The Hof University of Applied Sciences’ Android university app, developed under the direction of Prof. Dr. Walter Kern, has enjoyed great popularity since its launch around two years ago. Around 1000 students use the app, which is constantly being developed further. A new update now introduces further innovative features that make the app even more functional and user-friendly.
Faster access to articles from “campuls-digital” and a Primuss token option to unlock additional app features such as displaying lecturers and examiners – just two of many new features in the university app; Image: Hof University;
The new version of the app offers improved integration of the popular university magazine Campuls. Thanks to a new search function including a full-text search, students can now find the desired articles even faster and more precisely and always stay up to date. The feature is to be expanded further in the future and merge into a new “stream functionality”, which will provide students with everything new about lectures, dates, events and news articles aggregated in one place, with personalization planned.
Primuss token integration
The Hof Android app is now the first university-wide app to support the brand new Primuss token solution. Additional functions can be activated by transferring the token, which is valid for one semester, to the app settings. For example, students can now view the names of lecturers and examiners directly in the timetable and module handbook. It is also possible to navigate from the timetable to the lecturers, including contact options. A link from a timetable entry to the respective Moodle course has also been implemented experimentally and is currently already working for Moodle course names assigned according to the scheme. This is to be extended to all Moodle courses in the future.
Optimized timetable view
Based on valuable feedback from students, the view of the personal timetable has been revised and improved. This ensures a clearer display and makes it easier to plan everyday study activities. Further optimizations in terms of performance and support for additional devices are planned for the future.
An improved view of the timetable and module handbooks, including examiners and permitted aids, is also among the updates; Image: Hof University;
Advanced settings
The new settings page offers a variety of additional options that allow users to customize the app. In addition, the technical basis for extended notifications on important semester dates, e.g. re-registration for further studies, has been created – a feature that will be introduced in a later update.
A proven concept that continues to grow
The app is not only a helpful tool for everyday student life, but also an example of the successful collaboration between students and Hof University of Applied Sciences. As Prof. Kern emphasizes, feedback from the student body is continuously integrated into the further development of the app. This can already be seen in the customizability of the start page, a function that was implemented at the direct request of the students.
Looking to the future
The Hof University of Applied Sciences Android app is much more than just a digital tool – it is a constantly growing project that makes everyday life easier for students and strengthens the connection to the university. With the new features and the planned further development, the app remains an indispensable companion for studying.
To download the new app, visit the Google Play Store. Try out the new functions and be inspired by the user-friendliness and variety of the app! And always feel free to give feedback directly to androidapps@hof-university.de. We will do our best to implement all your wishes.
Note: When switching to the new version, it may be necessary to enter the semester dates again in the settings due to the Primuss migration. This will then be applied again in future versions of the app.
