Simple Commenter Update 1.0.7: Screenshots & Drawing

We're thrilled to announce the latest update to Simple Commenter, version 1.0.7, packed with features designed to make your website feedback process even more visual and efficient!

What's New in Simple Commenter 1.0.7

Visual Feedback with Screenshots

Now you can capture and attach screenshots directly to your comments! This makes it easier than ever to highlight specific elements and provide precise feedback on exactly what you're seeing.

Draw on Page

Want to point something out directly? Our new "Draw on Page" feature lets you annotate elements visually, making your feedback crystal clear. Circle areas, draw arrows, and emphasize key details right on the webpage.

See the Full Picture

Comments associated with a screenshot or drawing will now be visible on the page, even if they were previously hidden. This ensures that when visual context is attached, the corresponding comment is readily accessible for review and replies.

Why These Updates Matter

These new visual annotation capabilities are designed to streamline your feedback loops and enhance collaboration. Imagine being able to:

• Clearly indicate design tweaks with a quick drawing.
• Pinpoint layout issues with a precise screenshot.
• Ensure everyone sees the context behind visual feedback.

Technical Insights on Mobile Limitations

On desktop, our screenshot feature utilizes `navigator.mediaDevices.getDisplayMedia` with the `browser` display surface to capture a precise frame of what the user sees. This stream is then drawn onto a canvas and converted to a base64 image. Unfortunately, mobile browsers generally restrict the use of `getDisplayMedia` for capturing the entire screen or a specific browser tab due to security and privacy concerns. This prevents us from using the same precise method we employ on desktop.

We also explored third-party libraries like `html2canvas`. However, these solutions often fall short in accurately rendering complex CSS and JavaScript elements, meaning the captured image wouldn't always reflect exactly what the user is experiencing on the page.

Therefore, for now, precise screen capture is only available on desktop. If you have any innovative ideas or technical insights on how to achieve accurate, cross-browser compatible screen capture on mobile web within these constraints, please don't hesitate to contact us via support.

Looking Ahead

Our focus remains on providing you with the most efficient and user-friendly website annotation tool. We believe these visual updates are a significant step forward, and we appreciate your patience as we continue to refine the mobile experience.

Try out the new screenshot and drawing features on your desktop today! We're eager to hear your feedback.