AnandTech Mobile Forums

[jpishgar]

Hey there forum folk!

One of the biggest requests we've heard from suggestions here on the forum has been the lack of responsive forums. A lot of users like to browse threads on the go either on their smartphone or tablet, and the forums themselves have been around for a very long time so the presentation hasn't unfortunately kept up.

Well, we're proud to announce that due to the diligent work of our tireless tech team, AnandTech forums are now responsive. Those of you viewing this thread in the smaller resolution of a smartphone or tablet will see it formatted correctly and with a streamlined visual presentation and simplified interface. The team stressed functionality over form, and while it may not be overly pleasing in terms of aesthetics, it's super-useful for AnandTeching on the go.

As safety and forum atmosphere are major considerations in our development, the mobile, responsive version also includes options for Moderators to review threads, so Mods (and myself) will also be able to do their thing without being tied down to a desktop. Additionally, if you currently use http://atforums.mobi/, you may continue to do so - nothing has changed there for those who prefer to continue using that option for mobile browsing of the AnandTech forums.

We're hoping these ongoing improvements help to upgrade and update the AnandTech Community a little further, and demonstrate our commitment to ensuring that an awesome community gets what it wants.

If you bump into any problems, issues or questions with the new responsive design for mobile platforms, don't hesitate to hit me up here.

Yours,
Joe Pishgar
Senior Community Manager, Purch

 

[Phynaz]

Is there a way to revert to the desktop version if wanted?

 

[lupi]

Viewing on my phone, something not good happened to the look about an hour ago. How do I make it stop?

 

[HN]

that 'up' button at the bottom does not mean what a user initially thinks it means.
(i know what it does, just needs a better label)

that top row of 'home' / 'today's posts' / search doesn't stand out as being clickable.

And to reiterate the previous replies -- needs a way to "view full version"

 

[HN]

Viewing on my phone, something not good happened to the look about an hour ago. How do I make it stop?

if you're on ios safari, click on the address bar, pull down on the shortcuts/bookmarks layer and click "request desktop site" for now.

 

[Phynaz]

Awesome, so much better! I didn't know that was there. Thanks!

 

[Fanatical Meat]

Mobile version is faster and more boring to look at

 

[jpishgar]

Is there a way to revert to the desktop version if wanted?

Will ask for clarification on this - but probably.
-JP

 

[lupi]

if you're on ios safari, click on the address bar, pull down on the shortcuts/bookmarks layer and click "request desktop site" for now.

bbos 6/7

 

[UglyCasanova]

if you're on ios safari, click on the address bar, pull down on the shortcuts/bookmarks layer and click "request desktop site" for now.

Is there a way to set this as default? Mobile sites always look terrible, this one included.

 

[Ichinisan]

Caught me by surprise and there's no obvious way to switch back without using your browser's historically-worthless "Request desktop site" option.

My bookmark to subscriptions is all screwed up. I expect to see threads, with unread threads in bold -- each one with the option to jump to the first unread post in the thread. Instead, I see my recent posts.

 

[CZroe]

UserCP seems broken. Advanced Search options are also inaccessible ("function over form," my a--!). Personally, I know I will be browsing the site a lot less until there is at least an option to use the desktop site on mobile devices.

Mobile sites are never a good idea. Ever. Prepare for a huge drop in ad revenue as users avoid browsing on mobile devices now that they can't follow up on posts. People who want compromised mobile versions should just use Tapatalk.

 

[Gillbot]

if you're on ios safari, click on the address bar, pull down on the shortcuts/bookmarks layer and click "request desktop site" for now.

Will ask for clarification on this - but probably.
-JP

It would be nice if there was a link to load the desktop version.

 

[HN]

I just tried on iPad and it forces the mobile version here as well, but really...there's no need for that on iPad (or any large screen tablet); it doesn't improve the experience at all.

Is there a way to set this as default? Mobile sites always look terrible, this one included.

Not on safari unfortunately. Would need a 3rd party browser that spoofs the user agent

 

[lupi]

so I'd say we're all in agreement that we'd like the old version back and there to be an option if you'd like to experience this new style.

 

[waffleironhead]

Im finding the user cp to be a bit lacking. The only options inside on mobile are private messages and subscribed threads?

I really like the streamlined look, but the option to toggle back and forth would be best imo.

 

[Ichinisan]

It would be nice if there was a link to load the desktop version.

...and a permanent flag in user account settings.

 

[Ichinisan]

I just tried on iPad and it forces the mobile version here as well, but really...there's no need for that on iPad (or any large screen tablet); it doesn't improve the experience at all.

Yeah. I immediately tested on my iPad because most sites show the desktop version there. It showed the new/mobile version.

Though the "request desktop site" option fails miserably on most sites, it seems to work on this one. I did already experience one problem when I clicked a link to another thread and it showed me the mobile site again.

 

[Rage187]

Ugh, exclude iPads from this.

 

[Paratus]

This is what the site looks like when I pulled it up on my iPhone 5S (iOS 8.3) in both safari and chrome.

I had to use "Request Desktop Site" to make it look normal. But now the img button crashes safari. :\

Please give us an option to go back to normal. The site looked better on my old Palm Life drive using Blazer in 05 than this mobile does on my phone.

I appreciate the effort to give us a snappy mobile experience but I think this has cut functionality way to far back.

 

[HN]

OT is not taking to kindly to it

http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2428403

Today's mobile browsers are capable of so much more, and data speeds are so fast, that the kind of design this new look uses just seems so unnecessary and dated. It's the kind of thing that was needed back in old BB or windows mobile.

I'm not against responsive design, but the design itself should take advantage of today's tech and enhance the experience, not just simply water the whole thing down.

(this doesn't mean throw a whole bunch of floating elements in....bc to hell with floating elements!)

 

[Ichinisan]

This is what the site looks like when I pulled it up on my iPhone 5S (iOS 8.3) in both safari and chrome.

I had to use "Request Desktop Site" to make it look normal. But now the img button crashes safari. :\

Please give us an option to go back to normal. The site looked better on my old Palm Life drive using Blazer in 05 than this mobile does on my phone.

I appreciate the effort to give us a snappy mobile experience but I think this has cut functionality way to far back.

The IMG button started crashing my Safari at least a few days ago. iPhone and iPad. Even the URL button crashes it, so I guess it happens with anything that triggers the pop-up input box. I've had to type the BBCode manually for the last few days.

/FWP

 

[Paratus]

The IMG button started crashing my Safari at least a few days ago. iPhone and iPad. Even the URL button crashes it, so I guess it happens with anything that triggers the pop-up input box. I've had to type the BBCode manually for the last few days.

/FWP

Hmm I just updated to 8.3 yesterday maybe that's the problem. BB code still works for me.

Irritating.

Any idea how bad tapatalk sucks? Can you post and view images and hyperlinks in line?

 

[Paratus]

Well I can now confirm those buttons also crash Chrome & Dolphin as well.

 

[ivwshane]

I'm on ios7, is there a "show me desktop version" button? I don't see it.

I can't stand mobile sites on my phone!