After quite some time, I’m finally ready to share this.
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@stefano some screenshots, please? 👀
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EDIT: Build 68 should also run on iOS 18.x but it currently crashes. I'll see if I can fix it.
After quite some time, I’m finally ready to share this.
MastoBlaster is now available in public testing on TestFlight.
It is a lightweight, privacy-first Fediverse client for iOS, built around a simple idea: fast, small, predictable behavior, and first-class support for snac.
What makes it different:
• snac-first by design, not "compatible by accident"
• Works with all Mastodon API compatible software, including Mastodon, snac, GoToSocial, Akkoma, and others
• EXIF stripping on upload (HDR and orientation preserved)
• Optional on-device alt text generation via Apple Intelligence for your uploads and for images in your timeline
• Markdown posting for snac
• Granular notifications, grouping, multi-account
• Blocking and moderation tools
• Very small footprint, very low RAM usageAlt text generation happens entirely on device via Apple APIs on supported hardware. Nothing is sent to external services.
It is built around my own workflow and priorities. It may not be for everyone, and that is perfectly fine.
Important note:
MastoBlaster will always be free for BSD Cafe users, illumos Cafe users, and for anyone connecting to a snac instance, including self-hosted ones.The app is already usable, but this is still a test phase. I am looking for feedback, bug reports, and real-world usage insights.
TestFlight link:
https://testflight.apple.com/join/Pkxa5R1kStay tuned.
#MastoBlaster #iOS #Fediverse #Mastodon #snac #snac2 #Akkoma #GoToSocial #ActivityPub #OwnYourData
@stefano on it 😃
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EDIT: Build 68 should also run on iOS 18.x but it currently crashes. I'll see if I can fix it.
After quite some time, I’m finally ready to share this.
MastoBlaster is now available in public testing on TestFlight.
It is a lightweight, privacy-first Fediverse client for iOS, built around a simple idea: fast, small, predictable behavior, and first-class support for snac.
What makes it different:
• snac-first by design, not "compatible by accident"
• Works with all Mastodon API compatible software, including Mastodon, snac, GoToSocial, Akkoma, and others
• EXIF stripping on upload (HDR and orientation preserved)
• Optional on-device alt text generation via Apple Intelligence for your uploads and for images in your timeline
• Markdown posting for snac
• Granular notifications, grouping, multi-account
• Blocking and moderation tools
• Very small footprint, very low RAM usageAlt text generation happens entirely on device via Apple APIs on supported hardware. Nothing is sent to external services.
It is built around my own workflow and priorities. It may not be for everyone, and that is perfectly fine.
Important note:
MastoBlaster will always be free for BSD Cafe users, illumos Cafe users, and for anyone connecting to a snac instance, including self-hosted ones.The app is already usable, but this is still a test phase. I am looking for feedback, bug reports, and real-world usage insights.
TestFlight link:
https://testflight.apple.com/join/Pkxa5R1kStay tuned.
#MastoBlaster #iOS #Fediverse #Mastodon #snac #snac2 #Akkoma #GoToSocial #ActivityPub #OwnYourData
@stefano It has some issues with iOS accessibility VoiceOver function. Some unlabeled buttons, some sequential order issues, let me know if I can get in touch for further details. For example, one, is that you labeled "GLOBE" the button to choose message's privacy: public, unlisted, followers, etc... remember, button labels must match button's functionality
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@stefano It has some issues with iOS accessibility VoiceOver function. Some unlabeled buttons, some sequential order issues, let me know if I can get in touch for further details. For example, one, is that you labeled "GLOBE" the button to choose message's privacy: public, unlisted, followers, etc... remember, button labels must match button's functionality
@elettrona Hello Elena, your feedback is EXTREMELY precious! Feel free to send me anything you think could be fixed/improved and I'll do it. You can send me an email (stefano@dragas.it) or messages here - whatever you prefer. Thank you!
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@stefano @Linkshaender if it's too much hassle, I'll wait (or finally have a good reason to upgrade to 26 ;))
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EDIT: Build 68 should also run on iOS 18.x but it currently crashes. I'll see if I can fix it.
After quite some time, I’m finally ready to share this.
MastoBlaster is now available in public testing on TestFlight.
It is a lightweight, privacy-first Fediverse client for iOS, built around a simple idea: fast, small, predictable behavior, and first-class support for snac.
What makes it different:
• snac-first by design, not "compatible by accident"
• Works with all Mastodon API compatible software, including Mastodon, snac, GoToSocial, Akkoma, and others
• EXIF stripping on upload (HDR and orientation preserved)
• Optional on-device alt text generation via Apple Intelligence for your uploads and for images in your timeline
• Markdown posting for snac
• Granular notifications, grouping, multi-account
• Blocking and moderation tools
• Very small footprint, very low RAM usageAlt text generation happens entirely on device via Apple APIs on supported hardware. Nothing is sent to external services.
It is built around my own workflow and priorities. It may not be for everyone, and that is perfectly fine.
Important note:
MastoBlaster will always be free for BSD Cafe users, illumos Cafe users, and for anyone connecting to a snac instance, including self-hosted ones.The app is already usable, but this is still a test phase. I am looking for feedback, bug reports, and real-world usage insights.
TestFlight link:
https://testflight.apple.com/join/Pkxa5R1kStay tuned.
#MastoBlaster #iOS #Fediverse #Mastodon #snac #snac2 #Akkoma #GoToSocial #ActivityPub #OwnYourData
@stefano So far so good during my limited use this morning. Looks great. 👍
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@brozu Thanks. I'll try to see if it's possible or if some of the features I've used are 26+ only
@stefano thank you very much!
-
EDIT: Build 68 should also run on iOS 18.x but it currently crashes. I'll see if I can fix it.
After quite some time, I’m finally ready to share this.
MastoBlaster is now available in public testing on TestFlight.
It is a lightweight, privacy-first Fediverse client for iOS, built around a simple idea: fast, small, predictable behavior, and first-class support for snac.
What makes it different:
• snac-first by design, not "compatible by accident"
• Works with all Mastodon API compatible software, including Mastodon, snac, GoToSocial, Akkoma, and others
• EXIF stripping on upload (HDR and orientation preserved)
• Optional on-device alt text generation via Apple Intelligence for your uploads and for images in your timeline
• Markdown posting for snac
• Granular notifications, grouping, multi-account
• Blocking and moderation tools
• Very small footprint, very low RAM usageAlt text generation happens entirely on device via Apple APIs on supported hardware. Nothing is sent to external services.
It is built around my own workflow and priorities. It may not be for everyone, and that is perfectly fine.
Important note:
MastoBlaster will always be free for BSD Cafe users, illumos Cafe users, and for anyone connecting to a snac instance, including self-hosted ones.The app is already usable, but this is still a test phase. I am looking for feedback, bug reports, and real-world usage insights.
TestFlight link:
https://testflight.apple.com/join/Pkxa5R1kStay tuned.
#MastoBlaster #iOS #Fediverse #Mastodon #snac #snac2 #Akkoma #GoToSocial #ActivityPub #OwnYourData
@stefano you are not the first to say it's the first
-
EDIT: Build 68 should also run on iOS 18.x but it currently crashes. I'll see if I can fix it.
After quite some time, I’m finally ready to share this.
MastoBlaster is now available in public testing on TestFlight.
It is a lightweight, privacy-first Fediverse client for iOS, built around a simple idea: fast, small, predictable behavior, and first-class support for snac.
What makes it different:
• snac-first by design, not "compatible by accident"
• Works with all Mastodon API compatible software, including Mastodon, snac, GoToSocial, Akkoma, and others
• EXIF stripping on upload (HDR and orientation preserved)
• Optional on-device alt text generation via Apple Intelligence for your uploads and for images in your timeline
• Markdown posting for snac
• Granular notifications, grouping, multi-account
• Blocking and moderation tools
• Very small footprint, very low RAM usageAlt text generation happens entirely on device via Apple APIs on supported hardware. Nothing is sent to external services.
It is built around my own workflow and priorities. It may not be for everyone, and that is perfectly fine.
Important note:
MastoBlaster will always be free for BSD Cafe users, illumos Cafe users, and for anyone connecting to a snac instance, including self-hosted ones.The app is already usable, but this is still a test phase. I am looking for feedback, bug reports, and real-world usage insights.
TestFlight link:
https://testflight.apple.com/join/Pkxa5R1kStay tuned.
#MastoBlaster #iOS #Fediverse #Mastodon #snac #snac2 #Akkoma #GoToSocial #ActivityPub #OwnYourData
@stefano congrats and it looks great! I’d be interested to test as well, but on iOS 18 like others.
By the way, what is snac? 😅
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@stefano congrats and it looks great! I’d be interested to test as well, but on iOS 18 like others.
By the way, what is snac? 😅
@nabeards I've just published build 68, minimum iOS version now lowered to 18.x - Foundation models (Apple Intelligence) will be affected.
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@stefano congrats and it looks great! I’d be interested to test as well, but on iOS 18 like others.
By the way, what is snac? 😅
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@stefano So far so good during my limited use this morning. Looks great. 👍
@SamuraiSakura thank you for your feedback!
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@Linkshaender @FiLiS I just published build 68 - Minimum iOS version now lowered to 18.x - Foundation models (Apple Intelligence) will be affected. Now you can try it (please give me a feedback as I couldn't test it on 18.x devices). Thank you!
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@stefano thank you very much!
@brozu I just published build 68 - Minimum iOS version now lowered to 18.x - Foundation models (Apple Intelligence) will be affected. Now you can try it (please give me a feedback as I couldn't test it on 18.x devices). Thank you!
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@Linkshaender @FiLiS I just published build 68 - Minimum iOS version now lowered to 18.x - Foundation models (Apple Intelligence) will be affected. Now you can try it (please give me a feedback as I couldn't test it on 18.x devices). Thank you!
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@stefano awesome! Mille grazie!
I just sent two crash reports. The app crashed while authorizing and now refuses to start. -
@Linkshaender @FiLiS I'll check, thank you!
Gli ultimi otto messaggi ricevuti dalla Federazione
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@silverpill@mitra.social I'm sorry you feel that way. I agree that I suppose there hasn't been a lot of true R&D lately, though a lot of that could be we're just shipping with little fanfare.
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In previous years, I published two "fediverse tech roadmap" posts:
- Fediverse tech roadmap 2024
- Fediverse tech roadmap 2025However, I didn't publish such post this year because not much has happened in 2025. Many problems I talked about require complex solutions, but unfortunately proposed solutions are often very limited or lead to centralization. Or worse, there is no solution but only an imitation of work. I don't want to write about that.
I saw a thread today where ATProto ecosystem was compared to #ActivityPub. Things are happening in the Atmosphere, but not in Fediverse. MAU graphs are flat. What's going on?
There are multiple factors at play, but I think fake activity may be the biggest contributor. Trivial developments presented as breakthroughs. Features that already exist somewhere in Fediverse presented as new inventions. Vaporware. Specs written by people who have no idea how to implement them. Working groups that do nothing but meetings.
Real work is ignored, competent developers see that and quit.
We need to fix this.
For my part, I will continue to document #Fediverse development at @weekinfediverse. But this newsletter doesn't have much impact.
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@iDGS SUPERB advice David 🙌 @maddyteichmann @andypiper @FediTips @FediFollows
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@maddyteichmann @andypiper @_elena 👋 (waves hello) FYI, In addition to @FediTips , @FediFollows is another good account to follow. And it looks like you already know that #Hashtags are a big thing hereabouts. I hear using #CamelCase (sic.) helps many folks, and so does including #ALTtext describing every image. (Plus, there’s sometimes bonus info therein!)
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@maddyteichmann you're welcome and no problem
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@ainmosni Sounds like a good place to be 😎
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@jadag88 Thanks for the welcome! Can't wait to see what it's like. So far, seems lovely 🙂
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@daba Danke 🙂
