We want to thank you again for supporting Pinball Map. Your continued support allows us to have a nice, hefty server to run the site smoothly on, and we really appreciate that. Now, some updates!
1. We redesigned the blog - https://blog.pinballmap.com. Yes, we redesigned it like a year ago, but now we did it again. We moved it from using the Hugo (static site generator, or SSG) framework to using Jekyll. Jekyll is a ruby-based SSG. It felt appropriate to use a ruby one, given that the main site uses Ruby!
2. We redesigned the podcast blog - https://pod.pinballmap.com. We changed it from Wordpress to Jekyll, and for consistency it uses the same Jekyll theme as the main blog. Previously, we were using Wordpress because Wordpress has slick podcast publishing plugins. Then we realized that all the beefy plugin is doing is creating a fancy XML file that the podcast publishing services enjoy reading. And we can easily create that ourselves! So we did. If you notice any issues, let us know. Will we make any new podcast episodes? I dunno. We'd like to.
Additionally, we moved both of those sites to the same server.
NOW TO THE COOLER STUFF
We've been working on an app update since OCTOBER! Time flies. Some issues took us longer than expected to complete. And then we just kept adding additional issues because the update didn't feel done. And then family members got Covid, work became hard, and all the other things that make life harder. And speaking of those things, we still have a few final issues to finalize, but it's unclear when we'll get to them. But just note that the update's in the final stages.
Here's a list of things to expect:
Show number of machines on the dots on the map (unfortunately, this is turning out to be an iOS-only feature, as we've been having map performance issues on Android. On Android, I think we'll be using the default google maps map markers - they're not fancy but they're fast! And performance is more important than looking cool).
Another performance update: We are changing the map behavior so that when you move the map, the results don't immediately and automatically refresh. We were having too many performance issues with that, and so we are taking a cue from pro apps like Airbnb and Google Maps and adding a "search this area" button when you move the map. Sucks to add another button, but we think this will overall make the app function better.
Universal links (aka deep links), so a url hyperlink will open up that location on the app.
Added "share" button on location details screen, so you can text app links to friends.
Adjusted the colors and redesigned things like buttons.
Redesigned the location details screen so it is a single tab. All the tools (add machine, confirm lineup, etc) are found upon clicking the Tools button.
Display a Message of the Day on the map screen. It will only display when we have something new to say. The message can also be found on the About page.
Updated the FAQ.
LOTS of bug fixes and code enhancements.
I think that's it. We're also getting low on stickers, so might make more soon. When we do, we'll send them to you all for free.