Ning mobile: a first look at the basics

[Eric Suesz]

We wanted to give you a quick update about our mobile project. This long-in-the-making update has a long-in-its-outlook plan. Like some of our recent projects (e.g., the new Chat), we're taking an iterative approach. Rather than deliver a giant package wrapped up in a bow and set upon your doorstep, we'd prefer to build the new mobile interface strong and simple as we go along, adding more capabilities along the way. Millions of people are going to be using it on a regular basis, so we need to be thoughtful and deliberate in the way we develop it.

First step: alpha on Creators

We aim to release a version you can try out on your network as part of Ning Labs. For now, we're going to do some testing using the Creators Network (http://creators.ning.com/m).

This alpha on Creators will give you a chance to follow along on our progress and even try out a few of the basics. Please note that what we will be trying out on Creators is a stripped down version of the mobile interface. It hasn't been made to look pretty nor has it been designed to match the current Creators theme. It has some basic functionality that we want to test — while at the same time showing you how some of these details will work. We'll be continually adding more to this version as we go along, so check back from time to time if you are curious how it's going.

A few important things to note

• If you have any comments about this alpha version, please make them in this group.
• We won't be able to answer every question about what the final product will look like or how it will work, but we'll try to clarify details or provide any extra info if we can.
• Please keep in mind that this is an alpha release. So, it's very stripped down. It's useful for testing purposes at this time, but the final product will look quite different.

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FAQs! 

 

Is this going to be available as a downloadable app for my members?

This project will ultimately update the current mobile version of your network. (It's located at networkname.ning.com/m.) We're not building downloadable apps for the iPhone, Android, etc. Rather, we're improving the mobile version so nearly all mobile devices will be able to access your Ning Network much more effectively.

Will the mobile version include "x" feature?

We're going to include as much as we can, but the new mobile interface will not contain every detail of your network. But, many of the most-used things will be included, like the Activity Feed, Status updates, Forum, Blogs, Photos, etc. In short, there will be some flexibility in presentation, and it will be a big leap up from what you see now, but there will still be some details that won't make it in the initial version. Of course, more features may be added after the initial release.

Will I be able to configure my pages? 

Yes! You will have a section of your dashboard where you can change your network pages, settings, design, etc. You can see a few screenshots of how this is shaping up right here.

[Writer Chick {Diane}]

When you say Forum, do you mean discussions in groups??

If my members can't see group discussions then the mobile version is pretty much useless to writing networks, since groups are where we post our stories.  We hardly use the blog and I have disabled the Forum proper.

[NingStar]

Yeah groups very important in mobile site including chat.

[Eric Suesz]

You can use Chat now on some mobile phones (e.g., iPhone) by viewing the full page version of the site (or a special standalone page if an NC sets it up that way). I don't foresee a special version of chat made specifically for this upcoming mobile interface. 

[NingStar]

Hi Eric thanks for the sneak peak on the new mobile site hope we will be able to add custom pages to it. Well on the mobile chat it will be great to see that added. Well done

[Eric Suesz]

Not completely 100% sure about that detail yet, Diane. 

[Andrew Espiritu]

Yeah...pretty much I second the motion. I would suggest that the CHAT is our major Feature strength when it comes to members' feature inside our network. As to my network, just like yours we seldom have action on our Forums but heavily, we have it on our CHAT. Hoping, really hoping, NING can really put CHAT on its mobile!

[Joel D. Galbraith]

Agreed.  Group forums are big for us.

[NingStar]

This is sweet i like it well done Ning team. Can't wait for the final version looking forward to it.

[John Petrowski]

Very excited about this and absolutely this is being the priority it deserves. 

[Jordon McGee (Jords)]

Woohoo!! This will make Ning do leaps and bounds beyond other network providers and increase member engagement substantially!!

[MAXX]

You said this will be available as networkname.com/m. When I came to creators on my tablet, the defailt was the new mobile version. Will this be the case once released?

[NingStar]

Yeah thats because it has mobile device auto detect feature in it. I guess.....