Android Town - social community application

[BeerBelly]

Any thoughts so far?

 

[QuasarZ]

I didnt read through all the pages, but could this be like a BBM? With instant texts running in background or do you have to have the application open to text other users?

 

[BeerBelly]

The instant text service runs in the background so you don't need to have the app open. It's the same principle as sms, only data.

 

[theoverdrive]

There were some issues early on when you released the push messaging (which we already discussed privately), but it appears to be working fine now. Overall, the overhaul of the messaging system is for the better - there are a few things that could make it better:

• Mass delete of notifications - I have a large number of notifications and it looks like the bigger that number is, the longer it takes to load my Inbox.
• The Inbox probably needs to update more frequently (whenever the user goes to another screen and comes back). There have been a few cases where I respond to a message, go back to the Inbox, only to find the message I just responded to is still considered a new notification.
• Sort function - There should be a way to sort notifications by different criteria. The Sent box currently has all friend requests at the top, so I always have to scroll down to find sent messages even though I just sent them.
• I think I mentioned this before, but it'd be nice if we could change the time zone used for timestamping notifications, too.

The snapback fix is a welcome fix. I seem to be experiencing a strange issue where the app doesn't always remember what I did last on the map. So when I come back to the map, all I see on my screen is some totally random spot on the map. Not a huge deal, but a little annoying.

I mentioned this before, but I'll mention it again since it could use a bump up the priority chain - searching by activity level. There are more and more grey accounts everyday (since there are more and more new accounts, obviously), which I think is beginning to bog down searches. If there was a way to filter out the grey accounts, I think performance would see an improvement.

Something that might make the map a little more interactive would be chat bubbles for users that you are currently having a conversation with.

Otherwise, I think the app is progressing well.

 

[QuasarZ]

The instant text service runs in the background so you don't need to have the app open. It's the same principle as sms, only data.

How do I message someone then without opening the app? Or do I have to open the app, begin the conversation, and then from that point I won't need to use the app?

 

[BeerBelly]

@QuasarZ:
For the moment you need to open the app to start a conversation. I'm working on a contacts section right now, where you'll be able to do just that.

@theoverdrive:
- mass delete is coming...need to figure out a way how to do it though...the best way would probably be to add a checkbox to each msg and then have an option to delete them, but that's a bit of a problem to implement...

- inbox is ment to refresh on every single reload, but I'm guessing the back button doesn't perform a refresh so I'm gonna have to find a different solution for it

- sort and time zones are coming

- i'm gonna add an option to location settings to only show non grey users

 

[thekarens]

I really like this app. It has a lot of potential.

 

[BeerBelly]

Thank you. Trying hard to improve it with each update

 

[Kage_]

I just selected my messages and I'm getting an error. There was an error while downloading data. Please try again later. I tried a few times then gave up. I looked at log collector, but didn't see much in the log from Android Town. Check your PM for a name suggestion...

 

[BeerBelly]

I'm not sure why messaging would give an error. I am gonna fix some bugs in the next update though. It might not bring much in the sense of added functions, but it will fix quite a few bugs.

 

[XXXdc5]

im late..... but i think i might grab this and give it a go

 

[BeerBelly]

You're never late

 

[BeerBelly]

Just so I get this started a bit again...is there an option you'd most like to see in the app?

 

[Tower72]

There isnt much I can say that hasnt already been said. I browsed thru this forum and decided to give it a shot as well. Installation went easy, and im the only person on (just outside Milwaukee) but I agree 100% that this has got the makings to be a widely popular app .

Beerbelly, im going to rate this App 5 stars ASAP. I came from the iPhone and while they had a lot of awesome apps, I dont think I can name 1 that I used where the developer is this "open" and willing to listen to peoples thoughts/comments and actually impliment them, not to mention be a frequent poster on forums. You are an A+ class guy and I wish you continued success with this app, and I also hope it expands and becomes THE app to have

Friend request sent

 

[joek1971]

installing it right now, i am in NYC

 

[Diabl0]

This app is pretty cool! It's a keeper. There are a BUNCH of people around me.

 

[flipfone]

there are a couple people around me but if i look southeast i see TONS in north joisey L.I. area.

 

[XXXdc5]

This app has potential. the problem is that not enough people have it

it would be cool to see this app get picked up and preinstalled on all android phones. THAT would be awesome haha.

Suggestion: being able to set a profile picture that is viewable by whoever clicks on your details/info

 

[BeerBelly]

Thank you all for the kind words. I definitely try my best to improve the app and take note of all the changes suggested.

At the moment I'm working on improving the contacts aspect of the application, allowing you to email, sms, call, AT msg contacts straight from the application. Threaded conversations are also on the table as is an UI redesign.

 

[NVR2ND]

So I just signed in after a little break, and it cant find me on the screen. In fact the only person in Iowa is someone else. So Im not sure what is going on, or if I need to look for a setting change. Just not sure what is going on with the app and my phone.