Keeping up with Brickset when you're out and about
Posted by Huw,I'm back from my short travels and I'd like to thank bluemoose for keeping you all updated while I was away: yesterday was a busy day for news by the looks of things!
I had no wifi internet access in my hotel, which was rather odd given it was a Hilton in the middle of a capital city but I did have my shiny new HTC Desire so I could keep up to date here and with emails using that. In fact I'm developing a mobile version of Brickset to make it easier and yesterday was a good test of it. It's not an iPhone or Android app, but a mobile version of the website that's optimised for use on mobile devices. Using that I could keep abreast of the news and comments and even do a little browing of the database.
Do you use the internet on your phone? Would you like to test mobile Brickset before I launch it? If so, get in touch. Let me know what phone you'll be using. If you have developed mobile-optimised websites yourself even better because I still have a few outstanding issues I need to resolve before it can hit the big time, and you might know the answers...
Update: I have enough testers now, and I think I have a solution to the problem, too, so with luck I'll get this launched in the next week or so!
0 likes
32 comments on this article
I would love that if I had a phone that had Internet. I might get an iPad though, but I don't know how portable that would be....
The Hilton is a great hotel. The Phone Idea is great, it'll be very useful, but I don't have a phone... yet. =)
I access Brickset daily via my phone and have had few if any issues as-is...
Pffft. My HTC EVO will blow away your HTC Desire. ;)
I check brickset sometimes on an i phone so maybe I can test it out!
I regularly access Brickset from my Samsung Moment and have little issue with the way it is now, although a streamlined but full featured mobile site would be great.
@StarWarsManiac - I am aware - that's why I am wondering about the accessibility of carrying it around everywhere. I actually just went to an Apple store today and tested it out! It is much more worth it from my 15-minute trial run than some people are saying. It's a lot of money though, so I might forfeit some Lego purchases for this beauty.
I go on Brickset with my ipod touch sometimes, and i think a mobile version would be great, with a streamlined homepage. That's a great idea, especially if you could get pictures of sets to work better on small screens.
iPhone here. Would love to see a mobile brickset. Your efforts are much appreciated!
i sometimes use the ipod touch.
Sounds great Huw. Will look forward to using it.
Am currently accessing brickset from my hotel room at the Grand Canyon on my iPad Wi-Fi 3G 64. Looks great, as usual. Now a brick set app would be interesting! Cheers.
Nice suggestion, faster345 - a Brickset app ! I'd even pay for it ......... :-)
My phone won't let me search or log in to brickset :(
working fine on my phone so far (HTC Touch Pro running the Opera browser). able to log in, browse the sets, and post a comment, just as advertised.
@faster and Dr., someone is working on a iPhone app, but don't hold your breath, I need to get my act together in terms of web services and it's being done on a hobby basis so don't expect it for some time. The mobile website is a stop-gap until that arrives and until I've got to grips with Android app development :-)
My dad (I am 13) works in Nintendo, and thanks to him Brickset is now on Nintendo DSi Browser and Wii Browser!
(If there is a Wii Browser!)
I use HTC Hero and I didn't any problem with Brickset. Android is the best forever! Opera is not good like the native browser of Android. Personally, I don't like the mobile version because are very minimized and a lot of info are lost.
yes! please! (begging on my knees!) make a brickset iPhone/iPod touch app!!!!!
it wold be sooooo cool!!! I would so pay for it!
I was going to suggest you forgo the iPhone app development for an Android one, since Android is replacing the iPhone (and is a far better platform imho ;).
This is just a test comment to see if i can succesfully post one while using the mobile version.
well, it worked!! :)
@huw the coding for the app is going well, just need those services ;)
very cool!!! cant wait.
One suggestion: a "back to top" anchor link at the bottom for a quick return to the menu bar... avoids scrolling back through long content like comment threads ;-D
Mobile version is looking good, Huw - thanks for ironing out the bugs !
@carabino, great idea, thanks.
@stu241273, once I've finished this (this week hopefully) I'll get onto it!
@atkinsar Awesome, thanks! You learn something new every day...
@Huw, Do you read the suggestions sent be E-mail, or should I drop my suggestions here?
Looks great, found it "accidently" - actually tried the URL when I was out to see if it was there, and then read this post. Ironic :)
Anyhow - couple of comments. I have an old HTC TyTN II - and the login links etc do not appear on the front page. However I can manually go to the URL and login successfully.
Depending on where you take this, the ability to view and edit notes would be fantastic - i.e. when you are out and about, see a price and want to note it down!
I would be open to helping if it is needed.
Cheers.
Great stuff to hear that there will be finally a link between smartphones and lego, as I personally miss the mobile version.
HTC is a great developer, I also enjoy my Legend as I wanted light, compact and beautiful phone but didn't need big screen and current processor is enough for me. I wish we soon be getting froyo for it.
Access the Brinklink every day with my Iphone. I'm in Brazil!