Guest post by Terry Romel, RMLS™ Help Desk Manager
With the recent release of the new iPad operating system (Version 4.2) some important changes occurred in the way the iPad interacts with RMLSweb.
As you may recall from my last iPad post, RMLSweb works best with Internet Explorer 6+. All of the RMLSweb system functionality is available and fully supported on IE 6+ (although honestly you should be well past IE 6 by now). Obviously the iPad does not use IE as a browser, and that immediately created some challenges when using the iPad with RMLSweb. In fact the challenges were so diverse the decision was made to re-direct the iPad browser (typically Safari) to the RMLS™ mobile site, to ensure the iPad user wouldn’t be tasked with dealing with the challenges. This was not a popular decision with iPad users but was really necessary due to substantial data integrity issues when using RMLSweb.
With this OS update, and based on substantial testing by RMLS™ technical staff, we are confident that some of the core RMLSweb functionality lacking in the first iPad operating system is now working as it should. That is not to say that the entire RMLSweb system works with the iPad, but simply that it is more functional with this operating system update than it was before. As such, it was decided to remove the automatic re-direct to the RMLS™ mobile site and allow the iPad access to logging in to the RMLSweb site. There are still inconsistencies in several areas of RMLSweb, but most Search functions work as expected and most importantly return an accurate set of search results.
Please keep in mind that while we certainly agree that the iPad is a wonderful new tool that fits well in the real estate space and undoubtedly has many other benefits for our Realtor® subscribers, accessing RMLSweb and expecting full functionality is just not yet possible. As we move forward in the evolution of RMLSweb you will see more functionality available through the iPad.
If you have any specific questions about what does and does not work with the iPad and RMLSweb please contact the RMLS™ Help Desk. The RMLS™ Help Desk is available 8AM-7PM Mon-Thursday; 8AM-5PM Friday & 10AM-2PM Saturday. Call 503-872-8002 or 877-256-2169 (toll-free).
Has RMLS considered creating a quality app for subscribers using moblie devices? This would eliminate needing to log in to RMLSWeb’s web page and would provide superior functionality to iPad & iPhone users and other mobile devices. The current mobile app lacks in most departments. It’s inevitable that many Realtors are/will be in the field using these mobile devices more than ever and it’s important our MLS keeps up on the technology scale.
Hi Virgil,
Thanks for the comment! What functionality do you think would upgrade the site? I’m not sure what exactly you mean by a “quality app.” If I knew more about what you would like to see, I can pass that information along. Currently, the Technology Committee is reviewing possible enhancements to the mobile site to bring to the Board of Directors. We are delving into which enhancements will be on our plate for 2011.
Thanks very much!
Kelsey Brunson
Hi Kelsey,
Thanks for getting back. Sorry I should’ve been more specific. A nice example of a real estate search app is the Realtor.com mobile app. It has a great search engine and mapping module among other great features. Personally I feel our MLS needs to provide subscribers with an app that is broker specific, displaying the agent menu details so brokers have all the private remarks and financial info while we’re on the go. This app would also not be available to the public as there are plenty of apps available for the public to search listings. Brokers like myself that spend plenty of time on an iphone or ipad would prefer the use of an app versus the actual webpage as there’s a big difference in funtionablity and the mobile trend is not going to back peddle anytime soon. By stating mobile, I mean beyond laptops: iPads & iPhones, Blackberrys, Droids and all the other tablets & smartphones making their way. Our proffession is the ideal profession for use of these mobile devices. I’m sure I could drum up many other details but this is a good start. Also, this prospective app should be FREE to all members as the use & feedback will be greater. Thanks for listening.
Hi Virgil,
This is exactly the type of detailed enhancement request that we love to hear. Thank you so much for this specific post. While we can think of things that our subscribers may find useful, it’s always insightful to hear ideas directly from our subscribers. I will send your message along to our enhancement team. I know they are eager to hear ideas from our subscribers about what they would like to see next. Fear not, your input will be passed along!
Thanks and happy holidays!
Kelsey
Hi Kelsey,
Has there been any progress on an app that is broker specific, displaying the agent menu details so brokers have all the private remarks and financial info while we’re on the go in this past year? It sure would be wonderful!!
Thanks,
Jill Tomek
As a consultant that deals with multiple agents, the question is quite simple:
My clients (who are also your clients) need to have FULL functionality on their iPad as if (as is often the case) it is their primary or only computer. No mobile site, no limited functionality.
No Firefox, NO silverlight. Either full compatibility in the Safari browser or a iOS app that provides full functionality of the web site. App handoff for pdf, xls and doc files, support for printing, access to the camera roll for uploading photos. None of this is hard to do. Many apps provide this simple functionality.
Thanks for stopping by Scott.