Watcher Android clients will switch to the new app version by the end of October
At the start of the month, we rolled out a new version of the Flussonic Watcher app for Android. This release comes with a complete system overhaul, paving the way for new features and enhanced functionality for your users. In this update, we improved the design, laid the groundwork for improved episode search, and ensured compatibility with the latest Android versions.
Please note that the app only works with Watcher server versions starting from 24.07. If your Watcher version is older, clients will lose access to cameras after the update.
To prevent this, we have prepared a simple guide to help you upgrade from any server version.
How to update the Watcher server?
The current version is displayed in the lower-left corner of the server’s web interface.
If you are using Watcher 23.05 or newer:
Update the server according to the documentation guide. Before installing the packages, we recommend making a backup of the configuration files from the /etc/flussonic directory and the .db files from the /opt/flussonic/priv directory, as mentioned in the guide. This will protect you from errors.
If you are using Watcher 23.04 or older:
Our technical specialists are ready to assist with the update and quickly respond if any issues arise. Submit a ticket to Flussonic support: they will coordinate the update time with you and answer any questions.
How does the new mobile app install for clients?
Google Play will either notify them of the update or install it automatically. Access to the new version is being rolled out gradually. Currently, 25% of clients have it, and within the next 2 weeks, it will be available to all.
If you have a branded app (with your brand and logo), the update will only occur upon your request.
Why update the mobile app?
Over the past two years, we’ve rolled out over 20 updates to the Watcher server, but the mobile app remained largely unchanged during that time. The outdated system couldn’t support the latest Watcher features, limiting our ability to enhance the app’s usability and keep it modern for your clients.
As the app aged, users—especially those with newer phone models—started encountering more frequent issues. New Android versions also introduced changes that further impacted the app’s performance.
With the new app in place, statistics show significantly better stability and reliability compared to the old version.
We notify users about updates in advance. News appears in email newsletters and on the website. Make sure you are subscribed to the news and that emails don’t go to the “Spam” folder.
What’s next?
In the coming months, we are preparing an update for the iOS platform. We are also working on new features to make the app more convenient and attractive for your clients.