Topic: E621 Mobile App: Run a local version of e621 in your phone

Posted under e621 Tools and Applications

After a lot of time spent developing this, I am finally ready to show you my attempt at an E621 Android App!

E621 Mobile v0.2a.10

Features
  • Browse all images of e621
  • Save as many images as you can for offline browsing with tag searching
  • Interrupt searches whenever you need to and continue right where you stopped later
    • You can even use that to stay up to date with whichever search you want
  • Filter by rating by default
  • Blacklist
  • Highlight tags on search results
  • Automatic backups
  • Login, Fav and Vote
  • Post comments
  • Play videos
  • Video thumbnails in search
  • Share posts

Google does not allow pornographic apps on their Play Store, but you still can install it manually by using the download link at the end of the post.

FINALLY A PROPER VERSION AT GOOGLE PLAY!

Keep in mind, though, that in order to see the NSFW images you will have to change the host to " https://e621.net " in the settings or download the NSFW version, which is also available through the Google Play version. (Thanks to @Lizardite)

You will be notified whenever a new version is available if not using the Google Play version, so no need to be checking back all the time.

Requires Android 4.0+. Please let me know if you have any problems with it.

Screenshots

Download here (Google Play)

Download here (NSFW version)

QRCode

Older versions

Donate (Please!)

Updated by MemeMaster64

Yeah, there's already a mobile setting on site, but that's cool that you can favorite and vote on this one.

Updated by anonymous

Ooooh, I'll have to give this a shit for a couple days

Updated by anonymous

Google does not allow anybody to upload applications with pornographic content, right? Well, add an option to specify a custom domain and set it by default to e926

Updated by anonymous

Lizardite said:
Google does not allow anybody to upload applications with pornographic content, right? Well, add an option to specify a custom domain and set it by default to e926

Now that is a great idea! Not being able to publish it at Google Play is a huge downside.

Updated by anonymous

Quick update.

I have just fixed a bug which prevented the app from being started if only one mascot were allowed to show in the main screen.

Since it prevents it from being opened at all, anyone who already faced this problem won't be able to update it directly through the phone, so I ask you to download it again from here.

Oh, and if the app crashes in your phone, I ask you to please send me the error report as it is the only way I can find out how to solve most problems.

Updated by anonymous

Would be nice if there was an iOS version too, using my safari/chrome browser is okay but adding replays with quotes for some reason isn't working and I think it's just me.

Updated by anonymous

Zod said:
Would be nice if there was an iOS version too, using my safari/chrome browser is okay but adding replays with quotes for some reason isn't working and I think it's just me.

I actually don't like making apps for iOS because You have to pay every month or so, and You need a Mac to program for iOS.

Updated by anonymous

@DerpyDoom that's actually the exact reason why I hate proprietary software, honestly if Apple wanted a hold on the mobile market they shouldn't have expected anything less than second place to Android. Honestly I plan to replace this thing sometime soon but I always procrastinate.

Updated by anonymous

DerpyDoom said:
I actually don't like making apps for iOS because You have to pay every month or so, and You need a Mac to program for iOS.

Apple doesn't really help much the developers. I don't even have access to an Mac, do iOS is out of option right now unfortunately.

Updated by anonymous

Is there a way to change the image download location to the external SD card? I have very limited space on my internal storage to download images. This would be a very helpful feature! Keep up the great work, looks pretty awesome so far.

Updated by anonymous

LightningKitsune said:
Here is something I found. May be useful. As if, a update breaks for you.

http://beastarman.info/android/app/e621Mobile/

It is also possible to update the app from the error screen, but having the oldest versions may also be interesting for some people. =P

vegeta3443 said:
Is there a way to change the image download location to the external SD card? I have very limited space on my internal storage to download images. This would be a very helpful feature! Keep up the great work, looks pretty awesome so far.

That is definitely something I need to work on.

btw, are you sure the images are not being downloaded to the SD card? Only cached images should be stored on the internal storage, and you can change the max size of them on the settings, but still, maybe it would be good to have them in the SD card as well.

And thank you for everyone's support! It has been downloaded over 50 times, and for my first app that still needs a lot of working to do, that really makes me happy.

Updated by anonymous

DerpyDoom said:
I actually don't like making apps for iOS because You have to pay every month or so, and You need a Mac to program for iOS.

$99 per year. You don't have to pay to play with xcode (writing iOS apps), just to submit them to their app store. Also, you should be able to run OS X in a virtual machine like VMware ($), Parallels ($), or Virtualbox (free) and develop within that, though I haven't tried it so ymmv.

Not saying this is any better or even worth the effort, just that it might be something to look into.

Updated by anonymous

beastarman said:
It is also possible to update the app from the error screen, but having the oldest versions may also be interesting for some people. =P

That is definitely something I need to work on.

btw, are you sure the images are not being downloaded to the SD card? Only cached images should be stored on the internal storage, and you can change the max size of them on the settings, but still, maybe it would be good to have them in the SD card as well.

And thank you for everyone's support! It has been downloaded over 50 times, and for my first app that still needs a lot of working to do, that really makes me happy.

Sorry, I should have specified. It's saving the images to the internal SD card, not the internal system storage or external SD card. I have very little free space on my internal SD card and internal system storage. Android's weird with how it does its storage.

Updated by anonymous

Just a couple of notes.

With Android L a couple of days away for a lot of people you might wanna integrate material design.

An easier way to getting the app published is having it default to e621, but making NSFW an option you have to enable, that's what another Dev who made an android app for this site did.

You should contact and collaborate with aforementioned Dev.https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=illford.e621

Updated by anonymous

DSTakumiDerp said:
Just a couple of notes.

With Android L a couple of days away for a lot of people you might wanna integrate material design.

An easier way to getting the app published is having it default to e621, but making NSFW an option you have to enable, that's what another Dev who made an android app for this site did.

You should contact and collaborate with aforementioned Dev.https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=illford.e621

The Android API is built in a way that allows apps from older Android versions to work perfectly on newer ones. From a developer point of view, there is almost nothing I should change in my app in order to offer the best possible experience to these users, so I think I can say that there is no need to worry to much about it.

Regarding the NSFW content, the Google Play Guidelines are very clear about it. Apps that include pornography are not permitted on Google Play. Adding a simple checkbox is a little bit too risky I think, as I wish to not have my app removed from the store. You could say that the option to set the allowed ratings in my app are already something close to that, but honestly, I prefer to play it safe.

Updated by anonymous

beastarman said:
The Android API is built in a way that allows apps from older Android versions to work perfectly on newer ones. From a developer point of view, there is almost nothing I should change in my app in order to offer the best possible experience to these users, so I think I can say that there is no need to worry to much about it.

Regarding the NSFW content, the Google Play Guidelines are very clear about it. Apps that include pornography are not permitted on Google Play. Adding a simple checkbox is a little bit too risky I think, as I wish to not have my app removed from the store. You could say that the option to set the allowed ratings in my app are already something close to that, but honestly, I prefer to play it safe.

When I was talking about Android L updates I meant UI updates. Make the app meet the Material Design guidelines and whatnot.

Updated by anonymous

Overdue update just released. It should show up on Google Play in a few hours.

I've fixed some serious stability problems. You can also post comments and see images in full screen now.

Updated by anonymous

Guys, I've just released an update that finally has video support so many people asked for. =D

There are a few more requested features that I need to work on, but that's a big one out of the way. XD

Updated by anonymous

Hello,

Can we hope a stable version soon ? Sometimes, the app makes my phone freeze and force me to restart it.

Updated by anonymous

skippy01 said:
Hello,

Can we hope a stable version soon ? Sometimes, the app makes my phone freeze and force me to restart it.

Hey, I spent some time away from the app, but now I am back and I hope to solve most of it's stability issues ASAP! =D

Updated by anonymous

If I have a lot of images downloaded on my phone and got a new one, is there a way to get those images on there without needing g to search for each individual photo on the new device?

Updated by anonymous

furrycloset said:
If I have a lot of images downloaded on my phone and got a new one, is there a way to get those images on there without needing g to search for each individual photo on the new device?

Yup.

Simply copy the e621 folder found in your external storage root from your old phone to your new one while the app is not running. By doing that, the only thing that will be left behind are your preferences.

In case something bad happens, such as it begins crashing simply by opening it, copy only the backup folder inside e621 and use the restore backup function in your new phone, found at the settings screen. That will redownload all images on your phone, so make sure it is connected on WiFi and you have enough time to let it finish.

If you have any problems, let me know!

Updated by anonymous

beastarman said:
Hey, I spent some time away from the app, but now I am back and I hope to solve most of it's stability issues ASAP! =D

I see that there was an update this mounth, but without any stability improvement. I'd like to use this app without being forced to remove my battery because of a crash.

Updated by anonymous

skippy01 said:
I see that there was an update this mounth, but without any stability improvement. I'd like to use this app without being forced to remove my battery because of a crash.

Have you sent me an in-app report? Most issues are device dependent, so there is no way for me to know about them without any usage info.

Updated by anonymous

I got the NSFW app and it worked fine until this morning and now it just says something like "can't load images. Check your Internet connection." I downloaded the play store version running e926 and it works fine, when I change the host the e621 I get the same error as the other app. Is there a problem with the site or am I being cosmically punished for something?

Updated by anonymous

Deored said:
I got the NSFW app and it worked fine until this morning and now it just says something like "can't load images. Check your Internet connection." I downloaded the play store version running e926 and it works fine, when I change the host the e621 I get the same error as the other app. Is there a problem with the site or am I being cosmically punished for something?


It's not the app, at least, not directly. There was a change to the e621 servers that causes all requests from the app to be blocked. Beastarman released a post on GitHub regarding this topic as well as some sad news stating that development of this fine app is coming to a close due to life taking up more of his time. He's released one final version on the GitHub page that no longer flags requests as coming from the app as well as making the source code available for anyone whom wishes to continue development; in which I hope someone is willing to carry the torch in place of Beastarman.

Thanks for the wonderful two years, Beastarman.

Updated by anonymous

Kruger said:

It's not the app, at least, not directly. There was a change to the e621 servers that causes all requests from the app to be blocked. Beastarman released a post on GitHub regarding this topic as well as some sad news stating that development of this fine app is coming to a close due to life taking up more of his time. He's released one final version on the GitHub page that no longer flags requests as coming from the app as well as making the source code available for anyone whom wishes to continue development; in which I hope someone is willing to carry the torch in place of Beastarman.

Thanks for the wonderful two years, Beastarman.

Could you link to the github repo? My google-foo seems to be failing me at the moment...

Updated by anonymous

Deored said:
I got the NSFW app and it worked fine until this morning and now it just says something like "can't load images. Check your Internet connection." I downloaded the play store version running e926 and it works fine, when I change the host the e621 I get the same error as the other app. Is there a problem with the site or am I being cosmically punished for something?

Kruger said:
It's not the app, at least, not directly. There was a change to the e621 servers that causes all requests from the app to be blocked.

We had to block this version of the app because it was causing an unusually high amount of traffic due to how it tries to download the entire alias/implication tables on first load. As soon as the app can be updated to place nicely with the servers (including a proper UA string with version numbering) we can unblock it.

Kruger said:
He's released one final version on the GitHub page that no longer flags requests as coming from the app

ಠ_ಠ

Updated by anonymous

parasprite said:
ಠ_ಠ

I wouldn't worry too much, i'm pretty sure Kruger is lying / totally incorrect seeing as the official beastarman github account (which used to be linked to from beastarman.info) doesn't have any activity in his own repos within the last 2 years. :P
Thank you for being transparent on the matter. However, I doubt there will be any updates in the future, seeing as beastarman has been taking his site down piece-by-piece over the last year or so. He very recently took /android/e621mobile/ down. So, there's no way to even download the current version from his site.

Updated by anonymous

parasprite said:
ಠ_ಠ

Well, what changes need to be made in order to better work with the site? I'm no pro on java development, but I understand the syntax and (some of) the workflow involved. I might be able to take a crack at it.

Updated by anonymous

Way my life is I guess, find a good thing then suddenly it no longer works. Life happens and we can't control it. It was fun while it lasted, I'll keep an eye out for others.

Updated by anonymous

Question: why everything these days have to have an app?

Just use mobile version of the site via browser. Only things I see on that list of features that aren't present are video thumbnails (which shouldn't be hard to do with videos anyways, extract Xth frame from video) and sharing posts, which isn't that hard to do from browser either.

At least I despice to have download app for literally everything. Only if it actually allows some sort of functionality that can't be done via browser I'll download it.

Basically tease some site staff to improve the mobile version of the site instead of using apps.

Updated by anonymous

Terra_Byte_Tech said:
Well, what changes need to be made in order to better work with the site? I'm no pro on java development, but I understand the syntax and (some of) the workflow involved. I might be able to take a crack at it.

  • Remove the tag dump feature (/tag_alias/index.json and /tag_implication/index.json)
  • Add a build number to the apps GET requests (allows us to block a specific version if it ends up causing problems)
  • If the app needs to make lots of requests at once, rate limit it to 30 requests/minute or less.

The first two are the most important right now, but adding the third would be greatly appreciated. :)

Updated by anonymous

parasprite said:

  • Remove the tag dump feature (/tag_alias/index.json and /tag_implication/index.json)
  • Add a build number to the apps GET requests (allows us to block a specific version if it ends up causing problems)
  • If the app needs to make lots of requests at once, rate limit it to 30 requests/minute or less.

The first two are the most important right now, but adding the third would be greatly appreciated. :)

I'll start working on that ASAP. For the time being, beastarman's email (e621[at]beastarman[dot]info) is still active. You can email him and ask him to take down the modified version if needed.
I don't know how soon I can push a fix though. If anyone else thinks they can help, they can either create their own fork, or you can email me at: rdvl97 [at] gmail [dot] com

Updated by anonymous

Mario69 said:
Question: why everything these days have to have an app?

Just use mobile version of the site via browser. Only things I see on that list of features that aren't present are video thumbnails (which shouldn't be hard to do with videos anyways, extract Xth frame from video) and sharing posts, which isn't that hard to do from browser either.

At least I despice to have download app for literally everything. Only if it actually allows some sort of functionality that can't be done via browser I'll download it.

Basically tease some site staff to improve the mobile version of the site instead of using apps.

For one thing, its faster a lot of the time, because you are only having to load images and metadata rather than the server having to spend time manually building a specific html page for you to view.

Another thing is, when you download an image, it gets saved to a folder that's specific to the app which can be hidden without having to manually sort the images after the fact. (to prevent possible awkward situations)

These are just me though. :P

Updated by anonymous

Now we just need the App to not be in beta, turn it into a stable version in the next update, and then get e621 to make it official! :P

Updated by anonymous

So, I'm in contact with beastarman right now and he has just added license info to the repo. (now placed under the MIT license)

Updated by anonymous

Mario69 said:
Question: why everything these days have to have an app?

Just use mobile version of the site via browser. Only things I see on that list of features that aren't present are video thumbnails (which shouldn't be hard to do with videos anyways, extract Xth frame from video) and sharing posts, which isn't that hard to do from browser either.

At least I despice to have download app for literally everything. Only if it actually allows some sort of functionality that can't be done via browser I'll download it.

Basically tease some site staff to improve the mobile version of the site instead of using apps.

The app's method of handling the images was to basically just bring up the image as the majority of the page, you had to slide things out to get comments and tags. On the official mobile site you might accidentally vote on things you didn't mean to, while it's out of the way and difficult to accidentally vote on the app.

Updated by anonymous

Why is it that I can't update the NSFW version? Not only that, but I can't redownload the app either. I hope it's just for a short period of time. It'd be annoying to use the browser for the NSFW art.

Updated by anonymous

KrimsonCade said:
Why is it that I can't update the NSFW version? Not only that, but I can't redownload the app either. I hope it's just for a short period of time. It'd be annoying to use the browser for the NSFW art.

The app is obsolete now, since the creator didn't want to update it to NOT cause e621 problems. Admins banned it from e621 access, so the creator stopped development.

Updated by anonymous

FurryX123 said:
The NSFW app is no longer available :(

Yep. Like I said, the creator abandoned it when it got banned due to faulty coding. Hopefully a new one comes up with better coding.

Updated by anonymous

Furrin_Gok said:
Yep. Like I said, the creator abandoned it when it got banned due to faulty coding. Hopefully a new one comes up with better coding.

How does "Faulty Coding" got anything to do with NSFW apps being prohibited?

And also, the title is kinda misleading I realized, everyone doesn't have a Android device ya'know!

Updated by anonymous

Bj007pro said:
How does "Faulty Coding" got anything to do with NSFW apps being prohibited?

And also, the title is kinda misleading I realized, everyone doesn't have a Android device ya'know!

"Everyone doesn't" means "Nobody does," the phrase you're looking for is "Not everybody does."

The faulty coding actually caused it to strain the servers, which is why it got banned from access.

Updated by anonymous

Bj007pro said:
How does "Faulty Coding" got anything to do with NSFW apps being prohibited?

It doesn't, but the developer pulled both apps.

Updated by anonymous

Furrin_Gok said:
"Everyone doesn't" means "Nobody does," the phrase you're looking for is "Not everybody does."

Um, I know how to speak English, thanks. - I'm pretty sure you're not a walking Grammar Book, and if you were, you would need to be rewritten.

Updated by anonymous

Why are safe images still allowed exactly?

If e and q images are witheld due to faulty code, why not just restrict the whole app?

Here I was left thinking my new phone was screwey...

Updated by anonymous

Anything from anyone about getting a better version of the app working again? It was so handy to have around and kept things meat and organized. I'd hate to see it gone for good and from what I gathered from reading it'd be a fairly simple fix for anyone code-savvy enough to know what the hell they're doing

Yeah the app crashed a lot for me for whatever reason but it was still better than my prior arrangment

Updated by anonymous

KiloFox said:
Anything from anyone about getting a better version of the app working again? It was so handy to have around and kept things meat and organized. I'd hate to see it gone for good and from what I gathered from reading it'd be a fairly simple fix for anyone code-savvy enough to know what the hell they're doing

Yeah the app crashed a lot for me for whatever reason but it was still better than my prior arrangment

forum #191258

Updated by anonymous

Fidget54 said:
Does this not work any more? I found verion on amazon that launches but nothing loads

Nope! As per previous comments. The app was pulled due to code that put strain on the e621 servers. A new app has been released though (Currently in Alpha/Beta), under forum #191258 - Enjoy!

PS. Where'd you find it on Amazon?

Updated by anonymous

I think the real question is: when is there gonna be an official e621 app? The current mobile site is essentially useless.

Updated by anonymous

Tairetsu said:
I think the real question is: when is there gonna be an official e621 app? The current mobile site is essentially useless.

Well I don't think there will be a official app, I'm currently working on a e621 app with some sort of instant messenger for DMail. But it will take some time until I release it to the Playstore

Updated by anonymous

wisp_the_husky said:
Nope! As per previous comments. The app was pulled due to code that put strain on the e621 servers. A new app has been released though (Currently in Alpha/Beta), under forum #191258 - Enjoy!

PS. Where'd you find it on Amazon?

sorry it took me so long to respond to you i feel bad. But i found it in the apps on amazon. It took me a while to find it but i eventually went to the apps section of amazon and typed in E621 lol. Funnily enough there was an app for it. But if you tapped it to use it it didnt load up. I dont know if it is still up now though. And thank you for the location I did however find the same app you posted a few hours after I found the amazon app. Thank you so much for replying to me I love the community here I am just sorry I didnt see your response earlier.

Updated by anonymous

succmepls said:
how the fuck do I download this

Look with your eyes. It's in the first post of this thread.

Updated by anonymous

I downloaded the file, but always gives the error and send the report. Someone knows how to fix it? In general, the development of application continues or not?

Updated by anonymous

succmepls said:
how the fuck do I download this

I would also like to know. The Google Play page is region locked and the Beastarman.info links don't work. Only way is with the QR code, so get a scanner app I guess.

EDIT: QR code doesn't work either.

Updated by anonymous

I have loaded app. jk. lol. Google play says "file noт found"

Updated by anonymous

I guess I should apologize for being rude to succmepls. The app is no longer available on Google Play because it was taken down. The app developer is no longer developing the app, and has taken down the appropriate links on their website that link back to the APK file.

Even on the off chance that you do get a copy of the APK, it will not work on your phone. They have effectively disabled access to E621 through this app.

Hope this helps!
~Faux-Pa

Updated by anonymous

What I am understanding from this is that it is near impossible to make an e621 app?

Updated by anonymous

cf0x said:
What I am understanding from this is that it is near impossible to make an e621 app?

Someone's just gotta care enough to put in the work.

I've started working on a new one. I don't think it's as full-featured as this one was, but it's coming along nicely IMO.

https://e621.net/forum/show/232166

Updated by anonymous

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