How to use the Camino Forum App

[ivar]

I have created this short video briefly introducing the new forum app. As I say, this is a very different (and some may not like it) way of looking at the forum content.. but some people might want to use the app in parallel with the website. I think the app might be easier to use while on the Camino.

The app is free and can be downloaded here:
iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/camino-forum/id6444295396?platform=iphone

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.caminodesantiago.community.app.android&gl=ES

 

[1elantra]

I have created this short video briefly introducing the new forum app. As I say, this is a very different (and some may not like it) way of looking at the forum content.. but some people might want to use the app in parallel with the website. I think the app might be easier to use while on the Camino.

The app is free and can be downloaded here:
iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/camino-forum/id6444295396?platform=iphone

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.caminodesantiago.community.app.android&gl=ES

Thanks. Why does it ask for credit card details when its free please

 

[ivar]

Thanks. Why does it ask for credit card details when its free please

It should not ask for any card at all... could you take a screenshoot so I can see?

There is an option to become a donating member in the app (as there is here on the forum website), but you need to tap in the settings to get to that...

 

[David Tallan]

I tried the app but I wasn't seeing the advantages over how I had already been accessing the forums on my phone which I had got used to, so I went back to that. It wasn't bad or broken, but there wasn't fabulous new functionality to make me learn a new interface. Or if there was, I missed it.

 

[1elantra]

It should not ask for any card at all... could you take a screenshot so I can see?

Ooops sorry, my bad. Its a sneaky google add.

 

[ivar]

Ooops sorry, my bad. Its a sneaky google add.

ok, yes. It has ads unless you are a donating member:

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/account/upgrades/

 

[ivar]

I tried the app but I wasn't seeing the advantages over how I had already been accessing the forums on my phone which I had got used to, so I went back to that. It wasn't bad or broken, but there wasn't fabulous new functionality to make me learn a new interface. Or if there was, I missed it.

It's not for everyone

 

[David Tallan]

It's not for everyone

I might have loved it if I used it first instead of coming to it with entrenched habits.

 

[rojasa]

Hi, Ivar, I'm walking through the app while watching your "how-to"video. Yes, it's a different interface but I really like how the information is organized, especially from the perspective of someone walking a camino while using the app. Thank you very much for creating this additional path to the forum! Buen camino!

 

[ivar]

I might have loved it if I used it first instead of coming to it with entrenched habits.

I think you are right... I like the web as well. But out in the streets with my mobile, the app I find to be easier... at home, the web is best (for me). This will be different for everyone... its just another way..

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

I've tried it twice and found that the web version works better for me. I'll explore it more later. I did notice that the app is better for some things like finding the rules and sub-forums. Could you tweak the app to print out the corresponding webpage's URL? A cut of a URL on an easily found page on the app could be pasted in a post to answer questions.

 

[mark stevens]

I'll give it a go.

cheers
mark

 

[Cicada]

Just download the Forum App I'm wondering why i have to give my Cedit Card details to gain access?
Thank you

 

[henrythedog]

Just download the Forum App I'm wondering why i have to give my Cedit Card details to gain access?
Thank you

You do not. If you are not already a subscriber you will see loads of adverts, any one of which would welcome your credit card number.

The forum does not require any payment, but I’m certain that Ivar would welcome one. The price of pickled herring must have gone up recently.

 

[ivar]

Feel free to make donations on the website… that is a better deal since I don’t need to give % to neither Apple nor Google

 

[trecile]

Just download the Forum App I'm wondering why i have to give my Cedit Card details to gain access?
Thank you

I didn't have to. Here's what @ivar already said about this.

It should not ask for any card at all... could you take a screenshoot so I can see?

There is an option to become a donating member in the app (as there is here on the forum website), but you need to tap in the settings to get to that...

And maybe another explanation

Ooops sorry, my bad. Its a sneaky google add.

 

[alexwalker]

Downloaded it. Will play with it on the Camino. At home, I go for the Web version (for now, or...)

But thank you for all you do, Ivar.

 

[Fred Gaudet]

Will the app work in France, particularly on the Via Tolosana?

 

[ivar]

Downloaded it. Will play with it on the Camino. At home, I go for the Web version (for now, or...)

But thank you for all you do, Ivar.

The web version will always be available. This is just another option…

 

[ivar]

Will the app work in France, particularly on the Via Tolosana?

It will work wherever you have internet access.

 

[Cicada]

It should not ask for any card at all... could you take a screenshoot so I can see?

There is an option to become a donating member in the app (as there is here on the forum website), but you need to tap in the settings to get to that...

Hi Ivar thanks for your reply ! All good now! Up and running

 

[2ndCaminho]

I have created this short video briefly introducing the new forum app. As I say, this is a very different (and some may not like it) way of looking at the forum content.. but some people might want to use the app in parallel with the website. I think the app might be easier to use while on the Camino.

The app is free and can be downloaded here:
iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/camino-forum/id6444295396?platform=iphone

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.caminodesantiago.community.app.android&gl=ES

great, giing it a try. i dont see the booking icon however.

 

[C clearly]

i dont see the booking icon however.

I don't think there is any booking icon. This is not a "Camino app" that is a substitute for a guide book. It is just another way to read the forum on your phone, instead of using your regular internet browser.

 

[Margaret Butterworth]

That sneaky Google ad (that pops up and takes you elsewhere) is almost as bad as a scam. Apart from that, I like it. But beware of the "scam", people!

There is definitely a Booking icon at the bottom of the page.

 

[Former member 102963]

That sneaky Google ad (that pops up and takes you elsewhere) is almost as bad as a scam. Apart from that, I like it. But beware of the "scam", people!

There is definitely a Booking icon at the bottom of the page.

There is a ‘booking’ icon at the bottom of the page which is fine by me! I only access by phone so an app is a major plus for me. I note that any new software, or any new release, tends to make many (including me!) say’not as good as old versions’, but after a few weeks of use opinions tend to change!

Thank you for your hard work, Ivar!

 

[Curt Leiker]

I installed the app. But when I tried to log in on my iPad the keyboard wouldn’t pop up allowing me to key userid and password. Haven’t tried my iPhone yet.

 

[C clearly]

I see no booking icon/link at the bottom of my screen on the app. See the attached screenshot. I have seen the link on a screenshot from another member, so I know it exists for some people. I wonder if it disappears for Donating Members, just as ads disappear on the forum viewed from a browser.

 

[Matthew_SWilson]

I think the push notifications on the app will be really handy for those walking the Camino who have a posted a question relating to their specific location and/or time (and their eagerly awaiting a response). The notifications will avoid walkers from having to login and refresh their browser. As mentioned above it’s just another option but choice is always nice. Thanks, Ivar

 

[ivar]

I installed the app. But when I tried to log in on my iPad the keyboard wouldn’t pop up allowing me to key userid and password. Haven’t tried my iPhone yet.

If you are already logged in to the forum in the browser on the iPad... you don't need to type anything (not sure why the keyboard is not coming up).... then you just tap "Authorize" and you are logged into the app with the user you are logged into in the browser...

 

[ivar]

I see no booking icon/link at the bottom of my screen on the app. See the attached screenshot. I have seen the link on a screenshot from another member, so I know it exists for some people. I wonder if it disappears for Donating Members, just as ads disappear on the forum viewed from a browser.

I know there is an update pending for the android version, it might be added there ..

 

[ivar]

Just download the Forum App I'm wondering why i have to give my Cedit Card details to gain access?
Thank you

The app is free. No card is asked for... are you seeing an ad maybe?

 

[NJohn]

This is great - thanks Ivar for all your work on this.

 

[peregrina2000]

But beware of the "scam", people!

There is definitely a Booking icon at the bottom of the page.

I think that’s a bit of an overstatement. The app has ads, just like the forum does. I don’t see any ads on either, so it must be correlated to your member status as donating or not.

But about that booking icon — my understanding is that if you use booking through the forum or through an app like Wise Pilgrim, the owners of those sites gets a cut of booking’s cut. I don’t think it increases the money that the owner of the albergue/hotel has to pay, so in my mind, it is always preferable to use booking through one of those two places to help spread the wealth a little! (I think I have this right but others may correct me). Same for Gronze.com.

 

[ivar]

Yes, the booking made by tapping the booking icon in the app gives me a kickback from booking.com (as Gronze and WisePilrim).. the same.

 

[Former member 102963]

Yes, the booking made by tapping the booking icon in the app gives me a kickback from booking.com (as Gronze and WisePilrim).. the same.

Good! I was hoping that was the case!

 

[Margaret Butterworth]

I called the ad a "scam" because it appears so quickly at the beginning of the app, at a time when you are just investigating something new. It seems to have confused other people, who are led to believe they need to pay for the app. Of course, I understand that advertising funds this forum. I often find it useful.

 

[Margaret Butterworth]

Regarding Booking.com: I use Gronze and Wise Pilgrim to see if a particular establishment is on Booking or not. If it is, I prefer to go to my own Booking app since my name and details are already available there and I don't have to type them in again.

 

[trecile]

Regarding Booking.com: I use Gronze and Wise Pilgrim to see if a particular establishment is on Booking or not. If it is, I prefer to go to my own Booking app since my name and details are already available there and I don't have to type them in again.

If you are on a computer when you click on a link on Gronze or WisePilgrim it will take you right to your account. On a phone I think that it takes you to the website rather than the app, but I noticed that in the menu on my Firefox mobile browser I had the option of opening it in the app.

 

[Peter J Martin]

It should not ask for any card at all... could you take a screenshoot so I can see?

There is an option to become a donating member in the app (as there is here on the forum website), but you need to tap in the settings to get to that...

Ivar, it asked for my credit card details and I was billed for £1.00, as a result of which my credit card was blocked as it was deemed a suspicious transaction, I have now sorted this but the £1.00 has been made to WAN-SUM.co Who are these people, are they acting on your behalf setting up the Apt, or is this a fraud. It is a bit concerning as you indicated the Apt is free. I now have the Apt.

 

[ivar]

Ivar, it asked for my credit card details and I was billed for £1.00, as a result of which my credit card was blocked as it was deemed a suspicious transaction, I have now sorted this but the £1.00 has been made to WAN-SUM.co Who are these people, are they acting on your behalf setting up the Apt, or is this a fraud. It is a bit concerning as you indicated the Apt is free. I now have the Apt.

Hi there,

That charge is not from me… I would ask you bank to return that charge. My app is free and does not cost anything.

No idea why you were asked to pay this.

So sorry!

 

[Peter J Martin]

Hi there,

That charge is not from me… I would ask you bank to return that charge. My app is free and does not cost anything.

No idea why you were asked to pay this.

So sorry!

Thank you Ivar, I have done that, the £1.00 will be refunded to my account. , unfortunately the card is now completely blocked and a new card is being sent to me. Is this request for credit card details and payment of £1.00 when down loading the Apt, something you need to look into and sort.

 

[Kathar1na]

Thank you Ivar, I have done that, the £1.00 will be refunded to my account. , unfortunately the card is now completely blocked and a new card is being sent to me. Is this request for credit card details and payment of £1.00 when down loading the Apt, something you need to look into and sort.

Did you see the same display on your screen as the one mentioned in post #5 and did you click on "Start"?

I remember having seen this recently popping up on my screen but I don't remember where and when, and I did not pay any attention to it. It is a scam and not related to this forum or the app. I've googled for "wan-sum.co" and found a few reports from users about this scam. For example, what happened to you happened to a person who had googled for the widely-known Zoom app which is also free of charge, and he made the same mistake and € 1,95 for a useless monthly subscription for non-specific "technical support" was charged to his credit card, see here https://www.signal-arnaques.com/scam/view/580566 (in French).

When you download an app you must always make sure that you download it directly from the Google or Apple App Store, or (rarely) directly from the developer's website!

 

[ivar]

Thank you Ivar, I have done that, the £1.00 will be refunded to my account. , unfortunately the card is now completely blocked and a new card is being sent to me. Is this request for credit card details and payment of £1.00 when down loading the Apt, something you need to look into and sort.

This is not related to the app at all.. it may be related to something else you have installed.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

I didn't view the picture in #5 until @Kathar1na last post. This is a sneaky scam, an ad disguised as a message to initialize an app. Notice how generic it is. This can be placed into any app to scam people.

If I remember correctly how Google Play works, if you have to pay for a new app the payment goes through before the download happens.

 

[trecile]

If I remember correctly how Google Play works, if you have to pay for a new app the payment goes through before the download happens.

That is correct. I wonder if the app developer can limit what companies advertise on the app.

 

[Margaret Butterworth]

Scams are rife on the internet at the moment. Please take care with all your transactions! We are all in the habit of working too quickly and clicking through sites without thinking. (I have recently been taken in by ordering a slimming product!) After some effort, it is possible to get a refund from your credit card company - but the cancellation of your card is a real nuisance as you have to wait for a new one to arrive. If this happens when you are away from home, maybe on the Camino, it could absolutely ruin your holiday.

 

[Former member 102963]

Scams are rife on the internet at the moment. Please take care with all your transactions! We are all in the habit of working too quickly and clicking through sites without thinking. (I have recently been taken in by ordering a slimming product!) After some effort, it is possible to get a refund from your credit card company - but the cancellation of your card is a real nuisance as you have to wait for a new one to arrive. If this happens when you are away from home, maybe on the Camino, it could absolutely ruin your holiday.

Yes and it is only going to get more sophisticated as we move forward. Easy to be wise after the event of course but ads generally have a different font and colour palette than the host site. We are so used to clicking on links we almost do it without thinking. If you are considering clicking on a link for anything pause for a few minutes at least and consider whether you click it or not. The app is of course genuine but ‘mal ads’ can appear pretty much anywhere!

Ironically we have a thread elsewhere about giving over personal details, but clicking on a link you could be doing that and more!!

 

[Molly Cassidy]

For those in Europe, my bank (N26) gives me a virtual card I can use for online transactions. I have a completely separate physical card with a different number to use at ATMs and in shops. If there is a problem with the virtual card it is instantly replaced with a new number that you can use straight away online. In theory you shouldn't use your physical card online at all (though you can if you want).

 

[Margaret Butterworth]

A virtual card sounds interesting. I will check if my bank (Westpac) offers such a thing.

 

[jill___a]

@ivar Thanks for the app! The download was completely straightforward (and free) on the App Store, and it works great. I’m so glad be out of browser mode—and I renewed my subscription.

 

[wisepilgrim]

If you are on a computer when you click on a link on Gronze or WisePilgrim it will take you right to your account. On a phone I think that it takes you to the website rather than the app, but I noticed that in the menu on my Firefox mobile browser I had the option of opening it in the app.

Correct. If you have the booking app on your device, the booking link (at least in the app) should take you to the correct location in the booking app... where you can keep track of your bookings.

 

[DebbieM]

I have created this short video briefly introducing the new forum app. As I say, this is a very different (and some may not like it) way of looking at the forum content.. but some people might want to use the app in parallel with the website. I think the app might be easier to use while on the Camino.

The app is free and can be downloaded here:
iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/camino-forum/id6444295396?platform=iphone

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.caminodesantiago.community.app.android&gl=ES

fantastic development, thanks for your hard work in making this possible Ivor