Builder Spotlight - Sound AiSleep

Are you a non-technical founder or citizen developer with a brilliant app idea but unsure where to start? Coco and Lily, co-founders of Sound AI Asleep, were in the same boat just a year ago. Today, they share their journey of building a mobile app using the no-code platforms Xano and Thunkable, offering valuable insights and tips for those embarking on a similar path.

The Idea Behind Sound AI Asleep

Coco and Lily's inspiration for Sound AI Asleep stemmed from research indicating that a parent's voice is soothing for children, making it easier for them to fall asleep. With this insight, they envisioned creating an audiobook platform where parents could record stories in their own voice using AI voice cloning technology.

While the idea originated a few years ago, the technological limitations at the time made it challenging to implement on a large scale. However, with advancements in AI voice cloning, Coco and Lily revisited their idea and set out to bring it to life.

Getting Started: Advice for Non-Technical Founders

If you're a non-technical founder or citizen developer with a great app idea but limited coding experience, Coco and Lily have some valuable advice:

1. Don't be discouraged: When you first explore the cost of hiring a professional app developer, the price tag can be daunting. However, don't let this dishearten you from pursuing your idea.
2. Start somewhere: Begin by exploring online tutorials and testing out different platforms. Coco and Lily started with Thunkable for the front-end and initially used Google Sheets as a temporary back-end solution.
3. Learn by doing: Embrace a hands-on approach and be prepared to figure things out as you go. Coco and Lily relied heavily on online resources, documentation, and support from the Xano team to overcome challenges.
4. Keep it simple: Don't try to implement all your envisioned features at once. Start with a basic version of your app and build upon it incrementally.
5. Ask questions: Reach out to support teams and online communities for assistance when you encounter obstacles. Coco and Lily credit the Xano support team for their invaluable help throughout their journey.

Choosing Xano and Thunkable

After initially exploring the cost of hiring a professional app developer for their Minimum Viable Product (MVP), Coco and Lily turned to no-code solutions. They chose Thunkable for their front-end due to its affordability, features, and customizability.

For the back-end, they initially used Google Sheets but soon realized they needed a more dynamic solution. After receiving a recommendation, they decided to use Xano for its affordability, user-friendly interface, and simplicity.

Overcoming Challenges

One of the most significant challenges Coco and Lily faced was integrating their app with their AI voice partner's API. What should have been a five-minute process for an experienced developer took them nearly two months to accomplish.

They encountered difficulties with converting MP3 data to URLs and relied heavily on the Xano support team's assistance to resolve these issues. Coco and Lily emphasize that while tutorials can be helpful, each app is unique, and problem-solving often requires a hands-on approach.

Another hurdle they faced was connecting user voices to their respective profiles, ensuring that each user's recorded voice was correctly associated with their account.

Key Features of Sound AI Asleep

Sound AI Asleep is currently available on the Apple App Store, with an Android version planned for later this year. Upon downloading the app, users are guided through a simple onboarding process where they record their voice for approximately two minutes to create their unique voice clone.

Next, users can select any children's book from the app's library and create an audiobook narrated in their voice. The process takes around three to five minutes, after which the audiobook becomes available in the user's "My Books" section.

One notable feature is the ability to filter books based on themes, such as nature, adventure, or bravery, catering to parents' preferences for instilling specific values or interests in their children.

The App Store Journey

Coco and Lily's journey to the App Store was not without its challenges. They estimate receiving around 20 rejections from Apple, primarily due to concerns over the app's microphone functionality being present in a children's app.

Resolving this issue required clear communication that the microphone was intended for parental use and the implementation of additional safeguards, such as a parent gate.

Additionally, Coco and Lily learned the importance of publishing the correct app version, as they initially published the wrong version during their initial friends and family launch.

Future Developments and User Feedback

Sound AI Asleep is constantly evolving based on user feedback. Coco and Lily are exploring ways to enhance personalization, such as incorporating children's names or specific preferences into the stories.

They are also considering features that facilitate sharing within families, potentially allowing grandparents to record stories in their voices.

Improving the overall user experience and seamlessly integrating the app across platforms are other priorities on their roadmap.

To try Sound AI Asleep for free and provide feedback, users can download the app from the App Store and apply the promo code "FREEBOOK2024" on the promotions page. Alternatively, users can email Coco and Lily directly at info@soundasleep.com.

Conclusion

Coco and Lily's journey with Sound AI Asleep serves as an inspiration for non-technical founders and citizen developers alike. By embracing no-code platforms like Xano and Thunkable, leveraging online resources, and relying on support communities, they were able to turn their innovative idea into a reality.

As you embark on your own app development journey, remember to start small, learn by doing, and don't hesitate to seek help when needed. With perseverance and a willingness to adapt, you too can bring your app idea to fruition.