BeerSmith 3: Here it comes. Thoughts?

[Bassman2003]

Major updates would be a change in design. like what you are seeing from BS 2.x to 3.0. Minor updates would be the 3.1, 3.2 ... 3.x updates that would deliver bug fixes and tweaks.

Thanks. Seems obvious but the wording is a little confusing. Maybe "version updates" would be more appealing?

 

[cegan09]

The BeerSmith 3 License and Online Activation System
For the new activation system your license is tied to your BeerSmith cloud account, which offers a secure way to manage the licenses and computers you have activated. When you purchase a license, it is added directly to your account. You can manage your licenses by logging into your account here. You do need an internet connection to activate your computer. It only takes a minute and is good for the term of your license. You also have the option when purchasing to sign up for a yearly subscription, which will renew automatically each year.

When you activate your software it will ask you to open a secure link and log into your cloud account, and then it will tie the activation to your online license. Each license comes with two or more device activations, and you can deactivate devices, renew your license or manage license options from your BeerSmithRecipes account, or by logging in and going to the profile page at any time.


I only see from this that you would need the internet to download the program and to use the activation key. Not to be online to use the program.

I hope this is how it works. I've been using a cloud based CAD program (Fusion 360 from Autodesk) for a couple years now, and it will randomly just log you out and require you to log in again. No internet connection at the time? Too bad, can't log in, can't use the software, can't access your files. The cloud features are great when they work, like logging in on another computer and having all your designs right there, but when they don't work, holy hell it's infuriating.

Plex is another example (media server software). I run a plex server at home. They changed the way it works recently where instead of being able to ping your server from inside your home network directly everything goes out through their servers and then back. So if your internet goes out (happened to be recently when a storm took out a tree and the internet was out for a day), you can't watch anything on your own server without jumping through a lot of hoops to force a direct connection.

Cloud stuff can be great, but there are times when it's leaned on way too heavily.

/soapbox.

 

[Horseflesh]

There are a lot of reasons why and benefits for the customer

I work in software, please explain these benefits.

 

[TenaCJed]

Thanks. Seems obvious but the wording is a little confusing. Maybe "version updates" would be more appealing?

Actually Major and Minor are the standard industry terms for version updates. Minor updates keeps the main version the same (2.2 to 2.3), just a small update to the software. Major update is a large change in the software (2.X to 3.X).

 

[EDF713]

I work in software, please explain these benefits.

I too work in software. I'll have to get Marketing to follow up with you on that.

 

[jcav]

I went with the gold membership and ordered it last night.

John

 

[Bassman2003]

Actually Major and Minor are the standard industry terms for version updates. Minor updates keeps the main version the same (2.2 to 2.3), just a small update to the software. Major update is a large change in the software (2.X to 3.X).

Just sounds like you only get the small problems resolved but not the "major" issues. I am always glad to see any software being offered in both the traditional and cloud models. I am yet to be a fan of the cloud model.

 

[TenaCJed]

I agree on not being a fan of the cloud licensing model that forces you to pay for the software on a monthly or yearly schedule.

However from my understanding of the beersmith licensing, the cloud licensing is not so much for the software, but the additional cloud features like recipe backup and future cloud features like the online editor. These are the reasons I went with the cloud license and not standalone license. Honestly the online editor alone makes it worth it to me as I have been setup on my laptop to auto sync to google cloud and that has worked great. The cost for the year is also not bad at all, look at how much brewers friend is per year if you want beyond the 5 recipe version!

Regardless, I do like that he kept the licensing at standalone or cloud and added some nice features to go with the cloud and not just a forced you must pay every year even if you have no need for cloud features.

 

[day_trippr]

If one of the subscriptions came with cloud-accessible inventory, I'd have been inclined to go that way.
It doesn't appear that's a release function....and I'm not big on subscribing based on potential future features.
Especially considering how long it took between 2.0 and 3.0

Cheers!

 

[Desert_Sky]

I preordered it. New UI sounds interesting.

 

[Nokt]

Chalk another one for the Gold package.

 

[Nagorg]

Not fond of subscriptions but cant blame Brad for jumping on that band wagon and the recurring revenue stream. I'll take the stand alone version myself simply because I don't like subscriptions.

I dont need the cloud stuff either; have tried it to sync recipes between my PC and my phone app which works good. Except I always print my recipe sheet and write notes on it during brew day. Just what I do... And I work in IT professionally so you'd think I'd use the app exclusively..

 

[Pkrd]

Pre ordered. Blue skies for me, no clouds.

 

[Ironedge]

+1 for the gold.

 

[EDF713]

Not fond of subscriptions but cant blame Brad for jumping on that band wagon and the recurring revenue stream. I'll take the stand alone version myself simply because I don't like subscriptions.

I dont need the cloud stuff either; have tried it to sync recipes between my PC and my phone app which works good. Except I always print my recipe sheet and write notes on it during brew day. Just what I do... And I work in IT professionally so you'd think I'd use the app exclusively..

I’m with you on that. Over 20 years in software and consulting and I still don’t always trust technology!

 

[hahayepyep]

Cloud doesn't excite me, but I can't wait for this:

"BeerSmith can estimate and use volumes for juices and honey to make it easier to measure your ingredients. Yeast alcohol tolerance is now taken into account so you can accurately estimate final gravity for high gravity meads and wines."

No more half-cocked workarounds, "40 lbs Apple Juice," or "Est ABV 21.4%" sweet meads.

 

[mpmccann]

I went with the Platinum version just for the extra device. I figure 5 bucks is worth it to be able to use it on my desktop, laptop, and tablet. I always hated the two computer thing in BS2. Now I can work across all three of my devices. I am most excited about the water adjustment tool being within the recipe. I hope it is more like some others I have tried. I am so tired of calculating water additions in a spreadsheet outside of BS2. IMHO water calculating was BS2 biggest down fall. I would like to add that I too am not a fan of auto renewing subscriptions but I am afraid it is just the way it is going to be from here on out. I also don't mind supporting something that I enjoy and believe in either.

 

[Nagorg]

I also don't mind supporting something that I enjoy and believe in either.

You have a really valid point @mpmccann ! Maybe I'll reconsider... BTW, you are a stones throw from me! Any chane you are a member of any local clubs? (DCHG or NTHBA?)

 

[Mineralpoint]

It's $25 right now for the preorder. There's some subscription prices, presumably for the additional cloud recipe storage.

What's the advantage in keeping your recipes online? What do you guys use cloud storage for?

I use cloud storage to have access to my recipe on my phone and use the brewing timers on the mobile app.

 

[Nagorg]

I just pre-ordered the "One Time Purchase" version; just couldn't bring myself into the subscription fold just yet... When there is another major release (4.x), I'll likely upgrade then too. I just like to keep my options flexible.

 

[mpmccann]

I like having my recipes at my fingertips if I happen to stroll into the LHBS. That is the main reason I use the cloud storage. I do print paper copies for brew day. Mostly just to make notes on really, but I am the worst at putting that stuff in a safe place to keep for future reference later. I also have my laptop up and running but only during the brewing process whereas the paper copy kinda stays with the batch throughout fermentation/completion.

 

[Horseflesh]

I bit but got the standalone version. Realized I was fine with that same arrangement in BS2. Looking forward to getting it. I wonder if it will eliminate the need for Bru'n Water? BW has treated me well so far.

 

[kevin58]

I bit but got the standalone version. Realized I was fine with that same arrangement in BS2. Looking forward to getting it. I wonder if it will eliminate the need for Bru'n Water? BW has treated me well so far.

I always use the water profile tool in BS and never needed Bru'n Water.

 

[Horseflesh]

I tried the water stuff in BS2 and did not like it. For one it only allowed the use of chalk for adding alkalinity. Sounds like the new version will have many changes in this area. I do really like the idea of having my mineral PPMs as part of the recipe so everything is in one place.

 

[mpmccann]

I too had better luck with bru'n water and it is a great product, one i will definitely be measuring BS3 against.

 

[imasickboy]

I pulled the trigger on the standalone version. My hope is that he got the disaster that was whirlpooling fixed. Water chemistry accuracy is a bonus. I'll be waiting a while for first hand experience, since I'll be waiting for the Linux version.

 

[Derp]

Looks like downloads are available. I'm gonna give it a whirl.

 

[passedpawn]

Looks like downloads are available. I'm gonna give it a whirl.

Thanks for the heads-up. I just grabbed it.

Downloads here: http://beersmith.com/download-beersmith/
New Feature List here: http://beersmith.com/beersmith-3-features/

 

[Smellyglove]

I just downloaded it, it seems pretty much the same as the previous one, although I havent looked under the hood yet. But the pictures for the color of the beers, what the hell happened there?

 

[FunkedOut]

It’s a check box in preferences.
The old beer glasses are still there.