yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Android Apps and Games] Jeffail:
Some nice ideas, I'll let you discover it but it's basically the world is just one huge chat room, but you filter the messages you receive by range. So it ends up being a digital "everyone shouts and you choose how far you listen" kind of thing.

If a small area gets really popular and you can't hold a conversation then there are things called Hash Tags. They're basically a short keyword you filter your messages by and it's sort of like joining a chat room. For example I could apply the hash tag "Crime" (like in the screenshot), and it basically means I only see messages from other people with "Crime" and they are the only ones that see my messages.

For the map I'm currently in the process of implementing an upvote system. Messages on the map (I call them Broadcasts) will expire after a certain period, that period is shorter depending on how busy the area is, you can extend the life of a broadcast by 'Bumping' it.

I'd love to add new stuff as I go along. But as it's been said, the key thing I'm lacking is users.
[Android Apps and Games] player911:
Ahhh I see about the "how far you listen" type range thing. Thats fun and all... but really hinders the usefulness.... well let me think, no I guess it wouldn't if you simply picked a restaurant and did a Spoof Location from that area. I would change that and label it as something like, "Chat from here" or something. Also need to intregrate the map better. Maybe have that as the initial screen that users see. It is a pretty map and looks fantastic. Opening the app to just see an empty chat is a let down. I would initially start zoomed out so you can see the surrounding areas and users online. Tap = popup "Chat from Here" button.

Also a slider for chat radius that displays as a blue circle around your location. Having to go into settings to set a number is kind of awkward.

Focus on the map and let users pop in and out of chat as will based on their location.

Broadcasts expiring based on how busy the area is, is a good idea. I had no idea about the bumping. "Bumping" a thread, I get it... but I when I bumped the broadcasts, it didn't do anything. Maybe just a simple vote system like "Was this helpful: -1 and +1". Because honestly most of those broadcasts are retarded. Peeing on the benches? Smelly Town? Sand Vaginas? The community needs to be able to down vote and get rid of those messages as badly as they need to up vote. Regardless of votes, Broadcasts should still naturally go away after a set time. Like broadcasts = 1 hour with 1 day max.

Also the hash tags, perhaps make it more user friendly... such as a button for "Create a Group" or "Join a Group".
[Android Apps and Games] Jeffail:
This is good stuff, I'd love to implement most of this. I'm very close to starting the up vote system so I'm not sure how I'll be doing it yet but I definitely plan to have down voting. Or at least a report button! Thanks for the post!
[Android Apps and Games] samajid:
Love the idea but u might wanna look into integrating facebook n g+ somehow.
[Android Apps and Games] canardlebarbare:
I agree, you need users and you should use social network to get them automatically :)
[Android Apps and Games] Magnumutz:
How about adding video chat for the devices with front camera?
[Android Apps and Games] Jeffail:
What kind of social network integration would you want? Something like when you post a broadcast you get to share it on your wall? I'd be tempted to do something like that down the line.

Video chat would be hard because my server bandwidth would struggle to keep up, but I could certainly try adding an easy way to connect to other users and enter some sort of skype room or something.
[Android Apps and Games] Jeffail:
I just uploaded version 31, this has the new upvoting and downvoting system. I called it Bump and Report just to be edgy and different (you love it), but the basic functionality is there. By default a Broadcast needs 10 reports to disappear, but the more it's bumped the more reports it'll take.

I'll see how it goes, there's room for lots of changes but it'll be server-side so I can do it over time in small increments.
[Android Apps and Games] Jeffail:
Also, Yesterday evening I cleared the Broadcast database, which wiped out the whole map of Broadcasts. Clean slate now but it's looking rather barebones.
[Android Apps and Games] Jeffail:
This weekend I'm possibly upgrading my servers again. You shouldn't notice any downtime though.
[Android Apps and Games] marvvv:
This is great! This has so much potential!
[Android Apps and Games] crancker:
great

Omg this is so cool :D The location spoofing is a great idea. I hope that you are aware that your app is unique and there is a lot of potential in it :)

Keep up the great work :)
[Android Apps and Games] Jeffail:
Thanks guys :)

My current plan is going to be to add private messaging and some changes to client-server communication to fight spam (in anticipation). Is there anything else you guys feel should be added before I start the Beta phase? Once we're in Beta I'm going to be much more conservative with adding new features so now is the time to make a case. I'll consider practically anything.
[Android Apps and Games] Rozza C:
This looks like it could be interesting.

Will keep an eye on it.
[Android Apps and Games] Jeffail:
Hey guys, today I found out I'd apparently taken out server time synchronization at some point in the past. That's fixed now so there shouldn't be any odd problems with message order anymore. You might find that your messages appear in odd places but that's because your clock is offset from the servers time (not blaming you obviously, but I can't really fix that).
[Android Apps and Games] Jeffail:
Version 32 is up, it includes some new stuff:

- haptic feedback on message receipt

- you can now disable the lingering tray icon

- Cast Range now defaults at 100,000km, I'll keep it like this until we reach a release version
[Android Apps and Games] crancker:
Nice :) I see you are working on this really hard. Thats not a bad thing :) I'm looking forward for the private messaging feature :)
[Android Apps and Games] Jeffail:
Thanks, it's not too hard. The work feels much more inline with a hobby than a job.
[Android Apps and Games] Oscar-Mark:
Awesome app, keep it up!
[Android Apps and Games] Jeffail:
Thank you :>
[Android Apps and Games] dailyliar:
really cool apps. has a great potential, but still only few that using it :D keep up the good work
[Android Apps and Games] Ekril:
there is about a hundred downloads from store. hope there will be more.
[Android Apps and Games] Jeffail:
We're currently on around 175 installs and around 70 active users, we need more! This is the only thread I have at the moment, I'm planning to post around some more places this weekend but I could really use some help with getting the word out.
[Android Apps and Games] Jeffail:
I've just started implementing the private messaging and I've come across a slight dilemma. Right now the service is completely open, with no logins, therefore no account authentication. The way I was planning to implement private messaging was by a system similar to "Send to Trip Code", which would basically create a message that only someone with a certain Trip Code would then collect from the service.

This would be comparable to whispering to a stranger on the street. There's no way to confirm that the stranger is the person you think they are, there's also no way of knowing whether this stranger is the only one that can hear you. It would still act as a kind of private message, but it's misleading to say that since other chat clients are able to offer a much higher guarantee that the message really is private. The basic principles of Catena is what restricts it such that it cannot make that guarantee.

Do you guys still think it's a good idea to add this feature in? I'm happy to add new stuff as requested, but I'm worried that this could lead to a false sense of security for users who don't know better, and I'd rather avoid adding in more annoying warning popups.

Thoughts?
[Android Apps and Games] crancker:
There are a lot messaging apps out there and your apps main feature is the anonymous chatting. I think you shouldn't add the private messaging. That would make your app like any other messaging apps that can be downloaded from play store. :) I'm sorry if you think that I'm rude or something i'll just try to explain that your main idea to have an anonymous messaging application is great. :) And if you would add the private messaging feature then the app would lose its main feature. Ofc this is only my opinion :) I can't speak in others name :)
[Android Apps and Games] Jeffail:
Thanks crancker, all feedback is welcome. I agree with your points. I think I'll probably hold back for now, but there are ways that I can add forms of private message without losing anonymity (this might seem paradoxical, but it's thanks to the support for Trip Codes within the app).

Unless I get any more requests I'm going to start working on the final stages of the Alpha, which is mostly background work that should be invisible to you guys. Hopefully this won't take me long and then I can start calling this a Beta test! :D
[Android Apps and Games] Jeffail:
I'm putting out version 33 today. It has a few uninteresting crash fixes, and also no longer posts messages when you click the return key on a software keyboard, this still works for hardware keyboards though, so people with bluetooth keyboards should still be able to post without reaching for the screen.
[Android Apps and Games] Jeffail:
Okay there's going to be a slight delay with version 33, I'm going to try and get version 34 out tomorrow instead. Version 34 is going to contain a different method of communication with the server, so it's important that I get everyone onto 34 as soon as possible so I can remove legacy support for 33 and below from my server. Once that's done I should have some ammunition against spammers and unauthorized clients in the future.
[Android Apps and Games] Jeffail:
I just uploaded version 34, so you guys should see it within the next few hours. Plans haven't changed since last night, so this version has a few bug fixes and minor UI changes and then most significantly uses a very different client-server message protocol. If this works okay then I'll be upgrading Catena to Beta stage this weekend and will be much more aggressive with my advertising.

The reason for the new protocol is to prevent spam in the future. It's basically a way of authenticating the client rather than the user, so we all remain anonymous but spammers can't create their own clients to spam the server.

Fingers crossed!
[Android Apps and Games] Jeffail:
Hey all. A few people have already installed version 34. It looks as though it's working fine for most but I've had feedback from at least one guy who says it's failing to send messages consistently.

If anyone else experiences this then PLEASE either drop me a message here or send me an email at creepybit@gmail.com

Don't make the mistake of thinking it won't go unread. I read all my emails and any information you guys can give is a huge relief!

Thanks!
[Android Apps and Games] Jeffail:
I'm done for the night, but if anyone has problems remember to pop me an email and I'll try and get it fixed tomorrow. So far no one else has reported any problems.
[Android Apps and Games] Jeffail:
Has anyone found any problems yet? The latest stats say that 40 or so users are now on version 34 as of last night, so if there's no more reported problems then it's looking fairly promising. Please let me know if there are any problems!
[Android Apps and Games] Jeffail:
About to upload version 35. Some fixes are:

- Messages sent should no longer appear in odd positions when your clock is out of sync

- Fixed some odd bugs

- Took out some redundant options in the message long click menu

- Added the ability to check message ID (this is more for debugging purposes)
[Android Apps and Games] Jeffail:
I've just uploaded version 40 instead. Sorry for the delay but I needed it to get this bug fixed with client-server authentication.

For those interested the problem was that certain phones were caching the requests for a new authentication key from the server. Obviously, keys can only be used once and so all of the messages sent from a cached key were failing. This problem wasn't obvious to me as I'm fairly new to web development, so this was an absolute horror to diagnose, especially since none of my devices were showing symptoms.

I'd like to personally thank Rirozizo, who helped me greatly with this. He spent a lot of time using frustratingly broken builds as I updated the server logging to try and get some information. I wouldn't have found this bug otherwise.

The other fixes as mentioned above should be in 40, as well as a few others. Hopefully this is it! Next stop is version 0.9, the Beta version.
[Android Apps and Games] dragontology:
I like your idea here, and I'd be installing it but I'm flashing a ROM now, haha. I'm interested, but I'm in rural NC, I don't think I'll see anyone.

Your idea as initially presented reminds me of an augmented reality app or maybe just proof of concept I saw a couple years ago. It worked with the camera, and by swinging the camera around a place like Manhattan, you could see things that people had added, with the app. Like virtual graffiti that only existed online, but users of the app could see it on a blank wall, if you catch my drift.

I have yet to use your app... but if you move your thinking from "anonymous location-based chat" to "anonymous location-based message board", I think you could have a hit on your hands. Instead of chats that fade, messages last as long as a person wants them to (a finite time, up to infinity). You would have a message board on your server, something like phpBB, and maybe it could even be accessed via a desktop computer, but each post would have a GPS location associated with it, and an optional expiration date. With something like this, I could go to a restaurant I like and post a review, and anyone using your app within their set distance would see my review, and could comment on it. Not like Yelp or something -- completely community driven. Open forum for all.
[Android Apps and Games] Jeffail:
I sort of have an answer to that called Broadcasts, where users can post messages on a shared map. I think you're probably right in that maybe I should move the prioritization of the app towards Broadcasts rather than the instant chat client, since one relies heavily on something that we won't have for a while (a large user base).

I'm always thinking about new ways of making the Broadcasts map more interactive and fun, so if you have any suggestions when you've given it a go then please send them.
[Android Apps and Games] dragontology:
Tried it for a while. I don't see a way to exit the app. I know Google frowns on that, but your chat client runs in the background, and I think it consumes a good amount of battery in doing so. I do see that you can turn off the background notifications, but a sort of compromise might be better. Like have settings for 15 minutes, 30, 60. And shorter times for busier periods.

Another setting: Be able to see (approximately) where another user is. Won't be so anonymous if you can pin them down to a meter, but a general area would be neat. It shows me at least half a mile (other times, about 5 miles) from where I'm at, and I'm okay with that.

Also, if this takes off, you're going to need a serious server.
[Android Apps and Games] Jeffail:
I've thought long and hard about servers. I figured I'd cross that bridge when I come to it, but thanks to its open nature the servers shouldn't have as much overhead as a typical chat server.

You can stop the background service by pressing the back button at the main app rather than going straight to the home screen. Also, if you long click a message and click 'spoof location here' you can then open your map and you'll be roughly where that user was (the same intentional inaccuracy as your location is). Click reset location and you'll be back where you should be.

I'd be tempted to add your ideas for background service settings, although I get worried about overwhelming users with too many options.
[Android Apps and Games] bogaggas:
app user impressions and possible bugg

Buggsy(not sure):I've just installed your app -amazing concept by the way- and attempted to broadcast a msg on the map but was notified to wait for an hour; it was my first broadcast though. No big deal here.

Opinion: So far I am liking this app though my area is devoid of any Catena users; I had to increase the range all the way as far as Europe to find a chatter, no surprises here. I live in the ME.

However with such a good concept and with implementation into a seamless user experience plus the fact that it's free this app will meet your expectations. I for one hope so. We can all do our bit of spreading the word. Translating into other languages will definitely help with exposure, however, there isn't much to translate for now. And I know for a fact that such idea, chatting anonymously, appeals to a lot of my peers for a number of reasons.

I am very excited with this app and I only hope it retains its originality over time and not turn into another ("I am at Mc's" sent using another dull location-aware app that kills resources and sells your data to the devil). ;)

Suggestion: I've read in previous posts about private msging, I have an idea that might not require any additional work on your side but you may also decide to make it a built in feature. How about if a user attempts to send a private msg he/she encrypts his strings using base64 encoding or similar stuff, and the attempted receiver decrypts the msg using the mutual pass-an app called Garble can do that for example. This obviously requires that both parties know the pass beforehand.so I am not sure this is a full solution but it just crossed my mind. I can't imagine a way for private messaging without the need of registration or social network integration, can you?
[Android Apps and Games] Jeffail:
Hey Buggsy, thanks for the kind words :)

I might revisit the private messaging problem, I definitely know it can be done without breaking anonymity, but the problem with it is that it can never be truly private, it'll always be vulnerable to unauthorized listeners. I'll come back to it when there's a larger user base and do whatever the community wants.

The hour delay for posting Broadcasts is something I'm aware of. Unfortunately, the way it works is by your local client keeping an eye on your post frequency. That means if I didn't have the hour delay when you install the app you could just reinstall over and over again to post as often as you want. This system means you can't do that (as easily).
[Android Apps and Games] Zorigo:
Sounds like a pretty cool idea, possibly a bit creepy wierd but cool nonetheless.

Good luck with development.

Hopefully this gains traction, as this kinda app requires lots of users to really be useful
[Android Apps and Games] mk262:
I really, really like this app, just needs more users. Facebook integration would probably be your best ticket for picking people up. That and some press, maybe on android police or something.
[Android Apps and Games] Jeffail:
Thanks guys, I've thought about Facebook and other social network integration. I wouldn't know what type of integration would work well. If you have any ideas then I'd love to hear them, but I still feel it doesn't really suit the theme of Catena.
[Android Apps and Games] Jeffail:
Hey guys, translations are on my mind right now. There aren't many strings within Catena so if I release the list would anyone be interested in helping out with the translations? Let me know here or alternatively you can pop me an email at creepybit@gmail.com

Thanks!
[Android Apps and Games] Neefy:
Pm me the strings and ill translate it to Danish
[Android Apps and Games] Jeffail:
Thanks Neefy, it'll probably take me a couple of days to get ready on my end and then I'll send them out.
[Android Apps and Games] Jeffail:
Some new features making their way into the next build:

- Clicking 'Spoof Location Here' on a message will now also open up the map, instantly showing you the location

- Some crash fixes

- A new dialog that shows on the first run of Catena, my plan right now is to help new users discover the various settings of the app, and point them towards Broadcasts.
[Android Apps and Games] bogaggas:
Arabic translation

If you need the strings translated to Arabic, I am willing to help.
[Android Apps and Games] Jeffail:
Thanks guys. I'll put the strings up soon, they're pretty much ready (just writing up the new content for an opening dialog). Things might move a little slowly over the next few weeks since I'm now on my Christmas holiday, but I'll still be working on it.
[Android Apps and Games] Jeffail:
Hey guys, version 41 is up. I've also changed the name to Beta but I'm still planning to add translations and a start up guide in a future build.

I've attached the file of English strings. Basically, anyone willing to translate just needs to take this file and replace the content (but not the tags) to their native language. Once you've finished then just post the new file here and I'll incorporate it into the latest build.

For example, the line:

<string name="okay">OK</string>

If translated to Spanish could become:

<string name="okay">Vale</string>

I'll add credits for anyone who helps with translations in the apps About page, so when you give me a translation then please also give me the name you wish to be credited by :)
[Android Apps and Games] TFDRA:
Hey, just had a chat with the dev :) its an awesome app! :thumbup: kudos! Could you implement a counter that shows how many people are online? Would be awesomee :)

Happy holidays!
[Android Apps and Games] Maramu:
Thought I'd give you a hand! Here's the translation to Romanian.

If I can help you in any other way, just say so!
[Android Apps and Games] twofive:
This has probably been suggested before, but still:

I'd love a tabbed feature so you can listen to multiple hashtags at the same time.

Always switching and therefore missing what happens in the other hashtags is kind of annoying.

Great app though! Keep up the good work!
[Android Apps and Games] dianeofarcadia:
1+ on the hashtags tabbed feature as that would be beneficial.

if opinions count on the video chat - I would cast a no vote as that seems to defeat the anonymous feature of it all...

Could we request an option to change from km to miles within the range settings?

and just a question to better understand...

so when chatting does it appear to the overall "global range" - but listening can be done on a more smaller scale...hope I am saying this correctly.

keep up the good work, will definitely pass the word around. :good:
[Android Apps and Games] apatal:
Users in the Philippines will love this. I'll contribute and translate for you in Filipino. Will post the strings file later. Cheers!
[Android Apps and Games] Jeffail:
Thanks phattboy, I'll get them into the next build!

dianeofarcadia, right now you can set the Cast Range, which is the distance you see other peoples messages from. Then what happens is you can also filter other peoples messages to only show those that can see your messages. The result is you basically end up with full control over what distance you chat.

By default everyone is set at 10,000km since the user base is fairly low.

Thanks for the feedback guys, tabbed hashtags is something I'd like to do but you might have to wait a short while for that.
[Android Apps and Games] JohnnyEpic:
Suggestions : Make the gps more less accurate. When I click on people and view them on map theu seem startled on my knowledge of their location.

Get a themer/artist.

Add XDA link to the about section.

Expand the broadcast location. (zoom out on map) I know there are not many users yet but I see your potential here. Very nice work so far. Keep at it.

Sent from the Mars Rover.