Zarton, HelpdeskOk, going to 🧵 some getting started on Mastodon stuff for my own sake...
So far, the absolute #1 place to start is this single (but lengthy) page:
/Apps/
There are many ways to consume Mastodon.
So far, I've tried to the 'official' Mastodon app, Tusky, SubwayToot, and via browser (mobile).
Atm, by far the best is browser. It's the only way to access certain features, like edit post...and the only option with translation.
About translation...
So far, the only option I've seen is to use Mastodon in your browser...
BUT...
I believe it matters which server/instance you're on. For example, I get a translate option on mastodon.social but not on ohai.social
Ah, so you can filter out languages in the timelines:
"filter timelines by language by going to Preferences > Other > Filter languages, tick the boxes for languages you want" - https://fedi.tips/how-to-use-mastodon-and-the-fediverse-basic-tips/#SettingYourLanguagePreferences
A note about translation on Mastodon from @feditips ...
"Is there a built-in language translation system on Mastodon?
Yes, but it is currently still in testing on various servers including mastodon.online and mastodon social. It should be part of the next update once it’s released, which would make it available to all servers."
Vint Prox@zarton and that may be because versions differ or that other instance wasn't configured with some sort of API key for translation service. If translation was accessed individually by browsers instead of having server do this, that'd be great.
@vint actually, i hadn't even tried turning on translate in the browser (chrome) 😂. Works ok. Auto-translates the timeline fairly well...doesn't always do it but in those cases it worked when opening the post.
Gonna strongly advise not to use the 'official' Mastodon app.
I've used Tusky and Subway Toot, and they're ok, but atm I'm using it in Chrome.
Again for new people from twitter:
Do *not* use the 'official' Mastodon app.
Use another app or open it in a browser (my preference atm).
#twitter #mastodon #gettingstarted #twittermigrate #riptwitter #twitterpurge
Eli_Jellyyyy@zarton can you tell us why is that?
@zarton because?
Phil Haigh@zarton (1) why and (2) your recommendation is…?
Lainy@zarton I can’t answer the question as to “why” except to say that I tried it and it’s not great. Someone suggested this one. I like it.
WhiskyPenguin@zarton May I recommend Fedilab? It's an Android app available through F-Droid (for free) and Google Play ($2.49), and supports not just Mastodon, but Pleroma, Pixelfed, and Friendica, as well. It has multi-account support and the “new post”-screen is absolutely gorgeous. Plus: Access to the local timeline, which seems to be one of the biggest points of criticism about the official Masto app.
You can find Fedilab at https://fedilab.app/. They're also quite active here in the Fediverse @apps.
You can find Fedilab at https://fedilab.app/. They're also quite active here in the Fediverse @apps.
Thanks. I wanted exhaust the other options before breaking my piggy bank 😁
It has translate implemented, right?
@zarton Why? (Trying to get my bearings on here.)
Josh@nordic_nerd Quite a lot of people don't like the official apps because they are lacking in features. It's personal preference though, I don't mind the official app.
@nordic_nerd
@Eli_Jellyyyy
@zorkoxa @gulfie
Mainly bc I'm afraid it might turn off new users from sticking with Mastodon. Even @feditips recommends against it😉https://mastodon.social/@feditips@mstdn.social/109525629815928336
The 'official' app is heavily stripped down. No translate, cant edit, etc. And stuff like hashtag search is broken.
I usually open Mastodon in Chrome on my phone. Haven't tried all the 3rd party apps, but there are many options.
@zarton @nordic_nerd @Eli_Jellyyyy @zorkoxa @feditips thanks for the clarification, context is everything!
Someone on reddit made a feature comparison table for iOS Mastodon apps:
https://www.reddit.com/r/Mastodon/comments/ywpipp/i_made_a_feature_comparison_table_for_different/
Charlotte Hunter@zarton So far for me, the best interface has been using Firefox to create an app shortcut on the Android homescreen. I don't think we can expect every app and every instance to keep up. Maybe not for the next year if the migration continues.
@kijekijikokwe good idea 👍😊