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Comment by hughes | Hacker News Reader

What was the motivation for making this and Android app?

Since this is just a source of information, I'm not sure I see why you'd want to limit it to a platform-specific client.

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We launched back in July because we felt tech could scale the great resources and tips shared in guides, forums, and in-person visits to NGOs. Given we are a team primarily of immigrants, we also wanted to combat the xenophobia in this country.

iOS is coming soon! Android headsets are cheaper and have a higher market share, and are therefore are more likely to be used by undocumented immigrants.

I think hughes's point was why isn't this just a website? (Which would work on all platforms, including iOS and desktop PCs, and would be searchable through Google.)

Maybe because of connectivity? Not everyone has a data plan when they arrive to the country.

Offline-capable websites are a thing. Plus you still need a connection to download the app initially anyway.

We want users to peruse the knowledge bank offline due to the cost of data and the potential that a detained or soon-to-be-detained immigrant may not have an internet connection.

Right, which is why I mentioned that it's entirely possible to make a website which can be used offline. You might want to have a look at Service Workers. https://developers.google.com/web/fundamentals/getting-start...

Great suggestion. We'll check it out.

That makes sense to me! Thanks for the response.

Users are not generally aware of this, whereas they may have more confidence in the possibility of an app working offline.

The only android app I worked on that was more popular on android than iOS was predominantly used by people that identify as Hispanic as well as Black Women living in America.

It was a pregnancy information app. Extrapolate whatever you want.

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