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Most functions needed to research are not included in mobile device. Any new developments coming?

Lori Grua
Lori Grua ✭
January 25, 2022 edited August 2, 2024 in Search

Most of the reasons I use FamilySearch is to find new records to document and expand our shared family tree.

Sometimes when I wake up with ideas to add to or a new quest to hunt for, I like to stay under my warm covers and grab my phone rather than go to my desktop…. But, I waste more time than it’s worth to stay warm unable to complete my task, even using my mobile browser version.

Examples:

The OPEN FS APP covers half of my FamilySearch.org screen and I can’t dismiss it.

I’m unable to use the FS WIKI and catalog using the Family Tree APP

how can I have multiple tabs open for FS and other historical records such as Ancestry or sa.dk, etc. ?

This morning I was hoping to send a message to a contributor to notify them of a change I made to separate two people with somewhat similar names, the same birthdate but in different locations that were merged…but even on my browser, in See All, Latest Changes, Contributors with the option to view their contact info are not visible.

Tagged:
  • Research Wiki
  • Record Searching
  • Family Tree
  • Document
  • search records
0

Answers

  • Jack Hern
    Jack Hern ✭✭✭
    January 25, 2022

    Sadly I actually avoid FS on my phone for similar reasons. It's not the fault of FS, but rather the limits of the screen size.

    Personally I run FS with two windows open side by side on the desktop. One with the Details page open, and a second with sources or suggested sources & source linker open. This way I can review in one window, and make edits and corrections over in the Details page window. Like you - you can't do that on the mobile.

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  • genthusiast
    genthusiast ✭✭✭✭✭
    January 25, 2022 edited January 25, 2022

    On Android you can enable 'multiple screens' (settings> app> 'enable multiple screens') then in the menu use Screens to add another screen. Then you can open other functions and switch between those screens.

    Contact information may only be their Familysearch contact name - in which case you should be able to send them a message - unless they have disabled 'receive messages from other users' in their subscription settings (actually those settings I believe only notify via text/email - so I think you should be able to send a message).

    0
  • Lori Grua
    Lori Grua ✭
    January 25, 2022

    I later found contributor contact info on the FS App in recent changes.

    I’m wondering if it’s possible to insert a link on the mobile Apps to go to

    • Research Wiki (from Search Historical records? Or a persons page |more |Search records)

    • FS Catalog

    • Community (from Help section)

    0
  • Brett .
    Brett . ✭✭✭✭✭
    January 25, 2022

    @Lori Grua

    Lori

    I am just another 'lowly' User/Patron ...

    Just in passing ...

    Just so, that you are aware ...

    I ONLY use, the "Mobile" Application, of 'FamilySearch', for "Show"; and, "Tell" ...

    I NEVER use, the "Mobile" Application, of 'FamilySearch', for ANY "Real" Work ...

    As such ...

    What you say, was, surprising; and, "News", to me ...

    I was under the misapprehension, that the "Mobile" Application, of 'FamilySearch', was ahead, of the ORIGINAL "Computer" Web version, of 'FamilySearch', in functionality.

    As, MANY of the "New" Features/Functionality/Facilities, are NOW "Released", in the FIRST instance, in the "Mobile" Application, of 'FamilySearch', rather than (BEFORE) the ORIGINAL "Computer" Web version, of 'FamilySearch'.

    Just my thoughts.

    Brett

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  • doriangray152
    doriangray152 ✭
    January 25, 2022 edited January 25, 2022

    @Lori Grua

    Regarding your question about links from within FS FT mobile app to:

    • Research Wiki (from Search Historical records? Or a persons page |more |Search records)

    • FS Catalog

    • Community (from Help section)

    No, I don't see a way to link to Research Wiki, Catalog or Community. However, each of those I believe would open webpages in your browser - they wouldn't be contained within the App - so a workaround is to create a browser bookmark/pin for each of those pages.

    0
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