Tap, Tap, Buzz: Snapie Hits Google Play Open Testing

Hello frenz 🐝

It so happens that the path to apply for Production for Snapie has officially been cleared. That said, I want to make sure the Android launch is a big deal. So I’m taking an extra step.

Along with applying for production, I can now launch Open Tests for Snapie.

What does that mean?

It means anyone with an Android phone and a link can download the app — no email required. I know privacy is a big concern for a lot of people, so this is a welcome change. But more importantly, open tests allow for fast pre-release deployments.

Pre-release?

In other words: as we integrate new features and shiny new bits and bobs, anyone running a pre-release (or early release) can test them before the official version goes live.

And all of this happens inside the friendly, familiar Google Play Store.

• No more side-loading.
• No more scary warning messages.
• Just tap, tap… done.

If you’ve been waiting on the sidelines for the Store release — well, now you can literally just use this one link to download Snapie:

👉 https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.menobass.hivesnaps

• Send it to your friends.
• Your onboards.
• Your favorite waitress at the diner.
• Or the person who just patched your bicycle tire.

All are welcome.

This version squashed lots of bugs, and more importantly…

🎥 Video Snaps are now LIVE.

So what are you waiting for? Upgrade already.

So… what’s next?

As of today, there are 7 Pull Requests waiting to be merged. These code changes bring some very cool features into the hive:

• 🎧 Audio Snaps

• 📺 Full-screen video support

• 🌐 Snapie.io integration

• 🔔 Revamped notification system

• …and more

If all goes well — and I see no reason why it wouldn’t — we could be applying for full production within a week or two.

Does this mean we moon?

Maybe.

But more importantly, it means Snapie will be readily available to the biggest mobile market in the world.

We promised we’d follow this project to the finish line — and now, the finish line is finally within sight.

If that’s not a good reason to buy cake, I don’t know what is 🍰

— Snapie 🐝

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Did you know I run a witness?

If you’d like to support what I’m building, please consider voting for it. We work closely with @aliento and the fine folks at @threespeak, so you know we’re part of the cool kids club.

(Consider voting for them too.)

You can vote here:
👉 https://vote.hive.uno/@snapie