this post was submitted on 06 Aug 2023
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Out of the loop

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[–] [email protected] 6 points 1 year ago (2 children)

I was really excited about Sync coming out for Lemmy since that was my client of choice on Reddit. I was looking for the same ease of use and app logic that I had been using for years.

The issue I quickly ran into was the revenue model. Pushing ads on a Reddit app made sense, but it feels inappropriate on the Fediverse. I would have gladly paid just to support the developer, but when I see features being locked behind a $100 lifetime subscription, my willingness to contribute sours quickly.

So I checked other clients like Voyager and Infinity, and I discovered I don't mind the change. Infinity is really good right now, for instance, and that's FOSS all the way. So I figure, I just changed social networks, why not make an app switch too?

I think the Sync fan base is largely looking for some sort of continuity from their Reddit days. They feel the dev was slighted by the Reddit move to kill third-party apps and they want them to find a new home in the Fediverse. I certainly wish that as well, but I think the dev has some adjusting to do. Fortunately for us, there's plenty of alternatives if Sync doesn't do it. And no, Sync isn't better than a lot of other apps; just more familiar, maybe.

[–] [email protected] 6 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (2 children)

I used Infinity for Reddit but I don't see a Lemmy version in the Google app store. Does it actually exist and if so, where can I get it? I am using Jerboa and I like it a lot but would be interested in trying Infinity for Lemmy.

I tried Sync and just found it to be "more" than I needed... almost too many customization options

[–] [email protected] 7 points 1 year ago (2 children)

It's still in early development so you have to download it manually for now. Definitely usable, though!

Here's the latest version:

https://codeberg.org/Bazsalanszky/Infinity-For-Lemmy/releases/tag/v0.0.8

[–] [email protected] 5 points 1 year ago

It has been added to the fdroid store

https://apt.izzysoft.de/fdroid/index/apk/eu.toldi.infinityforlemmy

But it seems to be an older release for now

[–] [email protected] 4 points 1 year ago

Thanks, I will check it out!

[–] [email protected] 4 points 1 year ago

Sync isn't better than a lot of other apps; just more familiar, maybe.

Was my feelings too. I actually ignored and underestimated the quality of the lemmy apps without the reddit lineage, and didn't bother checking them out until Sync released. Then checked out sync but didn't really like the ads or subscription model so decided to check out liftoff and connect. Was really impressed with them both, and been using it and unisntalled sync.

Not really been understanding people going on and on about the polish of sync and making it out like other lemmy apps are some buggy unpolished experience. Connect has especially impressed me and is only a few features away for me from being perfect for me with just a bit more extensive filtering options beyond key words, and ability to toggle between card and compact without going into settings. UI itself I love. And both liftoff and connect allowing viewing instances as guests to be able to browse what is local to that instance to discover new communities that hasn't been added to your instance has been a vital feature.

Feel like people are putting down the alternatives way too much like I did initially with not even giving them a chance opting for browser instead thinking they fall short of reddit apps I had used. Can understand people vastly preferring the UI they prefer due to years of usage, but I didn't get the sense the gap was as big as fans make it seem. If it was I'd be using the browser or using Sync.