· Dev Log · 4 min read
Building a Cross-Platform App for Drivers Traveling Together
KONVOY is a cross-platform app designed to keep drivers connected on the road. Follow our devlog as we explore VOIP, map navigation with Mapbox, and CarPlay integration, all built with Flutter’s powerful toolkit.
Welcome to the first post in a series documenting the development of KONVOY, an app designed to help drivers communicate, coordinate, and navigate together in real-time. We’re creating KONVOY for car enthusiasts, rally participants, and overlanders who want to stay connected with their convoy on the road. Today, I’ll walk you through the starting line for KONVOY and some of the challenges we’ll tackle along the way.
Building with Flutter: A Cross-Platform Powerhouse
We’re developing KONVOY in Flutter, a fantastic cross-platform framework from Google that allows us to create a seamless experience on both iOS and Android from a single codebase. Having used Flutter for over five years, I’ve had the privilege of building over 20 apps for brands of all sizes. The framework’s flexibility and cross-platform capabilities make it ideal for KONVOY, allowing us to focus on building features that will connect drivers across various devices.
I also co-organize the Flutter Atlanta meetup, where we share ideas, tips, and insights with fellow Flutter developers. This project, KONVOY, is especially exciting because it combines Flutter’s versatility with the challenging task of real-time connectivity for a unique user experience.
Laying the Foundation: Project Setup and Structure
We’re kicking off with a template I’ve built for streamlined project setup. This template includes out-of-the-box solutions for essential functionalities like authentication, navigation, and dependency injection. By starting with this structure, we can focus on refining the core features of KONVOY while keeping the technical foundations solid and efficient. This setup allows us to quickly experiment and iterate without reinventing the wheel on foundational elements.
Solving Unique Challenges: Key Proof of Concepts (POCs)
Every app presents new challenges, and KONVOY is no exception. To make KONVOY truly useful, we need a few key functionalities that require experimentation. We’ve identified three main proof of concepts (POCs) to tackle early on. Completing these will help us confirm that our envisioned features are feasible and identify any limitations upfront.
POC 1: VOIP for Real-Time Voice Chat
Our first major POC is a VOIP-like system for in-app voice communication. Voice chat between drivers is central to KONVOY’s real-time, hands-free experience. We’re exploring options with Stream’s Audio Room SDK, which provides a promising solution for low-latency audio. This POC will help us discover any limitations and ensure that the feature delivers clear, reliable communication while driving.
POC 2: Mapbox for Route Planning and Navigation
Maps are another key part of KONVOY, enabling users to share routes, add multiple stops, and even include off-road trails. I’ve previously used Google Maps in various projects, but for KONVOY, we’re leaning towards Mapbox due to its advanced customization and GL capabilities. We’ll explore Mapbox’s route-planning tools to ensure we can create an intuitive, visually appealing map UI that works seamlessly for convoy navigation.
POC 3: CarPlay and Android Auto Integration
One of the most exciting POCs is the integration with CarPlay and Android Auto, which will enhance the KONVOY experience for users with compatible vehicles. I’ve never developed for CarPlay or Android Auto, so this is an uncharted area for me and an exciting challenge. Not every car supports these platforms, but adding this capability could elevate KONVOY by offering a premium, hands-free experience for vehicles equipped with this technology. While we may not include this in the MVP depending on its complexity, this POC is a valuable exploration.
The Road Ahead: Building the KONVOY MVP
Once we complete these three POCs, we’ll have the foundation of KONVOY’s core features. At that point, the remaining pieces of the app are functionalities we’ve built in previous projects, allowing us to leverage our past experience and focus on polishing the user experience.
If KONVOY sounds like something you’d want on your next road adventure, join our waitlist! Sign up to stay updated on our progress, and don’t forget to share with friends who would love to ride along.
Stay tuned for more updates as we keep you in the loop on our journey to build KONVOY!
