Custom URIs added to I'm Here App

I took a few moments to add custom URI launchers for my I'm Here app on Windows Phone so it could be used in Rob Irving's Car Dash app.  It was a really quick add to the app, however the one are I found to be a pain was testing it.  I actually had to write another phone app to test it. Not that it was a chore, just didn't consider that when I started, I made an assumption I could've just typed i the URI in Internet Explorer or mocked an SMS message like you can in iOS.

If you have a Windows Phone App that offers functionality that other apps can use there is no reason not to offer custom launchers.  It takes about an hour total development time, and the benefit can more than just adding the functionality.

In my case, one I learned how to do it. Two, I get free marketing from another very successful app. Make sure you document your URI on the Nokia page here to let every other developer know for extra exposure. And finally, made a nice connection in the developer community.  Who knows, maybe the next big thing will happen when Rob and I team up...

If you want to use I'm Here in your app here is the simple launcher URI code to do so.

// launch the app
await Windows.System.Launcher.LaunchUriAsync(new Uri("imhere:"));
// launch the app and share location via SMS

await Windows.System.Launcher.LaunchUriAsync(new Uri("imhere://share/text"));
// launch the app and share location via Email

await Windows.System.Launcher.LaunchUriAsync(new Uri("imhere://share/email"));
// launch the app and share location via Social Apps

await Windows.System.Launcher.LaunchUriAsync(new Uri("imhere://share/social"));

// launch the app and share location via WhatsApp application
await Windows.System.Launcher.LaunchUriAsync(new Uri("imhere://share/whatsapp"));

Be sure to checkout my apps and the other links below to take advantage of the custom URIs in you own apps.

Rob Irving on Twitter
Nokia URI Association Schemes List
URI associations for Windows Phone - How To
Reserved file and URI associations for Windows Phone 8

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Microsoft MVP - ASP.NET

This year started off with a nice surprise, an email with the subject "Congratulations 2014 Microsoft MVP!"

I am humbled and excited, as this is the first time for me, and as always to be a part of such a great community. I enjoy the time I spend at community events, speaking to other developers and hearing their challenges, ideas and what great projects they are working on.

ASP.NET is the category of my award, and although most know me for some the Windows Phone work I have done; Web API, MVC, and JavaScript/TypeScript is where I have spent a majority of my time. Mobile is as much about the back end services as it is about the front end.

2014 is going to be another great year.  I am already putting together my speaking schedule, working on new material and projects and can't wait to see the new stuff from the other new and renewed MVPs.

Thanks to all of my supporters in the community! Especially those in Florida who I get to see on a regular basis.

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