iphone_bb_devI recently joined the iPhone Developer Program.  I figured that instead of whining about things which I couldn’t do with my phone, I’d do something about it.  (Alright… I still whine from time to time.)  Yes, it’s official — I’ve officially sworn off jailbreaking my phone.  I now have a legitimate way to add functionality, which is all I wanted in the first place!

Well, I just got word this morning that my first iPhone application is being reviewed in Apple’s approval process.  The app I have written is a stand alone application for the popular Student course content system, Blackboard.

While the program will hold no official licensure from Blackboard, Inc.  It will allow your phone to serve up their content in a more managable format for the iPhone.  Though Blackboard isn’t backing my application, I did mention the idea to a few of my colleagies on their development team, and they all agreed they welcome my willingness to take on the challenge.

Basically, my application, (which is tentatively titled ‘iBoard’ to avoid trademark issues with Bb), is a content browser that has more robust features than are allowed by the iPhone’s ‘Safari’ browser.  You’ll be able to participate in discussion threads with a view akin to text-messaging.  You’ll also be able to view video and audio content by taking advantage of the iPhone’s iTunes conduit.  I’m hopeful that this is a path toward the solution that thousands of Blackboard students all over the world have been waiting for.

From what I understand, Apple’s approval process can be a bit rigorous.  It’s likely that the application may initially be declined and I’ll be sent back to the drawing board… but for now I remain hopeful.  Im excited, and will keep you filled in on the details!