HotSchedules BlackBerry App: 10 Features in 3 minutes
Robert P. Tuesday, April 13, 2010 at 10:02AM Hi, I’m Robert. I’m one of 10 software developers here at HotSchedules. Each and every day I get to work with our team on the latest and greatest that HotSchedules has to offer. Most recently I’ve been developing HotSchedules’ BlackBerry app, which is now available for purchase in BlackBerry’s App World. While a notable number of you have already purchased the app, I thought we’d do well to post a quick rundown of features:
A side note: Some of you may have noticed that the app demoed above is v1.0.2, while v1.0.1 is the latest version currently available for purchase and download. We are indeed already working on our next update, which we’re hoping to release in the coming weeks.
In addition to the feature video above, I also wanted to take a brief moment to cover the 3 known issues that we’ve taken note of from our current users. Below you’ll see the common work-arounds, as well as our plans (if any) to tackle them in future upgrades:
1. “Update Not Available” – The BlackBerry App World sometimes displays an “Update Not Available” message when users attempt to download the latest updates for our app. We’ve contacted Research in Motion about this error, and it appears to be a known issue with BB’s App World. This issue is scheduled to be fixed in their next update for App World, which should be announced soon.
2. Storm Compatibility – There are rumors floating around that our new app is not compatible with the BlackBerry Storm. This is not true. The application was tested on all Storm simulators as well as the device itself (we’ve got one of our own). Some Storm owners are reporting a “Connection Error: HTTP Response Code 505” that is tied to your HotSchedules username and password, preventing you from successfully logging in. From what we can tell, the device may automatically add a space to the end of each entry. If the space is not removed, your login credentials will not be verified, thus prohibiting you from reaching the apps landing page. Our next release is set to include an improved version of the login system, which should render this a non-issue.
3. Storm Compatibility Mode – Some Storm users have told us that they are not very fond of the way the app operates while compatibility mode is enabled. Please note that this can be disabled, allowing users to use the app as they would with any other app (hide/show keyboard, switch to landscape mode, etc.). To disable compatibility mode, go to OPTIONS > APPLICATIONS. Once you’re here, highlight (not select) our app and click the BlackBerry menu button. Now just select “Disable Compatibility Mode.” If you’d ever like to turn it back on, simply follow these steps, reselecting “Enable Compatibility Mode.” For reference, disabling compatibility mode by default is the topic of a future update.
If you ever have questions or concerns about your BlackBerry app, please don’t hesitate to contact our Customer Support Center (call toll free (866) 753-3853 or e-mail support@hotschedules.com). Please also feel free to leave a comment here with any questions, comments, concerns, or (most importantly) dev ideas for future releases! Happy scheduling!
Reader Comments (21)
I just bought the blackberry hotschedules app for my bb pearl, and it won't even let me log in. It always says there's an error. I've had the app for roughly 5 days now and attempt to log in everyday, and still, nothing. Any ideas why this is?
Kylie,
Does it say something like "Connection Error: HTTP Response Code 505" for the error? If so, it is probably related to issue #2 that I mentioned in the post above. I sort of implied that it was a Storm-only issue, but it is actually possible to receive that error for any BlackBerry device. I would suggest making sure that the device didn't add a space to the end of your username or password.
If that doesn't work, I might suggest contacting our Customer Support Center (call toll free (866) 753-3853 or e-mail support@hotschedules.com). We can then figure out exactly why it isn't working for you, and what would be the best way to fix it.
What would be a good estimate on when the app for Androids will be released?
Awesome job on the app! cant wait for 1.0.2 to come out. This app has made my life a lot easier when it comes to work. I have my schedule, messages and ability to change shifts all on my blackberry storm2 and i rarely have to check a computer or the schedule board to see if im working.
I have already suggested every BB user at work to grab this app because it is extremely handy.
@matthew, we don't have an estimate on the Android app yet but we are working hard on it.
I recently bought the app as a manager so I can quickly look at who is working that day. Is there a way to pull up the roster? I don't need to look at my schedule because I am not on it. I really don't have any use for the app other than that.
Any idea if you will be putting manager functions on the blackberry app?
Ben and Eric,
We are working on a future update that will provide manager functionality (Roster Report,Trade Approvals, etc.). Can't give a specific date for a variety of reasons (sorry!), but I'll make sure to let you guys know as soon as I can.
Still having issues with my times being inaccurate. I'm using a BB Tour on VZW and ever since I've downloaded my App, my in times have never been accurate. (Unless I change my time zone 3 or sometimes 2 time zones ahead of me.) Was told to take phone to VZW but they weren't able to assist me due to it being a 3rd party app... Any recent improvements on this issue that would be helpful?
Donald,
That issue should have been fixed in the last update. Did you update the app to 1.0.1? If so, and the times are still incorrect, I suspect that something may have gone wrong with the update. From what I understand, there may be some issues with updating apps from App World (e.g., App World will install/keep 1.0.0, but will call it 1.0.1).
I suspect that this could be (indirectly) fixed with the 1.0.2 update, assuming that update is installed correctly. At the very least, it will be easier to tell which version is actually installed (if the app doesn't say 1.0.2 on the login screen, then you don't have 1.0.2, even if App World says differently).
At this time I am not seeing the Version 1.0.2 available for download as of yet... Checked my Application list and still saying version 1.0.1, and still incorrect times. Looking forward to version 1.0.2. Hopefully that will work for me! I noticed that problem on other apps as well. When I download something, and it still shows an update available... Thanks for getting back to me.
I bought your app for my blackberry and could not get it to open it said I had an error. I unistalled it erased my blackberry and re-installed the blackberry software and still nothing. I have also contacted T-Mobile and they were of no use. Any suggestions?
Jorge,
I am not sure I posted my message to you properly. You may want to check that your device did not add an additional space onto your User I.D. or password. You may call us at (866)753-3853 so that we may assist you with this further. You can ask for me.
Thank you,
Amy Castner
HotSchedules Support
I have the Tour. I had the Hotschedules app and it worked fine. When I tried to upgrade to the manager app I received this message "HotSchedules is not available for download from app world". It was suggested that I uninstall and then re install, which I did, now I cannot reinstall it either. I have tried everything I can think of!! I have talked to your support via email, and blackberry support and nothing works...HELP!!
Disregard my last post... figured it out. It was a problem with my paypal log in. Thanks anyway!!! HotSchedules is the best thing our company has purchased!!!
I had this app on my blackberry&it worked fine, but I recently got a new blackberry and it says I have already downloaded this app& too look it up on "my world".
when I did it wasnt there, how can i re-download it?
I definetly need it for work.
Have you re logged into My World on your new Blackberry? On the new Blackberry, you should be able to access App World, and it will most likely require a login if you try to access My World. You should not have to purchase the application a second time. If you have the same login information, it should remain stored in My World. If you have difficulties logging into My World, I would suggest contacting My World for support. Hope this is helpful!
You should not have to purchase HotSchedules a second time if you are using the same operating system, such as a second iPhone or a second Blackberry. You should be able to redownload the application from the source you purchased it from, example: iTunes, or My World.