Blog

Posted on

Version 2.1.0

Hi guys. I’m still working on getting iCloud integration working properly. Actually, iCloud itself is fine but I want to make sure that it’s presented in such a way that isn’t clunky. Basically, it’s going well but it’s not quite perfect yet, so I’m gonna keep tweaking until it’s just right. However, I got a request from a user for a bit more automation in handling duplicates. So, I decided to release an update just for Khalid. This update is going to do a couple of important things.

First of all, the app has been updated to a totally new data model. The old flat data files will no longer work; I had to switch over to a document based data model in order to ensure proper iCloud functionality. When you load up the new version you’ll see two sections in your Lesson List. Your old data files will be at the bottom.   A single tap will convert them to the new document format. I decided NOT to automatically convert your old files so that you can manually choose to update, backup, and delete them as you so desire. That way, you don’t have to worry about the update interrupting your ability to backup your old data files so that you can return to an older version of the app. Most people are just going to want to update all of their old files and delete the originals. Once you’ve converted your data files to documents you’ll be all set to go for the next version with iCloud.

Secondly, you’ll have the option to keep your original cards or your new imports when checking for duplicates. If you’d like to prevent automatic deletions, simply favorite any card that you’d like to keep around. Starred cards will never be automatically deleted.

You also might notice that searching is a bit faster in this version. I actually implemented live searching a LOOOOONG time ago but had to turn it off because the old third generation devices simply couldn’t handle it dependably. It shouldn’t be a problem on current generation devices, however.

I’d really like to thank Khalid for the awesome idea about auto-handling of duplicates. Again, I’d like to emphasize that a majority of the new things I implement are based on user feedback. If there’s anything you’d like to see changed or added to the app, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Happy Studies!

Posted on

iCloud Testing

Hi, everyone. iCloud testing is going well and the update should be available soon. Please let me know if you’re interested in helping out with beta testing.

Happy Studies!

Posted on

Version 2.0.1 Released

Apple helped me out with an expedited review to fix the New Lesson bug in the last version. You can now create new lessons. I really appreciate everyone that got back to me quickly to let me know about the problem so I could get it fixed asap.

I also added in new card shuffling as requested by Mugen89k. You’ll get an alert when you open the new version to turn on the option if you so desire. The default behavior is to leave it off and I recommend that most users do leave it off so that you can edit your new cards in order during study sessions. You can change the option at any time via the Settings app.

I also tweaked card sorting so that cards always appear in order of creation on the Edit view. I think it was kind of silly and annoying for them to be shuffled there. Memorized cards will continue to be shuffled during study sessions unless you choose a different sorting option yourself.

As always, please let me know if you notice anything strange or would like me to add something to the next version of the app.

Happy Studies!

Posted on

New Lesson Bug

Unfortunately, there’s a bug that prevents creating new lessons. I already put in an update to fix it.  It’ll be out as soon as Apple gets around to it.

Until then, if you really need a new lesson you can copy a lesson to your computer via iTunes. Make a copy of it with a new name and then copy that back to the app. You can then delete all the cards and rename it to whatever you want.

Sorry!

Posted on

Version 2.0.0 Released

It is out. Please update and try it. Be sure to let me know if there are any issues; especially for iPad users. I’m keenly interested in knowing if performance is okay on retina iPads; that’s the only device that I wasn’t able to test on myself.

I also got a new App Store review recently. Thanks Mugen89k. You mentioned that the cards aren’t shuffled and appear in the order you added them. Actually, only new cards are presented in order. Tested cards are shuffled by default but there’s a setting that allows you to have them sorted by creation date if you so desire. I never thought that someone might also want new cards to be randomized. I’ll add an option for that and release an update as soon as possible. Expect it by next week, perhaps. Just for you Mugen89k.

That’s right. If you want something in the app, all you have to do is ask and I’ll probably add it for you. As long as it’s sensible. New card shuffling, yes. Unicorns…probably not.

Happy Studies!

Posted on

Version 2.0.0

I finally finished the update. Hopefully it will be reviewed quickly and available soon.

I think it turned out pretty well. This version is iOS 7 only but the old version will continue to be available in the store for those with older devices. The main new features are native iPad support and updated support for imiwa?`s newest feature – analyzing a long string of Japanese text. You’ll need to use the long-press popup context menu to access the analyze feature.

I had to spend way more time than I thought I would tweaking orientation support on the iPad. So much time, in fact, that I wasn’t able to properly test my iCloud implementation. So, I had to keep it turned off for this release. For the time being, you’ll have to manually manage your files through the App tab in iTunes if you have multiple devices. I know it’s a pain and I’ll try to get the next version with iCloud support out as soon as possible. Maybe by Christmas?

After that, I intend to start working on being able to import and export directly to and from Anki files. And sometime next year, hopefully by the spring, I’m going to open up online lesson sharing to you guys. You’ll be able to download lessons without a user account. Those that do create accounts will be able to upload, rate, and tag lessons. No comments but the tagging system will work similarly to something like Little Planet. You’ll be able to choose three tags (words like technology, textbook, grammar, verbs, explicit, stupid, etc.) to describe a lesson so I think it’ll be easy to find the good stuff. It’ll all be searchable as well.

Anywho, as soon as Apple approves the app I’ll post another update to let you know it’s available for download.

Happy Studies!