Feature Updates 07/10/2024
NEW Mobile App Animated Gradient Loading Indicators Feature
We are excited to announce that we have released an update for the OnlineGiving.org mobile application. This update includes animated gradient background loading indicators, designed to display placeholder content for users with slow 2G/3G mobile connections, as they may experience extended image loading times. While images and components are being loaded over slower connections, users will now see a pleasant animated gradient loading indicator as a placeholder.
It's important to note that the OnlineGiving.org mobile app is designed to cache all non-dynamic resources to our private cloud content delivery network, ensuring the fastest resource loading time possible. However, slower loading times may occur if church administrators fail to compress images uploaded to the App Designer. We recommend that church administrators use the following website https://tinypng.com/ to compress their PNG and JPG images without any loss in quality before uploading them to the OnlineGiving.org app designer. Additionally, we advise not exceeding 1,500px in width for uploaded images to the App Designer, as anything over 1,500px wide will likely cause a slower user experience.
Mobile app users may need to close the app from the mobile device app switcher to view the latest changes. For iOS devices, users should swipe up and hold from the bottom of the screen to view the app switcher (task manager), then swipe up on the open app to close it, and then open the app again to view the latest changes. For older iOS devices, users should double-tap the home button to view the app switcher. For Android devices, users should tap the navigation button, swipe up on the open app to close it, and then open the app again to view the latest changes.
Example of Placeholder Design/Styling
UPCOMING Google Play Mobile Required Mobile App Update by the end of August 2024
OnlineGiving.org mobile app customers can expect an updated mobile application build package for review by the end of August 2024. This proactive step is in response to Google Play's requirement for the mobile application to target newer devices. We want to reassure you that this update does not require any action from existing mobile app customers or mobile app users. The OnlineGiving.org mobile app team will be handling all of the updates directly and managing the review process, so the church requires no action at this time.
We deeply respect the autonomy of each church in setting their design, understanding that beauty is subjective. However, it's important to note that Google Play has recently raised its quality standards for mobile applications. In response, the OnlineGiving.org mobile app team will be conducting a review of the existing mobile app customer designs before each update submission in August. We will make any necessary changes to ensure compliance with the latest Google Play quality standards, while still allowing you the flexibility to maintain your unique church branding and desired styling.
The required changes may also extend to changes we find necessary to avoid mobile application rejection, such as too many link-outs or a lack of native content from the mobile app. We understand that over time, church administrators may make quick changes that do the job but may fall short of quality graphics. As a courtesy, we will adjust styling as needed per account basis for the mobile app to meet the modern quality standards that Google Play expects. Our commitment to quality remains unwavering.