The Steepshot Series: The Steepshot Android V 0.3.7 (Episode 4)

Repository

https://github.com/Chainers/steepshot.io

A. Introduction

When a project first starts out, there might just be a few features enabled on it. This could be as a result of the project developer not quite knowing other features to add. It could also be due to lack of knowledge as regarding how to implement some great and important features.

However, one reason why applications are updated regularly is to implement new features. These features sometimes come as a result of interactions with users. At other times, the developer could be copying or improving on features present on its closest competitor’s application.

One important reason for updating an app with new features is to grab the attention of new users. The second reason is to scale up the overall experience for existing users of the platform. It could also be just to make it better and much more intuitive. All of these are geared towards one thing - the users of the platform.

In this article, we will look at the most recent Steepshot android platform and the features implemented on it. I'd also explain its features in depth and x-ray possible benefits. Finally, I will share my thoughts on these features.

B. What Steepshot is

Steepshot is an Instagram-like dApp built on the Steem blockchain for users who wish to capture their daily lifestyle in pictures and upload it to the internet space. When using the Steepshot app, these users gain some monetary benefits.

These benefits will accrue to you when your posts are upvoted/liked by the Steepshot/Steemit community. 7 days after the post was made, payouts from the post are shared to you and to those who upvoted the post.

C. The trail of Steepshot android versions

To better understand how the current android version came about, starting off with the very first version of Steepshot released would have been the best thing to do. But then, those versions are now obsolete and it would be unwise to begin writing about each and every one of them at this point in time. However, I'd just take us through history lane as I give a run-down of the previous versions and the features they came with.

• The Android Alpha test version

This was the first android version of the app released. As at then, it was a simple app that allowed users login, logout, and view pictures posted by other users. You could also follow other users, comment on their pictures and also post your own pictures through the app. For me, it was simply a very basic application.

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• The Android alpha version 0.0.2

The android V 0.0.2 was the second android app version that was released. This version allowed users register through the app. This version also saw the inclusion of the QR code feature for users who would be logging in to the platform. Simply scan your posting key QR code from the Steemit website and you will be good to go.

• The Android alpha v 0.3
  The Android V 0.0.3 came loaded with features such as time stamps, NSFW filter in its settings, as well as a 4-button tab bar. It also allowed users the ability to fit photos to frame as well as improvements to its search by tag features.

• The Android alpha V 0.0.4

The Android 0.0.4 alpha version allowed users search for other users by either their user names or display names. It also came with a feature that showed users a list of likes (upvotes) received on their post.

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• The Android Alpha V 0.0.5
  This version focused more on the security aspect of the app. Steepshot prepared its own library for signing transactions on the client side. This simply meant that keys were no longer sent and saved to the server side.

• The Android Beta version
  This Beta update saw Steepshot go into beta mode as well as go open source. This version came with a major change to almost everything including the interface, the number of tags usable and the app icon as well.

Further updates saw the inclusion of the voting slider bar, multiple photo upload feature and push notifications. There was also the addition of the delete, edit and copy link to this beta version.

• Android Version 0.3.5
  Embedded in the android version 0.3.5 of the Steepshot app were features such as swipes in the comments section, transfers and faster load time. With the swipe feature, you can now swipe to the right to flag comments made by a user. For your own comments, you would see the edit, delete and like options when you swipe to the right.

This version also reduced the load time of photos, making it faster than before. Finally, the transfer button was added in the profile setting area of the app. Simply click on the send tokens and fill all the necessary transfer information required.

The above listed are the previous versions of the Steepshot Android app. Let us now look at the current version, the Steepshot Android 0.3.7

The Steepshot Android Version 0.3.7

Now that we have gone through all the previous updates and versions of the Android Steepshot app, let's get down to the business of the day - the Steepshot android version 0.3.7. This version of the app was released about 3 months ago. So far, this remains the most recent version of the Steepshot Android app. In this release, the major focus was placed on one major feature - the wallet.

Now, on the android v 0.3.7, users can access their wallet information, make transfers to other users, and do a lot other things. Let's discuss these features in details.

• The Transfer button

Steepshot included a transfer button in this feature which allows you make transfers to other users. To access your wallet, click on the account balance button in the "My profile" section. There, you will see the transfer button just beneath the summary of your Steem balance. On clicking on the button, you can input the user name of the person you're transferring to, as well as the amount you are transferring. Click on the "Max" button to send everything you have in your wallet. Tap on the "Add message" button to add a memo to the transfer.

• The Claim rewards button
  Another beautiful feature added in this version is the "Claim rewards" button. A small box looking like a gift or present box, the claim rewards button sits at the top right corner of your wallet page. If you have any unclaimed rewards, simply click on the button to claim them.

• The Power up/power down buttons

Usually, all earnings made on the Steem blockchain are shared in two parts, with one part going to your Steem power and the other to your Steem or SBD wallet. However, there is the option to either power up (increase Steem power with Steem) or power down (reduce Steem power and increase your Steem wallet balance).

To allow for a better experience for users, Steepshot has now included this option in the android v 0.3.7. Simply click on the three dots close to the transfer button and select any of the options you want.

• Transaction history

Also enabled on the Steepshot android app latest version is the transaction history feature. On this app version, you are granted an in-depth view of all your transactions both incoming and outgoing. You are able to see all Steem and SBD you have transferred and those you transferred to, as well as those you received from other users. These are the major features implemented on this version of the android app.

My thoughts on the Steepshot Android v 0.3.7

I love what Steepshot has been able to achieve so far with their android platform. The newest feature even makes it such an important app to have for any picture/Instagram loving individual and Steem user. The wallet feature is comprehensive enough, very easy to use and simple to understand.

However, one thing I hope Steepshot includes on this app is in the Power up/power down feature of the app. I think it is important that we have a clue of how many weeks it will take to power down, and what we would get every week. So it is my opinion that once we input the amount we want to power down and before we click on the button, we get a notification. This notification will tell you what you should receive and how long it will take.

I hope to see you on the next episode of this series. Have a nice week ahead.

I remain your amazing dApps presenter, @curtwriter.

Resources

A. https://steemit.com/steepshot/@juanmiguelsalas/review-of-the-bot-for-telegram-of-the-steepshot-application-the-fastest-way-to-post-a-photo-on-steem-s-blockchain
B. Other pictures were screenshots from my device.

Series Backlinks

• The Steepshot Series: Introducing the Instagram-like DApp (Episode 1)
• The Steepshot series: Let's Learn to Use the Steepshot Platform (Episode 2)
• The Steepshot Series: Using the Android/iOS versions (Episode 3)