2y ago

With how decent the browser UI is, what benefits are there by accessing Lemmy via an app?

Just curious. I'm hearing that a lot of people are using various apps with Lemmy but I'm having such a good experience with the browser version that I don't understand the point of adding an additional layer via an app in between my access to the service. I'd love to hear people's opinions about the pros and/or cons to using an app vs. the browser. [EDIT] I should specify that 90% of my usage is on my phone.

24 comments

Swipe controls are a major plus for me, and the app keeping my place when I go back to my feed instead of just starting at the top.

Try wefwef.app once, it's a web app for Lemmy but has Apollo like UI. Among all the apps and web apps, I'm finding it the best.
- I like wefwef, also really digging Memmy. Both have that Apollo feel that makes me feel at home.

I don't enjoy the workflow using the webui esp on mobile. My biggest complaint is that going back from a thread just reloads the prior page and doesn't maintain my place. Opening each thread in a new tab is irritating.
- I understand this for sure. That might be my main complaint with the webui right now.
- I'm using Jerboa app for that reason. That webui bug is annoying, hope it is fixed soon.
  
  I tried Jerboa for a bit I find Liftoff suits me better.

I didn't really know. I just prefer an app, I think :). I'm using Liftoff on my Android phone.

It's really just about finding the UI you're happy with. Additionally if you want to exist on multiple instances an app would give you a consistent UI since instance admins can make certain UI changes you may or may not like.

For me.
Using an app keeps it all in one place.
As others have mentioned the interface is more designed specifically for the phone, where browsers have to fit all sorts of screen sizes and interfaces

On the web, the buttons were too small. I settled on Jerboa for bigger buttons, the community name and OP name listed above the post, and the ability to block a community.

Which browser do you use on your phone? I've found the Firefox on Android experience to be a bit glitchy.
- I use Brave. It's working quite well for me.

I guess for most it is just a habit to use Apps to access everything from phone. Most in-browser UIs usually suck anyway (or at least they used to).

An app has more customisation settings to make using it on the phone easier for example text size. Navigation is also easier, Jerboa for example allows me to navigate from top-level comment to top-level comment with my volume buttons. Also I hate how on the mobile site (and the desktop site as well) I lose my position in the feed when viewing a thread.
PS: I also can't wait to have Sync for Lemmy since Jerboa is not running as smooth as Sync was.
Edit: word

Easy account switching. If one instance is down or slow, I change accounts and keep rolling.

I had trouble with the web UI at first, so I used Jerboa for a while. The web works now so I'm using it and opening threads in new tabs, which works ok for me. I'm a curmudgeon and not keen on either UI and will look for alternatives at some point.

Using an app is just a more mobile friendly experience. Also, you get the option of choosing an app with a layout that is most appealing to you. For example I've been using WefWef for now, but I'm waiting for Boost for Lemmy to come out since it's an interface I'm familiar with.

I like being able to maximize space for viewing on my phone and find it irritating that Lemmy and Kbin sites don’t have light/dark modes.
- I'm on world and it's dark, or maybe it's the default.

24 comments