Confused about the different FS apps available on an Android phone

dave15

Hi,

I've previously used my laptop for all of my FS updates, but now I'm also trying to use the FS apps on my phone, I'm finding it confusing.

FS recommend loading both the FS Tree app AND the FS Memories app.

However, on my Android phone I have a single app which can access both my tree view and my memories.

The screen shot below shows both on the one menu. So what app do I have?

Regards Dave

Vincent T

Hi @dave15 the app you have is the Family Tree App. The article below will help explain the difference between the Family Tree App and the Memories App.

https://www.familysearch.org/help/helpcenter/article/what-is-the-difference-between-the-family-tree-app-and-memories-apps?articleVariant=public

Brett .

@dave15

FYI

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

And, I really only ever work, with the "Computer" version of 'FamilySearch', on a Laptop/Desktop computer.

I ONLY ever use, the "Mobile" Application version of 'FamilySearch', on a "Mobile" Device, for, either, "Show and Tell"; or, just a quick check (generally, after receiving an "E-mail"), certainly NEVER for any REAL work.

Now ...

That said ...

I have BOTH, the (1) "Mobile" Application (ie. "Family Tree"); and, the (2) "Memories" Application (ie. "Memories"); as, applications on my "Android" 'Mobile' Phone ▬ they are SEPARATE Applications.

But ...

When I access the ("Mobile") "Family Tree" Application ...

[ Rather than the "Memories" Application ... ]

It looks like this ...

Whereas ...

To me ...

In that "Image", in your original post, it looks like that you are using 'FamilySearch' ("Family Tree"), in a "Browser" (eg. 'Google' "Chrome"; or, 'Mozilla' "FireFox"; or, the like), on your "Mobile" Phone, rather than the "Mobile" Application version.

[ As, I have used such myself - 'FamilySearch' ("Family Tree"), in a "Browser" (eg. 'Google' "Chrome"; or, 'Mozilla' "FireFox"; or, the like), on your "Mobile" Phone ]

Just my thoughts.

Please be aware that ...

On a "Mobile" Device, one can use 'FamilySearch' is BOTH,

(1) the "Mobile" Application version of 'FamilySearch" (and/or, the "Memories" Application) format;

AND/OR,

(2) the "Computer" version of 'FamilySearch' format; in, a "Browser" on my "Mobile" Phone ... ]

I often use BOTH.

Does this make sense, to you?

Please advise.

Brett

dave15

Hi Brett, Wow!, I think I understand, but I need some time to investigate how I got myself in this situation.

My attempt to access FS on my mobile today has taken me down what you describe as the:-

(1) the "Mobile" Application version of 'FamilySearch" (and/or, the "Memories" Application) format;

I didn't even have a copy of the mobile FS Family Tree app loaded!

Now I have both mobile apps loaded they don't seem anything like as flexible as the 'Browser' version, which as you say is the laptop view of FS, but on my phone.

I normally use my laptop and I'm only pursuing this because my friend uses an iPad. I assumed that the iPad would mimic the FS apps on my Android phone. Now I know why they didn't!

I'll stick to my laptop but if I do need to use FS on my Android in future I'd prefer to use the 'Browser' version. My only concern is whether the 'Browser' version will load/ edit my data correctly.

Again, many thanks for your reply, I would never have unravelled this issue without your help.

Regards

Dave

Brett .

@dave15

Dave

FYI

BOTH,

(1) the "Mobile" Application version of 'FamilySearch" (and/or, the "Memories" Application);

AND/OR,

(2) the "Computer" version of 'FamilySearch'

ARE "Designed" and "Developed", by DIFFERENT "Teams" in 'FamilySearch'; both, independent of each other.

In other words, they work in relation to the SAME overall BASIC "Programme", with the SAME (or, in the most part, SIMILAR) features/functions/facilities; but, they 'look' and 'work', differently to each other.

Quite often, NEW features/functions/facilities appear in the "Mobile" Application BEFORE they appear in the "Computer" version.

The "Mobile" Application version of 'FamilySearch" (and/or, the "Memories" Application) came into being with proliferation in the use of "Mobile" Devices (eg. Phones; and Tablets).

Many of the 'Younger" Generation are quite (I should say, more than) comfortable using "Mobile" Devices.

Whereas, although the "Older" Generation, can; and, do, use, "Mobile" Devices, they feel more comfortable using a "Computer" (ie. Bigger than a "Tablet"; and, with a "Mouse") - yours truly, being one of them.

I DO NOT find that the "Mobile" Devices offer the same, 'dexterity'; and, overall, 'picture' and 'connectivity', when it comes to doing the 'real' work.

As I previously stated, "Show and Tell"; or, just a quick check (generally, after receiving an "E-mail"), is all I use the "Mobile" Application of "Family Tree" for.

But ...

That Said ...

Each to their own ...

Just my thoughts.

Good Luck.

Brett

Miss Jessie

The Family History Library had an online webinar yesterday for the Family Tree mobile app.

Here is the link to the handout: https://www.familysearch.org/wiki/en/img_auth.php/4/45/2021_Mobile_Apps.pdf

Miss Jessie

I am one of the “older generation” and love the freedom & special features available in the FamilySearch mobile apps. My experience is more iOS than Android but I use both, and each version is similar.

I find multiple screens easier in the IOS app, Android has better handling of some notifications.

Having access to my family history and memories wherever I am is very empowering. And a few years ago, my brother had the opportunity to visit the English churches where our great-grandfather’s ancestors were christened, married, and buried. He had instant access to names & dates, and the capacity to take pictures of monumental inscriptions, with just his cell phone. And I was able to see those photos in real time, while he stood in the churchyards. Some of those monumental inscriptions helped expand our ancestry & prove connections. ❤️

And if you download your 1st 6 generations to your device, you can access & add memories even when you don’t have an internet connection.

Perhaps my favorite app feature is the Task Lists, especially Descendants with Tasks which is only on the Family Tree app. Your Following lists are only available in browser based FamilySearch.

So using both web and mobile versions of FamilySearch give more advantages than using either exclusively.

dave15

Thank you so much for this clarification.

dave15