I agree, I like the current meerupps.

A beta release is pretty much what you're describing.  If I recall from other posts, iTunes doesn't really support a wide-range beta and it's my opinion that releasing a beta to the World would do more harm than good if there's any serious bugs in the app.

I believe that Ken could give out redemption keys to allow select people to download a beta app from iTunes but I think the keys are one-time use and thus would be quite time consuming to issue keys to everyone who wants to be a beta user.

Quoting Dr. Killpatient:

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I agree, I like the current meerupps.

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A beta release is pretty much what you're describing.  If I recall from other posts, iTunes doesn't really support a wide-range beta and it's my opinion that releasing a beta to the World would do more harm than good if there's any serious bugs in the app.

I agree 100%.  I think Ken would be a fool to put an unfinished product out there before it's ready.  Why struggle to overcome a bad reputation for an app that was released too early?  I hate waiting, but I'd rather wait a little while longer and have it done right.  But I'm a programmer myself and can understand Ken's side of things much better than some people.  I've been there myself.

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I believe that Ken could give out redemption keys to allow select people to download a beta app from iTunes but I think the keys are one-time use and thus would be quite time consuming to issue keys to everyone who wants to be a beta user.

I think you're referring to the fact that Ken can give out promotion codes for people to get the app for free.  That's a great promotional tool to send reviewers or as is sometimes common, just give them away to get more downloads and word of mouth.

Beta testing is handled differently.  I've been through it a few times with other apps.  Basically you get an app sent to you and and provisioning file.  You add them both to iTunes manually, add the app to your device and sync.  Not that it's actually important of course, but now you know.

As for the wait, I have my own private theory.  This is based on absolutely nothing except perhaps wishful thinking.  Anyway, the buzz has really died down in the beta testing forum.  There's been no new releases and no news from Ken.  I think the current version will be 3.7 and Ken has already submitted the app to Apple.  And when the app is ready, both will be released.  Like I say, I'm not really basing that on anything except my own instincts.  It just feels right to me.  So I predict later this week or early next week.

Quoting Adrian Wright:

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Kens word's were as follows :-

In addition to the above sync fix, 3.7 has fixes for some of the reported issues in 3.6.2. After the initial beta, feel free to request high priority fixes, but we won't be dragging this beta out long - a planned two weeks tops


This was dated the 28th of October 2010. Not sure when the beta first dropped, as I have not used this yet. Following this advice, you can see why peoples tempers and patience are getting a little short.

I am prepared to wait though, as I know the end product will be worth it.

I believe the first beta for 3.7 was released 5 days after that post. Since then two more beta versions were released. And there are still some bug reports, though far less than for the initial version . I guess there will be at least one more beta. I don't think we'll get the iPad version this year. Of course I'd like to be wrong. It would make a nice Christmas present.

One thing that came to mind - the 1-5 star ratio can make or break an app.  From what I see, the typed reviews clear when a new version is released but the stars stick.  Once someone submits a star rating, they're not likely to change it.

Mark, you could be right in that the app may be under review.

Quoting Ken Cole:

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Now the truth comes out - the iOS versions have been done for months but they're still uploading.   

I do not remember which app off the top of my head, but there was an app released for the iPad that crashed, or Force Closed whenever you tried to run it? It was given a lot of 1 Star reviews.

When the developer fixed it? You were allowed to simply re - review it.

Just a Heads up.

As to all the arguments? No Apologies needed, we all get hot under the collar when attacked.
None of us really know each other, so stuff happens. All of us that have an iPad or iPod are all awaiting the same thing here.

I really think we could help them. Not with coding, but with the finding of Bugs.

Quoting Dr. Killpatient:

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One thing that came to mind - the 1-5 star ratio can make or break an app.  From what I see, the typed reviews clear when a new version is released but the stars stick.  Once someone submits a star rating, they're not likely to change it.

That's my guess.  There are several established apps out there right now.  In particular, iCollect Movies Pro is up to version 3.9.1 and looks very nice and incorporates many features I've seen requested here (barcode scanning, Coverflow for cover art, etc).  I'd be using it myself if there wasn't an Invelos product on the way that ties into my existing database.  From the little I've played with it, it appears to be a fantastic app.  In fact, I'm keeping it until I can evaluate Profiler on the iPhone.  Should that not turn out to be all I'm hoping for, I could see myself switching for now.  I even started work on tweaking my CSVExport plug-in to write to a format compatible with their app to import.  Then I got sidetracked and never finished it.  But I'll certainly try again if the need arises.

Invelos is likely to get just one chance to catch the eye of a lot of potential customers.  If the app is crap, folks will get a different app and never look back.  So I think it better make a great first impression.

Quoting meerupps:

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The feature request I am making is to release it so we can use it

uhm, I think technically that doesn't qualify as a feature 

Quoting Mark Harrison:

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Quoting SpaceFreakMicha:

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I think the real problem is that Apple's policy about betas is difficult.
Without this restriction I'm pretty sure we would have a beta since one or two month. But as soon as Ken puts something in the Apple-store it can get rated. And most people don't react friendy in their ratings when they find bugs.

I've done a few betas and it has nothing to do with the App Store.  In fact, I'm testing two different apps right now.  You don't get beta versions from the App Store.  You can test without ever going through Apple.  You get them directly from the developer.  You only need iTunes to install it.

Is that really all? I thought there is some code required which the developer requires from its users. The code can be compiled/generated by some application and the users, beta testers, send the code to the developer which then compiles the app with the received codes. Then the beta testers can install the app. I'm not sure about this, just something I read somewhere I don't even now where anymore.

Someone mentioned the releasing of beta's being time consuming if it requires all of its beta testers to get it. Well I guess you could do with a very select, very dedicated group of beta testers. Maybe even trust worthy enough to share code with so maybe they could compile everything themselves.
The latter is not likely to happen, especially looking at the events during the InterVocative period.

To meerupps, please tell me you gonna keep your current tone, much more appreciated and way more valuable contribution to the forum.