Hey Reddit lurkers! my ad-free, open source Reddit viewer RDX is on Android now

submitted a month ago by overdevs

play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.overd…

Since a lot of you asked me to build an Android version and post about it here when I launch, and I sincerely apologise that I forgot to post on lemmy sooner. The free app was launched on Play store almost a month ago and has garnered some excellent reviews. It has feature parity with the iPhone App and works on all Android 8.0+ devices.

You can download the app here.

Any feedback is wholeheartedly welcome, you can also post issues and contribute to the rdx web app on Github.

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97 Comments

Blue_Morpho a month ago

How does this work? I thought the API charges killed all free reddit viewers.

Balder a month ago

Probably parses old.reddit.com

Blue_Morpho a month ago

Reddit claims that's illegal too. They now block Microsoft from indexing them because Microsoft isn't paying them.

Passerby6497 a month ago

That's only because they honor robots.txt. App users aren't robots, so it's ok.

overdevs [OP] a month ago

It's read-only.

Blue_Morpho a month ago, edited a month ago

That won't stop them from blocking once they notice. Years ago Hulu blocked a Hulu app on xbmc. It wasn't even like it bypassed ads. But every month they'd block and the developers had to make a work around. So it was one month working, one month not.

Personally I'm fine with never using reddit unless something comes up in a search or a post. It only prolongs switching to alternatives.

LarmyOfLone a month ago, edited a month ago

I feel like I need more and more "web transformers" or addons or "enhancers" that transform shitty website to make the web useful again. Since we can't rely on APIs and external apps in the future, maybe we could create an platform or an AI that helps with reprogramming various websites.

Besides social media I'd love to see this for shops and video streaming as well. Also reader view has been a godsend. Web is getting worse and worse.

5oap10116 a month ago, edited a month ago

Were not going back!

That being said, I appreciate sticking it to reddit in this way.

Sho a month ago

Same here. The app looks great and I applaud the hard work you put in, but that bridge is done burned and gone. I hope your app is a great success nonetheless.

overdevs [OP] a month ago

I understand that and Thank you for the kind words!

anivia a month ago

Were not going back!

There are still some niche subreddits I can't live without, that either don't exist on Lemmy or are so small here they might as well not exist

M137 a month ago

We're*

Otter a month ago, edited a month ago

Very cool! Any thoughts on getting this on fdroid?

You could also post this on !android@lemdro.id and other places

Some thoughts so far:

  • it might help to be able to import multireddits
  • the subscribe button feels a bit hidden

Otherwise really cool :)

overdevs [OP] a month ago

Yeah I have to make the subscribe button more prominent. Multireddits are planned for a future updates however you can import your subscriptions currently in the Settings tab.

edric a month ago

I've been using the IOS app since it was launched and just wanted to say you're awesome! The app has been very helpful when I need to check my city's sub and r/nba (both exist in lemmy but aren't as active yet).

overdevs [OP] a month ago

Thank you so much for your kind words! A new update to the search page and some more customisation options in settings are coming in the next minor update for iOS.

Fake4000 a month ago

I do have two questions here to be honest,

  1. Why post on lemmy when you can post it on Reddit? Increased visibility?
  2. Why use this instead of RedReader?
overdevs [OP] a month ago

I am happy to answer them.

Why post on lemmy when you can post it on Reddit? Increased visibility?

Because a lot of contributors and users when the web app launched a year ago were from Lemmy only. A lot of lemmy users use rdx on iOS or web app to lurk on the niche subs that haven't made it to lemmy yet. Also when I launched the iOS version so many of the users here asked me to let them know when I launch an Android version. I have linked one such thread in the first line of my post.

Why use this instead of RedReader? 1. RedReader afaik was only available only Android while rdx is available everywhere(it's a pwa too). 2. Better Media viewing, although not as accessible as RedReader I made it initially to mimic some Apollo features like fast subreddit switching etc. 3. Read-Only so focuses on lurking on Reddit only, no way to login. Some people consider this a feature as this saves them time.

Chenzo a month ago

It's a PWA? What would that URL be?

Chenzo a month ago

Omg. Excellent! Thank you

Monomate a month ago

I'm not the OP, but I suspect Reddit may ban/shadowban any post promoting a reader app that doesn't use the official API. Or maybe he posted there already and wants to spread his message on Lemmy too. As for RedReader, I use it occasionally, but I stopped posting and commenting on Reddit since the API exodus.

jordanlund a month ago

I would think, because quite a lot of people came to Lemmy when Reddit killed the apps they used. Having a new app may be of interest to them?

RedReader? Didn't know it existed, I just assumed all prior reddit apps were DOA.

There are some you can compile yourself but after the API fiasco, I just switched to the Fediverse and my favorite app has been Connect so far.

Teknikal a month ago

Yep I have Infinity compiled with my own api key and while I don't use it a lot it's certainly a lot better than trying visit reddit through their website/app.

I guess this is just solving the same issue really without having to jump through hoops.

Also using connect for lemmy.

JimboDHimbo a month ago

Kinda wish I hadn't checked this out. Don't get me wrong OP, your app is fantastic! I'm just grossed out and disappointed by some of the comments in my "old stomping grounds" subreddits.

Rdx itself rules tho, good job bruh

Lootboblin 4 weeks ago

I know that feeling, when mods left, some places turned into dumpster fires as expected.

overdevs [OP] a month ago, edited 4 weeks ago

thank you!

The Liver a month ago, edited a month ago

1000003720

Should.. should I be concerned?

overdevs [OP] a month ago, edited a month ago

When you donate, a token id and status of purchase is sent to the server (in case anyone donates accidentally, rare I know, requests for a refund for their donation I can match order ID and issue refund) . That's all, no credit card info, email or stuff like that. I wasn't sure if this counts as financial info on play store so just to be safe I checked that box.

The Liver 4 weeks ago

That makes sense. I believe you have nothing to be concerned about, but I'm not a dev, so who am I to say 🤷‍♂️

Great app!

thrawn a month ago

Intriguing, my first reaction is that this must be some accident. On iOS it’s marked as not collecting data, and the privacy policy is a single line.

I’m sure the dev will swing by shortly, I’m just expressing my surprise at seeing that

overdevs [OP] a month ago

I have explained in the parent comment.

SolOrion a month ago

Installed, I *love* all the themes! Thanks!

overdevs [OP] a month ago

The most fun feature to make. I love all the theme suggestions from users.

Imgonnatrythis a month ago

Is there a FUCK SPEZ theme?

helenslunch a month ago, edited a month ago

Please make available outside the Play Store or add releases to you GitHub so I can install using Obtainium. I don't use Google Play services.

Thanks.

You're going to have a hard time measuring up to the Stealth app.

overdevs [OP] a month ago

I will try to upload an APK somewhere for people to install. Stealth of course is a very good app.

z3rOR0ne a month ago

I'll second this request. I prefer to get software through FDroid when possible. I use Stealth in combo with Libreddit currently, but this has a nice UI.

overdevs [OP] a month ago

You can use APKpure and it's siblings to download for now.

helenslunch a month ago

Never heard of that. Is it safe to use? Does it have updates?

Player2 a month ago

APKpure is pretty well regarded, but you have to / get to install any updates manually with a new apk download

rglullis a month ago

This would be amazing to be integrated with Voyager. People could migrate to Reddit via Fediverser and clone only their subreddits to the device.

overdevs [OP] a month ago

What's voyager?

Toes♀ a month ago

Does this violate any applicable policies such as Reddit's or Google's end user agreement?

overdevs [OP] a month ago

Afaik No?

AItoothbrush a month ago

Sigma male grindset: lurk on reddit and then be active on lemmy

Fubarberry a month ago

Looks great, I've been using Stealth but it has trouble with albums and some other content. It also doesn't let me search for posts in a specific subreddit.

This looks like it will do both of those things, as well as being actively maintained and improved. Thanks for making it.

piskertariot a month ago

As a habitual lurker, this is amazing. I can keep abreast if my local town subreddit without loading their horrendous mobile site. Bravo.

anivia a month ago

It looks like gated communities can't be accessed using your app. I tried opening /r/steroids and just got a blank page

overdevs [OP] a month ago

Reddit limitations :(

FeelThePower a month ago

I can vouch that this thing is pretty dope. While I don't even so much as lurk Reddit at this point, it was definitely useful when there was a natural disaster in my area and I was checking the local sub for updates.

Seems nice, how do you handle reddit overpriced api, or do you not use it maybe?

pyre a month ago

it's just for lurking, so not using it

Squizzy a month ago

Hey I use this all the time on my browser, really appreciate it. I did install the "app" when prompted by chrome which I think just creates a chrome based app but one of the things I find difficult is getting to r/all and filtering to top hour. All doesn't come up when sarched and filtering by hour isnt an option.

Ill give the actual app a go and I really appreciate your work, it is a great experience.

overdevs [OP] a month ago

Yes that's the web app. You can install from play store now, it has many new features.

Squizzy a month ago

I got it thanks, for now the web app is preferable because I can get r/all and filter better. I would also recommend adding a download function for images and videos.

p5yk0t1km1r4ge a month ago, edited a month ago

There does seem to be some minor issues. I'm seeing the same posts I saw earlier reappear as I scroll, and it doesn't seem to be updating unless you sort by new.

overdevs [OP] a month ago

It is by default sorted by "best" which takes some time to show new posts.

Fat Tony a month ago

As a suggestion/feedback. Could you please make it so you can block certain subreddits from appearing in your feed? I know you can subscribe but I am actually fine with most subreddits apart from a select view.

overdevs [OP] a month ago

In next updates.

Fat Tony a month ago, edited a month ago

Huzzah! Thanks man!

thrawn a month ago

Hi, thanks again for making this app. Any chance of swipe to collapse? I find it takes less effort than double tapping

overdevs [OP] a month ago

Since both left and right swipes(to go back and forward) work already it will be messy to implement that.

thrawn a month ago

I meant like Alien Blue and Apollo where if you swipe on the comment and not on the edges, Apollo had a full half centimeter of edge space for front and back while AB was more like RDX (which imo is better really)

No worries if you don’t want to though, just thought I’d ask

Lootboblin a month ago

thx I just downloaded the ios app. I havent used reddit much anymore but I do miss few subreddits to check the latest news.

overdevs [OP] a month ago

Thank you for checking out the app.

p5yk0t1km1r4ge a month ago, edited a month ago

For the love of god please make a dark mode

Edit: nvm found out there is a settings menu. FYI it's easy to overlook, at least for smooth brains like me

I love this app. I can lurk all my favorite subs without using their dogshit website, its convenient and allows me to lurk AND give them a constant middle finger without indirectly supporting pedophile spez and his army of abusive subreddit mods. Thank you!

overdevs [OP] a month ago

There are multiple light and dark themes already available in Settings > Appearance. Will add a full theme customiser as a vanity feature somewhere in the future.

anon6789 a month ago

Looks nice! I sent a link to the gf who's on iPhone. She's always complaining about ads, and I never know what's out there for her as I'm on android. I installed it too so I can give it a look.

After not looking at Reddit's front page in a year, it's a bit of a shock seeing an unfiltered feed! 😮

overdevs [OP] a month ago

95% of the features are same on iOS and Android.

Alk 3 weeks ago

Hey, very cool app. One thing that could be a massive improvement is the ability to tap the thumbnails in "compact mode" to open a bigger version of the image without loading the whole post. Boost (for reddit and for lemmy) has something like this (though not as snappy as I'd like), and relay for reddit had the perfect implementation of this. It was quick and easy. You tap the thumbnail to blow the image up to the max screen width, tap again to dismiss the image. Ideally there would be no lag between when you tap and when the image is loaded, same with dismissing. (I disabled double tap in relay so the image dismissal didn't wait for a 2nd tap, making it quicker.)

Obviously this is a very nice and niche feature, so it might be outside the scope of the app. But if you find yourself itching to add some features, keep this in mind :) It would fit well with the "fast, fluid browsing" theme of the app.

I took a video to give a quick example but uploading it to lemmy.world isn't working, I don't want to share my youtube account, and I don't want to make you download a random file from a file sharing site, so you can check out this behavior in those 2 apps if you need an example.

overdevs [OP] 3 weeks ago

I get what you are saying, just pushed an update to Apple with the new compact mode. Android soon.

Alk 3 weeks ago

❤️

Usually_Lurker a month ago

I had some issues trying to import my subreddits via the .json file on my Fire HD10 tablet. The on screen pop up I am able to select the file just fine but I am not able to hit the import or cancel button. Import worked just fine on iOS version.

overdevs [OP] a month ago

Try tapping around the import button(like 1-2cm up/down where the import button is). Are you able to hit the cancel button?

Usually_Lurker a month ago, edited a month ago

I did. I even used a stylus. It’s like the buttons don’t have an ability to activate. I am unable to hit either the import or cancel button.

overdevs [OP] a month ago, edited a month ago

I will fix it in the next update. Are you on the latest version?

Katrisia a month ago

I suggest arrows to navigate main comments (I think they also call them "parent comments" or something). As an example, Sync for Lemmy and Now for Reddit have them.

overdevs [OP] a month ago

Can you please elaborate? Like the arrow that takes you to the next comment?

makes app to evade reddit ads and stuff.

uses google service framework and puts it out only in playstore.

whats wrong with people?

Hello Hotel 4 weeks ago

There are subreddits I want to archive before things get any worse, any tools I can use or any way to adapt the backend for this task?

Xanvial a month ago

Nice app, considering i still lurk on some subreddits using mobile browser.

Btw, is there a way to refresh the subreddit page? Seems I can't do usual pull down to refresh for now

overdevs [OP] a month ago

tap the three bars on top left > Refresh

c7plumbcrazy a month ago

I still need to really take the App a test drive, but my initial observation is the inability to display in landscape. That's my own personal pet peeve with all Apps.

overdevs [OP] a month ago

Had to disable landscape mode because it didn't feel as finished(you can still landscape video by swiping from left to right on a full screen video), I will make some adjustments for tablets and wider viewports in general and then push an update in near future.

p5yk0t1km1r4ge a month ago

You should consider seasonal themes like halloween and shit down the road

Nailbar a month ago

Here me thinking what a theme called Shit Down the Road would look like.

p5yk0t1km1r4ge a month ago, edited a month ago

Lol nah not quite what I meant. Just a huge fan of giving my entire phone seasonal overhauls. Apparantly it's not a popular idea. Ah, well.

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

overdevs [OP] a month ago

Yes I will add some seasonal themes for sure.

p5yk0t1km1r4ge a month ago

My autism fixation thanks you

alteredracoon a month ago

Maybe the wrong place, but I’ve consistently had a bug with the iOS version where it will start repeating posts after awhile with no way to fix it. Refresh or restarting the app doesn’t fix it.

overdevs [OP] a month ago

It's the correct place. If you only subscribe to a handful of subs and they don't update frequently your home feed will be stale. Other than that I don't see any reason. If you could explain further on what screens you face this problem I will be able to help.

Kairos a month ago

Can you please offer a download off of genocide tech corp platform?

The Liver a month ago

Something like f-droid would be nice.

Kairos a month ago

Or just builds available on GitHub.