GeyserTimes for Android 4.0.0
In the past year we’ve primarily worked to improve the stability of the GeyserTimes Android app, migrating to the Realm mobile database which should allow for easier maintenance in the future. However we’ve also managed to add a couple of other enhancements and new features which will be discussed in more detail below.
Updated submit screens
The submit screens have been reorganized to make it easier to enter data. Improvements include direct search for geysers and a new duration timer which should make it easier to submit eruption durations to the database. While we realize you’ll need to get accustomed to the new layout, we believe it is easier to understand and more structured for newcomers who want to contribute data.
The new duration timer can be started by pressing the “Start” button. Once the eruption has finished press the “Pause” button to stop the timer, should the eruption continue (I’m looking at you, Grand) you can press the “Start” button again and the stopwatch will continue. Entries with a running timer can be safely submitted without influencing the stopwatch.
Offline predictions
The GeyserTimes website introduced a new prediction system some time ago that included additional geysers and a more flexible calculation system based on a set of parameters (e.g. add 92 minutes after an Old Faithful long). The Android app has now finally caught up with this development and displays all the predictions using the updated system.
Best of all: it also works offline, which is especially helpful for geysers located in the Lower Geyser Basin. Simply enter a new eruption and the prediction will be recalculated. Echinus, here we come!
Advanced statistics
When viewing the recent geyser activity there now is a “More statistics” button below the calculated interval statistics that will take you to the interval and duration charts, allowing you to analyze the recent geyser behavior at a glance.
Just like any other statistics you encounter these should be carefully interpreted though — some geysers have incomplete data or don’t erupt often enough to gain much insight. More often than not, this is more of a fun and intriguing chart than a scientific tool.
Better platform integration
We’ve also improved the overall integration of the app with the Android system. The login, signup and forgot password screens have finally been updated to Material Design, Google’s new design language introduced with Android Lollipop, and web links are now handled by the GeyserTimes app, allowing you to view entries from a web search directly within the app. Most information is now also easily shareable with other apps such as Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp.
App shortcuts have been introduced to allow quicker access to relevant areas within the app (accessed by long-pressing the launcher icon on Android 7.1 Nougat and above). On compatible devices, such as the Samsung Galaxy S and Note series, you’ll also be seeing popups on eruptions and notes that include additional details by hovering over the entry with your finger or pen.
Other notable enhancements include the ability to select more than 10 favorite geysers and to selectively filter unwanted geysers in the day summary and timeline (who wants to see all those Old Faithfuls, right?). You can find these options within the application settings.
Your feedback is very important to us, which is why we’ve included a new “Feedback” item in the navigation menu. Don’t hesitate to drop us a few lines and let us know how we’re doing. If you don’t have the app already, download it now on Google Play, it’s free and you won’t regret it.
Thank you for using GeyserTimes and happy gazing,
The GeyserTimes development team
