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examples / showcase > Goodreads for Android Tablets

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message 1: by Daniel (new)

Daniel I've released a version of my Goodreads Android App optimized for tablets:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/de...

It requires Android 3.2 or higher running on a tablet (7+ inch screen)

I'd love some feedback if anyone wants to give it a try.


message 2: by Brian (new)

Brian (bper) | 24 comments Daniel wrote: "I've released a version of my Goodreads Android App optimized for tablets:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/de...

It requires Android 3.2 or higher running on a tablet ..."


release on nook store?...


message 3: by Ettore (new)

Ettore Pasquini Daniel wrote: "I've released a version of my Goodreads Android App optimized for tablets"

Hey Daniel, good job!

Just curious, did developing for Android 3.x give you a lot of significant benefits over 1.x?


message 4: by Hakan (new)

Hakan (hakan42) | 3 comments I'm using it on my Acer Iconia A501 (Android 3.2) and am pretty amazed at the usability of all the additional screen space.

The only down side is that I have much more possibilities do discover new books, so my "to-obtain" list grows exponentially :-)


message 5: by Daniel (new)

Daniel Ettore wrote: "Daniel wrote: "I've released a version of my Goodreads Android App optimized for tablets"

Hey Daniel, good job!

Just curious, did developing for Android 3.x give you a lot of significant benefit..."


I found working with the Android 3.0 API much easier than 1.X. Once you wrap your head around the new activity fragment system, it's much easier to separate and re-use activity components. The action bar system is also much more useful than the old menu API.

They also introduced a great Loader API that abstracts away most of the nasty async details when loading data into activites or list views.

The only drawback is that if you want to use these new APIs on older devices, you'll have to work with the android compatibility library. The action bar isn't available on 1.X/2.X devices, but the fragment/loaders work well.


message 6: by Daniel (new)

Daniel Brian wrote: release on nook store?...

Unfortunately the current generation of Nook devices are running custom versions of Android 2.3.3, and not the tablet optimized Android 3.X/4.X.

If B&N updates their OS version in the future, I'd be glad to release on their store.


message 7: by Daniel (new)

Daniel Hakan wrote: "I'm using it on my Acer Iconia A501 (Android 3.2) and am pretty amazed at the usability of all the additional screen space.

Glad you're enjoying it! Let me know if you have any suggestions. I'm currently working on adding a re-sizable widget for the home screen, but I'm not sure what to work on next.

Also, if you have the time, please give it a review in the Android Market.


message 8: by Richard (new)

Richard (dawsonsweek) Loved this app when I had a Samsung Tab. Now upgraded to a Nexus 7 and it says it's not compatible. Will you be making it compatible any time soon? Thanks!


message 9: by Daniel (new)

Daniel Hey Richard,

I wasn't aware that that app was incompatible with the Nexus 7. I've just uploaded a new version that should work. Thanks for letting me know!


message 10: by Lauren (new)

Lauren | 1 comments I was just wondering why this version does not allow reading ebooks as the iPhone app allows. I have downloaded a book from your ebooks selection on my iPhone but can't read it on my tablet (android) which I mostly use as an ereader. I was wondering if this would be a feature you will offer soon?


message 11: by Daniel (new)

Daniel Unfortunately, as a 3rd party developer I don't have access to the Goodreads eBooks collection, and can't include them with my app. You'll have to use the official app for that functionality.


message 12: by Michael (new)

Michael Economy (michaeleconomy) The official Goodreads Android app does not currently support reading ebooks, primarily because we don't have the man power to build out that feature. We hope to build it soon, but probably not within then next two months.


message 13: by Chip (new)

Chip (compuchip) | 1 comments Michael wrote: "The official Goodreads Android app does not currently support reading ebooks, primarily because we don't have the man power to build out that feature. We hope to build it soon, but probably not w..."

I'm not trying to get the developer in trouble, but I'm looking into developing my own app and wanted some clarification on whether it is in compliance with the terms of service ( https://www.goodreads.com/api/terms ). It seems to violate #9 and #10 by having goodreads in the name and charging for the application.

Personally, I have no problems with either of those, but if that is now acceptable, I might be even more interested in developing my version :)


message 14: by Ettore (new)

Ettore Pasquini Our terms still stand and should be respected. They do not force 3rd party developers to make their apps free, but as point #9 explained, please contact us in that case.


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