MTH Free WiFi App.... thoughts

Well, it's a day later and apparently everyone thinks the new FREE app is perfect.  After I posted this I found this thread:

https://ogrforum.com/t...e-my-2-penny-s-worth

Poor guy, he offered his opinion ("my 2 pennys worth") and was criticized by many here, including some"MTH can do nothing wrong" advocates.  Calling him a troll is a bit inaccurate for someone who has been on the forum for 5 years and has almost 800 posts!

He was criticized for not offering a review that offered any positives... (1) He never indicated it was a review (unless I missed something, or he re-titled the post later),  and (2) his first sentence said "It is pretty neat, works faster than the standard remote and easier to find commands"

I was truly impressed with what Mr. Bill had suggested!  Many of his points make sense for both the free and purchased app. 

Disclaimer: Please do not take the above comments as anything but my personal opinion. I feel he brought up some great points in an effort to help improve the first draft version we have now.  I'm not looking to start a battle up!  Peace, and a Happy New Year to All!

My post, also not a review ("... thoughts") was an attempt to say, if MTH wanted the free app to be used to get people interested and experiment at train shows and hobby shops, then they missed the mark.

For the free app, I think my ideas help MTH do what they suggested the new Wifi would allow, namely getting new people to give it a try.  My suggestions address that point exactly, and let people try ALL the features without risk of damages trains.

In any case, if nothing else is changed, the ability to accidentally go from 30mph to 120 is a serious issue for newly trained kids or us "seasoned guys & gals"! 

Apps are often fixed (frequently and quickly) on a regular basis at the App store or Google Play.  I'm hoping that this is a quick update for MTH.

IMHO,

Ed

eddie,

He was criticized for not offering a review that offered any positives... (1) He never indicated it was a review (unless I missed something, or he re-titled the post later),

It was titled a "Review", which it was not, and he did retitle the thread later.

 and (2) his first sentence said "It is pretty neat, works faster than the standard remote and easier to find commands"

He added that later, as well.

The free app is like a sample at the grocery store.  Not meant to be a full meal.  Do you want to use wifi or not on your device.  For $5 you get a meal.  For more the buffet.   G

Even if not stated as a review but some "thoughts" (2 pennies worth), why not offer the likes with the dislikes?  Aren't they worth a couple of cents as well?

Yeah, the WIFI speedo + button is too close to the 120 SMPH button...I think if I could set the WIFI speedo to a max of 80 SMPH, it would help to avoid hitting 120 SMPH by accident, without cramping my style.

There can be a fine line between constructive suggestions and negative statements.  If someone says the app is deficient because it doesn't allow the operator to do thus&so, that can be construed as negative, or it can be construed as a suggestion that the app should contain that function.  Train operators are not required to be wordsmiths who are diligent to only use phrases that no one can construe as negative.

I read Eddie as recommending certain changes to the free app that would result in greater opportunities for non-users to try wifi on others' layouts, without risk to the latter.  That could result in increased sales for MTH.  Let's face it, the free app is only intended to be the worm on the hook, to seduce persons into buying the wifi.  I expect most buyers will spring for the $4.99 app:  after spending $170, another $5 shouldn't be a bar to full use.

As a software guy for many years, I often had people make suggestions that would make their life simpler AND improve my product.  If it was a simple fix on my end, I was happy to do it... it's a win-win situation!

RJR read my thoughts accurately... "greater opportunities for non-users to try wifi on others' layouts, without risk to the latter.  That could result in increased sales for MTH."

The fix to Problem 1 listed in my original post offers a simple solution to a serious problem.  MTH could easily make the change, given that the "speed limit" code already exists in the $4.99 version... probably just a cut and paste of code and a re-compile.

Apparently this is too great a challenge... it's 9 months later... no updates that I can find to the free app.

If this simple fix was updated, I would be showing off the app and inviting visitors at our club layout to try it on their phones at our Saturday Open House events!

Ed

I agree with Ed regarding which features to limit in the free version.   Based upon YouTube layout videos, most operators rarely exceed 50 SMPH.  That said perhaps the default max speed could be set to 50 then operators could chose to increase the max to 120 under settings.   Speaking of settings could the various sliders (max speed, volume) be arranged as vertical sliders so they can be adjusted without inadvertently swiping to next page?  While I like speedometer interface it uses up a lot of app screen real estate.   I'd suggest putting the E-Stop (if active) as a button in the middle of the Speedometer.   That would make room for the Couple/Uncouple to be located (under the Bell) on the main (operation) screen.   Lastly, I wish the main (speedometer) operation screen had user configurable "soft" buttons.   That way operators could access their choice of 3-4 functions that you currently need to go to other screens to access.   For example I'd configure my "soft" buttons accordingly: S1: Crossing Signal, S2: PFA, S3:Rear Coupler, S4:Forward Signal   I feel for the app developers who are trying to please as many users as possible.   Allowing users to configure some generic "Soft" buttons the way they want would allow user to access the functions they want to use most frequently.   All and all I like the WIFI app.   I have two DCS remotes that have broken thumb wheels.   I intend to eventually fix them but may not since I'm used to the app now.

Ken

Obsidian has a good point in the default speed being less than half of full.  I have an occasion mis-tapped the screen and had a loco take off.  I suspect that would be an easy software change.

I don't care for having to move among 4 screens to run a layout---that is one reason I prefer the remote--- but especially with a small-screened device like a smartphone, screen can get too cramped.  While the tablet has more room, I don't like having to use 2 hands; with my Samsung S6, I can hold it in one hand and use my thumb.