If we build an iPad version of Sparkle, it’s not just for the $1.5k iPad Pro with keyboard.
We have working FTP code, it just won’t work in the background on iOS which makes it kind of pointless.
If we build an iPad version of Sparkle, it’s not just for the $1.5k iPad Pro with keyboard.
We have working FTP code, it just won’t work in the background on iOS which makes it kind of pointless.
Seriously though, for the cost of that you can get an M1 MacBook Air, which runs Sparkle and also iOS apps! Bonus: it doesn’t flip over when using it on your legs!
@duncan as much I think about it as more disadvantages I can see with Sparkle on an iPad.
You are exactly right, the new MacBook air is far cheaper than the Ipad Pro until you have bought the fancy trackpad keyboard for half of a price of a MacMini M1.
I have Sparkle running on the new MacMini M1 with dual-screen, okay with my iPad three screens actually.
Instead of an Ipad version, I would prefer some other improvements in the Sparkle version.
We’re a small company so our efforts need to be focused. I do think we have a lot to add to Sparkle. What’s your top 5 or 10 list?
Here’s a bunch of feature/functions I’d like to see:
Site Search result separators
Have individual results reported to the Site Search element delineated with a (choice of) separator(s).
Blog tags
Be able to have tags on blog posts with index pages generated by tag.
Function change request for “In a folder”
When applying Page attributes and I want to put the page in a folder, rather than entering the name in a free text input field, I’d rather have a drop down consisting of already existing folders and a choice to add a new folder. Currently, there is a risk of putting in an incorrectly spelled folder name to a folder that already exists.
Sort options for index pages
The current sort order is by date posted. I’d like to be able to sort by any reasonable element or layer and by a multilevel sort. Example: I use a text box as a tag. Imagine if I name the text box element as “tag”. It would be of value to sort by “tag” then date.
Internal page link UI mimicking left nav pane
I’d like the ability to find an internal page to link by having the drop down show me pages via an expandable/collapsable section view. Rather than showing me a list of all pages, present the current drop down similar to the left hand Page navigation where I can expand/collapse sections to expose and minimize the pages within a section where there sections. With a site with a large number of pages (as with a mature blog site), finding an internal page to link becomes much faster.
Ability to see a log of search entries entered in the Site Search field.
Why we don’t start a new thread and list our top5 or top10?
I have created a new post here: https://community.sparkleapp.com/t/what-s-your-top-5-or-10-list/4274?u=miwe
well that sucks… I can see why it’s not happening for a while… if its not broke… don’t fix it (or ruin it!!!)
I saw Blocs App released a iPad version yesterday. Does this mean it’s now more possible for Sparkle two more years later, they are a small company also? That would be great!
Still think it’s a bad investment in terms of software development effort. The possibilities haven’t changed in terms of coding effort. We still think the market wouldn’t sustain the development.
I agree with Duncan, I’d rather design websites properly on my desktop computer with the additional space on the screen and access to other desktop software like PhotoShop etc plus assets on external hard drives etc.
Well I would love to see, if not the full app, a companion app to just change some texts, duplicate some layout blocks to add more info, … Now with Final Cut, Logic, Davinci and all the pro apps that the iPad has, the one I still miss is Sparkle to go full iPad hahaha, but I understand that for a small team this is something big.
Been said that, I’ve just tried the app and I think it is clever designed and has a very intuitive interface and editing does not feel small in any way.
My personal opinion is for the Sparkle Dev 's to put all their effort in the macOS version.
Ha ha… I knew this would raise its head now that the iOS app is out for Blocs!
I still don’t think developing a website in Sparkle on iOS would be a fun experience, but I do see a lot of advantages of having something on iOS that can help with the design/client workflow, like…
Anyways just my 2 cents worth!
Oh I actually do think it might be cool. While only a handful of people on the planet might enjoy entering HTML or CSS on an iPad, actual freeform visual website building does feel like it would be cool. The vision is potentially there.
The problem is business and technical. I have detailed a bit about both in earlier posts, but to recap:
So all in all it’s not like we haven’t thought about it. But on balance still not something that we’re ready to do.
Agree with all of this Duncan. And just to add, personally I wouldn’t open Sparkle on an iPad if I also had a Mac. I’d go straight to the Mac and use the app on that.
I could imagine someone making a very simple, less technical site on an iPad but then they’re possibly more the kind of person who might just sign up for a templated website from somewhere like Wix etc.
Maybe a Vision Pro app? Just joking haha
Thanks for the update / detailed info @duncan , maybe someday then.
Blocs App mentioned on twitter and announced on their forum that Blocs will be available for Apple Vision on launch day!
Some crazy times ahead with AI, AR, VR, etc. in tech.
Have to agree with Duncan on this one, Affinity has released iPad versions and it’s extremely constraining. The publishing program isn’t that bad, but once your into the photo app just imagine Adobe photoshop on an iPad, on a screen half the size of an apple laptop.
Congratulations on version 5 Duncan. This product gets better with every version.
I would find it fantastic if there were an iPad version. I’ve been mobile with just the iPad for years now. The limitation of RAM shouldn’t be a problem anymore. Also, the absence of a mouse and keyboard, since you can connect and use them natively.
The Stage Manager in conjunction with an external 4K display, for example.
You can also see it in apps like LumaFusion. A very complex video app, with which I do a lot of editing, for example.
I would love to be able to quickly make changes to the website while on the go.
It looks like Blocs never released a Vision Pro version on its lauch day as they said they would. Maybe they decided too many people were returning the Vision Pro for full refunds.
Though interestingly they just announced an iPhone version of Blocs (regarding finger sized UI)