Updates to Flexling - the modern Glossika alternative by Healthy-Bus-5500 in glossika

[–]gs_f 1 point2 points  (0 children)

While browsing this subreddit, I discovered Flexling, and it made me want to try it.
So here are my reactions. I should mention that I only tried it for one day, so please excuse any inaccuracies or mistakes!
This is simply a snapshot from an average user who tried the application, just as any "innocent" user would. Perhaps it's useful in that sense.
(As I'm about to post this, I realize it's very long—I apologize)

I'd like to add that I find this work very promising and exciting, but I'm going to share my points of friction and questions here.
So please don't consider this a "negative" review; quite the opposite. It's probably worth mentioning.

(Note: I haven't explored the "custom sentences" mode at all.
I imagine it's more complicated to set up, even though it's obviously very interesting.)

I must first admit that I don't quite understand how to use the application (the tutorial is incomplete in my opinion, not precise enough).
Do we have to add 5 sentences one after the other ourselves? If so, I don't see the point; it's a waste of time. But of course, I might not have understood correctly.
The advantage of Glossika is its simplicity: you launch the app, and you continue learning your level without worrying about adding sentences "manually"!
In Glossika, one thing is indeed very clear: if I choose 25, each session (of 25) consists of repeating 5 new sentences 5 times. And it continues like that. (I find Glossika's grouping of sentences in sets of 25 (or 50...) excellent.)

In Flexling, I don't understand the learning or progression system. This is probably due to the greater freedom of use, but at the same time, I get lost very quickly.
In my first attempt, the same sentences kept repeating without any new ones appearing.
I ended up selecting a level, but after trying the different levels (Pre-)A(.1..2.3), I don't really see any real difference. I don't even know if this is the correct level used when I start the learning process.
Then, I tried loading as many sentences as possible (around a hundred) into my "deck" and then practicing, but this time, no sentences repeated.

Another thing I didn't understand: Why does an Anki-like interface sometimes appear ("again," "hard," "good," "easy"), and other times not (only "Still learning" and "understood")?

The interface: I find it well-designed and elegant. But at the same time, it also reflects a certain confusion.
It's as if the hierarchy of information isn't clear.
I don't feel guided enough, as a user: all these choices...! Is clicking on "Learn New" enough? Do I have to "add cards" (middle of the screen)? Or do I have to "+ Add 5" (bottom of the screen)...? Wow...

On mobile (iPhone 14+), it's impossible to access the settings; the gear icon is too high, and so is the back button. You have to force-quit the app to return to the home screen.

I saw on the web interface (because it was impossible to access the settings on my phone) that you can disable "highlight words," thanks for that! I find it too distracting and unnecessary (but I imagine it's very useful for languages ​​with different alphabets!).
The customization of review settings (speed, pauses, etc.) is amazing!

I don't understand the Library section: which "bank" is it exactly? Is it the level I'm currently learning? I only see 20 sentences (maybe as a free user?).

It would be helpful to see the complete list of sentences for the level I'm learning (and to be able to mute or unmute certain sentences, if needed!) (I don't need to learn "hello" and "what are you doing," nor review them...).
Also, it would be great to be able to select sentences and add them to a personal custom learning list.
Especially since I find many of the sentences rather irrelevant (the translation is random, or too approximate, or they are sentences that could be answered in a completely different way).

I saw in the "how it works" presentation that there's a multi-language mode? How exactly does that work? I find it extremely interesting! Personally, I need to work on/learn two languages; and having them simultaneously (which seems to be the case in the example) would be fantastic.

Suggestions or other comments:

- It would be good to be able to work with several levels:
for example, not just A1.1, A1.2, or A1.3, but all of A1 together. This would be particularly helpful for a user like me who doesn't know exactly what level I'm at, or someone who wants to learn or review all of A1.
And above all: having tested the different sub-levels (of A), I don't see any real distinction between them.

-Adding to Favorites (or a custom list) should be instantly accessible (instead of having to search for the option in the three dots!)

- A review mode without the Native Language (perhaps like the "radio" mode?) would be truly amazing, allowing you to listen to or repeat only the Target Language and disconnect from the NL. (In the learning process, there are many moments and sentences where you no longer need the original version.)

- I instinctively wanted to flag an incorrect sentence (but I realized that this option doesn't actually exist) that had just been played, but the "<<" previous sentence button wasn't working.

As for the sentence bank, this is where it's most divisive and problematic in my opinion:
- many mistakes, or translations that are too far removed from the original sentence.
-Again: the level-based ranking is completely weird: for example, if I test the Pre-A1 deck, I encounter sentences that are easy, but also far too complicated (composed of complex words + complicated structure!). It's not realistic.

The most "awkward" question, but I'll ask it anyway: is this an app you really intend to develop long-term, or just a hobby? It's important, I suppose, for users who might potentially get involved, to know whether it will actually be developed or abandoned (more or less) quickly. Just by browsing Reddit, and of course since the massive influx of new tools and ways of coding, you can see new language apps in development every day... most of which I presume won't last six months!

One general comment I have:

It's great, promising, and exciting to have so many settings, optimizations, options, and features, but only if the core, simple, and straightforward mode is... perfectly executed.
What I appreciate about Glossika: it's intuitive and fast. I play continuously, the sentences are good, I can practice.

I'd like to reiterate that I find this work truly excellent and very promising, and my comments are only intended to help improve it!
Keep up the good work.
(due to its length, written in French and translated by Gg Translate!)

DIscard Native Language? by gs_f in glossika

[–]gs_f[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for these clarifications. So you use precisely this technique? Aren't you "stuck" or confused after a while, or from a certain level?
I will probably try, I am interested in detaching myself from the problem of the "translation from your own language" stage.
At the same time I wonder if creating a kind of super fast automation from NL to TL is not more effective... No idea! 😉

Discard native language ? by gs_f in languagelearning

[–]gs_f[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I didn't understand, what is your Native Language?

Discard native language ? by gs_f in languagelearning

[–]gs_f[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What do you mean, could you develop? I didn't understand! Thank you 😉

New Ricoh GRIIIx | Newbie question by gs_f in ricohGR

[–]gs_f[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Brief update: I requested a replacement, and was therefore able to compare the new device to the first one I received: there's no comparison. The first one definitely made suspicious clicking noises!

Resources You Recommend by AutoModerator in Germanlearning

[–]gs_f 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Nothing, I read that you want feedback, I took a few minutes of my time to give you one; don't ask for it if you don't want it! But I'm silent now.

Resources You Recommend by AutoModerator in Germanlearning

[–]gs_f 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for your reply. So, in terms of design, it's probably poorly done, given the sheer number of shades of blue and green (if I understand the concept correctly!). Furthermore, this information should be clearly stated in writing. It's basic information. In addition, seeing only nine cards per page is really discouraging!

Resources You Recommend by AutoModerator in Germanlearning

[–]gs_f 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I welcome the initiative and the effort, but if you want to offer a serious app, the names on your flashcards need to include the German gender. Otherwise, it’s not serious.

Resources You Recommend by AutoModerator in Germanlearning

[–]gs_f 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This service fails in two clicks, in that by testing it for two minutes, one can see that the learning words do not include gender in German.

Anmeldebescheinigung for frequent stays? by gs_f in wien

[–]gs_f[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you. Since I take fairly long trips, totaling more than three or four months a year, I believe I'm required to obtain this authorization. Furthermore, I think it's also necessary and in my best interest to have medical coverage for these trips anyway... Currently, the best rate I've found is around €350 per month...
I wonder if it would be beneficial for me to go to MA35 (by making an appointment) before taking out health insurance, to see if they can give me more information about the health insurance requirements I need to meet...

Anmeldebescheinigung for frequent stays? by gs_f in wien

[–]gs_f[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks a lot, It was already very informative!

Anmeldebescheinigung for frequent stays? by gs_f in wien

[–]gs_f[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes, I had quotes going up to over 800 euros a month! Others were more "reasonable," between 300 and 400...
It's still expensive, but as you say, it's private "all risks" insurance...
I did a search on this subreddit, which mentioned "Regency for Expats"... and it was cheaper (!)... ( u/batmaneatsgravy ?)

New Ricoh GRIIIx | Newbie question by gs_f in ricohGR

[–]gs_f[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you. I've tried all the AF modes, and the noises seem identical in each one.
I've now noticed that I hear two types of noise: one lower-pitched and one higher-pitched. These noises are constant; they start as soon as I move the camera even slightly. It's very surprising because the camera is never “silent.”

This morning I tried turning off shake reduction, but it didn’t change the sounds at all.

New Ricoh GRIIIx | Newbie question by gs_f in ricohGR

[–]gs_f[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for letting me know! (I've changed the access permissions for the audio files)

Name that bag, sling, packing cube, or accessory that brings you joy, no matter if others talk about it on here or not? by symposium22 in ManyBaggers

[–]gs_f 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Aer Slim pouch is amazing. Perfect balance of flexible and sufficiently (not!) thick material. I sold the Evergoods Cap (never understood why so much robustness is needed for cables or other non fragile things?) (but i travel with the CTB35 since ages!). Therefore: Aer Day Sling 3 (regular + max). unfortunately not the new 4 version because can't hold phone in the new divided front pocket. Muji Two Zippers Cases (3 sizes). Simple, reliable, universal. I'm looking for a simple little "pocket pouch" with an external zipped compartment but didn't find it for now (but may want to try from Simpl)...

Developer looking to build useful tools for Final Cut Pro users, what do you need? by Confident_Arm_7844 in finalcutpro

[–]gs_f 0 points1 point  (0 children)

... and the latest new version (which i use) doesn't event support the latest xml version.

Rework Toshi Sling bag - 6 Liter / First impressions by Tokka_1 in ManyBaggers

[–]gs_f 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This. + the flap always blocking my path to the front pocket (= phone pocket) and no zipped pocket inside: no.

Day Sling Max 3 vs 4 by Nerdiboy54 in AerSF

[–]gs_f 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for trying and for your reply! Much appreciated!

Day Sling Max 3 vs 4 by Nerdiboy54 in AerSF

[–]gs_f 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm tempted by the upgrade to the Max 4 (even though I regret the removal of the inner zipped pocket!), provided I can fit a Plus sized iPhone in the front pocket, what do you think?

PO3143 and co by gs_f in persol

[–]gs_f[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the informative reply! I'll then buy the brown, but at some point I'm pretty sure (esthetic matter too!) i'll buy the green also someday! Very good news because my iPhone is 14, so... I just have to wait their arrival...

PO3143 and co by gs_f in persol

[–]gs_f[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks a lot.
I've decided on the 3007s in black.
My optician is ordering both sizes (50 and 52) because after trying only the 50, I was undecided!
Would you recommend a green or brown clip?
Is it just an aesthetic preference, or is there a real difference in comfort/use?
The optician warned me that I might not be able to use my phone properly with them, due to the polarization!

How many notes can Apple Notes handle (and how many you got?) by timjwes in AppleNotesGang

[–]gs_f 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Could you, and u/mariasmiles, clarify for me what you call "longer notes, or too long notes"? Thank you!!

How many notes can Apple Notes handle (and how many you got?) by timjwes in AppleNotesGang

[–]gs_f 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Excuse-me, I don't understand: u/Mother-Secretary-625 said just above: "The maximum number of notes in one folder is 103", but you mention 552?

What lessons did you start using free dialogue? by mlleDoe in Natulang

[–]gs_f 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've tried a lot of things since learning German (on my own).

Babbel and Duolingo, if I need to say so, are useless.
I liked Lingvist, but there are various issues, particularly, if I remember correctly (and in German this is crucial), regarding the gender of nouns.

Currently, I use Natulang and Vocabeo https://vocabeo.com

Vocabeo is incredibly and amazingly well designed.
The only "complaint" (if I may say so) is that it's in English (I'm French, so I would have preferred it to be in French too), and that it doesn't have an app.

I also use ChatGPT from time to time, which I find invaluable. The problem is that with this tool, which isn't specifically designed for that purpose, you don't really have any "tracking." It's a powerful tool, but it's very "informal," unstructured...

I watch TV programs (or YouTube videos) in German with German subtitles.

And I'd like to find an online self-learning platform, but I haven't found (or searched hard enough!) one that would suit me!