Insights, updates, and stories from Bill Vivino Technology.
I work with non-technical startup founders using Cursor, Replit, or Windsurf to co-develop software. By reviewing, editing, and validating their changes in real-time—then syncing those updates back into the repo—I keep momentum high and timelines short. It’s like pair programming across a skill gap.
How we helped a funded founder launch a creator-focused iOS social app using Firebase, SwiftUI, and custom media caching. Real-time feeds, video playback, and a companion analytics dashboard—all in under 6 months.
Debugging isn’t about guessing—it’s detective work. Learn why I always begin with a fixed, three‑hour discovery sprint and how that model keeps your budget safe while giving me the space to uncover the real culprit in your code.
Forget the hype: AI can’t refactor your legacy codebase or untangle years of tech‑debt without a seasoned engineer at the helm. In this piece I break down why “hands‑off” coding is a myth, how to Marie Kondo your codebase, and why interviews that hinge on LeetCode still miss the point.
One critical question I encourage my clients to think about is the long-term vision. Many people imagine app development as a fixed-cost, one-time event—like purchasing a piece of machinery. You pay once, and you’re done. Unfortunately, it doesn’t quite work that way.
Think about your competition. You’re up against industry giants like Meta, TikTok, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter). These companies employ hundreds—or even thousands—of the most talented people full-time, year-round, continually refining and improving their platforms. They spend millions annually just maintaining their apps, innovating new features, and keeping users engaged.
You’re right—you probably don’t have a multi-million dollar budget. But you might someday, provided you plan strategically. Here are three essential considerations to help you think about your app development journey:
As cliché as it sounds, the honest answer is: “It depends.”
Typically, the most basic MVP apps begin around the $5,000–$10,000 range. However, the realistic range for a robust MVP tends to be closer to $25,000–$50,000.
Not at all. App development is costly primarily due to the extensive human expertise and hours required. The polished apps you see today seem effortless but involve tremendous engineering skill, creativity, planning, testing, and ongoing refinement.
I’ve recently had multiple clients who’ve relied on AI-powered “no-code” or “low-code” solutions and ended up needing substantial additional development support. AI tools, while promising, currently only excel at generating baseline code, initial designs, or suggestions for troubleshooting and new features. They often fall short when building complex, customized apps from scratch.
This doesn’t mean AI has no place—quite the opposite. We frequently use AI during development to enhance productivity, generate ideas, and streamline debugging. Still, human creativity, judgment, and experience remain indispensable.
When budgeting your app development project, think long-term, be realistic about initial costs, and plan for ongoing investments. Whether you’re developing a simple productivity app or aiming for a social media breakthrough, careful budgeting and clear strategies for development, launch, and growth are key.
Ready to discuss your app idea and budget in more detail? Drop me a message, and let’s talk about your goals!
In 2022 I joined NASA’s WeatherSats AR project when the app was roughly halfway complete.
My first responsibility was to ensure the satellite AR models functioned correctly within the application. I also implemented several user‑interface updates to improve the overall experience.
The build I inherited contained numerous bugs. I spent significant time tracing issues—especially in the scene‑loader logic—and fixing defects to make the app production‑ready.
WeatherSats AR is built in Unity and written in C#. Unity’s cross‑platform workflow let us target both iOS and Android from the same project.
Since that engagement I’ve taken on additional Unity contracts, working on AR experiences and video‑game projects that required custom algorithm work. I enjoy creating cross‑platform apps in Unity and look forward to future challenges.
Hi! My name is Bill Vivino, and I'd like to help you develop your project from its initial ideas to completion. With extensive experience in Unity, mobile development, and API integrations, I'm here to turn your vision into reality.
I currently work as a contract Unity and C# developer on an interactive app for the NASA Visitor Center. Additionally, I co-founded an iOS game startup with one of my clients, debuting our first app on the App Store. Beyond these roles, I maintain several freelance engagements, developing high-quality mobile applications tailored to the needs of small-sized businesses.
I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from Rutgers University. I recently began my journey as a freelance contract software developer, driven by a renewed passion for creating impactful digital experiences.
My comeback journey started by developing an app tailored specifically for craft beer enthusiasts. I then successfully ported a Unity-based Lego game from PC to iOS. These initial projects opened doors, leading me to collaborate with multiple clients on Upwork, expanding my portfolio, and refining my skills further.
My substantial experience in Unity/C# game development, combined with extensive iOS app development skills, directly contributed to my current role working with AMC NASA. I'm continuously seeking opportunities to expand my horizons and deliver high-quality solutions tailored to my clients' needs.
Throughout my career, I've gained significant experience working with popular APIs and frameworks, including:
Additionally, I have extensive firsthand experience guiding apps through Apple's rigorous App Store review process. My expertise ensures your apps smoothly transition from beta (using Apple's TestFlight) into live production in a timely and efficient manner.
I'm committed to helping your project succeed and would love the opportunity to learn more about your goals. Please feel free to explore my app portfolio for links to completed projects on the App Store and beta versions available via TestFlight.
Ready to discuss your project in detail? I'm happy to offer a free 30-minute Zoom call to discuss how I can assist you in achieving your vision.
Let's build something great together!