Mobile vs Web

Opengates is designed to work seamlessly across both mobile and web platforms. Whether you prefer working from your phone while on the go or sitting at your desk with a full-screen browser, you'll have access to the tools and features you need to manage your freelancing business effectively.

That said, there are some differences between the mobile app and the web version. Understanding these differences will help you choose the right platform for each task and make the most of both experiences.

Overview

The Opengates mobile app is currently available on Android (iOS coming soon). The web app is accessible through any modern browser on desktop or laptop computers and provides a full-featured experience optimized for larger screens.

Both platforms share the same core functionality — your account, messages, contracts, payments, and profile are all synced in real time. The differences are primarily in how certain features are presented and in platform-specific capabilities.

Feature Comparison

Here's a comprehensive comparison of features across mobile and web:

Core Features (Available on Both)

Mobile-Optimized Features

Some features work particularly well on mobile or are exclusive to the mobile app:

Push Notifications

The mobile app supports native push notifications that work even when the app is closed or your screen is locked. This means you'll never miss a message, call, or contract update. Push notifications on mobile are generally more reliable and immediate than browser notifications on the web.

Camera Integration

The mobile app has direct access to your device's camera, making it easy to:

• Take and upload profile photos instantly.
• Capture images to share in conversations.
• Scan documents for verification.
• Switch between front and rear cameras during video calls.

Biometric Authentication

Android devices support biometric login through:

• Face Unlock for facial recognition.
• Fingerprint for fingerprint login.
• Passkey authentication using device biometrics.

This makes logging in faster and more secure compared to typing a password.

Offline Access

The mobile app caches certain data locally, allowing you to:

• View recently loaded conversations and messages.
• Browse your profile and settings.
• Draft messages that will be sent when you regain connectivity.

Note that most features still require an active internet connection.

On-the-Go Convenience

The mobile app is optimized for quick, on-the-go interactions:

• Quick-reply to messages from notifications.
• Swipe gestures for navigation.
• Compact interface designed for one-handed use.
• Access from anywhere with a cellular data connection.

Web-Optimized Features

Some features work better on the web or are enhanced by the larger screen:

Larger Screen Experience

The web app takes advantage of your computer's larger display to provide:

• Side-by-side panels: View your message list and a conversation simultaneously.
• Expanded profile views: See more portfolio items, reviews, and details without scrolling.
• Detailed dashboards: Access comprehensive analytics, earnings reports, and contract summaries with more data visible at once.
• Multi-tab workflow: Open multiple sections of Opengates in different browser tabs.

Enhanced Screen Sharing

During video calls on the web, screen sharing is more flexible:

• Share your entire screen, a specific application window, or a specific browser tab.
• Multiple monitor support — choose which monitor to share.
• Higher resolution screen sharing for detailed presentations.

On mobile, screen sharing is more limited and typically shares your entire screen, including notifications.

Advanced File Management

The web app makes it easier to manage files:

• Drag-and-drop file uploads directly into conversations.
• Browse and select files from your computer's file system.
• Upload multiple files at once more efficiently.
• Preview larger documents and images more comfortably.

Keyboard Shortcuts

Power users can benefit from keyboard shortcuts on the web:

• Quick navigation between sections.
• Keyboard-driven message composition and sending.
• Shortcut keys for common actions.

Long-Form Content

For tasks that involve writing or reading large amounts of text — such as writing proposals, reviewing contracts, or composing detailed messages — the web app's larger screen and physical keyboard make the experience more comfortable.

What Works on Mobile Only

A few features are exclusive to or work significantly better on the mobile app:

• Push notifications: Native push notifications that work even when the app is closed. Browser notifications on the web require the browser to be open.
• Camera access: Direct camera integration for taking photos and scanning documents.
• Biometric login: Face ID, Touch ID, and fingerprint authentication.
• Haptic feedback: Tactile feedback for certain interactions (varies by device).
• Quick-reply from notifications: Respond to messages directly from the notification without opening the app.

What Works on Web Only

A few features work exclusively or better on the web:

• Advanced screen sharing options: Choose specific application windows or browser tabs to share (mobile typically only supports full-screen sharing).
• Drag-and-drop file uploads: Drag files directly from your desktop into conversations.
• Multi-tab workflow: Open multiple Opengates pages in separate browser tabs.
• Browser extensions: If available, Opengates browser extensions only work on the web.
• Print functionality: Print contracts, invoices, or reports directly from the browser.

Syncing Between Devices

One of the best things about Opengates is that your data syncs seamlessly between the mobile app and the web. Here's how syncing works:

Real-Time Sync

Your data is synced in real time across all devices. This means:

• Messages: Send a message on your phone and it instantly appears on the web (and vice versa). Your read status, typing indicators, and message history are all synced.
• Contracts: Create or update a contract on the web and see the changes immediately on your phone.
• Profile: Edit your profile on one device and the changes are reflected everywhere.
• Notifications: Marking a notification as read on one device clears it on all other devices.
• Settings: Changes to your account settings, privacy preferences, and notification settings are applied across all devices.

Conversation Continuity

You can start a conversation on one device and continue it on another without missing a beat:

1. Start writing a message on your phone.
2. Decide you need to switch to your computer for a more detailed response.
3. Open the same conversation on the web — your conversation history is right there.
4. Continue the discussion from where you left off.

Call Handoff

If you start a call on one device and need to switch:

• You can end the call on one device and start a new call from the other device.
• Some call transfer features may be available depending on the platform version.

File Access

Files shared in conversations are accessible from any device. Whether a file was shared on mobile or web, you can download and view it on either platform.

Responsive Design

The Opengates web app uses responsive design, which means it adapts its layout to fit the screen size you're using:

Desktop (Large Screens)

On large screens, the web app displays a full layout with:

• Sidebar navigation.
• Multi-column layouts for messages (list + conversation view).
• Expanded dashboard with charts and detailed information.
• Full-width content areas for profiles and listings.

Tablet

On tablets, the layout adjusts to:

• A slightly condensed navigation.
• Flexible column layouts that may stack or side-by-side depending on orientation.
• Touch-friendly interface elements.

Mobile Browser

If you access the Opengates website from a mobile browser (without the native app), you'll get a mobile-optimized web experience:

• Single-column layout.
• Touch-friendly buttons and navigation.
• Simplified menus and interfaces.

While the mobile web experience works, we strongly recommend using the native mobile app instead. The native app provides better performance, push notifications, offline capabilities, and a smoother overall experience.

Notifications Comparison

Notifications work differently on mobile and web:

Mobile App Notifications

• Push notifications: Delivered by your device's operating system. Work even when the app is closed.
• Badge counts: The app icon shows a badge with the number of unread notifications.
• Notification sounds: Customizable sounds and vibration patterns.
• Lock screen notifications: View notifications without unlocking your device.
• Quick actions: Reply to messages or accept calls directly from the notification.

Web App Notifications

• Browser notifications: Delivered by your web browser. Require the browser to be open (though not necessarily the Opengates tab).
• Tab notifications: The browser tab title may flash or show a count of unread notifications.
• In-app indicators: Red badges and notification counts within the Opengates interface.
• Email fallback: If you're not active on the web, notifications may be sent to your email.

Notification Sync

When you read a notification on one device, it's marked as read on all devices. This prevents you from seeing the same notification multiple times across different platforms.

Which Should You Use?

The answer depends on your workflow and preferences:

Use the Mobile App When...

• You're away from your computer and need to stay responsive.
• You want reliable push notifications for messages and calls.
• You need quick access for simple tasks (replying to messages, checking updates).
• You want biometric login for fast, secure access.
• You're on a voice or video call while moving around.

Use the Web App When...

• You're doing detailed work (writing proposals, reviewing contracts, managing finances).
• You need advanced screen sharing during video calls.
• You prefer working with a keyboard and large screen.
• You're managing multiple conversations or tabs simultaneously.
• You need to upload or manage multiple files.

Use Both!

For the best experience, use both the mobile app and the web app. Keep the mobile app installed for notifications and on-the-go access, and use the web app for detailed work at your desk. With real-time syncing, switching between devices is completely seamless.

Still need help? Contact our support team and we'll be happy to assist you.