Creating an iOS + Android app for my community!

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I am thinking about having an iOS iPhone, iPad, and Android app for my community. I have had some requests from users because they think it will be easier to talk to the other members, ask questions and view various content I create.


Does anyone have their own iOS and Android app for their community?



I think the trend is towards simply putting more time into mobile versions of the sites, many of which are increasingly indistinguishable from apps, anyway.



I had several points which are important to me.


1 - First I needed my own app with real time chat and private messaging including the ability to send push notifications that can be downloaded from the app stores by my users and seen in mobile (all versions) so I narrowed down the search for chat room app solutions..


2 - I needed a design to include my images, I needed my background to be black or transparent and completely white label with my logo.


3 - I do not like to install the chat in my server as this is high cpu and resource consumer. So I need a complete cloud chat service.


4 - Lastly, I needed the ability to add youtube videos, have users private message me, and have my own app account system.


I have checked several app builders and only 1 met my needs, Chatwing.


I choose Chatwing finally as it has real time messaging built in and can be custom branded as my own app plus can be integrated into my web page.



A lot of what you describe in #1 can be accomplished without an app, though I'm kind of confused by the description because right in the middle of listing features you just say "that can be downloaded from the app stores," which sounds circular: you need an app because you need something that can be downloaded from the app stores?

#2 is, if anything, easier without an app.

#3 is kind of a non-issue because there are lots of remotely hosted chat options. And I'm having trouble of conceiving of a site big enough to need an app, but not big enough to handle the fairly minimal server load involved with hosting its own chat.

Re: #4. I have no idea what "have my own app account system means." If you mean that you wanted people to sign up for new accounts with the app, separate from your existing user base, then that sounds like a very, very bad idea.

Overall, I'm fairly sure increasingly featured mobile sites are the future here, and not apps, but do what you wanna do. Unless you're actually trying to promote Chatwing, or whatever, in which case: hey, stop that.