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MNHQ

Mumsnet Talk Apps

119 replies

JustineMumsnet · 27/08/2015 14:07

Afternoon all,

In the wake of the recent hacking and DDoS attacks, we've been considering the security of the entry points to Mumsnet. Because the current Talk app uses http, rather than https we can't guarantee that it is 100% secure, so we've taken it offline.

We've been developing a new ios app using https for a while and we'll be launching it in a few weeks' time; obviously we'll let you know as soon as it's out. We hope to follow it up with an Android app in due course. In the meantime, though, we'd suggest app users move over to our mobile site. Sorry for the inconvenience; hope to see you on the new one very soon.

Thanks,
MNHQ Flowers

OP posts:
ooerrmissus · 27/08/2015 16:15

That explains it then. I too use the app pretty much exclusively, and wasn't on the list.
Does this mean I will have to remember my password? Only I don't know it, it's so secure- I changed it to something totally random like FG76dj>

boobubsmum · 27/08/2015 16:21

looking forward to seeing the new app, at the end of the day if it means less downtime through these damned DOS attacks I'm all for the app in it's current state being deactivated.

Redglitter · 27/08/2015 16:27

I only ever used the app and I wasn't on the list

MountainDweller · 27/08/2015 16:28

I used the app mostly and was on the list :(

I presume the 'mobile site' is what comes up automatically in Safari on my iPad? I am using that but the pages are very slow to load because of all the ads. This is frustrating, and the reason I preferred the app.

Not complaining, just observing, and I understand the security issue.

MummySparkle · 27/08/2015 16:32

Thanks for letting us know. I've deleted the app from my phone. The new one was starting to get great. Do let us know once this has blown over and we can continue testing.

I'm sure we can all survive by using the mobile and desktop sites of it stops our details being stolen and our houses swatted!!

Brew Brew Brew for MNHQ

if you read that as you type it, it rhymes, makes me far too happy!

Mumwithanipad · 27/08/2015 16:50

If the app isn't secure then mumsnet are doing the right thing by scrapping it. If they left it up, people would be complaining about that.

Nobody has said anything about Android users being second class other than android users. They've said an android app is coming, but if they've been working on by new ios version and it's almost finished, and if the majority of app users on ios it makes sense to continue that and then start on an android one. It's not as simple as releasing the same app on both, ios releases only need to work on apple devices, android version has a lot of devices with a wide range if specs it needs to work on, then there's different codes, programming, App Store regulations, security risks etc on the different stores. It takes time, but in the short term Mumsnet are doing the right thing by putting security first.

There are several free browsers that ios and android users can try to make the mobile site a better experience. I like Grazing on ios, and Mozilla on android, it offeres plugins and stuff that if you tweak, can stop ads, or only load certain items and that makes loading mumsnet a lot quicker. If your willing to spend money on a Browser, there's even more choice.

It's worth trying some different browsers before deciding to quit or leave Mumsnet. Fair enough if you don't like the mobile site but it's seems unfair to have a go at MN when they've said there will be a new android app, it's just not right now, which is understandable.

I can link some android browsers I've used for MN with no problems if it will be helpful to anyone?

Mumwithanipad · 27/08/2015 17:00

I use an app called weblock on my ioad and it's blocks all ads when on a. Wifi network, it's easy to set up. It costs money (I think £2) but has been well worth it, it even blocks those ads you get in free games.

weblock

If you access the net by mobile data there's one called Adblock by the same company and it does the same job.

adblock

Every now and then both go free for promotions, sometimes the developer gives out codes, I'll email him and see if he has any spare. But both a well worth the price.

Marylou2 · 27/08/2015 17:24

That explains why I can't use the app! Very tempted not to bother reloading it when it's ready through as I seem to have magically gained an extra 2 hours in my day since it's been down.

BathshebaDarkstone · 27/08/2015 17:33

Could we have a Windows Phone app please? SmileSmileSmile

Andcake · 27/08/2015 17:37

So so so bored of the mn hacking thing now - tried the app today no joy - on the verge of giving up on mn. The website is crap to post to from a mobile.

Heathcliff27 · 27/08/2015 18:04

I can never see the photos on threads when I use the Ipad app anyway so sometimes end up swapping to safari just to see a pic. Hope the new app allows me to see the photos.

GudrunBrangwen · 27/08/2015 18:11

mob site is fine on chrome/android

Chips on shoulders all round...second rate? seriously? the systems most people use will naturally be a priority.

It's a queue of TWO, folks, and you're uhhhh, second. Hmm

ShooBeeDooBeeDoo · 27/08/2015 18:12

I know I'm being thick but is mumsnet mobile just a way of saying getting to MN on your iPad/iPhone by way of Google etc in the same way you would on your laptop? I loved the app and used it A LOT ????. Looking forward to its return.

GudrunBrangwen · 27/08/2015 18:13

and before anyone says it, no, I do not have an i phone, nor do I want one, nor do I feel a sense of inferiority about this.

TheySayIamparanoid · 27/08/2015 18:26

I prefer the mobile site to the app! It just kept loading blank pages (months ago when I tried it for a week or so)

NettleFarseer · 27/08/2015 18:28

Oh FFS. It has emerged that the old app is a security weak point which needed eradicating. It's not worth getting huffy about it no longer being supported and hardly worth a dramatic flounce.

This

BocaDeTrucha · 27/08/2015 18:32

Another to agree the mobile site with chrome on Android is just fine. I've never used the app so can't compare but it feels like an app to me Re ease of use.

Have to admit though that Android users are gradually becoming more or less 50/50 android v iPhone inthe country where I live.

MrsWembley · 27/08/2015 18:41

Can those on iOS not be invited to try the beta version of the new app?

Btw, glad to see it's up and running again:)

BalthazarImpresario · 27/08/2015 18:43

I'm a devout android user and we are constantly left behind (despite there being more android users than iOS, Spotify Running I'm looking at you! )

However! Mnhq have data that proves most app users are in iPhone and ate working on Android. I use chrome on my android and it's fine, don't notice any problems at all.
I do think the security aspect is the paramount concern here. Lets not make it a damned if they do, dammed of they don't affair.

Howaboutthisone · 27/08/2015 19:45

I really miss the app already! Understand why it's been done though.

BrumpyGollocks · 27/08/2015 19:54

Can I just clarify something ,neither of the apps will work now ?
Not the usual iPhone app or the one I've been testing?

I wasn't on the list and I always use the app.

Sorry all if I sound a bit thick ,I'm suffering from serious lack of sleep here, functioning on about 2-3 hours (if I'm lucky) in the last 3 weeks, it's all caught up with me today Sad

DustWitch · 27/08/2015 19:59

Thanks for the update MNHQ Wine

I thought I was being daft and typing my password in wrong when trying to get in to the app!

DramaAlpaca · 27/08/2015 20:00

I'm disappointed because I used the android app a lot, but I understand the need to do this.

I've now tried using the mobile app and it works much better on Chrome than it does on my phone's browser.

Hope an improved android app is not too far away.

Simurgh · 27/08/2015 20:07

My understanding is that neither is working right now, Brumpy but that the new iOS app should be up in a few weeks.

Bumply · 27/08/2015 20:10

The new iOS beta app was down during the shenanigans but is back up now.
I've been using it in preference to the mobile version of MN, and I'm liking it