The First Steem iOS App runs natively on the Steem Blockchain and is written entirely in Swift. The app is approved by Apple for testing (Beta Testflight) and download details can be found an the end of this post.
USE CASES
Our main focus for the first release is on the following three use cases:
- Reading Articles on your iOS Device
The main use case of the app is to consume content on the go. We offer the three main categories Trending, Hot and New for browsing content. The app is written entirely in native iOS code without any web wrappers. As a result it integrates smoothly with existing iOS features such as link redirects or copy and paste.
- Alternative Client for Internal Server Errors
We all know the infamous 500 Internal Server Error on Steemit.com. One of the key advantage of the app is that directly connects to the STEEM Blockchain. As a result it is likely unaffected when Steemit.com experiences Downtimes or DDOS attacks. This is great as it serves as an alternative client for Steemit.
- Vote on the go
Curation is an important aspect of Steem and it is important to curate often. However, people are not 24/7 on their laptops. As a result, voting mobile is a core use case for us. This user story is currently in development.
USER INTERFACE
The main goal of the UI is to remain clean at this early stage. New UI items will be added incrementally after careful review. Also instead of $ we denote in STEEM. While this is technically incorrect it has better compliance with Apple's review guidelines. SBD could have been used as a symbol, however Steem seemed more user-friendly for beginners. Let me know what you think in the comments!
CHALLENGES SOLVED
One of the challenges fully resolved in this release apart from the Json rpc is the markdown conversion of Steem posts to native iOS.
The markdown conversion is non-trivial and even on steemit.com it is not working correctly at all times. An example for this can be found here: Link. In this post we see a moon image first. However, in the Author Feed we see the second image next to the post. Part of the problem is that images on steemit.com can be inserted in three ways:
- Markdown:
![] (image_link) - HTML
- Direct Link: image_link
Using the third method causes an ambiguity. We actually do not know every time whether this is an image or a link. Further, you might post the link of an image but may want it to show up as link or vice versa. The only way to resolve this issue from an application perspective is to post a request to the URL and by detecting the content type. Alternatively, one can rely on file endings in the URL; however, this may not detect all cases.
CONTRIBUTE
The code is published on Git. Please join here if you want to contribute or want to report issues.
DOWNLOAD
The App is approved by Apple and currently is in TestFlight (Beta). If you like to download the app for iOS then:
- Upvote this post ;)
- Send an email to steemit.app@gmail.com
- Apple will then send you a download link for your iOS device.
What new use cases do you have in mind for the iOS Steem App! Please let me know in the comments.
No words can describe my --
Jesus im going to get an iphone only to have this app.
Using steemit on phone with annoucements would be something simply amazing !
Amazing!
It states that is it Beta and went through a full review. Apple Quote: Apps made available to external testers require a Beta App Review and must comply with the full App Store Review Guidelines before testing can begin
The project files are now committed see https://github.com/riensen/steem-app. It builds out of the box.
Instead of spreading hate - why not join development?
Can anybody verify legitimacy?
Verified, looks neat.
Can someone now verifiy security?
The current version does not require a login and build was verified and signed by apple as malware free. Future versions will likely demand the posting key only - so your funds are proven to be secure.
The code is open source on github. See @abit comment below, a process for verifiable builds needs to be established. Track progress here: https://github.com/riensen/steem-app/issues/1
thanks for the info
Do you even read @stellabelle ? There is no security to verify, rofl.
Nice thanks for verifying that for us! +111
Looking pretty clean, and hooray for more adoption from the apple users.
Thanks for testing
A. Send email get App ;)
B. Or Go to git hub see source code
C. Or Build from source from github
Motorcycles is my diseasehttps://steemit.com/introduceyourself/@bobs/motorcycles-is-my-disease
See response here: https://steemit.com/steem/@riensen/why-4-baseless-accusation-that-were-made-against-my-ios-app-still-got-1kusd
Exciting news, thanks for the sharing! Namaste :)
See response here: https://steemit.com/steem/@riensen/why-4-baseless-accusation-that-were-made-against-my-ios-app-still-got-1kusd
Will our private key/password be safe using this?
Hi, the app does in this version and all future versions not require a login. In future versions you will be prompted for a login if you do operations that require a login. Also you can inspect the code at github https://github.com/riensen/steem-app
Also the code was reviewed by Apple
Obviously you should make sure any app you use is legitimate but you can also protect yourself by logging into the app (once that feature is available) using your posting key. That limits the app to posting and voting, and blocks any attempt to access your funds.
If you wrote means to be afraid not worth anything ! go ahead ! This is another step to great success !
Wrong! See response here: https://steemit.com/steem/@riensen/why-4-baseless-accusation-that-were-made-against-my-ios-app-still-got-1kusd
I recommend using SD instead, since that is actually technically accurate (in fact I kind of think steemit.com should be using SD as well instead of $).
By the way, I noticed you are connecting to steemit.com's websocket (wss://steemit.com/wstmp3). You should ask them how they feel about that. But even if it is okay with them, it is still probably not a good idea because that URL can change at any time but the string is hard coded into your app.
It would be best to host your own node that the app connects to. And you would likely eventually want to monetize in some way (perhaps by injecting some small, unobtrusive, and clearly marked, promoted posts in the feed) to help pay for the operation of the backend nodes and also to pay for further development of the app.
I appreciate the feedback!
I will have think about a node. It sounds like there is no official ws then... I will have a chat with you guys in slack.
SD sound like a good idea.
I have now posted on Slack regarding websocket usage policy in #general and #help - hoping to get an answer
In the future I had plans to make the ws connection is editable and different public ws like steemit.com, piston rocks would be options. I am wondering if this is within the usage policy of @ned @dan @xeroc
If you don't mind, I would love to know their response, if they provide one.
checkout Steem Mobile as well, Android version is available for beta testing, Amazon app store version is also available for Kindle devices. iOS version coming soon. It allows you to change node to any available websocket node within app.
Was thinking about developing an ios Steemit app, guess I don't have to now! Thanks for releasing this, hopefully it won't be cluttered by ads from the developer :)
Please join development at https://github.com/riensen/steem-app
This is in a very early stage and lots of features are to be developed.
Ah, great work! I look forward to this so much!
Thanks @stellabelle
amazing! good news and beautiful shot!
This seems like a scam? 🤔 Yet you made 16k on it! Jesus... lol
This is wonderful news! It looks like there are still some things to work through but your priorities on the reading and curation of content I believe are in the right place. If this thing allows for push notifications of various Steemit events (votes, mentions, $ received) in the future, and I have no doubt it will, Steem explodes straight into the stratosphere!
Earlier today, I predicted in a post the first dev to create a fully featured mobile Steem app would probably receive the highest upvoted post in Steemit history to date. Really hoping it happens for you. Thank you for all your hard work on this!
Thank you for the kind words and encouragement. It is great to know that people are looking forward to future development on this.
Have you checked out Steem Mobile Android version is available for beta testing, Amazon app store version is also available for Kindle devices. iOS version coming soon. Push notification is also in feature list.
In White Paper ( https://steem.io/SteemWhitePaper.pdf ) write:
"The fundamental unit of account on the Steem platform is STEEM, a crypto currency token. Steem operates on the basis of one-STEEM, one-vote. Under this model, individuals who have contributed the most to the platform, as measured by their account balance, have the most influence over how contributions are scored. Furthermore, Steem only allows members to vote with STEEM when it is committed to a multi-year vesting schedule. Under this model, members have a financial incentive to vote in a way that maximises the long term value of their STEEM."
"Steem Dollars (SMD)
Stability is an important feature of successful global economies. Without stability, individuals across the world could not have low cognitive costs while engaging in commerce and savings. Because stability is an important feature of successful economies, Steem Dollars were designed as an attempt to bring stability to the world of cryptocurrency and to the individuals who use the Steem network."
I think may be used as a symbol "SD" or "SteemDollars".
All the same, symbol "SD" is the best
SD
SD was selected as an symbol by devs, but because Steem client shows SBD - exchange take this symbol IMHO. Same for SP - client shows it as a VESTS.
How much you want to bet that I dont trust this app?
Great work.
Hope that there are ways to verify the binaries provided by App Store are compiled from given tagged source code without change. As @arhag pointed out, this discussion will likely be relevant for us: https://github.com/WhisperSystems/Signal-iOS/issues/641
As noted in slack, I think achieving this would be great for the community and would build a standard for further third party applications. Opened Issue for this here:
https://github.com/riensen/steem-app/issues/1
I think this is an important concern, in a way I have called up to brainstorm this in my Steem Mobile app beta releases, security is major factor when crypto/currency is involved. Checkout latest update. Once we have all platforms update, there will be post to verify binaries and security of the code. Steem mobile is also open source, btw.
Does not look legit, I suggest no one downloads this app until an official Steemit account validates.
We need android aps too!!
finally! good @riensen 8]
Thanks @gekko :)
@riensen i use narwal daily as reddit client, the user experience is really like the best app i have since years, please check it out & if you can do something similar on steem you will the next rockstar on the community, regards
I don't get the support your receiving and why are people using this?
I don't know about you but using a mail like this: steemit.app@gmail.com
Scares me! Why? Because thanks to your awesome fake mail people might think this is Steemits official app mail, what is SO wrong on so Manny levels! If you wanted you could SCAM A LOT OF PEOPLE
I think I don't need to say anything else.....
You must have misunderstood something. Steemit.com is one client just like xerocs wallet is one client and this is one client. Relying only on steemit.com is dangerous as it promotes centralisation. Instead we should promote a marketplace of solutions which promotes decentralisation - a core reason why this is a blockchain and not a central company like facebook.
The App is in early development and is not as feature complete. However it still offers solutions to previous challenges as outlined above. Also it does not use JavaScript (steemit) or Python (xeroc) - it is instead completely written is Swift. Also it is completely open source.
I didn't, all I'm trying to say is, if @ned and @dan approve this, your good to go. Also whatever the app is, it should be able to let us log in using the code, not to make a separate account ( I know that there is no login atm). All I'm trying to say is, the app or you might be unsafe to use, to trust, and that @ned and @dan are someone we can trust, this platform is proof for it, so their approval on your project would mean you can be trusted!Remember most of the people on here are ordinary people thinking this works just like Facebook... They don't know that this is decentralized.
App went through the Apple Beta TestFlight Review Process which means it needs to comply with all Apple Guidelines and was reviewed and approved by Apple for beta (it clearly states beta).
The project files are now committed see https://github.com/riensen/steem-app. Should build out of the box.
Why not join the effort with 5 years of experience?
Omg... did thia post really make 16000 sbd!!!! How cool is that
I send a request and wait for links !
send
We are waiting for the full version ! and it appears in every phone soon!
This app will be good if u had it for mobile version
This news pick up a lot of votes ! all very waiting for this news! Thank you for your work!
This is awesome.. very exciting.
how do I get that much many vote
Thanks for the information. I just started using steemit today, I hope it turns out to be a great community. Looking forward to reading and sharing great content from users.
Are there any plans for an Android Steemit app?
for IOS....... android????
Great work man! Now, if an android app just gets released...
Steem Mobile Android version is available for beta testing, Amazon app store version is also available for Kindle devices. iOS version coming soon.
Do you know when it'll be available for iOS @good-karma?
i will love to get the app on my iphone
Sending an email.... Love to see an iOS app for steem
send
Now lets chop down the apple tree :)
Great news! I Steem on my pad looking forward to trying this.
What iOS-es is it compatible with?
This was tested on iOS 9 and build on XCode 7.3.1 and tested on iPhone 4s to 6s Plus. If you have an older iOS than I would love to get your feedback!
I have available an iPhone 4 with iOS 7.1.2 if you think it can help?
I am not entirely sure as I have not tested it on this iOS. Send an email and Apple will send you the app then you can verify ;)
sent email. I asked if you think I can help you by testing on this device. If you need me to test it on this device. That's what I asked.
Apple should sent you the app. Thanks for testing :)
It was a matter of time this is much needed and it will open the world to other users.
I really hope the app solves a lot of the mobility issues while posting on phones.
#takeiteasy
checkout Steem Mobile as well, Android version is available for beta testing, Amazon app store version is also available for Kindle devices. iOS version coming soon.
Exciting news!
Two users have now downloaded and installed - awesome!
That's awesome news, mobile apps will make steemit explode!
Checkout Steem Mobile as well, If you are Android user, it is available for beta testing, Amazon app store version is also available for Kindle devices. iOS version coming soon.
I'm not sure if your advertising is attracting any wanted attention :)
Sorry for the trouble, though!
Nice! Saw one for Android what about that one? Legit?
If you are referring to Steem Mobile, it is open source as well and Android version is available for beta testing, Amazon app store version is also available for Kindle devices. iOS version coming soon. It is trust-less in a way you can choose your own connection server node or use recommended options.
Any feed would appreciated.
Cool, Yesterday and friends talking about IOS problem
Can't wait to have the fully functional (and secure) version of this!
Have you checked out #steemmobile as well?
This is what i've been waiting for!
That's just funny, the most centralized platform hosts the most decentralized app. And the first to do it also...kudos
#exciting Just download on my apple all good and #smoothly ,, well that make me fell easy to use anywhere and anytime without PC or laptop
excited to try out the app, great job! keep it going!!
Wow, just saw this now, well done!
apple user should be happy now
Great work! I hope it will be available for android as well...
Have you checked out #steemmobile as well? Steem Mobile is also in development and we are now testing beta 0.0.3
beautiful pictures!