- Role: Full-Stack Developer (Solo)
- Technologies: React, Node.js, Java, React Native, Android Development, Digital Ocean, Digital Ocean Spaces, Content Acquisition Scripts
- Team Size: Solo Developer (except design)
- Industry: Educational Technology / Interactive Displays
- User Base: Educational Institutions, TouchIT Device Users
Overview
Developed a custom Android app store platform to solve a critical infrastructure gap for TouchIT LED displays that lacked Google Play Services. Built entirely solo, this comprehensive solution enables educational institutions and corporate environments to discover, download, and install Android APKs directly on their TouchIT interactive displays. The platform serves as both a web-based app store and native Android application, providing access to over 1,000 free, education-focused applications curated specifically for classroom and business use.
Key Responsibilities & Achievements
- Solved critical infrastructure gap by providing app distribution alternative to Google Play Services
- Curated 1,000+ free educational applications ensuring classroom appropriateness
- Built one-click installation process simplifying deployment for non-technical users
- Developed both Java (v1) and React Native (v2) versions for enhanced maintenance
- Established 24-hour app request response system for user-driven additions
Technical Implementation
The platform addresses the fundamental challenge of TouchIT LED displays lacking Google Play Services by providing an alternative app distribution method specifically tailored for educational and corporate interactive displays. The solution leverages a React frontend with Node.js backend, deployed on Digital Ocean infrastructure with Digital Ocean Spaces handling APK file storage and distribution. The web platform built with React enables administrators and users to browse, search, and manage applications through intuitive category-based navigation. The native Android applications (v1 in Java, v2 migrated to React Native) run directly on TouchIT LED displays, providing local access to the curated app ecosystem through communication with the Node.js API endpoints.
Impact & Results
- Solved critical infrastructure gap by providing app distribution alternative to Google Play Services for TouchIT LED displays
- Enabled educational technology adoption by making Android apps accessible in classroom environments without complex setup
- Curated 1,000+ educational applications ensuring content safety and classroom appropriateness
- Streamlined app installation through one-click deployment reducing technical barriers for educators
- Supported hardware ecosystem growth by making TouchIT LEDs more versatile and valuable for educational institutions
- Provided cost-effective solution offering entirely free app ecosystem with no licensing fees
- Enhanced classroom technology integration by ensuring all apps are tested and optimized for interactive displays
- Established rapid response system with 24-hour app addition process for user requests
Key Features Delivered
- Web-based app store - Browser-accessible platform for app discovery and management
- Native Android app store applications - v1 (Java) and v2 (React Native) for TouchIT LED displays
- 1,000+ curated applications - Free, education-focused app library
- Subject-based categorization - Organized app discovery by educational subjects
- One-click installation - Simplified APK deployment process
- App request system - User-driven app addition with 24-hour response time
- Content safety curation - Violence and gambling-free app verification
- User account management - Free registration with personalized collections
- Compatibility testing - Hardware-specific app validation for TouchIT LEDs
- Administrative dashboard - Store management and app approval workflows
- Automated content acquisition - Scalable processes for expanding the application catalog
- Digital Ocean Spaces storage - Secure CDN-distributed APK hosting and delivery
- Cross-platform evolution - Migration from Java (v1) to React Native (v2) for improved maintenance
- Educational standards compliance - Classroom-appropriate content verification
- Free app ecosystem - No licensing or subscription fees for any applications
Key Metrics
- Platform Type: Custom App Store - Alternative to Google Play Store
- App Catalog: 1,000+ Apps - Curated educational applications
- Content Acquisition: Automated - Scripted app discovery and cataloging
- Development Versions: Java + React Native - Multiple technology implementations
