KGS on iPhone&iPad - very easy tutorial

[lobotommy]

Because WMS does not want to port KGS to iOS there is simple solution for all iOS users.

Just few steps:
1) Go to http://www.alwaysonpc.com/index.php to check video how it works.
2) install their app for your iPhone ($20) or iPad($25) (be aware that it is not an universal app, and you can use iPhone app on your iPad but iPad app will not work on your iPhone). I recommend an iPad version, iphone app on ipad does not look good.
3) run AlwaysOnPC app on your iPhone/iPad

Done

Open Firefox browser, enter gokgs.com address , log in - and play.
Congratulations! You are playing on KGS via iPhone or iPad on the go.


Short video how it works: http://youtu.be/1F3uY7zboY0?hd=1

[Update 10/10/12]
There were some issues (probably only on my side) but as I checked today all is working fine now. KGS on iPad is back. Probably my previous account on AlwaysOnPc was broken. After creating a new one all works as it should. I highly recommend this app if you want to play on KGS on the go and on the iOS device.

02.2013 - Everything works ok now.


Thanks

[hyperpape]

Everybody will be happy. Next can you make it so I can use iPad apps on my desktop and tilt the monitor back and forth for the accelerometer?

Not that using a VNC (I assume that's what this is?) isn't sometimes useful for an iPad. But people want native apps that work within the same UI paradigms.

[1986]

Happy happy joy joy

[lobotommy]

@hyperpage - I agree, but WMS does not want to earn money on iOS, otherwise native iOS app would be there 3 years ago.
And yes it is VNC, but better than simple VNC - because you don't need to turn on your PC/Mac. AlwaysOnPC just do all stuff on their servers. For me - instant buy.

[kirkmc]

There are a number of VNC solutions, but there are problems with screen scaling in most cases. Also, what about mis-taps; there's no misclick prevention with this, is there? From what I understand, you're limited to the apps on their servers, so you can't use CGoban, but have to use the web-based client. Is that correct?

[lobotommy]

" From what I understand, you're limited to the apps on their servers, so you can't use CGoban, but have to use the web-based client" - Yes, and it works.
I played before via TeamViewer and it was ok, but I don't like to leave my PC on when I'm at work.
So this solution is the best I know.
"there are problems with screen scaling in most cases"
You can zoom in/zoom out if you want. No problem for me.

About missclicks - you can always set in kgs window -> Set Preferences -> Mouse anti-slip system (check).
You can always use the mouse cursor - so there is little chance for missclick.

[kirkmc]

About missclicks - you can always set in kgs window -> Set Preferences -> Mouse anti-slip system (check).
You can always use the mouse cursor - so there is little chance for missclick.

Ah, I didn't think that was available on the web client.

But if you're on an iPad there is no "mouse cursor"

[lobotommy]

It is a setting in AlwaysOnPC - you can chose a "tap to click" (Touchscreen mode in settings) or desktop-like cursor on a screen.

[edit - deleted some unimportant stuff]

[rubin427]

I would have enjoyed the instructions more if they did not include assumptions and accusations...

[lobotommy]

Well... I like KGS very much, and I think WMS is doing a great work, especially for western go players community.
WMS said straightforward that he doesn't want to do an iOS app due to Apple restrictions/objectons about Java. But hey, there are ways to port Java to iOS but he don't want to go that way due to need of going through this process every time he update KGS. I understand that he has no time for that. So... I think everything I wrote in my first comment is true. WMS is like... Apple - both creates great but closed ecosystem. It is not bad but there is not too much choice. I like what WMS is doing (KGS) and I like Apple devices (best tablets and smartphones IMHO on the market, no flame, it is just my opinion) although I don't like restrictions they do. There is no any kind of accusation and there aren't any assumptions, supositions etc., etc.

Peace, Go & Love in any combination

Thanks

[lobotommy]

[Update]
Bad news. At this moment KGS web Java client does not work via AlwaysOnPC. It looks like somebody closed access to gokgs.com for this app. Not sure if it is AlwaysOnPc problem or just wms closed the door?
So no KGS at this moment for iOS.


[Update 10/10/12]
There were some issues (probably only on my side) but as I checked today all is working fine now. KGS on iPad is back. Probably my previous account on AlwaysOnPc was broken. After creating a new one all works as it should. I highly recommend this app if you want to play on KGS on the go and on the iOS device.

[Ortho]

I use splashtop and since it just streams whatever my PC is running, Kgs works fine on my Ipad.

[lobotommy]

@Ortho, AlwaysOnPc is not a simple vnc app connecting to your computer. It is a virtual desktop "in the cloud", you don't need even to have any computer to use it. It is a standalone app that give you a choice of using desktop apps on the go, while your home computer is turned off.

[Ortho]

Yeah, I actually bought AlwaysOnPC but had a lot of problems with lag. For me personally it's no real problem to leave my PC on even when I'm travelling so simple streaming works fine for me.

[lobotommy]

I don't like to run my computer even if I'm home . On my WiFi there is no significant lag, but yes, it's there and can be a little annoying.
It looks like WMS just banned AlwaysOnPc IP which is not a fairplay. There is no Java issue, it's connection issue. Gokgs site is not responding when you try to load it via Chrome or Firefox in AlwayOnPC.
WMS, are you really so fandroid to ban any other mobile OS users ? Just kidding.