IMPORTANT: HUGE update to AndroidForums.com

[steve]

Attached is a new build, not public yet... going to post later if I get some good test results here!

New app update today just crashes. Reinstall does not help. On a V20 stock.

If this version still crashes, let me know if you can get your support id from settings.

Steve thanks for the KK love.
Making progress with this update but still having issues. I can open the app, log in and see content without it FC'ing now. However when I select "My Stuff" it FC's and after that it will constantly FC until I clear data and start all over. Also, according to the Play Store screenshots the column headers should be Timeline, Channels, and My Stuff. I'm seeing Forums, Timeline, My Stuff, and what's under Forums is exactly the same as what was under Channels in the Channels app. If I select any topic under the Forums header it FC's although I can restart the app after that without clearing data.
The content I was able to see looked the same as what I was getting under Channels, no access to any other forums including what I'm subscribed to through AF as far as I can tell. If that's right, it's isn't good. Hope this is all temporary and transitional.
Again thanks for your ongoing efforts, I think we're getting there-

I have tested this build on all my kitkat devices and fixed a few remaining issues... if this doesn't work...well, it better lol.

I don't know how large @stevealbright's punchlist is, but the Google Opinion Rewards app no longer uses this icon.

I assume you have a library of images for the apps.

The device uses the installed apps icon, the web uses a cached image we scrape. We will eventually update this to auto pull based on app updates. I will make a note to update this particular icon.

Regarding font size, I made the My Stuff tab text larger... temp fix for now until I improve the layouts and add a font setting

 

[Fox Mulder]

Tried the update. At least I can get into My Stuff and Settings without FC. However, still get FC when selecting anything under the Forums header (some of those did open before). Also what's listed there is exactly the same as what I'd see under Channels, is it supposed to be like that? So far to me I don't see any significant difference between this app and Channels.
Thanks for not giving up-

 

[PitCarver]

FC also, on forums. Reverts back to timeline.

 

[IHateMyTreo]

Thank you, Steve. Improved by 80%. I can open the app. I can look at My Stuff (there's only one item there and not sure if that's correct) without FC. I can look at Timeline items without FC. I can see the list in Forums without FC. I can open one of my Forums (for the V20) and browse threads without a FC. But opening the T-MOBILE forum causes a FC. BTW, when I could get into the T-Mobile forum (before app updates), it was empty.

Support ID b9cd0ed66db72247

 

[Thom]

Latest version ... Droid Turbo 2 ... the Verizon Wireless forum in Forums has one thread. I think this is the way it always was but would not swear to it.

... Thom

 

[Slug]

What device are you currently using that you see "My Device".

Sony Xperia XZ. It was correctly ID'd by the app during installation but all I'm seeing is "My Device" when I open the app.

 

[andMego]

LG Volt still isn't connecting to the main LG Volt forum, and someone is trying to get help, but no one uses this.

 

[PitCarver]

Tried the update. At least I can get into My Stuff and Settings without FC. However, still get FC when selecting anything under the Forums header (some of those did open before). Also what's listed there is exactly the same as what I'd see under Channels, is it supposed to be like that? So far to me I don't see any significant difference between this app and Channels.
Thanks for not giving up-

I'm going to ask a REALLY stupid question, but what exactly is supposed to be in "My Stuff"?

 

[dontpanicbobby]

I guess My Stuff hasn't reached the mobile experience yet. I'm still seeing My Posts in Chrome on my HTC 10.

 

[Thom]

what exactly is supposed to be in "My Stuff"?

It seems to be threads I started that reside in the device area recognized as being the device area for the device I am using to access the app.

... Thom

 

[Xyro]

I'm curious if there are any plans to have the rest of the forum show up in this new app. If you're imagining that this app was someone's primary means to access this forum, then as things stand, the majority of the forum is invisible to them.

 

[Member243850]

THANK YOU!

Our members and community are what have made Android Forums successful for almost a full decade now. We're confident that with your help, we've got another - even MORE exciting - decade ahead of us. Thanks for all your help getting to this point and thank you for your continued support. It means the world to us!

Since we have worked so hard to help you Emperor Robby build your empire....your humble slaves have only one question to ask you...

WHERE'S MY REWARD!?!

 

[Fox Mulder]

I guess My Stuff hasn't reached the mobile experience yet. I'm still seeing My Posts in Chrome on my HTC 10.

All I see in there is one single thread I started in the forum for my phone, two years ago. That's it.

 

[Fox Mulder]

So I tried reinstalling Channels to see what would happen. The two apps are almost entirely identical, except the Forums app has a heading called Forums and in Channels it's called Channels. But what shows up there is exactly the same, it's my device, my carrier, then the list of apps on my phone. Same behavior as well, I can open the first two but if I select any of the apps it FC's. In Channels under My Stuff I don't see that old thread for my phone that shows up in the same place in Forums.
So I have no idea what's going on here, or if I'm seeing what I'm supposed to be seeing in the new app.

 

[codesplice]

So I tried reinstalling Channels to see what would happen. The two apps are almost entirely identical, except the Forums app has a heading called Forums and in Channels it's called Channels. But what shows up there is exactly the same, it's my device, my carrier, then the list of apps on my phone. Same behavior as well, I can open the first two but if I select any of the apps it FC's. In Channels under My Stuff I don't see that old thread for my phone that shows up in the same place in Forums.
So I have no idea what's going on here, or if I'm seeing what I'm supposed to be seeing in the new app.

My understanding (from what was mentioned earlier in this thread) is that Channels was essentially the beta, while Forums is the new official release. So that would explain why the experience is pretty much the same.

 

[Unforgiven]

My understanding (from what was mentioned earlier in this thread) is that Channels was essentially the beta, while Forums is the new official release. So that would explain why the experience is pretty much the same.

And they will try new things in the Channels app to see if they stick.

 

[Fox Mulder]

My understanding (from what was mentioned earlier in this thread) is that Channels was essentially the beta, while Forums is the new official release. So that would explain why the experience is pretty much the same.

If that's the case then why is Channels still a separate app, plus it got an update 2 days ago?
I understand this is a work in progress, but now that Steve has fixed enough things that the app is at least functional for me (thanks Steve please keep it up) I can see it's currently worthless for accessing the forums.
Right now the device forums are inaccessible outside of being logged in through a browser and it doesn't look like anyone is posting in them. No access to those forums from Tapatalk any more either.
Reviews in the Play Store aren't looking good. This is driving people away, I hope this gets straightened out soon so the community can continue to function as it always has.

 

[Phases]

There are clearly some dots still to connect. Agreed. All of which are currently being worked on

I do believe the channels beta app is through with unless we were to decide to alter our path.

Tapatalk I don't really want to address right now but that's not a priority for us.

Appreciate everyone working with Steve to iron things out, hang in there!

 

[Fox Mulder]

Thanks for the update.
Right now Tapatalk is how I am using the forums on my phone since the app isn't really usable and a browser is somewhat of a nuisance on a 5" screen. So I do hope it continues to be supported and maybe gets back access to those now-missing forums.

 

[psionandy]

There are clearly some dots still to connect. Agreed. All of which are currently being worked on

Tapatalk I don't really want to address right now but that's not a priority for us.

Not sure what the 'behind the scenes' story with tapatalk is.... but if tapatalk support was to disappear completely... then I'd have to start looking around for a new 'android home'

Anyway, I'm waiting for the new future with my glass half full, fingers crossed, and lots of goodwill to flow in your direction.

 

[andMego]

When viewing the LG Volt forum from the Forums app, you should see the threads here: http://androidforums.com/devices/lg-volt.2766/

I am not sure how you are seeing 2-year-old threads since it should receive threads and posts sorted by most recent. I have a few FC's reported, please allow us to get those all fixed but please feel free to elaborate on how and when it FC's in case it is something that I am not currently aware of.

When you say most threads and posts wouldn't show up... do you mean that you can not see the same threads that you see on the website? If so, we are aware of this limitation and we will soon fill this disconnected between app and site. If you mean something else, let me know... Thanks!

I figured it out, the app is wrongly identifying the phone as the LG F90 instead of the LG Volt, so it's using http://androidforums.com/devices/lg-f90.2120/. would merging these two forums (the F90 and the Volt) be the simplest way to fix this?

 

[steve]

Not sure what the 'behind the scenes' story with tapatalk is.... but if tapatalk support was to disappear completely... then I'd have to start looking around for a new 'android home'

Anyway, I'm waiting for the new future with my glass half full, fingers crossed, and lots of goodwill to flow in your direction.

Tapatalk behind the scenes is sort of like this... You pay them lots of money, they give you an app and promises. App needs updated?... you are in the back of the line of higher paying customers. You try to get support, it takes forever for them to get back to you and they give you the wrong, outdated app. Then repeat over and over until you pay more money.

Whether or not Tapatalk will be phased out or not is not up to me but I HOPE that we get rid of that mess. We all thank you for giving us the half-full and I have a feeling that you will be in love with the new site soon coming. Once we finalize the website update and connect the dots with the mobile app, I am sure you will love it too!

I figured it out, the app is wrongly identifying the phone as the LG F90 instead of the LG Volt, so it's using http://androidforums.com/devices/lg-f90.2120/. would merging these two forums (the F90 and the Volt) be the simplest way to fix this?

We currently have and device with model my70ds and a device with model x5 in one merged "LG F90" channel. I have to research more but does your phone list any of those two in settings somewhere?


I saw some chat about what is the difference between Channels and Forums. Forums is basically Channels with the term 'channels' as 'forums'. I know... genius! lol. Right now it's kind of odd but I would look at it like this... Channels and Forums will eventually be two products with the same core code and both connect to AndroidForums.com. We may explore some off-beat UI/UX or features in Channels. Forums I see connecting the dots with the current AF community and it soon becoming a full featured TT replacement. Channels would be more for the average Android user that is looking for help. Forums would be more for the hardcore @Rob groupie. ....or that @Phases stalker.

I love the feedback and help testing! We know that it does not do everything TT does or did, and that upsets some of you... or most of you involved with this thread. Your feedback is heard and we will be working hard to finalize all of these loose ends.

I will be posting another build today after I finalize some bugs mentioned above.

 

[andMego]

We currently have and device with model my70ds and a device with model x5 in one merged "LG F90" channel. I have to research more but does your phone list any of those two in settings somewhere?

Yes I have x5 in settings. http://phandroid.com/2014/05/12/lg-volt-boost-virgin-mobile/

 

[psionandy]

Tapatalk behind the scenes is sort of like this... You pay them lots of money, they give you an app and promises. App needs updated?... you are in the back of the line of higher paying customers. You try to get support, it takes forever for them to get back to you and they give you the wrong, outdated app. Then repeat over and over until you pay more money.

Whether or not Tapatalk will be phased out or not is not up to me but I HOPE that we get rid of that mess. We all thank you for giving us the half-full and I have a feeling that you will be in love with the new site soon coming. Once we finalize the website update and connect the dots with the mobile app, I am sure you will love it too!

.

Thanks for the update... looking at the Tapatalk situation from the outside (in a position of complete ignorance) that was going to be my guess.... and while I have a LOT of ideas about how a forum should be run... the truth is that I've never run a forum... and I don't have access to any of the numbers that you need to see how to run a (hopefully) successful site like Androidforums. On the other hand, you guys have access to the visitor stats, ad revenue, running costs and so on. I'm more than willing to believe that a change to the backend, of how the site is run (thats pretty much invisible to users) may dramatically change your spreadsheet numbers, and major differences in the viability of the forum.

I'm also (again speaking from the outside) really impressed that you aren't taking the approach of 'Lets leave it as it is forever' and watch it slowly fade away .... as that's not the way to run anything at all. And I hope that the full update is going to be as exciting (and awesome) as I'm hoping.

From the outside though, at the moment,
Tapatak + Androidforums = Happy Psionandy.
I know that's your NOT your big concern (and if it was, I'd think you were nuts!)

Hopefully that will change to Forums + Android Forums = Happy Psionandy, but if not there are other things for me to do, and by looking at the numbers I'm sure you'll keep working to make sure the number of Happy Users increases. Don't let me rain on your Parade... I can see why this is going to be great for loooooooooots of people who need help with their android devices.

 

[Fox Mulder]

As long as we end up with the same level of direct forum access without it becoming too social-media oriented, I'd find it acceptable. Right now it's far away from that. The "channels" concept doesn't work for a true forum app.
Those of us who use TT for multiple forums would of course be happier to keep our one-stop shopping but if that ultimately isn't going to happen we need a product that is functionally equivalent.
Anyway, waiting for that next update Steve-