Tapatalk

[jeff]

Tapatalk has a feature where they will build a branded app for your site. I decided to give this a try. It doesn't appear to have all the features of the native Tapatalk app, but I am not an experienced Tapatalk user, so I am not sure. Can a few Tapatalk users give this a try and let me know if it's usable?

The reason I decided to try this is that on Jan 1, Apple is requiring that all apps that communicate with servers use HTTPS. It's quite an effort to switch us to SSL, so I am trying to find a way to maintain Tapatalk access for us. If the app is in the store before the end of the year, it'll be grandfathered. Android does not have this same deadline, so the native Tapatalk app will still work for us.

EDIT: I did not choose the screenshots and I've asked to have them changed to my choice.

 

[Dan Masshardt]

First impressions are really good. I like it better than the regular version.


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[jeff]

First impressions are really good. I like it better than the regular version.


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It seemed a little "cleaner" but I was concerned that it was missing some feature. Does the native app have PM capability? The branded one does not seem to have it (that I can find, anyway.)

 

[Dan Masshardt]

Oh. That's not good.


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[jeff]

Oh. That's not good.


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Does the native app have PM?

Does the branded app have it?

 

[Edgar]

If you select the compose icon at the top of the page, it pops up a selection box with an option to send

 

[Edgar]

I'd be interested to know if they have an option to eliminate ads - I'd pay a buck or two for that


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[Edgar]

The native app has Chat as an option in the header menu but you have to use the compose icon in the branded version - not sure why they are different.


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[Dan Masshardt]

I'd be interested to know if they have an option to eliminate ads - I'd pay a buck or two for that


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Yes!


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[Dan Masshardt]

If you select the compose icon at the top of the page, it pops up a selection box with an option to send

That's good. But is there a way to see messages sent to you?


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[Edgar]

If you select the compose icon at the top of the page, it pops up a selection box with an option to send

That's good. But is there a way to see messages sent to you?


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In the native version, when you tap on the 3-line Menu icon, there is a section containing the options: InBox, Notifications, Who's OnLine and Moderation. Unfortunately, this set of options seems to be missing from the branded version. I don't see any other way of getting to our InBox in the branded version, so I hope Jeff will be able to get them to fix this.

I was actually mistaken about the way to post PMs in the native version. You post PMs in the same way with both the native & branded versions. The Chat feature in the native version is simply a general discussion forum - it's not in the branded version, but I don't really see a need for it since we have a broader Casual Conversation forum.

The native version also has a Customize Tabs option from the 3-line Menu that lets you customize the top menu bar. It would be nice if we could get that in the branded version as well.

 

[Edgar]

One major thing missing in the branded version, IMO, is a menu tab for New Posts.

It's in the default menu tab in the native version and can be enabled/disabled via the Customize Tabs option. However, it's not in the default menu tab of the branded version & can't be activated since there is no Customize Tabs feature. I hope this can be fixed.

 

[jeff]

I am traveling today but as soon as I can I will look into these issues.


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[Argo13]

If you select the compose icon at the top of the page, it pops up a selection box with an option to send

That's good. But is there a way to see messages sent to you?


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I had someone send me a message while I was using the app. I was able to see it was sent as a push notification. I was also able to reply to the message.

I did verify the push notification options are under settings. There is an option to see messages sent to you.

I can not find away to see your inbox, etc. after the push notification is addresses.

Also found add free is 0.99/ month (first month free) or 4.99/ year or 14.99 (lifetime) just click on the x displayed on an add.


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[edstreet]

Not only that but it's also a good idea to setup SSL for the entire forum and site as well. The push is to encrypt everything, every session, every page and isolate as much as possible. Much greater security standards that way and the risk is greatly reduced overall.



This is what a proper secured site looks like.

This is what an insecure prone to hacking, attacks and etc site looks like.

 

[Jdubfudge]

What would the benefit be to use this over Tapatalk? With Tapatalk, I can easily access all my other forums in one app.


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[Edgar]

What would the benefit be to use this over Tapatalk? With Tapatalk, I can easily access all my other forums in one app.


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I think it has to do with Apple's stated intent to require apps like Tapatalk to utilize SSL (https rather than http) as of Jan 1. Existing apps will still be able to use http but any new or updated apps will have to use https.

This primarily affects apps that download & process data for presentation as opposed to apps that simply download & present web pages. So, as I understand it, simple browsers are not affected & will still be able to present http pages. I believe the branded Tapatalk will be able to handle http pages whereas the native Tapatalk app might not be able to once this policy goes into effect. Jeff can correct me if I'm not correct on this.

This SSL policy only affects iOS apps, not Android or other platforms. Although with heightened concerns about cyber security, it may only be a matter of time before similar policies are implemented for other platforms as well.

It may be necessary or desirable to implement SSL for the entire IAP site at some point, but it is not a trivial or inexpensive process.

 

[edstreet]

It's very trivial and free to implement site wide.

As for android they will still be highly vulnerable as they are now.

 

[jeff]

It's very trivial and free to implement site wide.

As for android they will still be highly vulnerable as they are now.

That's not true in all cases, and not in ours. I could list all the reasons why going to SSL is not trivial for us, but I don't want to defend each one. Obviously, if it were trivial, I'd do it, as I have not reason why I would not want to. It'll get done, I'm just trying to keep Tapatalk alive on IOS until it does.

 

[Jdubfudge]

Thanks for the response.


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[jeff]

I want to clarify that we WILL be switching to SSL (i.e. HTTPS - encrypted connections between you and the forum) to comply with emerging internet standards. My goal with the stand-alone Tapatalk app is to keep that option alive until it gets done.

This week, the forum will be off-line for several hours, probably Wednesday night (I'll give advance warning), while I recompile PHP to provide the support Apache (our web server) needs to run SSL. That's the first step in moving to SSL.

 

[tjseagrove]

Jeff,

I assume there will be expenses for the move to SSL. I would throw some in the tip jar if needed to make it happen. I am sure there a number of folk here that would put a small amount toward it that would add up to enough to cover the cost.
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[jeff]

Jeff,

I assume there will be expenses for the move to SSL. I would throw some in the tip jar if needed to make it happen. I am sure there a number of folk here that would put a small amount toward it that would add up to enough to cover the cost.
35

The actual dollar cost is low. We have sufficient resources to cover that. The real cost is labor, and I work cheap :biggrin:

 

[tjseagrove]

Jeff,

I assume there will be expenses for the move to SSL. I would throw some in the tip jar if needed to make it happen. I am sure there a number of folk here that would put a small amount toward it that would add up to enough to cover the cost.
35

The actual dollar cost is low. We have sufficient resources to cover that. The real cost is labor, and I work cheap :biggrin:

That is why I added my 2 cents.... :biggrin:
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