Dominic Maas

About Me

Hi, my name is Dominic Maas. I'm a student, intern and aspiring software developer that lives at the bottom of the world in New Zealand. I've created many small things in my spare time such as simple social networks, small games, websites, apps and more.

I currently work part-time at INEX as an intern. At INEX I develop apps that increase productivity by decreasing the amount of time it takes to complete tasks, and by simplifying the process. An example of this is a ticket scanner app for LOB Windows 10 Mobile phones which scans items that are waiting to be shipped so everything can be kept in order.

I also develop apps and services in my own time under the Grid Entertainment brand. Currently there are only two apps published under this brand, XKCD Explorer (XKCD Client for Windows 10) and SoundByte (SoundCloud & Fanburst Client for Windows 10 + Xbox One).

I'm also now starting to work with other companies to implement their services into Windows 10 apps.

May

2017

Release of SoundByte v2

On the 5th of May 2017 at 9:18am SoundByte v2 (Build #133) was released to over 700 active users across the Windows 10 and Xbox platforms.

This version of SoundByte brought many improvemepts to the app design and stablity. A new fluent based UI was introduced, beating any other SoundCloud app. This new design focused around improved user navigation and app expirence. Xbox One support was further increased, allowing hundreds of users to listen to music in the background and play games at the same time.

Project Aurora Development Begins

Project Aurora is a crossplatform app that aims to simplify text messaging by using the power of the Cloud. For example texting your friends on your Windows 10 PC, via Android, or texting on your iPhone via a Windows Phone. This project is currently under active development and will require the following components:

  • Microsoft Azure Backend Service
  • Microsoft Azure Push Notification Service
  • SQL Database
  • Android App (Xamarin.Android)
  • iOS App (Xamarin.iOS)
  • Windows 10 App (Native UWP)

January

SoundByte Released on Xbox

SoundByte was officially released for Xbox on the 22nd of January 2017. This newly controller optomized user interface greatly increased user engagement and expirence while using SoundByte.

While developing for Xbox I learnt a lot about memory management (due to strict background memory requirements), the '10 foot expirence' and controller navigation.

December

2016

NCEA Level 2 Endorsed with Merit

Cup for Excellence in Senior Information Management

First in Level 2 Digital Technology

Distinction in Level 2 Physics & Mathematics

Commendation in Level 2 Geography & Accounting

July

SoundByte Preview Released

SoundByte was my second app to be released on the Windows Store. At this point development was almost complete, and I released the app under preview in order to fix the final bugs. Overall reception of the app was really good, with a 4.5-5 star rating.

As the usage of SoundByte grew, I encounted a few scaling issues.

XKCD Explorer Released

XKCD Exploreer was my first app published to the Windows Store, and the first time I had released a fully finished product to the public.

This app allowed the user to view XKCD comics with a simple and easy to use app for both Windows 10 and Windows 10 Mobile. Extended features include saving comics to the local device, and recieving notifications when a new comic is posted.

Image of XKCD app for Windows 10 and Windows 10 Mobile

May

XKCD Explorer Development Starts

I started to develop an XKCD client for Windows 10 and Windows 10 Mobile while taking a break from SoundByte development.

April

App Development at INEX

Part-time internship at INEX developing apps to increase productivity and efficiency in the workplace.

December

2015

NCEA Level 1 Endorsed with Merit

First in Level 1 Digital Technology

..

Started working at INEX

Part-time painter/cleaner during the summer holidays.

November

SoundByte Development Starts

My first real product intended to be used by the general public. SoundByte was orginally designed for Windows 10 Mobile, but quickly scaled up to support desktop users after a few months of development.

This was my first starting point developing using C# and XAML, and first time publishing anything to the Windows Store.

...

And More...