A Coventry binman could hit the jackpot financially if his iPhone app proves to be a hit.
According to the Coventry Telegraph, Rob Shoesmith, 27, of Whitley, is one of just eight people worldwide chosen from 12,000 entries to design a new iPhone application.
The competition run by MEDL Mobile, a company that builds iPhone applications, offers winners 25 per cent of any profits once the application is available on the Apple iTunes App Store.
Rob is tight-lipped about his iPhone application design in case anyone steals his idea, but will reveal the application is a problem-solving tool, a user-generated advice service.
“I think it will really catch on because it will connect people from different countries and cultures. People will be able to relate to it.”
He's also been in regular contact with the MEDL Mobile team to ensure the application remains true to his original idea.
"I have always been interested in web development, but I didn’t have the technical skills. This way I could get the help I needed, and I’ve been in regular contact with the developers every day. I didn’t want to just design it and let them do the work. It’s been really hands-on."
The binman added he hoped eventually to work for himself and if the application proves a success buy his girlfriend a horse.
Which applications get the green light depends on five factors says MEDL Mobile – originality, functionality, simplicity, revenue, opportunity and fun. More information on how to submit ideas can be found here.
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Comments received
Robert Shoesmith said on Tue, 02 Jun 2009
I'm Rob Shoesmith. To be on Macworld is brilliant.
If any media are interested in my story follow me on twitter shoesmith81 or email me robshoesmith81@gmail.com
Kevin said on Tue, 02 Jun 2009
Well good luck Rob!
wilvo said on Tue, 02 Jun 2009
I don't understand, why not just release the app himself and take all the profit?
Touchscreen Fones said on Tue, 02 Jun 2009
Good luck Rob!
www.touchscreenfones.com
Rob Shoesmith said on Tue, 02 Jun 2009
I don't have the money or expertise currently to do this. This is a great learning curve for me.
Would maybe like to get into this in the future.
twitter shoesmith81
Rob Shoesmith said on Tue, 02 Jun 2009
BBC Midlands today are interested in the story.
Also BBC Coventry and Warwickshire are interested.
Nick said on Tue, 02 Jun 2009
Well done Rob hope you get that horse!
Mark Harrison said on Wed, 03 Jun 2009
Good luck Rob you were always one for ideas good luck
Lianne Ryan said on Fri, 05 Jun 2009
Hi,
I work for the Coventry Observer and am also interested in running your story Rob. Could you contact me on 01926 317110 or email me Lianne.Ryan@bullivantmedia.com
Hope to hear from you soon!
Rob Shoesmith said on Sun, 07 Jun 2009
robertshoesmith is my YouTube channel. Have posted tv interview there.
Dan Evans said on Mon, 08 Jun 2009
Another in depth article has been added today on macworld with a link to a bbc interview via youtube.
Philip Dean said on Wed, 10 Jun 2009
'Which applications get the green light depends on five factors says MEDL Mobile – originality, functionality, simplicity, revenue, opportunity and fun.'
Err, with the commas that's 6 factors!?
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