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A NeoGAF iPhone Web App

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mrkgoo said:
How is it more productive? Waiting for Apple to approve the apps? Having users have to update?

With a webapp, it's live as soon as ckohler releases it, and EVERYONE gets it straightaway.

What benefits would being 'native' give it? I guess, perhaps no need to have a site to host it, but as it is, the experience is pretty much seamless.
Click to expand...

I agree 100%. The only thing missing is that when you visit Neogaf.com (via Mobile) this mobile version of Gaf is what you see. This should be part of the neogaf.com domain.
 
SimleuqiR said:
I agree 100%. The only thing missing is that when you visit Neogaf.com (via Mobile) this mobile version of Gaf is what you see. This should be part of the neogaf.com domain.
Click to expand...
I second this motion!
 
ckohler said:
Update:
Version 2.5 is now live. Feature explosion.

NEW FEATURES
  • Send and reply to private messages (logins only)
  • Delete private messages from your inbox
  • Subscribe to threads (logins only)
  • Manage your subscribed threads (delete or change notification type)
  • List of subscribed threads can now span multiple pages
  • View Member Profiles (logins only)
  • Code: 
     tag support added including tap-to-view
[*][code] button added to built-in editor
[*] tag support added
[*]Searches can now return multiple pages
[*]Search result links highlight terms in thread
[*]Post titles now displayed
[*]Post edited details now displayed
[*]Links to single posts now supported
[/list]

[b]BUG FIXES[/b]
[list]
[*]Removed skip to last post option (never worked)
[*]Online Gaming Forum ID detection corrected
[*]Better locked thread detection
[*]List spacing improved
[*]Hidden image buttons smaller, inline
[*]Quotes no longer highlighted when logged out
[*]Search results no longer incorrectly display login status
[*]Last vestiges of slow code removed
[*]Error smiley reinstated
[/list][/QUOTE]

ckohler ~
Thanks much for this app.  Works perfectly on the MyTouch. :D
Click to expand...
 
ckohler said:
Update:
Version 2.5 is now live. Feature explosion.

NEW FEATURES
  • Send and reply to private messages (logins only)
  • Delete private messages from your inbox
  • Subscribe to threads (logins only)
  • Manage your subscribed threads (delete or change notification type)
  • List of subscribed threads can now span multiple pages
  • View Member Profiles (logins only)
  • Code: 
     tag support added including tap-to-view
[*][code] button added to built-in editor
[*] tag support added
[*]Searches can now return multiple pages
[*]Search result links highlight terms in thread
[*]Post titles now displayed
[*]Post edited details now displayed
[*]Links to single posts now supported
[/list]

[b]BUG FIXES[/b]
[list]
[*]Removed skip to last post option (never worked)
[*]Online Gaming Forum ID detection corrected
[*]Better locked thread detection
[*]List spacing improved
[*]Hidden image buttons smaller, inline
[*]Quotes no longer highlighted when logged out
[*]Search results no longer incorrectly display login status
[*]Last vestiges of slow code removed
[*]Error smiley reinstated
[/list][/QUOTE]

Everything has worked perfectly since you fixed the bug. You are a gentleman and a gentleman and a scholar.
Click to expand...
 
I'm curious what you guys think about the Subscribed Threads list. At the last minute, I opted to include the " > " arrow. Before, it had only the checkbox and tapping on the thread name would always take you to the last page. This was less cluttered with more space for the text but behaved differently from every other screen. Which would you prefer?
 
ckohler said:
I'm curious what you guys think about the Subscribed Threads list. At the last minute, I opted to include the " > " arrow. Before, it had only the checkbox and tapping on the thread name would always take you to the last page. This was less cluttered with more space for the text but behaved differently from every other screen. Which would you prefer?
Click to expand...


my two cents. I prefer the consistency of keeping the arrow in the subscribed threads list.

If clicking the thread title does different things in different areas, then I think that’s a bit more potentially confusing.

Despite the fact that there’s less need to go to page 1 of a subscribed thread vs. a new thread.
 
Feature request: how about making it so when you add the GAF icon to your home screen, the GAF webapp behaves like a native app? Fever does this, and I'm sure there are other examples I don't know.

When you browse to the site normally in Safari, it shows it like any other normal site. However when the home screen icon is used, the URL bar and browser buttons aren't available and it goes full-screen all the time.

I particularly like this because it's annoying to hit the home screen icon and then watch Safari create a new tab just to go to the site.

Edit: Google Wave does this too: http://www.theiphoneblog.com/2009/10/14/quick-webapp-update-google-wave-full-screen-iphone/. I can't find specifics on how it's done, but I assume it's just a meta tag.

Edit 2: I think this is it, and it's definitely just a meta tag: http://developer.apple.com/safari/l...eference/SafariHTMLRef/Articles/MetaTags.html
 
For that to work, the web app can't load any other page or it opens Safari. You have to load everything using javascript. So, the entire thing would have to be rewritten to only make javascript calls. That could also make it less compatible with non-safari browsers.
 
ckohler said:
I'm curious what you guys think about the Subscribed Threads list. At the last minute, I opted to include the " > " arrow. Before, it had only the checkbox and tapping on the thread name would always take you to the last page. This was less cluttered with more space for the text but behaved differently from every other screen. Which would you prefer?
Click to expand...
I agree with LCfiner but you should also consider moving the check box to the left
 
I don't even know how to subscribe to threads on the regular neogaf.com (without posting in the thread, that is). Thanks for this!
 
Dez said:
I don't even know how to subscribe to threads on the regular neogaf.com (without posting in the thread, that is). Thanks for this!
Click to expand...

At the top of every page of a thread, click Thread Tools -> Subscribe.
 
A small sugesstion, could we somehow either rearrange the forum list on the main page or choose to hide the ones we don't want to see? I'd like to lose the FAQ and online forums.
 
Charred Greyface said:
I agree with LCfiner but you should also consider moving the check box to the left
Click to expand...
Good idea. I've made this change. It looks a lot better and I was able to reclaim a little more space per item.
 
Hey guys,

For those requesting it, a native iPhone AND Android application is being developed. I should be able to submit the first version to Apple by this weekend.

QUICK EDIT: This extends ckohler's work and I'm speaking with him to ensure proper credit is given and branding/copyrights are handled appropriately. The app will of course be free. This is also being developed to ensure that when he does update the web app, it will not break the native app.

It's currently fully functional (and fast - both iPhone and Android), but requires some additional custodial functionality to pass the Apple approval process.

There will be an available screencast sometime late this evening or tomorrow.

Planned 1.0 Features:

  • Persistent, Quick Section Nav (TabBar Items: Gaming, Off-Topic, Subscribed Threads, Private Messages)
  • Fullscreen Mode Toggle
  • Open Link in External Mobile Browser

Future Features:

  • Persistent NavBar
  • Saved State
  • Offline Mode

If there is anything you would like to see, please let me know.
 
Anovoice I dunno how doable this would be but if there is a way to make it so we can zoom in on images without opening another browser that would rock.

Also maybe an option that kills image links so I don't accidentally tap one while scrolling through the thread.

Also, a feature like what SA has that highlights threads you have read and special colors for threads you have read that have new posts would be hot.

iPhone gaf has the potential to be better than real gaf, just gotta get those features right.
 
Anovice: Does the app convert links to other threads and open them?

Of course that's something I'd like in the web app too...and if that's already a feature then it doesn't work when I open links in new windows :)
 
Just to be clear, what anovice showed me today he built is basically a native iPhone app that simply opens the web app inside it. The benefit being that it doesn't have the default Safari controls. He can instead have GAF specific navigation buttons, or other simple features. However, the core functionality is still entirely based on what my web app does. So, while it's certainly a step up, don't expect it to behave all that differently.

sprsk, I could probably add an option to turn off the "tap images to zoom" however I'm surprised you would even need it. I use the web app all the time and I've never accidentally opened an image when scrolling. Are you using an iPhone/iPod or is this a problem with some other mobile browser?

xcrunner529, the web app already fixes links to other threads so they open in the web app. If you know of such a link that is opening externally, let me know.
 
Yo yo,

I am getting an iPhone next week, i've had a brief scroll through the thread and didn't find anything. Is there an option to disable avatars / stop them and random images from loading? I'd use too much bandwidth downloading shitty pictures.

Thanks.
 
anovice, please consider looking into augmented web apps ("Augmented Ajax") for the Android version as detailed by this Google I/O presentation. Essentially some Javascript calls in the web app that seemingly do nothing for non-Android users, but allow access to the standard Android API when used in tandem with the Android WebView (using WebView. addJavascriptInterface().) Using the accelerometer, GPS, etc. are possible this way.

Awesome to hear a native version is coming btw. Shine on you crazy diamonds.
 
ckohler said:
Just to be clear, what anovice showed me today he built is basically a native iPhone app that simply opens the web app inside it. The benefit being that it doesn't have the default Safari controls. He can instead have GAF specific navigation buttons, or other simple features. However, the core functionality is still entirely based on what my web app does. So, while it's certainly a step up, don't expect it to behave all that differently.
Click to expand...

so awesome. When can we expect to see something?
 
The first version is nearly complete!

You can take a look at the screencast, here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ijt9_sPRiZI

HD version is available.

photo-1.jpg
photo2.jpg


Note icons (particularly PM/compose/confusing) are temporary.

Features that are complete for 1.0:

  • Persistent, Quick Section Nav (Toolbar Items: Gaming, Off-Topic, Subscribed Threads, Private Messages, Refresh)
  • Connectivity Detection and Warning (UX Guidelines)

TODO (before submit):

  • Forum Index Button?
  • Improved Loading Visuals and Activity Feedback
  • Fullscreen Mode Toggle (SHAAAAAKE)
  • Open Link in External Mobile Browser
  • Open Images in *Lightbox*

Thanks for the feedback and suggestions - keep 'um coming!

(Android preview, soon...)
 
anovice said:
Hey guys,

For those requesting it, a native iPhone AND Android application is being developed. I should be able to submit the first version to Apple by this weekend.

QUICK EDIT: This extends ckohler's work and I'm speaking with him to ensure proper credit is given and branding/copyrights are handled appropriately. The app will of course be free. This is also being developed to ensure that when he does update the web app, it will not break the native app.

It's currently fully functional (and fast - both iPhone and Android), but requires some additional custodial functionality to pass the Apple approval process.

There will be an available screencast sometime late this evening or tomorrow.

Planned 1.0 Features:

  • Persistent, Quick Section Nav (TabBar Items: Gaming, Off-Topic, Subscribed Threads, Private Messages)
  • Fullscreen Mode Toggle
  • Open Link in External Mobile Browser

Future Features:

  • Persistent NavBar
  • Saved State
  • Offline Mode

If there is anything you would like to see, please let me know.
Click to expand...
No Blackberry love?

DCX
 
anovice said:
photo-1.jpg
photo2.jpg


Note icons (particularly PM/compose/confusing) are temporary.
Click to expand...
Oh sweet, the more buttons that draw from the iPhone's UI graphics the more awesome it'll be for me. Not that ckohler's webapp doesn't already fit in perfectly with a stock iPhone OS but I'm using a theme and couldn't change the website to match the it.
 
The thought of an iPhone native app that is cross-platform with Android is fantastic.

I get to use it on my iPhone and we don't have all the Android folks wanting to crucify anyone for being left out.

I can only imagine in less capable hands the intro screen would look something like:

Chris Kohler's iPhone Only (Fuck Android in its Fucking Ass) App.

Love that you guys are taking the time to do this stuff. Really appreciated.
 
typo said:
anovice, just an inquiry - what is your approach to multi-mobile-platform development? Are you using any of the newer cross-platform SDKs (e.g. PhoneGap)?
Click to expand...

To speed up development, yes. Though, I've decided to go with Titanium Mobile. Much faster native code. My goal is to abstract most common cross-platform features, but take advantage of each platform's strengths. This means that the Android version will come after the iPhone version.

I've decided to do this just to get the App pushed and started along the approval process. Depending on how long approval will take, the Android version will most likely be released a little before or right when the iPhone version shows up on the store.

Android is much easier to develop for, so I may even split the code base to do some interesting things.

As for for a Blackberry version - When they get WebKit, which shouldn't be far off. :-)

While there are many features that would be nice in a native app, I'd just like to further reinforce what ckohler has said in that to avoid breaking the native apps, there isn't much additional functionality that can be added.

If any native control is built that takes advantage of what's currently available and that changes; well, you can get the idea. I am, however, working on a way to crawl each requested page and host that code.

WEB APP CHANGE (outside app) -> CRAWL CHANGE (outside app) -> APPS UPDATED (indirectly, without need to upgrade from an app store) - We'll see what Apple does, as this isn't typically what they like.

The real idea behind this is to give everyone as fast of an experience as possible, but keep the interactive (the real meat) features left to the amazing web app.

Cheers! :-)
 
Hey guys - Some updates and another screencast.

The application is nearly feature complete and could possibly be ready for submitting by next weekend.

***Please note that certain things are very rough, as I tweak the main features. You'll notice that the toolbars have been stripped. Again, just for dev. Nothing will be lost. :-)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V71U6t7UMys

This screencast demonstrates two major features:

  • All external hyperlinks and images (in-app zoom) are checked. When clicked, they open in an in-app modal window. This allows you to stay in app. External sites (not demo'ed) give you an option to open in Safari.
  • The screencast opens with a scrolling demo in Mobile Safari. Be mindful of the speed.

Mobile Safari Scrolling: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V71U6t7UMys#t=0m04s
In-App Scrolling: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V71U6t7UMys#t=0m037s
 
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