Discussions

Morning everyone,  
 
Folks that follow the forums will probably know that I’ve been going through a "spring cleaning” process of sorts over the past couple weeks. Early this month improvements were made to classified searching. Since then a new option was added that allows you to build and browse a list of "favourite" classified ads that you’d like to keep an eye on. Late last week a new link in the classifieds was added that allows you to see a list of ads that are due to expire, proving quite useful as a way to spot last minute potential deals.  
 
A few minutes ago I rolled out likely the biggest change of them all if you’re someone that happens to use a smartphone to access the site when you’re on the go… a completely revamped eBrandon Mobile website. Some of the new features include:  
 
- the ability to post classified ads  
 
- the ability to login and edit classified ads, either on an individual ad basis or through ads that are connected to your member account under your “My classified ads” link  
 
- the integration of the new “My favourited ads” feature that was added to the main website earlier this month. Ads that you favourite on the main website can be browsed on the go through the mobile site and vice-versa  
 
- addition of the Events section, which was previously not on the mobile site. Side note, there are 1399 separate entries in the system from today forward on the events calendar.  
 
- a revamped weather page that puts a focus on giving quick, easy to read info on current conditions and forecast. Also features the exclusive data that’s recorded by eBrandon’s weather stations located at two points in the city. In addition to live temperature and humidity readings from the weather stations, live rainfall data will show within the next few weeks when the rain gauges go up for the spring.  
 
- a user interface that more closely resembles that of an app  
 
- easy integration of search functionality that allows you to quickly search 11 years of forum posts and 15,000+ classifieds when you're in either of those sections  
 
Much like the iPhone app, the new mobile website is designed with the idea of being an extension of the main website for folks to use when they’re on the go and are not able to access the desktop site. Because you’re dealing with a phone screen that has less space, focus has been on including features that would be of use when on the go, with the intent of the main desktop site having the full compliment of features for when you arent mobile.  
 
As this is a new product I’d consider it to be in beta. While I’ve had a chance to do some testing I won’t have access to every device and every scenario on those devices and so you can expect to run into the odd bug. If you do come across something your reports are very much appreciated so that I can address and evolve the product. Like some of the other changes this month, I have a few other ideas for things to include but figured it would be best to launch with the features you see right now and evolve from there.  
 
If you’re reading this and are on a mobile device you can check out the mobile site at http://m.ebrandon.ca  
If you arent, I’ve included a couple screen shots in case you’re curious  
 
Enjoy!

Access to the main site from all devices is important, there's nothing built in that would force one to use the mobile site and never will be as there are lots of folks like yourself that prefer using a full site on a mobile device and are cool with the necessary pinching/zooming to navigate on a smaller screen.  
 
If you open https://ebrandon.ca in your web browser it should load the regular site as per normal. Opening the mobile address of http://m.ebrandon.ca would open the mobile site.  
 
Edited by Adam, 2016-03-15 12:43:48

Re Android, it was actually a major reason for the redesign. Looking at the stats for the mobile site, a significant percentage were Android people. iPhone people were mainly split between the regular website and the iOS app.  
 
Those Android folks were using an old mobile site that was conceived before Android even became mainstream, so it was high time that they were given a modern option in mobile situations. There are no immediate short term plans for an Android app since essentially the same functionality is in the new mobile site (including the ability to post an ad)... but I won't rule out porting the mobile site over to an app.  
 
I know that a web app isn't quite a native app, but for anyone not aware you can add an icon to your home screen that takes you directly to a site. Instructions are at:  
http://www.howtogeek.com/196087/how-to-add-websites-to-the-home-screen-on-any-smartphone-or-tablet/  
I've set it up so that it should use an eBrandon icon when you go through this process to add it. Haven't tested on an Android so let me know if the icon doesnt show.  
 
DontWorryAboutIt: Thanks for the kind words! Its all about space on a mobile screen and I'd always wish there was more of it. I'll do a little looking through things and see if there's a way to squeeze price in without crowding things too much!  
 
Jovial: Glad you like it, lot of late night hours to make it happen! :)
Its good to hear from a Windows Phone person since I hadnt tested it on one yet. 
Re adding more in depth profiles, it's a delicate balance in deciding what goes into an mobile site or app and what goes into a main website. You want the mobile version to have necessary functionality for when on the go, but you don't want to over-bloat it with features that make it tough to use. I think its going to be real handy to have access to the "My classified ads" and "My favourited ads" sections when mobile. No plans at the moment to include other profile sections like inbox/private messaging but might revisit in the future once this new site has been up for a while!  Those features are of course always accessible by visiting the full website. 
 
Cdnmole, jovial, ChrisDA: I've done a little more digging and did find an issue that came about just before lunch that was redirecting to the mobile site. It should now be fixed. I haven't gotten a hold of an actual Android or Windows Phone device this afternoon, but everything works now in an Android simulator. Please let me know if you experience any further issues.