More Status Stuff

Work has begun on the next ArsClip beta (Windows) for cloud compatibility. Currently, the official program mostly when placed in a folder linked to a cloud storage application. Conflicts arise when the program is run from two locations at the same time. The popup clip history can be overwritten by both programs.

The "quick fix" would be just to create separate folders for popup clips for each instance. All other items and clips would be shared. The real fix requires much more work. The clip data truly belongs in a database. This allows for more flexibility and future expansion; as well as ArsClip Mini data sharing.

ArsClip Mini behind the scenes

Currently, backup has been researched and partially implemented. Google's built in support just isn't working as expected. It backs up the settings just fine, but is not working for the clip database. At this point, the program seems to require integrating with Google Drive and/or Dropbox to work as needed.

The way backup is designed will influence how cloud sharing can work. Some important decisions must be made before starting. The easiest and safest way to design the data would be to keep each device's data separate, but allow browsing of another device's data under the same logon. The cloud service would handle almost all of this work.

The format of the backup data also is an issue. The database used works great for multiple Android devices, but is a huge unknown on Windows and Delphi. Sharing between desktop and Android would be very nice, but the Android user base is still very small. The Windows users would rather have a version of ArsClip that can safely run off of a cloud service.

In any case, a version of ArsClip Mini with automatic backup/restore on install is delayed.

An FYI Post

I'm working on an app for a business, so the investment in learning Android paid off. There's still 2-4 weeks worth of work left to do, so updates will be delayed a bit more.

AC Mini has 2 minor fixes that haven't been uploaded yet.

ArsClip's official release is long over due. The same goes for Rename Master with it's new tag system.

Final Version

Google Play ArsClip Mini

The Google Play official release is available on the Play store. The final version in the Public Beta section is the same, but it's built with the ads already removed. This is a very small "thank you" to the beta testers. I'll very likely continue to offer it for free for all the help creating the app.

These two builds are "signed" differently, so they both cannot be installed on the same device at the same time. Currently, uninstalling ArsClip Mini will also remove all the settings and clips (except for any in-app purchases). This will be changed, likely in version 1.1.

After a month of development time, a smal break seems to be in order.

Future Stuff

ArsClip Mini version 1 is about 99% set in stone. The remaining one percent left will be stuff only for the Google Play store.

There are already other ideas that are planned for a future version.

One idea is an "auto-links" feature. The program would automatically inspect text boxes that report selectable text and look for links in the text. The links would be displayed as a Favorites group.

The main window doesn't currently have much use. Since the popup needs to be streamlined (as per the design rules), the main window could feature some useful but little used features. If limited Macro support is implemented, it would likely be done here.

The other ideas are centered around "Internet stuff" and sharing. Those will require a lot of though and research.

Release Candidate

It's done. ArsClip Mini is now feature complete. Besides doing more torture testing, the changes to ad support still remain. The last decision will be how ads will be shown for the Google Play version.

First Beta

The first beta version of ArsClip Mini has been uploaded. All required functionality has been implemented, but there will be changes.

The current ToDo list includes:
- rework icons
- tweak backgrouns
- think about adding separate landscape layouts
- think about using a single swipe-able header
- create advanced settings page
- test on more virtual devices

Favorites Started

The idea for favorite clips for ArsClip Mini has been implemented. The interface is a bit clunky, but the header for the list does support swipe gestures. The Edit tab had to be re-designed to support moving clips to a favorite group.

The next step is to fix all the bugs with Favorites, add the missing Favorites features, and tweak the interface.