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Progressive Web App (PWA)

RTC Collector is a Progressive Web App, which means it works like a native app while running in your browser. You can install it on your device, use it offline, and get a fast, app-like experience.

What is a PWA?​

A Progressive Web App combines the best of web and mobile apps:

Web App Benefits:

  • No app store required
  • Instant updates
  • Works on any device
  • No download size limits

Native App Benefits:

  • Install on your home screen
  • Works offline
  • Fast performance
  • Push notifications
  • Full-screen experience

Installing RTC Collector​

On Desktop (Chrome, Edge, Brave)​

  1. Visit rtccollector.com
  2. Look for the install icon in the address bar (computer with down arrow)
  3. Click it and select Install
  4. RTC Collector opens in its own window
  5. A shortcut is added to your desktop/Start menu/applications

Or:

  1. Click the three dots menu in your browser
  2. Select Install RTC Collector
  3. Confirm installation

On Mobile (iOS)​

Safari:

  1. Open rtccollector.com in Safari
  2. Tap the Share button (square with arrow)
  3. Scroll down and tap Add to Home Screen
  4. Name it "RTC Collector"
  5. Tap Add
  6. Icon appears on your home screen

Chrome/Edge (iOS): These browsers don't support PWA installation on iOS. Use Safari for the best experience.

On Mobile (Android)​

Chrome:

  1. Open rtccollector.com in Chrome
  2. Tap the three dots menu
  3. Select Install app or Add to Home screen
  4. Confirm installation
  5. Icon appears on your home screen

Edge/Firefox: Similar process to Chrome - look for install or add to home screen options.

PWA Install Prompt​

When you first visit RTC Collector, you may see an install prompt banner:

  • Click Install to install immediately
  • Click Maybe Later to dismiss (you can install manually later)
  • Click Never to stop seeing the prompt

Benefits of Installing​

Standalone Window​

Runs in its own window without browser UI:

  • No address bar
  • No browser tabs
  • More screen space for your collection
  • Feels like a native app

Offline Support​

When you're offline:

  • View your collection (cached data)
  • Browse previously-viewed items
  • Read messages
  • Use search (on cached items)

When you can't (offline):

  • Add or edit items
  • Make marketplace purchases
  • Send new messages
  • Sync changes

All changes you attempt offline are queued and sync when you reconnect.

Faster Performance​

  • Instant loading after first visit
  • Cached resources load instantly
  • Images and data prefetched
  • Smooth animations and transitions

Push Notifications​

Get notifications even when the app isn't open:

  • New messages
  • Offers on listings
  • Transaction updates
  • Friend requests

App-Like Experience​

  • Full-screen on mobile
  • Swipe gestures
  • Pull-to-refresh
  • Native feel

Offline Features​

What Works Offline​

Collection Viewing:

  • Browse all items you've previously viewed
  • View item details and photos
  • Use search and filters (on cached data)
  • View stats and summaries

Marketplace:

  • View listings you've seen before
  • Read previous conversations
  • View your listings

Read-Only Access:

  • All previously-loaded data is available
  • No write operations work offline

What Doesn't Work Offline​

Write Operations:

  • Adding items
  • Editing items
  • Creating listings
  • Sending messages
  • Making purchases
  • Uploading photos

Real-Time Features:

  • New marketplace listings
  • New messages
  • Live notifications
  • Price updates

Fresh Data:

  • Data is as current as your last sync
  • Won't see changes made by others until you reconnect

Offline Indicator​

When you're offline:

  • Yellow banner appears at the top of the page
  • "You're offline" message displayed
  • Write buttons are disabled
  • Informational message explains limitations

Offline Message Queue​

Messages typed while offline:

  • Saved locally on your device
  • Automatically sent when you reconnect
  • Uses Background Sync API
  • Sends even if you close the tab

This ensures you never lose a message you've written.

Syncing When Back Online​

When you reconnect:

  • Offline banner disappears
  • Queued messages are sent automatically
  • Latest data is fetched
  • Your collection updates with any changes
  • You get notifications for events that happened while offline

Storage​

Persistent Storage​

RTC Collector can request persistent storage from your browser to prevent data from being evicted:

What This Means:

  • Your cached data won't be deleted when browser storage is low
  • Offline access is more reliable
  • Collections stay cached longer

Granting Persistent Storage:

  1. You'll see a prompt asking to allow persistent storage
  2. Click Allow
  3. Your browser saves RTC Collector data permanently

You can always revoke this permission in browser settings.

Storage Usage​

View how much storage RTC Collector is using:

  1. Go to Settings → Data Management → Storage Info
  2. See breakdown:
    • Cached items: XX MB
    • Cached images: XX MB
    • Offline queue: XX KB
    • Total: XX MB

Clearing Cache:

  • Clear browser data in your browser settings
  • Or uninstall and reinstall the PWA
  • Note: This logs you out and clears offline data

Updates​

Automatic Updates​

RTC Collector checks for updates every 60 seconds while you're using it:

  • New version downloaded in background
  • An "Update Available" prompt appears (positioned above the mobile bottom navigation so it's always visible)
  • Tap Update Now to reload with the new version instantly
  • Or ignore it — the update will apply next time you fully reload the page

On the native Android app, the update button opens the Google Play Store listing so you can update from there.

Manual Update Checking​

You can also check for updates manually:

  1. Go to Settings > About
  2. Tap Check for Updates
  3. You'll see whether you're up to date or if a new version is available

App Shortcuts (Mobile)​

Long-press the app icon on your home screen for quick actions:

  • Add Item — Jump straight to adding a new item
  • My Collection — Go directly to your collection
  • Marketplace — Browse the marketplace
  • Library — Explore the item database

Offline Fallback Page​

If you lose connection while navigating to a page that hasn't been cached:

  • A friendly offline page is shown instead of a browser error
  • The page automatically detects when you're back online and refreshes
  • A helpful message reminds you that your data is safe and cached locally

Version Number​

See your current version:

  • Bottom of the settings page
  • Help page
  • Format: v2.x.x

Managing the Installed App​

Updating​

Updates happen automatically in the background. When a new version is available:

  1. You'll see a banner: "Update available"
  2. Click Update Now to reload with the new version
  3. Or ignore it - update will apply on next visit

Uninstalling​

Desktop:

  1. Right-click the app icon
  2. Select Uninstall or Remove
  3. Confirm

Or from the app:

  1. Click the three dots in the title bar
  2. Select Uninstall RTC Collector

Mobile (iOS):

  1. Long-press the app icon
  2. Select Remove App
  3. Confirm

Mobile (Android):

  1. Long-press the app icon
  2. Select Uninstall or App Info → Uninstall

Note: Uninstalling the PWA doesn't delete your account or data. You can still access everything through the website.

Permissions​

Push Notifications​

Allow notifications:

  • Browser will ask permission
  • Grant to receive notifications
  • Manage in browser settings or app settings

Persistent Storage​

Allow persistent storage:

  • Prevents cache eviction
  • Makes offline access more reliable
  • Recommended for daily users

Location (Optional)​

Some features may request location:

  • Finding local sellers
  • Auto-filling location fields
  • Not required for core functionality

Camera (Mobile)​

For photo uploads:

  • Access camera to take photos directly
  • Or choose existing photos from gallery
  • Required for adding item photos on mobile

Troubleshooting​

App Won't Install​

Check browser support:

  • Chrome 67+
  • Edge 79+
  • Safari 11.1+ (iOS/Mac)
  • Firefox 58+ (limited support)

Try:

  • Update your browser
  • Clear browser cache
  • Try a different browser
  • Visit over HTTPS (required for PWA)

Offline Mode Not Working​

Check:

  • Did you visit the pages while online first? (required for caching)
  • Is persistent storage granted?
  • Try refreshing the page while online

Fix:

  • Clear cache and revisit while online
  • Grant persistent storage permission
  • Update to latest version

Push Notifications Not Working​

Check:

  • Did you grant notification permission?
  • Are notifications enabled in browser settings?
  • Are notifications enabled in RTC Collector Settings?

Fix:

  • Check browser notification settings
  • Re-grant permission if previously denied
  • Ensure Settings → Notifications are enabled for the events you want

App Feels Slow​

Try:

  • Clear cache and reload
  • Check your internet connection
  • Update to latest version
  • Reinstall the app

Data Not Syncing​

Check:

  • Are you online?
  • Is the app updated to the latest version?

Fix:

  • Force refresh (Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + R)
  • Log out and log back in
  • Reinstall the app

Browser Support​

Fully Supported​

  • Chrome 67+ (Desktop & Mobile)
  • Edge 79+
  • Safari 11.1+ (iOS & Mac)
  • Samsung Internet 7+

Partial Support​

  • Firefox 58+ (install works, some PWA features limited)
  • Opera 55+

Not Supported​

  • Internet Explorer (use Edge instead)
  • Older mobile browsers

Questions?​

For PWA questions: