Mobile Upload Instructables (Updated 2015, 01-25)

[Leo Nguyen]

For those who utilize smartphone, tablets, and mobile technology, I'm writing an updated instructable for such an occasion, which is long overdue.

For this specific instructable, I'm using an Android based smartphone:

Android version 4.4.7 (KitKat)

Mobile web browsing app: Dolphin/Chrome

Each operating system (OS)  is different, based on how much update to the OS you've done. The more updates to the OS, the better it will utilize the BBG site's codes, effectively, and cleanly.

To get to the site as mobile version, for fast access, minimal usage of data, type in the following link:

http://www.bigbluegill.com/m  ("m" is directive for mobile). Once you visit the page, there is an icon, denoted as 3 dots, with 3 lines. That is your MENU option list.

To upload, click on the MENU, and select the PHOTO option.

Once you've selected the PHOTO option, the BBG site's general photo album will be loaded. To add new photo to the general photo album, simply click on the "+" button at the bottom. This will invoke a Mobile Upload Option screen.

Once you've Mobile Upload Option screen pops up, you'll see an area to add your photo's Title, and Description. Do these two first, before Browsing for your file. Why? Efficiently streamline the upload process so you don't accidentally upload the photo without the description.

Once you're done, click on the BROWSE button to initiate your local smartphone's file manager/camera.

 If you already have a file ready, there will be a DOCUMENT option for you to click on. Otherwise, you will have a CAMERA option for you to select on so you can take a photo before posting. For this purpose, let's find the document on the phone. So, click the DOCUMENT option. There will be an icon with 3 lines on the left near the top. This is the File Manager Menu List. It will show you all the possible area where you can find your files on your phone. Normally, your camera photos are placed in the folder called "DICM", "CAMERA", or even "GALLERY". Once you've found the file, click on the file. It will then initiate the upload mode. It all depends on how fast your data is and your file size, it can be as fast as 10 seconds, or as long as 4 hours. Yep..4 whole hours.

HOWEVER, you can go for another method. This method is to either EMAIL or TEXT the photos to BBG site. Bruce Condello have done a great service for us in providing this extra method, which is superb!

Once again, visit the site: http://www.bigbluegill.com/m

Click on the MENU option list. Then click the DESKTOP VIEW option. This will invoke the mobile web browser to fully load the BBG site as if you are using a full blown computer.

Now, look near the top right side of the site's website. You'll see a slightly faded out "+ ADD" option. That's to initiate a normal upload on a computer web browser. Since you are using a mobile web browser, you'll see something a bit more..or rather..less optional/functional.

In the middle of the screen, you'll see a dead JAVA plug-in. Yep..it's not working. Don't worry. Look at the bottom right side of your web browser. You'll see a red little cell phone icon (it happens to look like an early 2000 brick phone, or some kind of a walkie talkie). Just below that, there's an email link of some type, labeled "Send your photos to:" . That's your golden link. click it.

Here, you'll get a designated email address that you can use your SMS (Testing app) or mobile email app to send your file to. Just to be aware of something:

If you're using an SMS (Texting app), your phone will decrease the resolution of your photo from a huge 6 megapixel or higher photo, to a lowly 4 megapixel photo (which is between 500KB to 750KB in file size). If you're uploading the video through the SMS/Texting app (or known as MMS), you will be maxed out 1000KB, which is about 15 seconds of video time, at a poor video quality of 320x240. Uploading video can be a massive pain, period.

If you're emailing it, you can send photo at a maximum of 5 megabytes (which is about 10 to 18 megapixels). No go with video. Why? Server storage space. We rather have you upload your videos to Vimeo, YouTube, PhotoBucket, etc.. This way, quality photos can be preserved here instead, and larger storage servers can store your video.

The email link provide is specifically tailored for your BBG account. You can find your uploaded photos later in your own account, so you can place them into your own personalized photo, using your computer.

[Andy is OptiMystic]

I got a partial:

http://bigbluegill.com/photo/2036984:Photo:580242

but no error on the phone. I think I need to lower my default camera res.

[Leo Nguyen]

The best way to post any photo here is not to upload raw files from the camera (standard at 4 to 10 mega pixels for all compact cameras, including smartphones). Have a converter ready. If the image is good quality to start with, convert down to either 1024x768, or 1600x1200 (2MP). These files are only about 50KB to 500KB in size. Quick upload with minimal photo partial upload. The spotty your data connection, the lower final resolution of a file you need to punch down. 1024x768 is the best upload size.

[Andy is OptiMystic]

Yeah, it turns out that changing camera resolution isn't an option except for  wide screen or not (6 vs 8 MP) or using the front 0.3MP camera. I have XnExpress Pro, which will do it and I could clip first so I get better pictures anyway. 

[Leo Nguyen]

Wait..most phone camera can inter-switch between the low end camera mode 0.9MP to as high as it can handle (normally 8MP). The setting may be limited due the camera app you're using. Try Open Camera, CameraZoomFX, and even Google Camera.

If you're talking about a normal camera, even the cheapest 4MP camera allows you to switch between 1, 2, and 4PM, either with 4x3 or 16x9 wide lens photo option.

If you've taken camera shots at normal 4x3 layout, convert normally. If you're taking wide lens style shots, best to convert wide lens style. It's no longer a 1, 2, 4, 8, 10, 16, 20 MP thing. It's an extra 0.XMP added in.

[Andy is OptiMystic]

I downloaded Open Camera. I set it to 2 MP, which is plenty for most everything I use it for. And I always have the standard one for a quick hi res shot without messing with settings.

Thanks!

[Andy is OptiMystic]

I figured it out. It was my fault, sort of. I pressed to button to send more than once. I say sort of because I think the partial should have been discarded instead of posted and better feedback that it was uploading would have helped. The secon time I noticed the teeny tiny progress bar (more like a line).

[Andy is OptiMystic]

One other comment for other Android users. I added a Chrome bookmark widget (standard widget on most Android phones) so I could add an icon on the phone to come straight here.

[Leo Nguyen]

For those who have GMail acocunt, Chrome is a godsent, especially in keeping the bookmarks stored away in cloud server if your phone and/or computer goes dead. Dolphin HD browser is the second line up.

[Slip Sinker]

excellent write up Leo!

[Leo Nguyen]

Thanks Ken. But of course, you probably know another 2 hidden ways to upload :-D