Tapatalk Forum App plug-in for mobile devices

[Chadx]

A member has asked if Tapatalk plug-in will be made available to make forum use easier from mobile devices. I'm posting this up so others can speak up if they have experience with it, how it works, and/or if there is any interest. Even if there is, I don't know if it's available or compatible with this forum, but I said I'd start a thread on it. Comments?

 

[SpeedStar]

Chad, I know that it is available on AdvRider. May be good to post something over there too as there might be a larger audience that uses it over there.
I use an iphone and don't have a problem with either forum just using Safari the old fashioned way.

 

[Katoum]

I'm new to the iphone but it seems to download much more data than needed which adds to the cost for those with expensive data plans. it also remembers what has been viewed allowing you to pick up where you left off. It also allows you a choice to easily go to the last page to start a thread or the first. It also makes going from page to page easy without the need to expand the page so we can see the page numbers like in Safari browser. So far I found it much easier to use than Safari, and I believe it is a free plugin for the server as well. JMHO

 

[trinc4me]

Noticed you're new Katoum! Welcome....

 

[Venture]

I know the Tapatalk plugin is available for this forum software, but I haven't tested it out yet. Maybe we should poll on this, since I don't like adding unwanted plugins, since they make it harder to keep things running when upgrade time comes around.

 

[mobyfubar]

I use the tapatalk iPhone client for a couple vBulletin forums I'm on. I didn't realize until now it was compatible with the SMF software too.

I do like it. It has some UI advantages over Safari on the iPhone, though it also has its own limitations. They do respond to customer feedback, so that's nice.

 

[Brntrt]

I use the Tapatalk and really like it. It downloads much faster than Safari. Much more streamlined. Would love to see this forum go for it.

 

[colorider]

Wow - this it the first I have heard of tapatalk, but it sounds like I neat plugin to have. I use a Motorola Droid and would love to be able to access YSTF while on the go!!!

 

[RomKnight]

As long as I can use my android phone... x-developers has lots of posts from guys using it on mobiles. so i assume it works.

My vote says "lets try it"

 

[JonnyCinco]

I have said it once, and I shall stand on my stool again. Do not install tapatalk. Why? Because it is taking advantage of your resources and gaining financially from those resources, without any funds returned to the site owners. Tapatalk is free for the software to be installed on the forum, but users have to pay for it. Do you, as the site owner get a check from Tapatalk? NOPE! Should you? You’re darned toot’n ya should.
I am all in favor for capitalism, but not rape, which is what Tapatalk is.

/rant


disclaimer: I have no vested interest nor have ever downloaded or attempted to download tapatalk

 

[ptfjjj]

I probably won't use it. i second your reservation about the potential hassle of future upgrades. If it looks like you will have to make frequent upgrades and/or adjustments because of forum and/or tapatalk software upgrades, then you might want to seek the advice of the guys that run the ADVrider forum before you take the plunge. You also need to read the fine print about how hard it is to remove, if and when you decide you don't like it. Just my 2 cents.

 

[Katoum]

Are we any closer to making a decision on TapaTalk? In the short term is it possible to increase the size of the page number boxes, it is difficult to click on page numbers with Iphone Safari, you have to constantly zoom the page which then reverts back to normal.

 

[SpeedStar]

I'd be up for trying it out. Safari works fine for me but always willing to try something new.

 

[SpeedStar]

Anything further on this Tapatalk thing?

 

[Venture]

Anything further on this Tapatalk thing?

I still need to do some research on it. I haven't gotten there yet.

 

[Mellow]

I still need to do some research on it. I haven't gotten there yet.

I've installed in on my site and a few members use it but I also have a mobile style. That is built into this style w/WAP2 link at the bottom of every page. Just a lite version that won't load all the graphics so it speeds up phone browsing, just not as pretty.

All you do is download some files in a folder on the server and then register an entry in the tapatalk site. I haven't seen any adverse issues related to it but I don't run this software.

 

[Venture]

... and then register an entry in the tapatalk site.

That's the part that concerns me. From what I understand of this application there is no rational reason why it must be dependent on the Tapatalk mother ship to work, yet they force initial communication through it. If I were to build an application like this all it would require is the address of the site plus the extensions that go on the server, no need for the in-between.

I'm starting to drink Johnny Cinco's kool-aid I think.

 

[JonnyCinco]

I'm starting to drink Johnny Cinco's kool-aid I think.

it is delicious!!!

 

[Mellow]

I know they sell the app itself. But that is to view many forums, not on a per-forum basis so not sure how they would spread out the 1.99? they ask for the app.

I don't see them using the traffic in any way other than to possibly render the contents to pass to the plug in? I'm not sure how the app works but I know there are currently no ads or any marketing items on it to suggest they are getting any $ other than the initial app sale.

I have nothing to do with them so I don't have any hidden agenda, I just know that the few - very few - members that use it like the fast browsing via phone and the user interface is clear and easy to use.

Just my experience with it... you could load it and check it out and delete it if yo don't care for it - you do have a lite style with the WAP2 link so it's not a necessary item that's for sure.

 

[JonnyCinco]

My soap box was exactly just. For those who run and operate forums, and sell advertising, to supplement their income; they are virtually losing money because of tapatalk. Especially if they have agreements that are on a per click basis. Tapatalk does not have advertising on it (from my understanding) from the orginal forum it is pulling the data from. Hence, forum members are not clicking through (or even seeing) the ads from the site. So, all in all, less click through, less advertising for the site owner.

As for the 1.99 bit...well, I am on multiple forums, some having thousands ofmembers (just look at adv) $1.99 x several thousand can be substantial amount of money.

Go ahead...have a sip...."my favorite flavor, cherry red"