I am a freelancer available for developing Android applications. I am an Electronics Engineer specializing in software engineering, with a passion for consumer electronics. I can develop Android apps of all sizes other than applications that require more than the standard SDK functionality (for example: games, device drivers, etc.). If in doubt, contact me anyway. See details of my work below and contact me if you would like to discuss a project.
Resume
I have over 10 years of senior-level Java development experience (Android is programmed using Java), as well as web technologies, which is relevant for most Internet-based Android apps. I also have over 1 year of Android development experience. I have developed several Android apps, some of which are in the Android Market (see below for details), and I have a column in the AndroidZA website where I discuss Android development. I have hosted a few Android dev workshops, including SA’s very first one at Wits university.
My detailed online resume is available on LinkedIn here: http://za.linkedin.com/in/tobykurien. I can also provide references from my previous workplaces that will confirm my talent for software engineering and my high level of professionalism.
Projects completed
View my Android projects and involvement in the local Android community on my Android projects page. My most successful app, BatteryFu, has well over 180,000 downloads.
Apps I am currently developing, or have developed recently, are not yet listed, so check back soon. This is not a comprehensive list, however, as most of the apps I build are under NDA (non-disclosure agreement), and hence cannot be listed here and usually aren’t published to the Android Market.
Other projects I work on include using cheaply imported tablets for hospitality industry, education, data collection, medical industry, media displays in shops, etc.
Rates
I am flexible on remuneration – I will consider freelance (hourly billing), revenue share, or equity deals (depending on the project specifics). Time-permitting, I will also consider pro bono work for non-profit organisations. Speak to me and let me know what suits you best. I offer particularly good value for small businesses and start ups.
I charge market-related rates (or in most cases, less), although the rates are dependent on the size of the project and the shortness of the deadline. Typical (medium-sized) apps cost in the region of R60,000 but apps can range from R20,000 to R90,000 or more.
How I work
I work using Agile methodology. This means that instead of a fixed cost being charged for a project, I will work in iterations, providing you with a working app that you can test (for example, once a week) together with an invoice for that iteration. This allows you to stop development at any time if you choose to, and also monitor progress in a much more visual way than just getting a timesheet with abstract deliverables ticked off on a todo list. This is a very transparent process, and allows you to make changes at any point in the development of your app.
On the downside, I cannot guarantee timelines (I can only give a rough estimate), nor can I accept any penalties for late-delivery (for example, I could be hospitalized, which would halt progress on the project). If timelines are important to you, you may wish to consider using a development company, rather than a freelance developer such as myself. Bear in mind that developers are not able to accurately estimate time because of the nature of the work we do.
Outsourcing
What about outsourcing to India or other country? It is always advisable to have a local lead developer when doing this, to ensure quality of code and delivery. I outsource some of my work to India, and have experienced the ins-and-outs of doing this. As a technical lead, I am able to manage the process effectively, but would not advise non-technical clients to outsource directly to another continent.
For more information on this topic, see this discussion on Linked-In:
Platforms
I develop exclusively for Android, so I cannot build or port for iOS (iPhone/iPad), BlackBerry, or any other platform. This allows me to master Android, rather than develop mediocre apps for multiple platforms.
I tend not to use technologies like PhoneGap and other cross-platform development tools as they lack in integrating with platform-specific features, and makes the Android version of the app look like a poor clone of the iPhone version. However, depending on the specific app, this might be the right tool for the job and I would be able to use it.
I can code for any version of Android up to 4.X (Ice Cream Sandwich), although I try to code all my apps to work on Android 1.6 and above (unless they need a feature of a newer version). I have test devices ranging in screen sizes: 2.8″ 320×240, 3.2″ 320×480, 3.7″ 854×480, 5″ 800×480, 7″ 1024×600, and 10.1″ 1280×800. Unless the app has a non-standard user interface designed by a graphic designer, it will generally scale properly on all devices.
Availability
I am available for small/medium projects from February 2012. You are welcome to contact me regarding my availability (especially if your project is small) as my availability varies weekly.
Contact me
I am based in Midrand, South Africa. My internet contact details are listed here: contact details. You can also call me on +27 73 479 3273 or email toby at tobykurien dot com.
Please don’t call me for 3G/wifi/etc. support on your imported Android device. For that, try this site instead: http://slatedroid.com
Other developers
If you are looking for other South African Android developers, I have a small list here.
