I don't know if this question has already been answered. In my IOS/Android app, I wanted to monitor a URL for updates (for example, UPS Tracking). I would like to know if I'm using a API for tracking parcels, and even if the provider says that they don't support Push Notification, is there any other way for my app to enable Push Notifications? All I need is get notified by APN or Android Push notification when there is a change in the package status even if the provider doesn't support it.
Also, is this possible with Urban Airship?
Thanks.
If I understand your question correctly, I think the recommended solution is to use a service to periodically check the URL for updates and if the status has changed, push a notification to the user from your service.
Ideally, you will need to build your own backend server to sendout notifications using Googles C2DM service: http://code.google.com/android/c2dm/index.html
I'd assume you'd send the paracel ID to your server, capture it, then check for updates periodically. Then, once the status has changed, leverage C2DM and push out the notification to your client.
If you choose to have a service on the device check for this, I'd be cautious - you can easily chew up a lot of expensive data transfer, for not a lot of value.
