Forums/LiveChat applications/LiveChat app for iPod/iPad/iPhone
App running in the background?
Andrew Lanier
posted this on November 19, 2010 01:34 pm
Hey,
I've been testing out the LiveChat for iPhone, and it looks pretty good so far.
[...]
Also, since the iPhone has a power saving mode, it shuts down LiveChat after the power saving mode kicks on (this depends on the setting of the phone). I have an iPhone 3. Without changing that mode every time I use LiveChat, it will be difficult to use the iPhone to passively monitor the Chat Traffic.
Thanks!
-Andrew
Comments
Hello Andrew,
Thanks for the feedback.
Due to certain rules of App Store, only VoIP apps are allowed to run in background mode. This means the app reviewing process by Apple staff is longer and made us decide that the basic version of LiveChat should be released first (so we can allow our users to chat with website visitors on the go). The next step will be the release in which we focus on adding background mode + several smaller improvements.
I totally agree with you that the true power of LiveChat will be unleashed once we add backgrounding and can assure you that it's just a matter of time before we have it published.
Exactly how is this app used ... do we need to sign in and let the leave running? does it have PUSH notification? we are using it on a 3g model ?
Please describe a few senarios on how this app would be used
Cheers
Backgrounding is available!
You can carry your iPhone in your pocket, and get incoming chat notifications on the go! What is more, we have added canned responses, so you can instantly reply to common queries!
It will stay connected and keep monitoring for incoming chats, until you turn it off.
LiveChat for iPhone is available on the App Store.
Download it for free now - http://www.livechatinc.com/en/livechat-for-iphone/
It seems that when my screen is locked (so I can put it in my pocket), then it logs me off. Is there a setting somewhere I have to change?
@Craig
Unfortunately, in new iOS5 there is a new 'watchdog' implemented that does not allow the app to be kept in background if it pings to the server more often than 15 times in 5 minutes. This change was not listed in any change log by Apple - we found out about it after we tested the app on iOS 5 and saw the app crash. After we described this issue on Apple Developer Forum, we had this mechanism described as Apple's way to save the iPhone's and iPad's battery.
As you probably know, the older version of our app kept it running in the background so you could always click on LC icon and bring it back. You were also online all the time for your website visitors. Now, with iOS 5 arrival, we were forced to use push notifications instead. So if you close LiveChat app to background but don't log out from the app manually, you should still receive your chats with push notifications and we will keep the chat active on your website.
If there's someone who wants to get in touch with you on your website and clicks on the chat button or chat invitation, we will send you a push notification: