Server News - cordova-fetch, Android, Security Updates

We made several updates to the VoltBuilder Servers over the weekend.

1. cordova-fetch updated to 3.0.1. This module is used internally by VoltBuilder as part of Cordova. Read Cordova’s blog post.
2. Android SDKs and build tools: updated to the latest versions.
3. Security updates: MacOS Operating system updates applied.

You don’t need to make any changes to your project to use the updates: all VoltBuilder jobs are now processed using them.

VoltBuilder Updates

Using a build service like VoltBuilder can a big time saver. We take care of keeping the complex toolchains used by Cordova up to date and in sync. For more information, read this white paper: Why use a Build Service?

VoltBuilder is committed to keeping its toolchains up to the latest versions at all times.

What VoltBuilder Does

VoltBuilder is a replacement for PhoneGap Build. It builds native executables (.apk and .ipa) for Android and iOS from web apps. These executables can be augmented with native code plugins which extend capabilities far beyond what is possible in Web Apps and PWAs.

It works as a web service. Zip your project, upload to VoltBuilder, and download executables for Android or iOS.

We were users of PhoneGap Build long before they became part of Adobe. One by one, the friends we made at Nitobi drifted away and PhoneGap itself withered. We realized we and our customers were going to have a big problem unless something was done.

In designing VoltBuilder, we had the advantage of starting with a clean slate. We were able to simplify and speed up the workflow. We also kept it framework neutral: VoltBuilder does not use any other AppStudio products, nor does it restrict the use of other frameworks. There is nothing to install.

About Us

We started in 1993 at the introduction of the Newton to fill the need for easier to use development tools. Our first product, NS Basic/Newton, was a success. When the Newton was cancelled, we introduced NS Basic/Palm. It also did well, so we added NS Basic/CE.

In 2010, we realized that JavaScript on mobile devices was getting fast. Web pages in those days used a bit of JavaScript to augment the page: Could we flip things around and make JavaScript the core of web pages, driving the HTML and CSS? That resulted in AppStudio, targeting iOS and Android. It now has thousands of users in over 80 countries. More than 2 million students have learned how to program using it.

The same core group of developers has been at work on AppStudio for many years. We enjoy what we’re doing - we’ve built a loyal base of customers by treating them fairly and providing great support.

How to Get Started

Visit https://volt.build for more information, to sign up and get started. You can use the Free plan for limited testing, or sign up for a trial of the Indy or Pro plans. The first 15 days are free: you can cancel at any time.

If you’re coming from PhoneGap, there is a PhoneGap Migration Guide. You can also use the tutorial.

There is also a one minute video, showing you how to submit your app and download the result.