Technical Support and Feedback - Tapatalk support?

Are there any plans to allow tapatalk (smartphone app) access to the forum?

I'd also be interested in an answer to mclee19's question.

(No, I'm not in any way involved with Tapatalk (http://www.tapatalk.com/). But I rather like the look of it and am increasingly seeing it used by posters on other forums.)

I'd also be interested in an answer to mclee19's question.

(No, I'm not in any way involved with Tapatalk (http://www.tapatalk.com/). But I rather like the look of it and am increasingly seeing it used by posters on other forums.)

Good point - for the record, I have no interest in the software other than as a user. No COI here!

I was alset to start another thread... I love the tool and it is nice on my android to be able to post replies and whatnot. I think they have an app for the iPhone too.

mobile.flyertalk.com is a reasonably functional version for smart phones.

mobile.flyertalk.com is a reasonably functional version for smart phones.

I'd say minimally functional is closer to the mark. A step in the right direction, certainly, but not a very big one.

I will add my vote for Tapatalk, and I too have no connection whatsoever with the app supplier.

While a mobile version of the web page may be "functional", an app version is almost always better. I think Tapatalk support would be a great enhancement for FT.

Mikel requested that I address this, so I shall.

I completely agree with the spirit of Tapatalk, however installing it on this site opens up a number of liabilities. Anytime a site opens its database through a third-party API, there is risk associated with it, and we simply cannot accept that risk. Beyond that, we need to have control over the branding of Flyertalk, and allowing third parties access to re-publish and redistribute user content outside our control can be dangerous. While we assume that Tapatalk properly handles these issues, we still need to be sensative to them.

We fully understand the desire to interact with Fltyertalk through native smartphone apps, and I assue you that there is currently work being done to meet these desires. We are, however, making sure that this is being done in the best interest of Flyertalkers and the Flyertalk community.

Mikel requested that I address this, so I shall.

I completely agree with the spirit of Tapatalk, however installing it on this site opens up a number of liabilities. Anytime a site opens its database through a third-party API, there is risk associated with it, and we simply cannot accept that risk. Beyond that, we need to have control over the branding of Flyertalk, and allowing third parties access to re-publish and redistribute user content outside our control can be dangerous. While we assume that Tapatalk properly handles these issues, we still need to be sensative to them.

We fully understand the desire to interact with Fltyertalk through native smartphone apps, and I assue you that there is currently work being done to meet these desires. We are, however, making sure that this is being done in the best interest of Flyertalkers and the Flyertalk community.

Thank you very much for addressing/answering this.

We fully understand the desire to interact with Fltyertalk through native smartphone apps, and I assue you that there is currently work being done to meet these desires.

Thanks for the update. I think everyone here can understand IB not wanting to surrender control or open up databases. I for one would be happy with any good quality native solution for (in my case) the iPhone; Tapatalk was just an example of something that appears to work well.

Any guidance on the timetable for development and release?

The time tables have shifted a few times, so I'm not confortable giving out anything that might be consieved as solid, but I will tell you that there is something in active development for multiple platforms.

I am looking for something like this too. Just upgraded to a Droid X and love Tapatalk for some forums, but I also completely understand not wanting to open up the databases. I look forward to whatever you all have planned. Thanks!

I use forumrunner on another forum I frequent. Great app but probably poses similar concerns as tapatalk.

Casting my vote for same. I don't know the technical issues/concerns expressed here, but here are some links for anyone interested. I just posted in an unrelated forum so excuse the copy/paste. :-) BTW, according to the Tapatalk website there are currently 9,700 forums using this of which 1,200 were added in the last 30 days.

Hi, there's an iPhone (and Blackberry, Android and Nokia) app called Tapatalk for mobile access to forums like this. It requires a forum plug-in that's claimed to be free and only take 10 minutes for a forum owner to install. Can you take a look and consider installing it? Here's more info:

phpBB3 3.0.x, vBulletin 3.7.x/3.8.x/4.0.x, Invision Power Board (IPB) 3.0.x and Simple Machine Forum (SMF) 1.1.x/2.0.x are supported.

Home - http://www.tapatalk.com/
Forum Owners - http://www.tapatalk.com/plugin.php
TiPb review/video - http://www.tipb.com/2010/09/28/tapatalk-iphone-app-review/

It would be great to have better support for smartphones. The iPhone can surf the website but a native app seems to work better. Looking forward to the FlyerTalk app.

Thanks for all of your support.

Here's another vote for tapatalk! I use these forums all the time from my android, and all my other frequent sites support the app...integrating all my forums in a single app isthe huge benefit for me.

If it helps, I'd like to see Tapatalk intergration as well (Yes, I know what FT has said, but I still wish for it).

I've heard rumors that vBulletin is about to launch a native app. My understanding is that they are going to release droid and iPhone apps simultaneously....

I also think it would be great to have tapatalk support. It is basically impossible to post to FlyerTalk from my Palm Pre.

Any progress on the apps ib? The existing mobile site us is fast but sucks with frequent XML errors

I would also like to encourage Tapatalk access.

The Tapatalk information suggests that it may be as easy as just enabling Tapatalk from the whatever program flyertalk is using. I'm not a forum nerd kind of guy, but I am a slight computer nerd, so I understand permissions and access control for the database. It seems Tapatalk addresses these issues, and I would really like to see Flyertalk on it...

mobile.flyertalk.com is all very well, but so far as I can see I can't get to the country forums from it...

Neil

Can't say I'm surprised that business interests preclude enabling support, but consider this another vote for Tapatalk or something similar for mobile device access.

Can't say I'm surprised that business interests preclude enabling support, but consider this another vote for Tapatalk or something similar for mobile device access.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/travel-technology/1162027-flyertalk-iphone-app-has-arrived-itunes-store.html

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/travel-technology/1162027-flyertalk-iphone-app-has-arrived-itunes-store.html

Great. There's 25% of the smartphone market. Glad to see the majority of the market was well served.

Next step... Android app?

Next step... Android app?

Indeed. Though the PDA version of the forum would do - if it worked properly! You can't view the hierarchical bits of the forum on it (e.g. The World->UK & Ireland), only the top-level forums. That makes it useless to me.

Neil

Next step... Android app?

+1! Who uses an iPhone? ;)

+1 for tapatalk .. its a great app

+1 for Tapatalk support. I would much rather have an single app that talks to all of the forums I frequent than have an app for each forum.

Tapatalk would be great!

Tapatalk is a 3rd party application and we have no plans to implement it on FlyerTalk.

Paul

Tapatalk is a 3rd party application and we have no plans to implement it on FlyerTalk.

Paul
Firefox and Google Chrome are third-party applications, too.

So is IE, which is having issues with FT right now as reported in another thread and a tech project is in the works to fix it.

Tapatalk is basically a glorified web browser. Saying it's not even under consideration because it's a third-party app is not a valid argument. If it's a simple configuration option to enable it to read FT, why not?

I personally won't use it (it costs money), but many here and elsewhere enjoy using it and appreciate having access to all of their forums in a single app.

If it requires significant investment to support, I can understand, but if it's a few lines in a configuration file, it should be done.

Tapatalk is basically a glorified web browser.

If it requires significant investment to support, I can understand, but if it's a few lines in a configuration file, it should be done.

Tapatalk requires a plugin to be installed on the web server:
http://www.tapatalk.com/plugin.php

Firefox and Google Chrome are third-party applications, too.

So is IE, which is having issues with FT right now as reported in another thread and a tech project is in the works to fix it.

Tapatalk is basically a glorified web browser. Saying it's not even under consideration because it's a third-party app is not a valid argument. If it's a simple configuration option to enable it to read FT, why not?

I personally won't use it (it costs money), but many here and elsewhere enjoy using it and appreciate having access to all of their forums in a single app.

If it requires significant investment to support, I can understand, but if it's a few lines in a configuration file, it should be done.

Tapatalk is far from a glorified web browser. Web browsers request data in a standard format over http, and all data the site sends to the web browsers is for the most part identical. Users are able to manipulate site data (like make posts) through very carefully controlled mechanisms. All of this, we control. Tapatalk is basically an API that allows our data to be extracted from our site and displayed in a manner that we can't control. It allows the manipulation of site data through methods that are out of our control.

So no to Tapatalk. I can understand that.

Any updates on some other means to use FlyerTalk via smartphones? (I know there's an app for iCrap out there, but as others pointed out, not everybody uses those.)

Along the same line as Tapatalk, vBulletin has a "Mobile Suite" ap called Flyertalk in the smartphone ap stores that has most of the functionality of Tapatalk. Just go to the ap stores and search for Flyertalk.

If I'm not mistaken, IB owns both vBulletin, and Flyertalk.com.

As a vB forum admin elsewhere, I've tried Tapatalk, and was not happy with the server side integration aspect, plus the constant updates I was having to upload. Conversely, I haven't installed the vB mobile suite on my site because
of the annual cost and lack of interest from the users.

I use forumrunner on another forum

Tapatalk support would be great indeed. But I think IB-Dick's statement is clear :(

I just wish the management here could cite ONE example of data being improperly manipulated by the TapaTalk guys.

This entire argument is a red herring. FT is only worried about their precious ad revenue.

I just wish the management here could cite ONE example of data being improperly manipulated by the TapaTalk guys.

This entire argument is a red herring. FT is only worried about their precious ad revenue.

Which is not unreasonable if the ads keep FT going.

But I like Tapatalk, a lot (I use it for another forum). I'd use FT on the move a lot more if it was implemented. I might even (hush) pay a small subscription to avoid the need for the ads.

Perhaps Tapatalk need to implement ad-gatewaying functionality to allow the banner ads from the forums to make it through?

I know there's the FT Android app, but I don't get on with it at all.

Neil

Any news on tapatalk? I bought it for my iPhone and use it with other forums and would like to use it here too

Any news on tapatalk? I bought it for my iPhone and use it with other forums and would like to use it here too

Not going to happen, don't hold your breath waiting.

Not going to happen, don't hold your breath waiting.

It's true, there will be no Tapatalk -- but hold tight, we're working on some other mobile possibilities.

Paul

It's true, there will be no Tapatalk -- but hold tight, we're working on some other mobile possibilities.

Paul

For a board that caters to the Mobile Traveller, its a shame there is no decent mobile app. The current VBulletin app is terrible.

For a board that caters to the Mobile Traveller, its a shame there is no decent mobile app. The current VBulletin app is terrible.

Agree, it's unusable.

Unfortunately, the mobile "skin" for Web browser use is also unusable, as it doesn't deal with the hierarchical forums properly - i.e. I can't get to the BA Executive Club or United Kingdom forums. Sort that and I don't mind there being no app.

Neil

I for one would also like Tapatalk support, for mobile platforms they have done such a good job.

I've tried the official Flyertalk Android app, but in reality its not exactly that great.

Also no updates since 23 May 2011??

I wouldn't mind tapatalk support either, since posting normally from a phone (as I am doing now) can be a bit tedious and cumbersome.

Same here voicing my support for Tapatalk. Powers that be should know if we use it on the road we check in when we land and are at home and work. And if we can visit while on the road then we will be more active here.

+1. Would love Tapatalk support for both my iPad and GNEX phone

For a board that caters to the Mobile Traveller, its a shame there is no decent mobile app.
+1
Couldn't have expressed it any better.

This thread was started nearly two years ago (August 2010) and still no response from anyone of authority on this board.

I think, even though, quite a few people want it, it can be safe to say that the powers that be for Flyertalk are not really interested in mobile content.

The native iphone and android apps haven't been updated since May 2011 and looking at the stats were not even that popular (1,000 - 5,000 downloads for the Android app for example). On top of that the mobile optimised site is next to useless.

This thread was started nearly two years ago (August 2010) and still no response from anyone of authority on this board.

I think, even though, quite a few people want it, it can be safe to say that the powers that be for Flyertalk are not really interested in mobile content.

The native iphone and android apps haven't been updated since May 2011 and looking at the stats were not even that popular (1,000 - 5,000 downloads for the Android app for example). On top of that the mobile optimised site is next to useless.

There have been many responses within this thread, from myself and Dick (look for our usernames in RED early and often in this thread); the plainly and oft-stated answer on Tapatalk is no, for the reasons expressed by us on the preceding pages.

The native apps are not perfect, but they're used by many FTers and provide more than the basic functionality that 3rd-party forum readers do, without exposing FlyerTalk to the vagaries of what and how some other company wishes to do with our members' content.

I'm sorry that the answer is negative, but I hope we've done our best to explain. If you have any further questions, don't hesitate to ask.

Paul
Community Manager

Seems since Randy and Gary have moved on to Milepoint there have been no changes, positive or otherwise

There have been many responses within this thread, from myself and Dick (look for our usernames in RED early and often in this thread); the plainly and oft-stated answer on Tapatalk is no, for the reasons expressed by us on the preceding pages.

The native apps are not perfect, but they're used by many FTers and provide more than the basic functionality that 3rd-party forum readers do, without exposing FlyerTalk to the vagaries of what and how some other company wishes to do with our members' content.

I'm sorry that the answer is negative, but I hope we've done our best to explain. If you have any further questions, don't hesitate to ask.

Paul
Community Manager

That is a shame. But pretty clear.

Seems since Randy and Gary have moved on to Milepoint there have been no changes, positive or otherwise

I would disagree - have you been inside the Talkboard Topics (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/talkboard-topics-382/) forum lately? There have been several decisions made by the Talkboard (a representative body of the membership of FT) since the present board was elected back in the end of 2011. Maybe there haven't been large, sweeping changes that have been largely noticeable, but that's not to say that nothing has changed.

Of course, if you have suggestions on how to improve FT, your suggestions are most welcome in the aforementioned Talkboard Topics forum, though I would strongly suggest that you take a look at the thread that depicts what the Talkboard is and how changes are considered.

I just stumbled upon this thread today, and am a little disappointed by Tapatalk being shot down. Not really sure how it would be considered opening up your database to a 3rd party. In all honesty, it's a public forum and anything said on here is fair game to be duplicated at any time. After all, there are plenty of cached versions available on Google as an example. It's not like we're asking for API's to any kind of mission critical or confidential information here, just forum posts.

I realize this is FT's forum and they're free to do what ever they want with it, but ultimately you should consider what the people want. If people want Tapatalk and you don't budge, they may move on.

But I don't expect to change any minds here. It's almost been two years and no further considerations.

Just my 2c.

There is a FlyerTalk iPhone app (see it in the app store), an Android app in the Android marketplace, and there is of course the option to view the full site on your mobile browser!

With so many mobile options, and considering the drawbacks, Tapatalk just doesn't make sense for FlyerTalk. Please give one of the other mobile options a try :)

Paul

I just stumbled upon this thread today, and am a little disappointed by Tapatalk being shot down. Not really sure how it would be considered opening up your database to a 3rd party. In all honesty, it's a public forum and anything said on here is fair game to be duplicated at any time. After all, there are plenty of cached versions available on Google as an example. It's not like we're asking for API's to any kind of mission critical or confidential information here, just forum posts.

I realize this is FT's forum and they're free to do what ever they want with it, but ultimately you should consider what the people want. If people want Tapatalk and you don't budge, they may move on.

But I don't expect to change any minds here. It's almost been two years and no further considerations.

Just my 2c.

I personally use ForumRunner, which is similar app on a few other forums, but in general I wouldn't care what app is used, as long as it is better than the one they have now which is terrible. For a board that is centered around a mobility is sucks that we have no first rate mobile app.

I personally use ForumRunner, which is similar app on a few other forums, but in general I wouldn't care what app is used, as long as it is better than the one they have now which is terrible. For a board that is centered around a mobility is sucks that we have no first rate mobile app.

You had me excited that ForumRunner could work with this site. Turns out it doesn't. Ah well, I'm only here for one thread, then I will move on.

There is a FlyerTalk iPhone app (see it in the app store), an Android app in the Android marketplace, and there is of course the option to view the full site on your mobile browser!

With so many mobile options, and considering the drawbacks, Tapatalk just doesn't make sense for FlyerTalk. Please give one of the other mobile options a try :)

Paul

I think many users prefer Tapatalk so that they can consolidate all of their forum usage on a single app instead of having to download a separate app just for FT.

I also think that part of the resistance against Tapatalk is a due unfamiliarity with the product. A lot of the most popular forums use it... not sure what's the big fear with allowing FT on it also.

I also think that part of the resistance against Tapatalk is a due unfamiliarity with the product. A lot of the most popular forums use it... not sure what's the big fear with allowing FT on it also.

The problem with it AIUI is that it doesn't carry through advertising. And given the very mobile nature of FTers, I expect that'd cost them dearly.

Neil

I still would like to have Tapatalk installed

Hoping some kind of a compromise is reached.

I appreciate FlyerTalk want to keep the branding and advertising income, but the more forum owners push back, the more users will eventually find creative ways (e.g. html scraping) to redisplay forums in a better way.

Back in the 1990s usenet provided a clean super-fast and multi-threaded means to conduct discussions. Spam killed it and unfortunately with the move to the web things became clunky again, but web forums allowed for advertising revenue etc.

There has to be a middle ground. Perhaps the developers of apps like tapatalk can work with forum owners to find a way to make advertising work.

As it stands I'm now (via a program called BlueStacks) running the Android version of Taptatalk on my Mac desktop. It makes forum browsing superfast. I've stopped accessing a few of the forums that don't support it as I'm tired of clicking 'next page' and waiting for html to reload- it seems so backward.

I carry on reading flyertalk because it's interesting. But eventually accessing a forum through web html will seem incredibly outmoded, when so many of the other forums I use can all be accessed via a single, streamlined interface that lets me read them quickly and efficiently.

There have been many responses within this thread, from myself and Dick (look for our usernames in RED early and often in this thread); the plainly and oft-stated answer on Tapatalk is no, for the reasons expressed by us on the preceding pages.

The native apps are not perfect, but they're used by many FTers and provide more than the basic functionality that 3rd-party forum readers do, without exposing FlyerTalk to the vagaries of what and how some other company wishes to do with our members' content.

I'm sorry that the answer is negative, but I hope we've done our best to explain. If you have any further questions, don't hesitate to ask.

Paul
Community Manager

I've been a big user of Tapatalk and it is everything that the FT app is not -- it's usable, friendly, and a step up from trying to use a mobile browser.

Sadly, I simply don't frequent FT unless I'm sitting at a computer. I'm sure I'm not the only one.

Can we get this activated yet? Understand the perceived security issues but so many forums already use tapatalk...why fight it? Plus more people will use it. Like the poster above me, I only really check this when I'm on a computer.

Can we get this activated yet? Understand the perceived security issues but so many forums already use tapatalk...why fight it? Plus more people will use it. Like the poster above me, I only really check this when I'm on a computer.

They aren't going to do it. Which is unfortunate, because the mobile apps are absolutely terrible and they don't seem motivated to make better ones.

What about a Tapatalk branded app? Or is this what they have now?

I find myself only frequenting forums I can get to on tapatalk. I miss flyertalk. Please enable this. My work bans forums, so if I can't read it on mobile nicely, I don't.

So FT won't be on Tapatalk, which is a shame, however, hopefully one day they will get round and update their native Android app, which frankly, sucks. Not surprisingly, it only has had a few thousand installs.

So FT won't be on Tapatalk, which is a shame, however, hopefully one day they will get round and update their native Android app, which frankly, sucks. Not surprisingly, it only has had a few thousand installs.

It does. And I'll be the first to admit that I only really hit FT anymore when sitting in front of an actual computer. I tried the Android app and then deleted it.

But they decided they don't like Tapatalk, so it means many of us will just use that time frequenting forums that do.

I vote for tapatalk.

I vote for tapatalk.

Your vote doesn't count. And in this instance, neither does mine. :td: