Hello everyone, we have the pleasure to introduce you the first beta of the new 4.2.0 version of the ownCloud Android app.
We have many improvements that we want to show you in this beta, which we list below:
IMPORTANT NOTES:
- The 4.2.0 version of the app will be the last one that supports Android 6.0 Marshmallow (API 23). Since 4.3.0, the minimum Android version will be Android 7.0 Nougat (API 24).
Links to open the app from outside
The main news of this release is the introduction of deep links. Deep links consist of links found on a website or other external applications which are able to open the app and do something within. In our case, now it’s possible to discover and preview a file or navigate to a folder, as long as you have permission to access it. From now on, it will be super easy to access files in the app from external links!
IMPORTANT: we have some known restrictions for this first beta regarding external links, which are:
- Links won’t work over shared items
- Links won’t work if device is offline
“Apply to all” when many name conflicts arise
A new checkbox has been added to the conflicts dialog to be able to solve all the conflicts found in folders or files at once, just like in the web version. Very useful for users who handle a large number of files in conflict!
“Share to” in Infinite Scale accounts allows uploads to any space
Step by step, we are introducing new improvements related to spaces to adapt them to other existing features of the app. With this improvement, shared files from other apps can be uploaded to any space and not only the Personal one in Infinite Scale accounts.
Auto upload in Infinite Scale accounts allows uploads to any space
In the same line as the previous improvement. Now it will be possible to do auto uploads to all the spaces that the user has, and it will not only be restricted to Personal space.
Auto-refresh when a file is uploaded
The file list will be now refreshed automatically when an upload whose destination folder is the one we are in is completed successfully. Also, to avoid lag and unnecessary network calls, we set a limit of uploads (200 by default, but brandable) to which auto-refreshes will be triggered. From that number on, a floating button will appear to indicate that new content is available and if it is clicked, a new refresh will be triggered. This is a new intuitive way to know when you have new files available in the feed after uploading them.
Download log files
A new icon to download a log file to the Downloads folder of the device has been added to the log list screen
Anything else to test?
Yes, we have included some more fixes and features. Read the whole Changelog here.
How can I enable logs in the ownCloud Android app?
Before starting trying to break the app, it’s very important and useful for us, the developers, to have a record of what’s happening in case the app misbehaves. Due to this, enabling logs and sending them to us is the best way of help improving the app and offering the best user experience.+
Enabling logs
By default, logging is disabled. To activate them, you have to go to Settings > Logging > Enable logging. Since the moment they are on, logs will keep track of every event occurring in the app. These DON’T include user’s sensitive information, so they can be used safely.
Watching and sharing log files
Once logging is enabled and some actions have been performed within the app, log files will be created. To see them, you have to go to Settings > Logging > Log files. There, you can easily share them tapping on the share icon. Send them to us at android-app@owncloud.com!
How can I join the beta program?
If you want to join the beta program in Play Store, you will need to have the last app version installed. If you already have the last version installed, go to ownCloud app in Play Store and scroll down to the end of the view; there you will see a new tab like the one below, just press the “Join” button to join and your final app will be replaced with the beta one.
How can I send my feedback to ownCloud developers?
If you find a bug or want to make any suggestions, please participate in one of these channels:
– Open a new issue on Github: https://github.com/owncloud/android/issues
– Open a new topic on central: https://central.owncloud.org
– Write to android-app@owncloud.com
Your feedback would be highly appreciated!
Enjoy the beta of new 4.2.0 version