UPDATED Nov 2019:
Future of Canadian Classifieds Alerter:
In case you haven’t noticed, this app hasn’t been updated in over a year. I can assure you it’s not because I’m lazy, it’s that the app will not work on newer versions of Android.
What? Why? The app works on my phone now and I have the newest version of Android!
That’s because I have the target API level set to 23 (Android 6.0). In order to submit an update to google play, I’d need to target at least API Level 28 (Android 9.0)
The app runs in compatibility mode so that’s why it still works.
Some newer phones are already having problems! Some phones will only allow background services to run if the app is in the foreground!
Why don’t you just target Android 9.0 then?
Oh man, I wish I could. The problem is that newer versions of Android are incredibly picky about background services. See this blog post for more information:
https://blog.klinkerapps.com/android-o-background-services/
So where does this leave us? Is the app done for?
Ha. Well. Funny story. I’ve been in this same situation for the iOS version and found a workaround!
Okay… what’s the workaround?
I purchased a server to do the crunching for the app, then deliver the results to the app through a push notification! It’s working right now as we speak in the current beta and has been working for the iOS version for about two years.
I don’t know what that means. Can you just give me the pros and cons?
This new app will have the following pros and cons.
Pros:
- Better battery life
- Less slowdown on phones with limited memory and CPU
- Less data usage (aka, lower monthly bill)
- Ability to do complex things that a phone would choke on or be inefficient at. For example, I can ignore posts by certain sellers (people who repost the same crap for way too much). It’s made me WAY more efficient on Kijiji.
- The app will be updated regularly again.
- The bug where you have to reopen the app after opening a notification has been fixed
Cons:
- Relies on a server. Servers go down occasionally
- Will have a recurring monthly subscription cost if you want premium features (instantaneous checking). Free checking will get slower as the app gains more users.
What will happen to the old app? It still works fine for me for now
I won’t be updating it anymore. However the play store listing will still be around and I won’t be getting rid of the listing. You’re free to keep using it, just know that at any given time, you could update your version of Android and it just straight up won’t work.
What new features are in the works for the new version of the app?
- Facebook marketplace
- Better french translations.
- Ability to open Kijiji or Preview mode directly from a notification
Summary:
Install the open beta from the link below. If there’s any issues, I need to know before I release it to the public. The old version of the app will always be available to you, but could stop working at any time.
Open beta link:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.evanp.canadianclassifiedsalerterpush
Please report any issues!
—
This page is the system status for the Android port of Canadian Classifieds Alerter. To see the iPhone status page, please visit this page
Current Issues:
– None!
My app just stopped sending me notification I don’t know what went wrong
Should be fixed now Mol. You will need to readd your old alerts. There is two more problems that need to be fixed and will be fixed by the end of the day. Is it still not working for you? What are you searching for (location, category, search terms, price? I can reproduce the problem if you tell me.
Hi, I have vibrate turned off for my notifications but it still vibrates every time any new alert comes. I find it really annoying so would like to correct this. I also want it to check for new alerts on wifi only, which is how I have my settings but it continues to access my phone data when out of range for wifi. Please help!!
Both issues will be fixed for the next release. Android 6.0 broke it.
Just a suggested feature, minimum price?
You will see this on the next update
I downloaded this but never get alerts
What are you searching for? Can you give me an example?
Ability to edit existing saved search is missing. Please add. Great app otherwise!
That’s a feature I will be adding down the road.
Thanks 🙂
When I delete/read a notification, when the app checked Kijiji it sends me another notification that it’s there.
It would he good if the app knew that it already sent you the notification.
The “show only unread” option reverts back to the “no” status when you leave the app.
I’m wanting to be notified of the new listing, say thank you I’ve seen it, and then have the app “forget” about it and focus on telling me of the next one.
I’ll send you an email soon. Need some clarification on what you’re talking about.
Is there a way to search for exact phrase/wording? I have a saved search for tires, i.e. 225/45/17. I am inundated with alerts for all ads that have 225, 45, or 17 in the ad. I tried putting quotations around the search phrase, to no avail. Thanks!
I will look into it. This might be an issue with Kijiji’s search (if it returns the same thing with Kijiji’s search, there’s not much I can do. For now, I recommend using “Web View Mode” on the “New Alert” screen. If you need instructions on how to do this, let me know and I will help you out!
For those reading this in the future, use dashes instead of slashes when you input tire size (ie, 225-40-18 not 225/40/18)
Wondering if there’s a way to temporarily pause an alert, and then turn it back on, say a few weeks later?
Otherwise, great work on a truly useful app!
Hi Shia,
Sort of.
You can disable all or nothing If you go into the settings, and turn the service completely off. I’ll add your idea to the list of features I want in the next version as I agree flicking between alerts would be tedious if you have a large amount of them.
Thanks for your great app. It has been very good for me $$$ . Decided to go with the pro as a thank you for your time!
Thanks Craig!
Hi there! The preview feature seems to be not working, stating that the ad no longer exists!
Hi Darik! I’m working on it now as we speak!
Awesome app! Been hoping someone would think of this idea sooner or later lol. Is there anyway you could add a option to accept other websites like other classified websites to ?
Hi Mike
A Craigslist app is in the works as we speak. It will likely be an entirely new app though.
Oh if you. Ould have craigslist and kijiji would be awesome.
Craigslist will be an entirely separate app coming later this year. It’s in the works man!
The ringtone feature does not alert me kust the flashing led light .. z
Jeff, what kind of phone do you have? The ringtone feature is for sure working. I will email you.
Is the Craigslist version now available?
No, I have too many projects on the go right now unfortunately 🙁
This site does everything well. Couldn’t be happier with it!
Amazing. Great job. Happy to donate 14$.
Sure, much appreciated 🙂
Awesome app, however I observed a time lag in the notification. I only get notifications when I hit the refreshed button. Am using Samsung s9 plus.
Please any suggestion for instant alert without hit the refresh button.
Thanks
I rec’d a notice for one of my requests but I am not able to get it or see it. Not able to find it anywhere
I will email you!
The app used to go back to the list of adds it now goes to kojiji instead of to the list of adds in the app. This is annoying
As I have to go back to launch the app then go to adds every time I hit the back button.
Nothing I can do about dude. Once I hand the URL off to Android, I have no control over the app that handles the link to the ad! My best advice I can give you is to use preview mode.
I’ll be a tester!!!
Hello,
Not sure if it s me but I think before we could preview an ad, explorer all pictures and description then click “back” to return to the app. Now it doesn’t work anymore, I have to reopen the Canadian Classified app from the home screen because the back button always keep me on kijiji.
Edit:just see it has been already reported and no solution
This is fixed in the beta
Hi, this new version coming out soon that relies on a server / has an open beta, this info is current as of Nov 2019 right? It’s confusing because the post is dated May 25 2016?
Correct. This is that status page that I updated to show information. I’ll try to see if I can change the date.
Thanks. Can i also ask why you need to run it off your own server? Can’t you just rent some service online for cheap to handle it?
I did opt for an online VM, however it’s not cheap
You’ve created a very useful app. There is definite value, but I feel going from something that was free for years to charging almost 30 dollars a month is too much money. It is possible I don’t understand the model, so forgive me if I am mistaken
I’ve replied to you via email as well as here:
There is several different tiers of packages. $30 would be for one of the highest packages available and would be ideal for someone making a living off Kijiji. If that’s too much for you, I’ll offer lower tiers of speed at lower prices and will also be looking into rewarded ad videos to give users the ability to watch videos to get faster refresh rates.
If none of that sounds good to you, I guess I’d say enjoy the free version or use the old app? 🙂 Just like you, I have bills to pay.
Hi, you mentioned below (i don’t know why there’s no reply button) that $30 is highest tier? Looking on the ios side, $20 is the lowest tier while $80 is the highest tier. So do you mean prices are very different from ios?
Prices are available here:
https://android.canadianclassifiedsalerter.ca/PurchaseProAlerts
Your beta app just notified me “beta prices, time to get in is now”, but i can’t find any information anywhere in app or this website about what these beta prices are?
And the contact me button in the beta app doesn’t work fyi.
Suggestion:
After clicking the X delete button, can you put the Delete button on the right side (like on old app)? Because it’s much easier to click delete that way instead of having to shift your finger to the left, and it avoids accidentally clicking “Ignore seller”
Also, the Delete All for this Alert button, can you add a “are you sure?” popup? Because if you accidentally hit that now, all your results are gone!
Thanks.
Interesting thoughts on the delete button(s). I will definitely consider this!
I think android beta app isn’t working right now (cannot login at least)
What part doesn’t work? The beta is up and operational at this time. Can you use the contact form and let me know more information? Thanks
When i try to login, or create a new account even, on Samsung s9plus, it says “my server says” “something is wrong with the app, contact me…. Etc”
Was working perfectly before
your email is listed as [email protected], can you contact me with more details about your alerts? Thanks! As far as I can tell, everything is working
Now it’s fine thanks.
However, redeeming tokens doesn’t do anything anymore. Doesn’t say I’m pro and “edit ignored phrases” doesn’t work, and no mention of ignoring wanted ads or certain sellers.
Can you give me your actual email address? Send me an email through the form I have on this website
Hi there,
Is there any other functionality that you could provide. For an extra cost of course.
Ex.. automatic reply to ads. ads posted and taken down the same day? Ads taken down each day? I know Kijiji doesn’t track selling prices so this info could help me estimate items selling prices.
Let me know. Thanks for your time.