Repository:
https://github.com/nextcloud/android
MY last blog post on NextCloud was when I shared my views on its advanced features. Before then, I had already published an introductory post over a month ago. I wrote those blog posts using Nextcloud V3.4.1. You should check those posts out if you haven't.
But if you only need to know what Nextcloud is. And what this post is all about, then I hereby bring to you a brief introduction.
Introduction
Nextcloud is an open source project that allows you to run a public or personal server. Servers are cloud storage where files are backedup from local to an online folder. Nextcloud functions like the common Google drive we all know. It's a cross-platform project. My previous blogs was on Android client. This post will also be on the same client. Download it on playstore.
Today, I'm glad to bring to you the latest updates available in Nextcloud 3.5.0. Alongside its development roadmap.
Nextcloud's github account never sleeps. Every now and then, it's always getting commits upon commits from different contributors (project lovers).
Here is what I mean:
After the release of Nextcloud V3.4.1, there had been different bug reports and suggestions. This led the developers behind this great project to fix those bugs and released version 3.4.2.
In version V3.4.2, there were only three changes:
- Fixed sharing to group
- Show correct share error messages
- Fixed bug when searching for user/group if Talk is disabled.
It took the developers almost one week (January 15th to 21st 2019) to complete and release the official version.
Nextcloud V3.4.2 is not the main purpose of this blog. I only referred to it development details to prove how active the repo is.
Just after V3.4.2, the development of version 3.5.0 commenced. The first RC1 (release candidate) was released.
What is RC?
RC (Release Candidate) are unofficial versions of a project release by the developer for testing or reviewing before the final version.
NextCloud Version 3.5.0 [The Update]
Nextcloud Version 3.5.0 took the developers four different releases candidate version before the official version.
- 3.5.0 RC1 on January, 29, 2019
- 3.5.0 RC1 on February, 01, 2019
- 3.5.0 RC3 on February, 08, 2019
- 3.5.0 RC4 on February, 12, 2019.
The official version 3.5.0 was was release on February, 13, 2019.
changes
Chunked upload: 1mb on Wi-Fi, 10mb on wlan
Sometime in 2016, there was a bug report where uploading a video was extremely slow. Ever since then, they've been searching for ways to increase the rate at which videos are being uploaded.
In the new version of nextcloud, the chunck feature detects if a device is using Wi-Fi. If yes, it then uses 10mb chunks where the upload should be much faster. On mobile connection, it uses 1mb chunks.
The reason for chunked uploads is to prevent client (maybe even via mobile data) to have re-upload the whole file, when only a small part on the end is missing.
Every user of NextCloud will welcome this update. Because, fast file uploading is everyone's dream.
Switch to Material design
The Nextcloud team doesn't aim only on providing security or space to store files. They also aim to give its users awesome user experience. The team had adopted Google material Design. It's one of the latest style, layout and motion used in apps and websites development.
Option to not show notifications for new media folders
From the previous version, I always get Nextcloud notification. Especially when I have a new folder or file created on my local storage. This feature makes lot of sense. Because, it reminds me to organize the new file if there are needs. Some users don't like getting notification for every folder or file created.
In version 3.5.0, the developers had to work to satisfy everyone. They've provided users with an option to disable new folder's notification.
I wasted time searching for the option to disable the notification in settings. You will always do the same if you are on version 3.5.0.
The button to disable the frequent notification will appear on your notification bar only when you have a new notification. And it will appear in settings only when you've clicked on disable after it pops up on notification bar.
Add support for QR codes & deep links
After I checked Nextcloud gitHub account, I found out that this feature had been suggested twice. But was first committed by a user back in 2016.
The whole aim of this commit is to ease the process needed to sign-in to an account. If you're the type of user who signs in to different accounts (not account switching), then, you will appreciate this feature.
With this option, the stress of typing servers links is no more. I was able to get access to my account with just a click and a QR-code Scan.
I prefer this feature to when user had to type their credentials. I'm so sure not everyone will welcome this development. So, the old way to sign-in is still available. leaving us with multiple ways to sign in. This is a better way to please everyone.
Direct camera upload
There are times I'd love to complete an action just once and not taking two steps to compete it. My point is, I have always wished to kill two birds with one stone. And Nextcloud has just granted my wish with the direct camera upload feature.
I was able to capture & upload a picture directly with my camera via Nextcloud. This feature is more than just capturing a picture or video with the app. But also backing them up at the same time. Uploading file using the direct camera also saves the file on your local storage.
Direct camera upload = capture + backup.
Use default/device font
On the 11th of December 2018, a user requested for Nextcloud to use the default Android system font. In version 3.5.0, the default font is now set to the device font. Applying the default font will enhance text readability.
I was once on a custom font. until one of utopian
moderators requested me to change it back to the default font.
Ever since then, I leant font plays a big role in apps or websites. Nextcloud is an app that has large number of users. It's best to use a font that is readable by at least 80% of its users.
This development doesn't mean it changes your font to an original android font if you're on a custom font. It only uses the font applied in your android system.
For an example;
If Mr A uses default font A, and Mr B uses custom font B, then Nextcloud 3.5.0 will apply the fonts to their devices respectively.
Sync all downloaded
Synchronizing all downloaded files is one of the features provided to ease app usage. I don't know if files downloaded and edited locally are synchronized with the original file in older versions.
But with V3.5.0, all files edited locally are automatically synchronized with the app.
I uploaded and downloaded back a text file using Nextcloud. Then I edited the file (offline editing) with a third party app. Getting back to the original file on Nextcloud, it had already been synchronized.
With this development, I don't have to re-upload any of my edited files.
Added battery optimization warning
On Samsung and some other devices, auto upload features doesn't work because, the device manufacturer excluded high power consuming apps. Because they drain battery.
Nextcloud is among these apps. Auto uploading of files needs strong internet connection and a fully charged battery.
With Nextcloud v3.5.0, battery optimization warning is added and users have option to only auto upload files when device is charging.
Show correct share error message
According to the update and test done by the team, they concluded that they've been able to fix unknown error messages. This simply means, every error now has a known message displayed.
Other updates are:
- Fully working Document provider
- Details view: show complete date on click
Conclusion
Nextcloud 3.5.0 is fully developed to enhance uploading speed, internet connection, signing-in process and Battery life.
Nextcloud is the world first opensource cloud storage. Where users are allowed to run their private servers. I recommend it anyone reading this.
Series Backlinks
NextCloud- Getting MySelf Used To Some Advanced Features (Part 2)
Introduction To NextCloud- Your Multi-Platform Cloud Storage. (Part 1)