep digging your well. Water is there somewhere.”– Rumi
Okay, sounds good 🙂 but Samsung and LG TVs use their own operating systems and app stores, so I’d need to find developers skilled in those areas for a small project. Can I afford their prices? How can I ensure their quality, timely delivery, and also manage future changes? I was hesitant to take this route, but it was obvious that it was the key to higher success.
“In each moment the fire rages, it will burn away a hundred veils. And carry you a thousand steps toward your goal.”- Rumi
A Genie Appears.
I ask the Genie:
“How do I get my app on Samsung TVs?”
“Oh, I need Tizen Studio? I’ve never used Tizen Studio give me the steps to create my first project.”
“Great….Here is what my app needs to do. Here is the Android code, but ignore this part and in step 1 display this instead, step 2 generate this, then hit this backend API, when you get this response do this, else do this and launch this, when the app is brought to foreground from background do this, add this splash screen, log these events, etc. etc.”
“What do I do with this Tizen code provided? which files do I paste it in? How do I test it on an emulator, how do I test it on a Samsung TV? Can you comment the code in this section, I’m not clear why its doing that.”
“Fix this, fix that, it needs to work like this, not that.”
“Okay great, it all works in our testing.”
“Now how do I submit this to Samsung for approval? What should I fill in on this form? etc. etc.”
App is finally approved and on Samsung TVs!! 🎉🎉🎉
All this done with just two weekends of a few hours. It completely opened my eyes to the magical possibilities.
Next – back to my Genie. “I need the same done for LG Smart TVs.”
Within the next few months as expected our sales and customer base was growing at 3 times the pace it was before the Genie joined the team.
When I say I used my Genie “ChatGPT” for everything here, I mean it. Was it simple? nothing is ever simple. Did it make mistakes or misunderstand my questions – sure, but it was a 100 times better than trying to find, pay and manage two Tizen and WebOS developers and having a back and forth with them. This was simple, easy and changes or fixes I needed were done in an instant. Having a Genie like ChatGPT for this is like having immediate and unlimited access to the best software developers in the world, and it’s only going to get better.
Why am I sharing this? So everyone knows what is possible. The “I have an idea for an app but don’t know how to code or where to start” excuse – no longer applies. In fact it’s time for all you “I have an idea” practical dreamers to make you dreams a reality. Coding skills not required, simply ask your Genie to do it for you instead.
Your Genie is also not limited to coding. You can use it for marketing, advertising, analytics, customer support, and more. In fact many solo millionaires will be made in the next few years with small to no human teams.
This is all great, but I do see the irony here 🙂 Someone could use this Genie now more easily compete against my business right? Should I be worried?
“Inside the Great Mystery that is, we don’t really own anything. What is this competition we feel then, before we go, one at a time, through the same gate?” – Rumi
That’s deep!
Also, the varied and unlimited opportunities in this world are not zero-sum, at least when it comes to new software products. So, go ahead and create your magic now.
“Don’t be satisfied with stories, how things have gone with others. Unfold your myth.” -Rumi
Dave's Dharma 