___|  _ \   |  |    |   |_ _|\ \     / ____|
 |     |   |  |  |    |   |  |  \ \   /  __|
 |   | |   | ___ __|  ___ |  |   \ \ /   |
\____|\___/     _|   _|  _|___|   \_/   _____| 

 --- A GOPHER-LIKE INTERFACE FOR HIVE BLOCKCHAIN ---

HiveSnaps: I could use some Android Beta Testers

BY: @meno | CREATED: June 28, 2025, 2:44 a.m. | VOTES: 143 | PAYOUT: $9.30 | [ VOTE ]

Well, I actually have something to show. As you guys know, if you've been following this little blog of mine, I've been spending countless hours working on this. I happen to think this is going to help me with user retention, and thus that has been my driving force.

[IMAGE: https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/meno/23vrtXTnaMQ6DA7sDyqWYgcd6eop8V7DqfnSoKtwx6ufCrBZcMueQLgCy8kNyFQfG8LP2.png]

However, I've reached the point in time on a project where I could use a little help. I'm packing quite a bit of features on this for a simple app, but the truth is that although I'm stripping it from noise, there are things that I can't leave out, not even for this beta testing version.

So, let's make this sound official!!!

📱 What is HiveSnaps?

HiveSnaps is a modern, mobile-first social media application built specifically for the Hive blockchain. It provides an intuitive, Twitter-like experience for creating, sharing, and engaging with content on Hive, designed from the ground up for mobile users.

✨ Current Features (Already Implemented)

🔐 Authentication & Security

📝 Content Creation & Sharing

📺 Rich Media Experience

Video Embedding - Supports YouTube, 3speak, and IPFS videos
Inline Video Players - Watch videos without leaving the app
Full-Screen Image Viewer - Tap to view images in full screen
Smart Media Detection - Automatically detects and embeds media from URLs

💬 Social Interaction

🔔 Notification System

🎨 User Experience

📱 Mobile-First Design

🚀 Near-Future Features (Coming Soon TM)

📊 Enhanced Discovery

👥 Social Features

💰 Hive Economics

🛠️ Technical Stuffseseseses

Development Practices

📲 Beta Testing Available

We're currently in beta testing phase! The app is available as an APK for Android users who want to try it out. We're gathering feedback to improve the user experience before the official launch.

[IMAGE: https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/meno/23tHBp5nmQCa4CyTicHMCijGuonD2mgrdUkooZMaeKJREdgycpoMcQktBxYzEX3RSWhvk.png]

📱 How to Test HiveSnaps Beta (Android)

Step 1: Download the APK

Click this link on your Android device: Download HiveSnaps Beta APK
The APK file will download to your device (usually in the Downloads folder)

Step 2: Enable Unknown Sources (Required for APK Installation)

Since this app isn't on the Google Play Store yet, you'll need to allow your phone to install apps from unknown sources:

For Android 8.0+ (Most Recent Devices):

Alternative Method:

When you try to install the APK, Android will prompt you
* Tap "Settings" in the popup
* Enable "Allow from this source"
* Go back and try installing again

For Older Android Versions:

Step 3: Install HiveSnaps

Step 4: Launch and Test

🔒 Security Note

This APK is safe to install - it's built using Expo's official build service. However, as with any beta software:

📋 What to Test

Help me improve HiveSnaps by testing these features:

🐛 Found a Bug?

If you encounter any issues:

📱 Device Requirements

🆘 Troubleshooting

Can't download the APK?

Installation failed?

App crashes on startup?

This is a beta version, which means:

Thank you for helping test HiveSnaps! Your feedback is invaluable for making this the best Hive mobile experience possible. 🚀

Afterword

If you follow this blog then you might know, but in case you don't. I will be releasing all the code to this app too. As a matter of fact it already is public. So you might be wondering why? Well, because I feel like I need it.

I want to be able to give someone a simple app, and allow them to be a hivean. They don't have to be bloggers, they don't have to be amazing writers, they just have to be.

You see, since I got a lot of gray in my beard, I do happen to find Hiving on a computer a lot more comfortable. But, this is not the case for the majority of people. Where I live, everyone has a cell phone, very few people have a computer. I think that explains it all...

And, with this giant post and announcement, I think I will call it a day.

Much love

MenO

TAGS: [ #hive ] [ #pob ] [ #pimp ] [ #cent ] [ #hivesnaps ] [ #beta ] [ #newapp ] [ #communitybuilding ] [ #whatdidigetmyselfinto ] [ #gratitude ]

Replies

@maykit55 | June 28, 2025, 2:58 a.m. | Votes: 4 | [ VOTE ]

I like to be present at this kind of test so you can be sure that I will help you to test them.

Regards

@bil.prag | June 28, 2025, 3:15 a.m. | Votes: 4 | [ VOTE ]

> Step 1: Download the APK
Click this link on your Android device: Download HiveSnaps Beta APK

there is no link (i assume the QR code is also getting me there?)

i will be clicking it after the weekend if the country does not go in flames or something :)

@meno | June 28, 2025, 3:17 a.m. | Votes: 1 | [ VOTE ]

the QR code will set you free...

but dood, you just made me realize. Are you seriously in peril?

@bil.prag | June 28, 2025, 3:46 a.m. | Votes: 4 | [ VOTE ]

in 12 hours there will be another big protest in the capitol. after 7 months of non stop protests that were mostly peaceful (but really mostly peaceful, like no window broken, and few small scuffles with police). so there is a chance nothing will happen, but i can't even estimate how many people will go. last big one was like 600k in 6 million country.
and even the "government" is not sure, as they canceled all the public transportation to the capitol.
i would assume nothing really bad will happen because he does need the EU money that will stop, but there are a lot of stupid people out there, so who knows.

i am in the countryside and hour and a half drive from it. last time it took me almost 3 hours to get there because of all the cars going. not sure will i go, will see after a good sleep :)

@oldmans | June 28, 2025, 3:18 a.m. | Votes: 6 | [ VOTE ]

I too have a lot of gray in my beard and am most comfortable using my PC. That being said I will try it out my Samsung phone this weekend and see how it goes. Good work trying to move us all forward. :)

@meno | June 28, 2025, 11:50 a.m. | Votes: 2 | [ VOTE ]

Looking forward to your input

@oldmans | June 28, 2025, 11:42 p.m. | Votes: 4 | [ VOTE ]

Got the app loaded no problem to my Samsung S20 FE.

Was able to add a snap.

When I looked at My Snaps only the one I just added was visible none of my old ones.

Voted a snap and it didn't show up on app but was there on my PC. Also could use seeing the amount of my vote not just the percentage.

Notifications didn't seem right. They were jumbled up.

Could add a comment to my snap but could not get a reply window to open on someone else's snap.

That's all for now. :)

@friendlymoose | June 28, 2025, 7:01 a.m. | Votes: 5 | [ VOTE ]

This is really interesting!
Do you also have a 'normal' link.
As an android user, I'm on my phone, so can't scan the QR.
Have to wait until I power up the laptop later today or tomorrow.

@shanibeer | June 28, 2025, 8:15 a.m. | Votes: 8 | [ VOTE ]

Nice and clean.
Easy to download, install, log in, create post, include an image.
Forgot to add tags.

Trying to open conversation/vote a bit erratic, it seems I have to hold rather than tap, and takes time to find the exact spot to hold.

I'm guessing that we can't access an account's profile yet?

@meno | June 28, 2025, 11:47 a.m. | Votes: 1 | [ VOTE ]

hrmm it could be the upvote arrow is too tiny... maybe not making it bigger, but making the action area bigger could be the solush

I'm working on the profiles today... I've not decided on how to do it. But, i'm thinking I might integrate some basic wallet info with profiles, and reward claims. I need more coffee.... that's all

@shanibeer | June 28, 2025, 1 p.m. | Votes: 0 | [ VOTE ]

i) okay 🙂

ii) no worries, I was just checking 😎.

Overall, it is nice and easy to use x

@meno | June 28, 2025, 11:49 a.m. | Votes: 1 | [ VOTE ]

when you say the tags part.. you mean it doesn't respond to #tags

I need to pick someone's brain on how to do that... but it does seem important. Need me a real dev to talk to .

@shanibeer | June 28, 2025, 12:58 p.m. | Votes: 0 | [ VOTE ]

> you mean it doesn't respond to #tags

apologies - I meant I forgot to add tags to the post. I'll remember next time.

@jacobtothe | June 28, 2025, 9:40 a.m. | Votes: 4 | [ VOTE ]

I may dabble with this using an old phone in the next couple days.

@meno | June 28, 2025, 11:50 a.m. | Votes: 0 | [ VOTE ]

thanks bro

@godfish | June 28, 2025, 10:21 a.m. | Votes: 5 | [ VOTE ]

Let me know when you need iOS beta testers. Still travelling, but I’ll be available soon :)

@meno | June 28, 2025, 11:31 a.m. | Votes: 4 | [ VOTE ]

I will have something for IOS very soon. Need my brother's help with that, and he's traveling as well. I've been interrupting his Machu Pichu adventure a little too much.

@ecoinstant | June 28, 2025, 11:39 a.m. | Votes: 4 | [ VOTE ]

There are so many words in this blog! Stuffses, as you say. I really hope you get the testers you are looking for, I know how important they can be - so I reblogged ya!

Boom.

!PAKX
!PIMP
!PIZZA

@meno | June 28, 2025, 11:49 a.m. | Votes: 5 | [ VOTE ]

thank you my brother

@pizzabot | June 28, 2025, 11:39 a.m. | Votes: 0 | [ VOTE ]

PIZZA!

$PIZZA slices delivered:
@ecoinstant(1/20) tipped @meno

Come get MOONed!

@grimmjoe | June 28, 2025, 12:48 p.m. | Votes: 6 | [ VOTE ]

Did anyone say tester needed? Well, you asked for help, here I am!!
Downloaded and installed smoothly

[IMAGE: https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/grimmjoe/23tbnfsFuLkuJomYDcAzbdsw33aiGoAPEERVrPWGxKtv6jm3SUK7SkTh549yLTNdzzAXW.jpg]
Homepage. Might need to zoom out a bit

[IMAGE: https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/grimmjoe/23tGRVNaxRUTShPNGdpabeSWqZJBHHnDUX3pcazSjzH1YkLc1W78xWfJVqbr7et48L5r4.jpg]
Takes quite a while to load after any activity

[IMAGE: https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/grimmjoe/23t74pHR1RhKzLUciQwPWZ4zcvQBvRhsmBnzcRQKKw77GgL9GRMWJaPQAPANMJNmqkWdp.jpg]
You have to reload to see comments. Also, you can't enter a specific snap just be clicking on the body. You have to click reply first before it takes you into the snap. Upvote works.

[IMAGE: https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/grimmjoe/23t7DdiCb7d7JGCx5JA7ppAcSEN9mvFZnqaLkqeeuLom7kPAcHbLZQr2Vh2AsHhQkWY2x.jpg]
Here's an example of a post I came about. This is just the beginning. I have to scroll over and over and over and over again to get to the end, and that's without trying to interact with it. The formatting needs work too.

[IMAGE: https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/grimmjoe/23tH3nrvEMD3FEyhANjzKt4CfZf7oFBiJAUEwRyL37YapiXkQTA8B9XS8ifx6SomJbhfN.jpg]
Made a post, took a while, but it worked well. My time isn't synced well tho. I'm using GMT+1, so it should've said 13:40:36
These are the few things I've noticed so far. Overall, it works greatly!
My Device is Redmi 13C. Android 13

@meno | June 28, 2025, 12:50 p.m. | Votes: 0 | [ VOTE ]

awesome feedback!!! thank you very much!

@grimmjoe | June 28, 2025, 1:06 p.m. | Votes: 4 | [ VOTE ]

[IMAGE: https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/grimmjoe/23t773svFmBtrHtnHD8spvLcz3WosjFnGKHAAgSSkAshFLBrjSZ37qW5Gnabyjm77BSF6.jpg]

This is notifications. Comprises both snaps and normal posts, and as you can see, it's not arranged orderly, plus, it only shows hours and days, not minute and seconds. I think it should only contain reblogs, upvotes and comments relating to snaps only.

We need a keep me logged in button or stuff like that, with maybe fingerprint or password authentication AFTER our first login, as you currently have to login with posting key each time you exit the app. On the flip side, because the app is so light, you can keep it minimized for a long time without it closing and logging you out, maybe even on older phones with weak RAMs too.

Replying to comments works well.

@tengolotodo | June 28, 2025, 1:39 p.m. | Votes: 4 | [ VOTE ]

I have a google 9 pro xl and when I get home tonight will give this a go, it should work on tablet too? If so I will test it on my honor android tablet as I microblog elsewhere more on tablet than phone.

Been watching your progress in snaps and this looks fluffing awesome.

@meno | June 28, 2025, 1:41 p.m. | Votes: 0 | [ VOTE ]

it would be interesting to find out how it looks on a tablet... I've not even tested it... if you try it, let me know.

@tengolotodo | June 28, 2025, 10:30 p.m. | Votes: 0 | [ VOTE ]

First pass was pretty good. I shall have a proper test tomorrow

@therealwolf | June 28, 2025, 9:59 p.m. | Votes: 4 | [ VOTE ]

Congrats meno! I don't have an android device sadly, but I'll check it out once it's available on iOS.

@meno | June 29, 2025, 2:45 a.m. | Votes: 0 | [ VOTE ]

thank you so much brother... hopefully this week. I'll get my brother to help me with this step

@lee1938 | June 28, 2025, 11:45 p.m. | Votes: 4 | [ VOTE ]

https://x.com/lee19389/status/1939107824258425007

hive #posh

@fashtioluwa | June 29, 2025, 2:18 p.m. | Votes: 4 | [ VOTE ]

Is it not available on iOS currently ?
I would have love to test it

@meno | June 29, 2025, 3:08 p.m. | Votes: 0 | [ VOTE ]

this week for sure. My brother is the iOS expert (@joseamenac) - As soon as he's back from vaca, I'm asking for his help.

@fashtioluwa | June 29, 2025, 3:10 p.m. | Votes: 0 | [ VOTE ]

Ok
I’ll be looking forward
I’ll follow him now and give you a follow

@kryptik.tigrrr3d | June 30, 2025, 5:47 a.m. | Votes: 4 | [ VOTE ]

Testing it now. It's working fine on my cheap Android (Tecno Spark 10c).

The only thing that's slightly bothering me is that it is displaying one of my old profile pictures instead of my current one.

Will continue testing it throughout the day, and let you know if I run into any bugs.

[IMAGE: https://images.ecency.com/DQmVxyeU7fNhLUf1ewZ6h191c5gbXW8KAJv3gyYvConDmgT/hivesnaps.jpg]

@meno | June 30, 2025, 10:31 a.m. | Votes: 1 | [ VOTE ]

Hey, that is very interesting... your old profile picture, you say? Wow..

I'm going to ask for help on this one. What an enigma

@kryptik.tigrrr3d | June 30, 2025, 12:10 p.m. | Votes: 0 | [ VOTE ]

Yes, you can see it in the screenshot above. I guess I'm the only one with this bug. Hope you get it fixed soon.

@v-36 | June 30, 2025, 2:28 p.m. | Votes: 0 | [ VOTE ]

Downloaded and started using! The UI and UX is great, it needs more caching, and the feed being rebuild at each upvote is not great

I will be following this project and testing it diligently

About algos, @friendlymoose is leading a project about better curation feeds... perhaps an integration could occur here

@lazzvi | June 30, 2025, 5:43 p.m. | Votes: 0 | [ VOTE ]

Started using it. When I went to upvote, the %bar started shaking.

@meno | June 30, 2025, 6:47 p.m. | Votes: 0 | [ VOTE ]

oh wow.. thats new... lol let me see what info i can find on something like this

@lazzvi | June 30, 2025, 6:58 p.m. | Votes: 4 | [ VOTE ]

Another thing. I logged in, used it, switched to another app and when I went back, I had to log in again. I'm using Samsung phone A54

@meno | June 30, 2025, 8:38 p.m. | Votes: 0 | [ VOTE ]

Oh got this fixed already... in a few days, I'll have another beta release with fixes.. it might be a few releases before its "good to go"

@lazzvi | June 30, 2025, 8:45 p.m. | Votes: 0 | [ VOTE ]

Great. Thanks for your work.

@lazzvi | June 30, 2025, 6:56 p.m. | Votes: 0 | [ VOTE ]

You are active in the app. You change to another app, then when you go back, it resets and you need to input user and key.

@betoman | July 2, 2025, 3:03 a.m. | Votes: 4 | [ VOTE ]

installed and testing

@betoman | July 2, 2025, 3:37 a.m. | Votes: 4 | [ VOTE ]

Tengo un Xiaomi Redmi Note Pro
Android 11

Login Ok
Creación de Post, ok
Ver el contenido, ok
Votar, Ok
Al hacer upVote recarga el feed desde el inicio en vez de volver a donde me quede
al explorar las imágenes solo aparece folder recientes, no puedo explorar todo el almacenamiento.
La hora del post esta con GMT+0 (debería usar el del móvil)
Al crear un post, incluir links, youtube u otros.
seguire revisando.

@betoman | July 2, 2025, 9:21 a.m. | Votes: 0 | [ VOTE ]

Sesión expires, need to set key again8r

@meno | July 2, 2025, 11:08 a.m. | Votes: 0 | [ VOTE ]

esto ya corregi... en esta semana lanzo el siguiente beta. Ya tengo algunas cosas mantequilladas

@betoman | July 2, 2025, 11:21 a.m. | Votes: 0 | [ VOTE ]

Cool. voy a seguir revisando

@betoman | July 2, 2025, 11:24 p.m. | Votes: 0 | [ VOTE ]

Zoom a fotos

@shiftrox | July 2, 2025, 5:26 p.m. | Votes: 0 | [ VOTE ]

I'm already installing it and I'm going to try it out too :D

@crazyphantombr | July 2, 2025, 6:10 p.m. | Votes: 0 | [ VOTE ]

Running here!

  • Reply button on the home screen (sometimes I don't want to read other people's comments, I want to reply directly!)

  • Pre-set vote (I don't want to have to choose % for each vote)

I'll come back and write things down as they happen!
It's awesome!

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