New Gps tracking app for the metal detectorist.

[reed88]

not for iphone bummer

 

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[Gold007]

I'm downloading the app right now. On my next metal detecting venture I'm gonna try it out. Thanks for your work!

 

[joe_dirt]

I downloaded this app a while ago. The interface is nice and fairly easy to use. I definitely like the idea of the app, however I find it unusable for me. I'm not blaming the app, it very well might be the limitations of my phone's gps. When I search for my current location it puts me too far from where I'm actually standing. Even in an open field. If I can't keep track of exactly where I'm detecting then it really doesn't help me. When I return to a field I don't need just a general idea of the ground I've covered. I can remember that without an app.

Again let me stress this might not have anything to do with the app itself but more likely the limitations of my phone's gps. However, regardless of the reason, for an app like this to be useful it needs to be spot on accurate.

 

[joe_dirt]

Update: new free version of the app adds a random new shortcut to the home screen every time you start the app. I can understand a free app having adds within the app, but demo version or not, adding something new to my home screen, which I then have to remove, each time I start the app is unacceptable. Uninstalling.

 

[bush13st_beav3r]

Seconded /\ ^^^^^ /\

 

[zenman]

Why the need for access to information in our phones that have nothing to do with the app. App permissions for accessing all accounts on our phones, access to phone numbers and who we might be talking to at the moment, installing the app to auto start-up. Sounds like you are more interested in our personal information than anything. Everyone beware: pay attention to what permissions your apps are demanding and dont fear questioning the developer for an explaination.

 

[Uncle Jeff]

Sorry bud, but my Motorola Xyboard with AVG installed classified this app as "Intrusive Adware" and suggested to me to uninstall your program, so I did. I have had this tablet for over a year and this is the first time ever that AVG has warned me about an app.

 

[zenman]

My point well made

 

[joe_dirt]

With this additional info, until I hear differently I strongly suggest anyone considering this app to reconsider.

 

[Wormslayer]

There has been an update to Tect O Trak recently.

In the demo/light version. There is now full facebook integration, with the option to increase your number of saved areas by reccomending and rating the app. Sadly, it is also now ad supported

This is because most people just want it for free, which is fine, but does not help in developing the app further. As it stands, there are over 400 happy users, but not one single person as rated it or left a comment! , I am as guilty of this as the next man of this. I've never commented or rated an app either! I knew at the outset that the numbers didn't stack up. This is a very specialised app. However, I was hoping for a bit more support within the user community. This hasn't materialised, so hence the ads. Sorry.

In the pro version (which is and always will be ad free) I have added a database import and export function. So your files will always be safe. (Assuming you do regular backups that is..

) And also full facebook integration. This is optional. if you don't use facebook dont click the icon. Simples..

There are still many things I can add to the app, such as historical map overlays, and I have an ace up my sleeve that will add a whole new dimension (and possibly a bit of fun if you're artistically inclined) to your searches. So watch this space!

Be lucky..

Wormslayer.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.trib.app.tectotraklite

 

[zenman]

Yet you still have not answered why you need to have the app auto start and why you are going after our personal account / accounts infomation, why do you need to know who we are calling or who we are on the phone with, etc, etc. Yes, the app itself shows much promise, but not at the cost of our privacy. And if its not you and you want to say its the "adds" then maybe you ought to rethink. Maybe have a xx day free trial with no privacy invasion so your customers can see your app without having to expose thier lives to you, and then it expires until they pay.

 

[joe_dirt]

Yet you still have not answered why you need to have the app auto start and why you are going after our personal account / accounts infomation, why do you need to know who we are calling or who we are on the phone with, etc, etc. Yes, the app itself shows much promise, but not at the cost of our privacy. And if its not you and you want to say its the "adds" then maybe you ought to rethink. Maybe have a xx day free trial with no privacy invasion so your customers can see your app without having to expose thier lives to you, and then it expires until they pay.

And on top of that I've downloaded many apps in my time and many of those were free. So I know it's not only possible, but also the norm, to have the ads contained within the app itself. Having random shortcut icons added to the home screen each time the app is started is a highly questionable practice.

I only bother saying this because I certainly see the app's potential.

 

[Wormslayer]

This has all come as a shock even to me!!!

I'm not very happy about the ads myself! This is not what i wanted in my app, I didn't want facebook either. I just wanted to keep it pure but my coder working for free, took the liberty thinking he was doing me a favour, but I am not happy about it at all I think I may of mumbled 'maybe' when he broached the subject of ads, but he knew I didn't really want them. Im not intersted in trying to make money from the app. What I definitely wasn't expecting was my app creating ad icons. I too had avg flag it up as intrusive software, which nearly gave me a heart attack! Fortunately I know it isn't so was able to ignore it, but it will not do at all! It will have to be changed. I don't blame you for uninstalling. I would have too! I assure you it will be removed. I am very angry about this development

@ Joe Dirt. "An app like this to be useful it needs to be spot on accurate" Thanks for the feedback. Good or bad, I need to hear these things..

Regarding accuracy... As you graciously pointed out, it probably is your phones gps capabilities. I have no problems with the Samsung S2. However, it should be said that civilian grade GPS just isn't 'spot on accurate'. It will always be a few feet out. Its good but not that good! This is the reason I chose to lay dots when tracking instead of a wiggly lines. Gps won't catch every twist and turn you make. Even if it did, it would still not be correct as there is always a slight delay. A good GPS receiver will have a 1 pulse per second output. However, the pulse shape and timing seems to vary from one device to another. In the tutorial found at HistoryHunters.co.uk/tectotrak. I explain that to get the best out out of gps tracking, you really need to be neat and methodical in your search patterns. I have found that it works best with long straight lines. The trickiest part is trying to come exactly down the side of the outbound track when making the return sweep. Here you need to keep an eye on things. Its fairly easy when you're near the edge but gets a lot harder once you lose visual references. What I do is choose something to aim at at the far end of the field. I will also try to leave some markers along the way. This may be something as simple as dragging my feet for a few steps just to mark and discolour the surface. Or a even small pile of stones or a stick. It all helps!

To be continued.. Ran out of time for now. But keep the faith.. I am a genuine detectorist trying to develop a genuine app. Honest!

Cheers,

Wormslayer.

 

[Wormslayer]

Sorry for the disjointed posts. I only discovered there was an issue late last night Uk time. I had no time to reply, so i quickly just cut and paste a post I had made in another forum, just to answer some of the questions.. i will pick this up again this evening.

Cheers,
Wormslayer

 

[mustangpalmer1911]

I am a Android user and will be downloading it and might get a shot with it today. Cant go wrong with a Iphone version TONS of those out there.
.

 

[christo000]

I use this ap helps me when I can map out an area & start detecting when I'm done shows me where I was been using it for 3 months now

 

[Wormslayer]

Continued..

@Zenman -- I have no idea why its asking for these permissions. Like you say, they have absolutely nothing to do with the app itself. The auto start seems to have disappeared. What was that all about? but it was wierd that it did it in the first place! Sounds like your as paranoid as I am, and so you should be when it comes to stuff like that. Rather inconveniently, my coder has been out of action for the last 4 days. He as has had to go into hospital for an operation on his nose. He did actually tell me that he wouldn't be around again until sunday. However, he messaged me today saying he was back; but in "pitiful condition" I didn't have the heart to bother him with my questions at that moment, but I hope to speak to him tomorrow, and all will be resolved i'm sure. I'm wondering if it has anything to do with the face book integration? Facebook crashes whenever i try to use it, but only after i entered the wrong password when initially started it up. So I haven't seen what it actually does yet. I'm as much in the dark as anyone.. I hope you follow this topic, and let others know when you think its ok to use


@christ00o. Whew... some positive feedback to add a bit of balance! Thanks. I'm glad you like it.

 

[zenman]

I think everyone (including the "unknowing" Developer) should go to the following website in your pc browser. Its not working so well on tmo. Says the link is unavailable, but works in normal browser.

Http://www.lifehacker.com/5991099/why-does-this-android-app-need-so-many-permissions

I just went to install it again and STILL it is asking for permissions that will allow it to get any and all accounts info off your phone, take pictures with your phone whenever it wants, etc, etc, do I need to go on. Having only the necessary permissions the app honestly needs to function is one thing, being able to do all this is a violation of your current and future customers trust. Stop blowing smoke, remove the B.S. and continue on developing what has the potential to be a great app without all the garbage.

 

[finderskeepers]

Wormslayer...please regard this as FEEDBACK and not an attack. Nearly 2 additional tomorrows have passed since your last post and promised explanation of the need/reasons for all of the permissions. While I'm not saying that is a great deal of time or even unreasonable... I do want to point out that in matters of trust, the passage of time(in the presence of fear/concern) is often magnified or distorted.

Don't let your recipe be spoiled.

 

[Wormslayer]

@ Finderskeepers. You're absolutely right but at the moment I'm treading on eggshells with my coder. He genuinely went into hospital for an operation, and is currently recuperating. I have tried to be very sympathetic and not bother him until he is ready. I was hoping that he would contact me on sunday, that never happened. Today I am sending him this message.

---------------------------------------------------------

:- Hi ****,

I hope you 're feeling better.


There is no need to answer this message until u are good and ready, but there are some things I need to say for you to think about.


I am very suprised you chose the form of advertising that you did. To be perfecty honest, I hate it! I would never install a program like that on my phone. I actually feel unsafe with it on my phone, and it's my app! I have been bombarded with questions in the forums about why a simple metal detecting app needs so many permissions. Also people said they won't install it because its flagged as 'intrusive' by AVG. It would take a very brave person to install this app. I assume you chose this because it yeilded the highest return considering its allowed to auto start at boot? I really don't think this the way to go, and could be quite damaging to a niche app like this. People are very suspicious, and with good reason,




Here are some of the comments I have received so far:-




"New free version of the app adds a random new shortcut to the home screen every time you start the app. I can understand a free app having adds within the app, but demo version or not, adding something new to my home screen, which I then have to remove, each time I

start the app is unacceptable. Uninstalling"

"Seconded /\ ^^^^^ /\"

"Why the need for access to information in our phones that have nothing to do with the app. App permissions for accessing all accounts on our phones, access to phone numbers and who we might be talking to at the moment, installing the app to auto start-up. Sounds like you are more interested in our personal information than anything. Everyone beware: pay attention to what permissions your apps are demanding and dont fear questioning the developer for an explaination."

"Sorry bud, but my Motorola Xyboard with AVG installed classified this app as "Intrusive Adware" and suggested to me to uninstall your program, so I did. I have had this tablet for over a year and this is the first time ever that AVG has warned me about an app."

"With this additional info, until I hear differently I strongly suggest anyone considering this app to reconsider"

Yet you still have not answered why you need to have the app auto start and why you are going after our personal account / accounts infomation, why do you need to know who we are calling or who we are on the phone with, etc, etc. Yes, the app itself shows much
promise, but not at the cost of our privacy. And if its not you and you want to say its the "adds" then maybe you ought to rethink. Maybe have a xx day free trial with no privacy invasion so your customers can see your app without having to expose thier lives to you, and then it expires until they pay.

And on top of that I've downloaded many apps in my time and many of those were free. So I know it's not only possible, but also the norm, to have the ads contained within the app itself. Having random shortcut icons added to the home screen each time the app is started

is a highly questionable practice. I only bother saying this because I certainly see the app's potential"


As you can see, its not gone down very well with users and I'm with them. I know you're only doing what you think is best for me, but I really don't like it, and would like you to remove it please. I'm not against advertising in the demo version, considering most people just want to use it for free, but I think we should stick with a conventional way.

--------------------------------------------------------



This is the state of play at this moment. I don't mind bearing my soul to the forum. Maybe people can give me some advice. I am rubbish with 'management' I am far too poilte (The English disease) I am a genuine detectorist trying to develop a genuine metal detecting app at my own expense, and with no chance of recouperating development costs. This is how it is..

I will post the coders reply when I receive it.

Cheers,
Wormslayer