Mobile App Developer Needed for Retro Messaging App (Flutter or React Native)

Project Overview: I’m building a nostalgic instant messenger app called Ping, inspired by early 2000s messaging apps (AIM-style) but with modern UI and features. All branding, logos, and UI screens are already designed. I need a developer to build the MVP version of the app. Tech Requirements: • Flutter or React Native • Firebase (Auth, Firestore, Storage, Notifications) • Real-time messaging experience • Clean UI implementation • Ability to deliver weekly updates/builds MVP Features Needed: • User signup/login (Firebase Auth) • Add friend / accept friend requests • Buddy list with online/offline presence • Real-time one-to-one chat (Firestore) • Typing indicators • Message timestamps & read indicators • Away/status messages • Simple avatar picker • Notifications (new message + “friend is online”) • Basic theme selector (light/dark/neon) • Settings page You’ll Receive: • Full design system • All screens (Figma or PNG) • Branding + color palette • Icon assets • A clearly defined MVP scope Deliverables: • Fully functional mobile app (iOS + Android) • Firebase backend configured • Weekly progress builds • Clean, well-structured code • Help publishing the first test build (TestFlight/Android) Budget: $3,500 (fixed price) To Apply (Required): Please include: 1. Links to mobile apps you’ve built (especially chat apps) 2. Your experience with Firebase 3. Whether you prefer Flutter or React Native 4. Your estimated timeline for the MVP 5. One sentence explaining how you handle real-time chat performance Long-term work is possible after MVP (themes, avatar upgrades, social features, etc.) Apply tot his job