>When I tried UT on tablets before, it was workable, but not really pleasant. As I consider the UT interface well above other forum groups if read via normal PC/Laptop (at least 1366/768 screen plus keyboard and mouse), not really surprizing as you say yourself. As an aside: while I usually tout the need to develop with mobile in mind, when accessing UT via pad I most of the times only read, as typing without clamshell keyboard is not as automatic for me. Maybe UT in general benefits if geared to be accessed on devices making longer answers than twitter utterings easy ;-)
The Universal Thread is a desktop Web browser application. It was never intended to fully compliant with mobile devices. While some members may have started to use it on those devices, there isn't much I can do at this point as the last 20 months were to release the Universal Thread desktop Web browser application. So, it is normal some issues might be reported but that is simply wasting the time of everyone at this point. As, there is no support for that. What works may work but the site has not been built for that. I understand some members are taking the occasion to send new suggestions and comments because we just released a new version. But, we have to understand what this release is all about.
Later on, I might have mobile.levelextreme.com. So, when someone will connect from there, I will know it and I will be able to block a few options such as not using the right panel, having less items on the toolbar and so on. But, that will still be the same site as it is now. This will not be a mobile app. Future plans does not include that presently. The reason is simple, there is not enough time to work on that so far as I need some vacation for a while. Money is also an issue. Some people sees this site and compare its search power to Google and so on. But, it's like comparing David and Goliath. I just tried to do my best with what I have.
Also, 14 persons were involved in the testing phase for the last two weeks. This was the last step after 20 months of hard work. When no more issues were reported, I decided to launch the site. I also offered online anyone the possiblity to participate on the testing phase. Some did respond. That was a good chance to provide input where the timeframe was more allocated to that. Now, it is difficult. I can adjust a few things here and there but I cannot reorg the entire site. While the persons involved did not sign off on the testing phase, so to say, for me, it was like an indirect ok to move on and proceed with the release.
One thing however is that this new version, as you might already have seen, allows me to react much faster than before. So, there was a few new options released after the release. But, those are small ones which do not require much time.
As for mobile devices, it might have worked before better or worst, but the fact that the site is now using HTML5 doctype declaration seems to affect some mobile devices. I would recommend making sure the latest browser is used on those devices. That is the only think I could recommend at this point. We have to understand that I make money with this site from the actual version. Building a brand new version for mobile devices is not on the forecast for now.
>That said, I thought about how I use with tabs (mostly 7' android via Dolphin browser, very seldom via old iPad1), I found my usage pattern diverted from desktop usage a lot, and tried to analyze that from a develpoer POV. First of all it might be beneficial to prepare different personal settings/preferrences not once for each user, but give the user the opportunity to define device profiles they can select and feel comfortable with. Might also be useful in PC surroundings, if you easily switch the default you find most pleasant with the screen you are currently sitting in front of. I do believe that the people here have an affinity for more and/or different screens, more than one machine and other geek devices. The options to show the Forum-TV's opened or closed are the ones I *really* would set differently between tablet and PC: open on PC, closed on tablet.
Yes, that is a good point but for now, I can only take a note about it. I really need to get some vacation. I believe we have delivered a great interface, at least, this is the comment and perception I have received from those involved. Later on, if my goal is reached, thus, having provided an interface that will not make new members to go away after an hour, stay on the site, eventually purchase a subscription and so on, including an increase of traffic, yes, I will be able to invest more and move ahead.
