Desktop website/mobi website/phone app

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padjakkels

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Just looking for some ideas and help please.

I want to create a website which you can access from your desktop, as well as your mobile device (phone or tablet). Then there must also be an app for android and iphone.

What be the best way to do this?

I was thinking of using scripts that is already available, so this will be free. I understand that according to the browser info, the server decides what to show to the user, desktop website or mobi website.

The app should be easy, just an app that is actually a browser that access the mobi website.

Any advice what should be used? I know a little bit about programming, but would like to user the tools (scripts) out there to do it. I also just want one website, not a separate one for desktop and mobi.

Thanks.
 
How much is your knowledge about website development?

You can look into responsive design which meants the website you build scales properly on all devices. So one website/app and it works everywhere.

Bootstrap is a good framework to get into responsive design: http://getbootstrap.com/css/
 
nic777 said:
How much is your knowledge about website development?

You can look into responsive design which meants the website you build scales properly on all devices. So one website/app and it works everywhere.

Bootstrap is a good framework to get into responsive design: http://getbootstrap.com/css/
Click to expand...

Hey, also found getbootstrap about 20minutes ago. Seems like this is going to be the best way to do it.

Know the basics of html, so it doesn't seem to difficult. Even found a GUI desktop program that will assist with everything to make it easier.

Then its just the phone app with a browser that must access the website,and should not be to difficult.

Thanks for the reply and heads up! :-)
 
padjakkels said:
Hey, also found getbootstrap about 20minutes ago. Seems like this is going to be the best way to do it.

Know the basics of html, so it doesn't seem to difficult. Even found a GUI desktop program that will assist with everything to make it easier.

Then its just the phone app with a browser that must access the website,and should not be to difficult.

Thanks for the reply and heads up! :-)
Click to expand...

Must the app just be a wrap? Or are you looking at adding push etc? Otherwise a well designed responsive mobi site does great.
 
padjakkels said:
Would one be able to use phonegap, create the app and just upload the apk file to google play? Or do one have to work with their distribution (phonegap)?
Click to expand...

Check out their free plan , you can one where which they package for you , Have not yet created an app but phonegap is highly recommended by google
 
zaid26 said:
Check out their free plan , you can one where which they package for you , Have not yet created an app but phonegap is highly recommended by google
Click to expand...

It's worth noting that you're not going to get a "native" experience.
 
If you want, have a look at titanium appcelerator as you can write JS that will compile to andriod and ios native. They plan to have support for windows phone later down the line.

Though, I think this would be overkill for now. Focus on getting a response website. Then build the api to hook in native apps down the line.
 
shauntir said:
If you want, have a look at titanium appcelerator as you can write JS that will compile to andriod and ios native. They plan to have support for windows phone later down the line.

Though, I think this would be overkill for now. Focus on getting a response website. Then build the api to hook in native apps down the line.
Click to expand...

Thanks. I've downloaded that also last night to have a look at it later on.

But i agree, start with the website and work from there as the website is the source of data for all platforms.
 
Don't bother the app in my opinion. Unless it actually adds value there's no point to it. A lot of companies are doing this for some reason where they have to have a mobile app because it's just the thing to do.
In reality though if the app is just going to display information to me then I'm not going to bother downloading/installing it. Stick with a responsive design :)
 
S1ght said:
Don't bother the app in my opinion. Unless it actually adds value there's no point to it. A lot of companies are doing this for some reason where they have to have a mobile app because it's just the thing to do.
In reality though if the app is just going to display information to me then I'm not going to bother downloading/installing it. Stick with a responsive design :)
Click to expand...

Thanks for the reply. The idea with the app it to 'catch' the users that may want to use the app to access the website for the information. My experience is that people will easier download an app than go into a browser, enter the website address/bookmark to access the information. Its just more convenient... or I may be wrong.

For example the News24 App. I've rather download the app to access the news on their website than using my browser on my phone.

But I will stick with a responsive design....am actually really excited about it, but first have to learn the basics of it, but it doesn't seem to difficult. Website has been registered today, so I can start playing :)
 
Well, the problem for the app (for android) has been resolved.

Think I am going to use: http://www.appsgeyser.com/

You create a app on the website - its available instantly. It can then be downloaded by anyone, you can even publish this on Google Play store (after registration and paying $25).

Basically the app opens a browser screen which access my website, and shows the website content in cellphone format. At anytime you can go and change the app with different settings, and have the new version available for download, no fee. You can also send 3 push messages to users that downloaded the app to inform them about something. If you have more than 100 installs, then you can add the annoying ads that display at the bottom.

Android is anyway the most used platform. Will investigate how to create app for iphone later on...
 
Just created a basic app to get the latest tweets from Eskom which will keep you up to date about the loadshedding - on appsgeyser.

This is only for android: http://www.appsgeyser.com/1361407

Any feedback will be appreciated.

Is would have been nice to receive a push message from the app if a new tweet has been posted, but that is a future feature maybe. Bonus is also you don't need a twitter account to access the tweets from Eskom. Normally twitter apps would require that you have a twitter account.

Will publish it on google Play next week.
 
padjakkels said:
Just created a basic app to get the latest tweets from Eskom which will keep you up to date about the loadshedding - on appsgeyser.

This is only for android: http://www.appsgeyser.com/1361407

Any feedback will be appreciated.

Is would have been nice to receive a push message from the app if a new tweet has been posted, but that is a future feature maybe. Bonus is also you don't need a twitter account to access the tweets from Eskom. Normally twitter apps would require that you have a twitter account.

Will publish it on google Play next week.
Click to expand...

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.EskomLoadshedding
 
You could just add a pop up that shows users how to add the website to their home screen with a custom icon.

iOS solution here

I'm sure Android also have something similar. Havent checked though.

Pusher has an HTML5 Push notification solution - here

Apps are a problem, especially when people need to start updating. Many wont and just delete your app. Go responsive and stay there. Unless it's a really useful app, like Gumtree or something like that. Also, will save you a lot in development time and a lot of money.
 
Thanks for the suggestions Pixelbender. Yeah, I agree that users doens't update their apps as they should. Best would be to have the final app, and then do the website responsive and don't worry again to update the app again.
 
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