I’m reading many people complaining about the app being abandoned, not being updated for a long time.

Have you tried contacting the developer with your issues?

They last replied to a review on Google Play on 13th Jan 2025. Someone else also mentioned that they received a response via DM. So the developer is definitely still alive.

The app is free to use. It’s great if you chose to support the developer by paying for the ad-removal or subscription. Unfortunately, I don’t believe the user base is large enough to allow the developer to work on it full-time, or even part time.

Personally, I think Sync is a passion project, hence the original Reddit version was so good. The downside with passion projects is that you work on them when you have time and inspiration to work on them.

I guess what I’m trying to say is that all the negativity won’t help inspire the developer to dedicate more time to the project.

It would be more helpful to compile a list of bugs and issues, and forward them to the developer.

  • CoelacanthEnglish
    10•2 months ago

    It doesn’t change the nature or the fact Sync is broken and has stopped working in major areas where it impedes function.

    This is really the core issue right here. Long periods of inactivity from ljdawson was more acceptable on Reddit as the backend software didn’t change much so the app at least kept working. It’s been over a year since the last update here and Sync for Lemmy still has some serious problems.

    It’s a shame because I love the app, but I’ve felt forced to move on.

    • kuroEnglish
      4•2 months ago

      What app did you move on to?

      • CoelacanthEnglish
        6•2 months ago

        I’m using Summit. It also has a few niggles and missing features but I believe it will get there in the future. I’ve tried almost all the available apps and Summit felt the best for me overall.

        And at least the dev is active and responsive. Well, he has been at least. He’s been gone for a few weeks with IRL interference but he’s said it is temporary.

        • @sabreW4K3@lazysoci.alEnglish
          2•2 months ago

          Yeah, Summit is what I’m using too. I prefer the Sync UX, but between missing and broken features, using a working alternative is a no-brainer.

          • kuroEnglish
            0•2 months ago

            Connect has a similar UX, just throwing it out there :) (and just mentioning it since Sync seems to no longer maintained).

            • @sabreW4K3@lazysoci.alEnglish
              -1•2 months ago

              Just gave it a whirl, it feels very unpolished. So many options wouldn’t apply until I restarted the app. I couldn’t find the option to set New as default. The drawer is too short and using only bottom navigation is clearly an afterthought. Also the font selection is terrible and actually hurts my eyes.

              • EchEnglish
                1•2 months ago

                Dude, that’s the dev…

                • @sabreW4K3@lazysoci.alEnglish
                  2•2 months ago

                  Surely that’s all the more reason to report the usability issues? The better the app selection quality the better.

                  • kuroEnglish
                    3•2 months ago

                    All good, I appreciate the candid feedback. Cheers!

    • @thangcuoi@lemm.eeOPEnglish
      2•2 months ago

      And you should try out other apps. I heard the name Summit being mentioned by many users on this sub. You can always come back to Sync if/when it gets the necessary updates.