Accounts

Q: What's the difference between a trial account and a normal account?
A: The trial account is a free account giving you the chance to try Tino before deciding to purchase any of the available options.  The trial account works exactly like a normal account in terms of functionality, however the apps created are Tino branded.  
A normal account lets you create non-branded apps.  Payment is based on the following models:                                                 
1. One off app                                       
2. Bundle of 10 apps in a year                                
3. Subscription of 10 apps per month                            
4. Subscription of unlimited apps per month

Compatibility

Q: What devices will my Tino apps be compatible with?
A: Tino has been optimized and tested on more than 1000 devices including Java, Symbian, Blackberry, Windows Mobile, and Linux phones but may not work across every individual device.  One reason people could encounter a device compatibility issue is the size of an application.  Application size will vary depending on the content of the application. Tino is currently working with all newer Nokia, Sony-Ericsson, Samsung, LG, HTC, Motorola, Blackberry, and Palm Treo phones as well as many other platforms and devices except the iPhone and Android.

See Development below for more information on app sizes

Q: Is it possible to create iPhone apps with Tino?
A: Not at the moment, but it will be soon! Keep an eye out for posted announcements in Tino news

Q: Is it possible to create Android apps with Tino?
A: Not at the moment, but it will be soon! Keep an eye out for posted announcements in Tino news

Development and build

Q: What PC browsers are supported by Tino?
A: At the moment Firefox and Internet Explorer 6, but we are working on extending this to all the commonly used browsers. The ideal browser to use if Firefox

Q: Do I need any special skills to create a Tino app?
A: Just a bit of creativity!  Once you’ve created all graphic and copy assets to be included in the app, you only need to upload them to your account using our easy to follow wizard.  Then the wizard will guide you through the creation process, step by step…no programming skills are required.

Q: Are there any restrictions on images I want to use in my Tino app?
A: Yes. The images have to be in PNG format but Tino automatically converts all images when uploaded

Currently, Tino accepts images up to 500 pixels in either direction.  However note that images larger than 220 pixels will be rescaled in the final app.  The size of the app depends mainly on the size of the images you include in it.  Hence, the lighter or more compressed your images are, the higher the probability your app will be compatible with lower end phones.

Q: Are there any restrictions on sound files I want to use in my Tino app?
A: Yes. The images have to be in AMRformat. There are many free file conversion softwares to download which can convert any sound file into AMR.

Sound files are limited to 2MB but we recommend that files are kept to a limit of 1MB to keep the size of the app for download at a minimum

If you are having difficulty with image/application size please contact the Tino team.

Q: Is it possible to update a previously published Tino app for a re-launch?
A: Yes.  All the apps you create will be saved in your profile. You can go back to change anything at any time to add content, text, links, etc.

Distribution

Q: How do I distribute my Tino apps?
A: It's easy to get your app onto phones.  The really unique thing about Tino is it generates one application that works on most JAVA enabled devices.  So no device database or device recognition is needed on your side when using Tino.  All you have to do is download from the link generated after publishing the TINO app.  The link can be distributed through any web or WAP page, a pull/push SMS or via a short code on any printed material.
If you need help with distribution planning, please don’t hesitate to contact the Tino team.

Q: Is it possible to use Bluetooth to distribute my Tino apps.
A: Yes, Tino is perfect for this!  Since you only get one file (the jar), all you have to do is download the file then upload it to your Bluetooth antenna/server. There is no need for device recognition as the file is compatible with most phones.

Q: How do I distribute my application?
A: There are several ways to distribute your application that include:
1.    Mobile web - Adding a link to download the application on a mobile website.
2.    SMS links - Sending out a SMS with a link to download the mobile application.
3.    App stores - Uploading and providing the application via app stores such as Getjar, Mobango, Nokia OVI, Blackberry Store etc.
4.    Bluetooth - Send the application to mobile devices using Bluetooth.
5.    Viral - Allow users to forward the mobile application to others direct.

Q: Which app stores support Tino apps?
A: Currently, the app stores we work with include:
•    Getjar
•    Mobango
•    Mobile9
•    MobileRated
•    Vodafone Betavine
•    Mobile24
Also supported are the following, which require signing and Java Verified Certification--
•    Nokia OVI
•    Blackberry World
•    Samsung
•    Orange World
•    O2 Litmus