Android App v3.4.0 is released

Dear Poddies,

Just released a new version of v3.4.0 for Android. Trying to get this app stable and add new features at the same time, yet the bad reviews keep coming, which doesn't stop us, but do hope to address them.

Hard thing is that reviews on Google Play, I can't even reach the reviewer and say we hear them loud and clear, but can't get details. If they write to android@chinesepod.com I do write back to ask questions. For example, a new review for this version says that they can't resume where they left off when the go to another app and come back, but I never have this problem, even starting up 10 other apps and then returning. One must understand that Android OS removes an app when another app in the foreground needs memory, so if you are on a phone with low memory, releases part or all of the background app's code in memory, but we do get permissions to keep playing the audio in the background, but nothing more. 

So if you do have issues, please do let us know. I have even listened to a few improvements such as filtering on lessons which you have downloaded audio (Lesson audio, Dialogue audio, or Review audio). This even helped me in testing so I can find lessons I have downloaded audio for. I do take pride in getting this to be a better app, yet also have to develop for so many devices with so many screen resolutions with so many versions of Android OS, so bound to be problems. Apple iOS devices are much more limited thus easier to address issues & features.

Main new feature, other than Glossary and personal/private messages, is being able to see Lesson Discussions and comment like you do with a web browser. I believe it was Bazza who said he would come back and post again if there was Lesson Discussions in his app (he is an old time user, but hasn't posted since 2009, yet we talk on Facebook), but I believe he is on iOS...that is coming soon for iOS as well.

Here is the write up for the updates for v3.4.0:

New for v3.4.0:

Glossary
- able to search words and add them to your flashcards.
- able to lookup a word from any drill-down in the Glossary

Messages
- Can read messages from teachers and other users and reply, archive and delete.

Lesson Discussions
- able to read comments, make your own, and reply to others.

Other:
- Now displays lesson images in lesson lists.
- Able to filter Self-Study lessons for only lessons with downloaded audio files.
- Help screen in the Settings page.
- Fixed layout problems for small screen devices.