Iphone apps for home brewing?

[Golddiggie]

I guess, for now, I'll just keep using BeerSmith for everything. Having all it's resources available to me, at any point, is nice. I'll just take my laptop over to the brew-buddies place for entering info, or I'll just take notes onto the brew sheet and enter them into the system when I get home... NBD... Since I have a reasonable timer app, I can use that, or just bring the timer I normally use when at home.

It would be nice, to be able to show people my recipes via either my iPT or BlackBerry devices, but that's something that will just have to wait...

Another negative on BrewPal is that it won't let you rotate so that you can read all the info for your ingredients. Unless you have a very short name for it, you'll have the name, and amount, cut off.

BTW, I used to be a mac fan... But apple continued to do things that just pissed me off. So, I got rid of my last mac laptop almost a year ago and haven't looked back. I do have two ipods, only because the stereo in my vehicle won't work the same with the newer one... IF I could get the F'ing apple locked music to transfer to my BlackBerry Storm2, I'd probably get rid of at least one, if not both, of my ipods... I do look forward to the day when I have zero apple hardware here.

 

[mhochman]

I'll come back to add some captions when I have a chance. Note that some of these screenshots are showing different parts of the same screen (eg. Long lists that you have to scroll through).

Sent from my iPhone using HB Talk

Not letting me edit, for some reason. Most screens are self explanatory. The one called "suggest a beer" is really cool for people who buy ingredients in bulk. If you track your ingredients, it will compare what you have with your recipes and let you know what you can brew, or what you only need one or two more things for.

 

[iBrewMaster]

Hey guys,
iBrewMaster doesn't support BeerXML but not because we don't want to, just because BeerXML doesn't support all of our features and would require us to cripple our app just to support it! For example, they only support 3 fermentation steps where iBrewMaster supports an unlimited number. Three fermentation steps may have been enough back in the day, but with all the advanced and extreme brewing these days, quite a lot of recipes call for multiple fermentation steps. But I don't want you to think that was the only reason....there were at least another 6-8 MAJOR reasons that prevented us from being able to support it right now. This required us to implement our own XML export feature for the time being, for users to share with friends, between iPhones, iTouches, and iPads, as well as to support the free recipe sharing network. Thousands of users from around the world have uploaded hundreds of recipes to our recipe sharing network for others to download and enjoy for free!

An additional issue is that BeerXML hasn't been maintained recently as they have been working on version 2.0 for over 2 years now. We were awaiting ratification of the new standard, but it's not looking like it's going to go anywhere anytime soon. Therefore, we do plan on revisiting this in the future and implementing support for BeerXML 1.0, but it will be impossible to make it 100% compatible. For example, if you export an iBrewMaster recipe that has 5 fermentation steps, only the first 3 will be assigned. However, we do realize that this would be better than nothing!

We're about to release versions 1.45 for the iPad and 2.75 for the iPhone. There are a lot of new features including support for First Wort Hopping, automatic carbonation step calculations, over 250 additional fermentables, and a bunch of other features. Bottle Carbonation supporting Table Sugar, Corn Sugar, and DME additions are included, as well as Force Carbonation psi calculations. We have had over 18 updates to iBrewMaster in less than 2 years and have no plans on slowing down anytime soon. In fact, our last update was just February 17th! Please visit us at www.ibrewmaster.com to view the user documentation and additional screen shots. The user guide is a version behind as we worked quickly to bring another update with quite a bit of new features. (We do support automatic mash water volume and temperature calculations!) However, we should be caught up in another week or so when we submit the new versions to Apple and will have the new user guide included in the app update. Also, check out the review on iTunes for feedback from real users.

Finally, you won't find any app with better support! We're always searching the web for feedback and typically reply to all e-mails the same day. So feel free to contact us at our support e-mail address on our website with any questions. (Can't include it here due to e-mail spam scanning!)

Joe
iBrewMaster, Inc.

 

[o4_srt]

Joe, not sure how this would be accomplished, but is there any way to adjust og and FG estimates based on mash temperature? All the software programs I have tried calculate FG based on attenuation, and while this is partially true, mash temperature also affects the amount of fermentables (ad unfermentables) produced. Lower mash temperature results in lower FG, and higher mash temperature results in a higher FG.

It's probably a lot more difficult to accomplish than a calculation just based on attenuation, which is most likely why it hasn't been done yet, but just thought I would throw it out there.

 

[iBrewMaster]

Sorry Facebite, you are correct that we take the same approach. And I never have seen any programs take that into consideration. Altitude is another thing that can effect this calculations, and I have seen some published research on that, but I myself haven't seen how to take the mash temp into consideration.

Joe
iBrewMaster, Inc.

 

[BaldManBrew]

does brewpal support extract and mini mash as well?

 

[SpottedDogBrewing]

does brewpal support extract and mini mash as well?

I don't see why not. It offers dry and liquid extracts choices.

Sent from my iPhone using HB Talk

 

[cimirie]

I've got both iBrewmaster an BrewPal. I got iBrewmaster first and have used it longer. However, I like BrewPal better. iBrewmaster is cleaner and a bit more straight forward, but I find BrewPal to be a) more capable b) more useful on brewday.

To those that said BrewPal felt like a toy... I don't even know what that means. If you mean it has tons of features and screens that can/need to be tinkered with like a new toy, I agree. That, by the way, is it's biggest downfall. You can adjust SO much, it's not always easy to find what you need. it can get very frustrating at first. iBrewmaster IS much more intuitive.

I still use both (the continual update of recipes on iBrewmaster and the personal recipe archive make it superior for keeping track of your batches and getting exposed to new recipes), but if I had to chose only one, it would be BrewPal - for now. But, I would definitely recommend both.

 

[Tarheel4985]

I've been struggling with the same decision as others here and the biggest drawback for me with all the available apps is lack of support for BeerXML files, as others have mentioned. My solution, although not ideal, was LogMeIn Ignition, which I had already purchased to access my computer while traveling. Now I just use LogMeIn to access BeerSmith on my laptop and I don't even have to have it with me. The formatting isn't ideal (I'm using it on my iPad) but at least it shows me everything I need and it isn't too hard to input changes and notes throughout the brew session.

This isn't a solution for everyone but just a thought. I anxiously await an app that will support import/export of BeerXML files. I had hopes that BeerSmith would create a mobile app but that seems very unlikely.

 

[cyclonite]

I wish BeerSmith would make a mobile app also. I have both BrewPal and iBrewMaster, and while both have their strong points, they are missing features that BeerSmith. I wish I could import/export between them, thus BeerXML support (even if it does miss some features) would be great.

I bought iBrewMaster since BrewPal hasn't been updating and adding features, and it constantly causes memory issues and crashes on my iPod touch. iBrewMaster is very good and always adding features at least, well worth the money. But, it still has a way to go to reach BeerSmith levels.

 

[iBrewMaster]

Hey guys! We've been listening, and have just completed support for BeerXML! While some features are handicapped, we were actually able to implement it very well and have it in the hands of our beta testers. All in all, over the past two years we've continued to align iBrewMaster more with industry standards, including things such as metric support, which BeerXML exports unit measurements in. Additionally, we were able to handle almost all conversions to / from BeerXML seamlessly. So what are the remaining issues? iBrewMaster allows you to have an unlimited number of fermentation steps, while BeerXML only supports Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary. This shouldn't be a problem for most users, however. iBrewMaster will simply drop additional fermentation steps that are not named "Primary", "Secondary", "Tertiary", and "Bottle/Keg". Bottle/Keg becomes the Age step in BeerXML. We don't see this as an issue because additional fermentation steps are outside of the scope of BeerXML. Additionally any program that you are importing to probably doesn't support additional fermentation steps in the first place or you can simply add them. Next, some advanced mash steps in iBrewMaster will require tweaking in other apps. Finally, iBrewMaster supports some measurements in Additions (BeerXML's MISCS tag) that simply can not be converted to a weight. Examples are Cup, Each tsp, tbsp, which would depend on the particular ingredient. Other than that, the implementation went extremely well! As always, we're not going to stop there...we have implemented almost every feature that users have asked for, or have plans to do so, so keep the suggestions and requests coming! Our goal has always been to have a major release once per quarter and have exceeded that goal! Versions 1.45.3 for the iPad and 2.75.3 for the iPhone will include the BeerXML support and minor updates. It will be released as soon as our beta testers complete their testing. After that, we'll be returning our focus to the highly anticipated Mac version as well as an Android version!

Cheers!
Joe

 

[o4_srt]

Hey guys! We've been listening, and have just completed support for BeerXML! While some features are handicapped, we were actually able to implement it very well and have it in the hands of our beta testers. All in all, over the past two years we've continued to align iBrewMaster more with industry standards, including things such as metric support, which BeerXML exports unit measurements in. Additionally, we were able to handle almost all conversions to / from BeerXML seamlessly. So what are the remaining issues? iBrewMaster allows you to have an unlimited number of fermentation steps, while BeerXML only supports Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary. This shouldn't be a problem for most users, however. iBrewMaster will simply drop additional fermentation steps that are not named "Primary", "Secondary", "Tertiary", and "Bottle/Keg". Bottle/Keg becomes the Age step in BeerXML. We don't see this as an issue because additional fermentation steps are outside of the scope of BeerXML. Additionally any program that you are importing to probably doesn't support additional fermentation steps in the first place or you can simply add them. Next, some advanced mash steps in iBrewMaster will require tweaking in other apps. Finally, iBrewMaster supports some measurements in Additions (BeerXML's MISCS tag) that simply can not be converted to a weight. Examples are Cup, Each tsp, tbsp, which would depend on the particular ingredient. Other than that, the implementation went extremely well! As always, we're not going to stop there...we have implemented almost every feature that users have asked for, or have plans to do so, so keep the suggestions and requests coming! Our goal has always been to have a major release once per quarter and have exceeded that goal! Versions 1.45.3 for the iPad and 2.75.3 for the iPhone will include the BeerXML support and minor updates. It will be released as soon as our beta testers complete their testing. After that, we'll be returning our focus to the highly anticipated Mac version as well as an Android version!

Cheers!
Joe

Good to hear! Thanks for the extremely quick bug fix regarding new batch crashes, I commend you on your product support.

 

[Aschecte]

ibrewmaster

 

[D-Hutt]

I'm looking at different software programs right now and am hoping to get something that works on my PC and iPhone both. Will iBrewMaster be releasing a PC client that syncs with the smart phone platforms at any point in time?

 

[iBrewMaster]

Unfortunately, not right now. We have an iPhone, iPad, and Mac version. Android will be released any day now. We are looking into a Windows Mobile app...probably v 8 when it comes out and then altering the UI to create a PC version as well.

 

[bottlebomber]

I'm still waiting for some basic calculators to show up on the Brewmaster for my iPhone... Some basic homebrewing calculators. And also the ability to add a second yeast.

 

[bob1006]

Unfortunately, not right now. We have an iPhone, iPad, and Mac version. Android will be released any day now. We are looking into a Windows Mobile app...probably v 8 when it comes out and then altering the UI to create a PC version as well.

What is the timeline on the Android app? I do not use any PC based program (long story). I use brewr on my phone. How about sending over a link so I can put it on my bionic and give it a spin?

 

[iBrewMaster]

Yes, we have calculators planned! So many feature requests, so little time! :-D But don't worry, we probably have a year and a half backlog of new features!

 

[iBrewMaster]

Android is done! It's already been uploaded to the Market Place, but still have a few more settings and graphics to get loaded before we release it. We anticipate it being released Friday! Cheers!

 

[D-Hutt]

Does the Mac version sync with the iPhone version? I could use my wife's laptop for both that way.

 

[D-Hutt]

Bump - just curious.

 

[matthewrozon]

Same here

 

[D-Hutt]

Saw on the site that you can import/export between apple products, but not sync - how does that work?

 

[iBrewMaster]

Hey D-Hutt,
There are a few options you have now. First, you can go to the Setup and import / export using iBrewMasterXML if going between iBrewMaster apps. Or, you can import / export using BeerXML, but it's not 100% compatible as we support features that they don't. You would be pretty good on imports, but not as good on exports. For example, the BeerXML standard only supports 3 fermentation steps, where iBrewMaster supports an unlimited number, so if you had more than 3, they would just drop off.
Also, in the latest version, we now support Dropbox! You can sign up for a Dropbox account and backup / restore your database to Dropbox and even move your db between devices!

Hope it helps!
Cheers!

 

[Schumed]

I've tried both ibrewmaster and brewpal...I would say brewpal is much more simple and user friendly...ibrewmaster plus is it comes with recipes...all the northernbrewer recipes which is pretty sweet...

Some other brew apps I find very useful that brewpal and ibrewmaster lack....

The BJCPStyles app...just a simple reference guide for beer styles if you care about that sort of thing

Hopularity - good reference app on hop variety....looking for a replacement hop...very simple app

BN Mobile - Listen to the Brewing Network podcast

BrewGene - help find you beer..tasting notes...etc

Surprised no one has published out a good yeast calculator like mrmalty

 

[iBrewMaster]

Hi Schumed,
Just want to point out that iBrewMaster not only supports the BJCP Styles and lists them, but also indicates in Green those parameters that your recipe or batch meet, in Yellow those that are slightly out of bounds, and in Red those that are way out of bounds. A nice feature if you're looking to submit a brew to a competition!

Cheers!

 

[Schumed]

true it does..

 

[D-Hutt]

IBM (lol) - I'd have to buy each app separately, correct?

 

[iBrewMaster]

Hey D-Hutt,
Yes...they are two separate apps that our developers wrote from scratch. You can run the iPhone version on the iPad for no additional cost of course, but we wanted a version that took advantage of the additional screen space, has nice popups, slide-in screens, allows you to view your list of recipes / batches on the left, while viewing a specific recipe / batch on the right. Unfortunately, some users don't understand that it's not just a bigger copy of the same app that we are charging for, but rather one that has to constantly be updated and maintained differently than the iPhone version. After all, if it were the same app, it wouldn't exist!

Cheers!

 

[cyclonite]

I'll throw my support in for iBrewMaster. I've been using it about a year now, and have gone to it exclusively since Joe and co. added inventory support. The app is fantastic, and does almost everything I need. I no longer use BeerSmith since it is tied to my PC, whereas I take my iPad around with me on brew day for iBrewMaster and Pandora ;-)

The iBrewMaster team is constantly adding new features - I'm always looking forward to new stuff they've added. Their support is also fantastic. I had an issue with my database and Joe responded immediately and got it resolved in a few days. If you have any suggestions, they also take them all into account.

Hats off to the iBrewMaster team - you've got a great product!