The author created a tool called Send HN to simplify the process of submitting links to Hacker News from Android devices by enabling sharing directly through system APIs without requiring a user interface.
Android App, Share APIs, Llama 3.3 70B
2024-12-11
- App
Highlight 1
Simple and intuitive functionality – The app eliminates the need for copy-pasting URLs and titles, making submissions to HN quick and effortless.
Highlight 2
Seamless integration – Send HN works smoothly across various apps, taking advantage of the share functionality without interrupting the user's workflow.
Highlight 3
Lightweight and unobtrusive – The lack of a UI keeps the app extremely lightweight and ensures it does not clutter the user's device.
Improvement 1
Limited functionality – While the app does its job well, offering additional features like a history of past submissions or options to add tags could enhance its utility.
Improvement 2
Lack of UI – The absence of a UI may leave some users unsure of its functionality, and adding a minimalistic interface could improve user guidance.
Improvement 3
Compatibility with more apps – Expanding compatibility to work with a wider variety of apps, especially popular browsers like Firefox or custom Android browsers, would broaden the app’s usability.
Product Functionality
Adding a feature to track or store previously submitted links would make the app more useful for frequent users. Additionally, providing an option to customize the submission process (e.g., adding specific tags) would improve flexibility.
UI & UX
Although the lack of UI is a core design choice, providing a minimalistic interface that shows submission status or allows the user to view past submissions could make the app feel more responsive.
SEO or Marketing
Since the app is quite niche, creating a simple website or landing page with clear instructions on how to use the app could help with user acquisition. Promoting it on relevant forums and platforms like Reddit’s Hacker News community could also help attract more users.
MultiLanguage Support
Adding support for multiple languages would allow the app to be used by a broader, global audience. This could be particularly beneficial for users in non-English speaking regions who engage with Hacker News.
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How do I use Send HN?
Once installed, Send HN doesn’t show up in your app drawer. To use it, simply share a link from your browser, feed reader, or social media app, and select 'Send HN' from the share options. The app will automatically fill in the title and send the link to Hacker News.
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Does Send HN have any visible interface?
No, Send HN doesn’t have a traditional UI. It works entirely through the Android system’s share functionality, making it a minimalistic tool designed to work seamlessly in the background.
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Can I use Send HN with any Android app?
Send HN works with any app that supports the Android sharing functionality. It is most commonly used with browsers, feed readers, and social media apps, but may not work with every app.