@Tim B posted:Anyone have any status/info on MTH R&D in Michigan? I've searched the web/OGR and haven't found much.
I ask because both the iOS and Android app versions (3.2.1) are 4+ years old which in software time is the Jurassic era. I'm wondering about:
- Functionality improvements:
- Use the phone Bluetooth to control Lionchief+ stuff
- Usability improvements (takes me 5 tries to click the upper left/right refresh icons)
- Other capabilities, e.g. link to new parts website; social features; lots more I can think of
- What happens when (inevitably) iOS or Android breaks the current version
I'm a long time software engineer with iOS, Android, big data, web and Raspberry Pi experience. If you are out there MTH R&D, I have availability having just finished a Pi project.
I ask because both the iOS and Android app versions (3.2.1) are 4+ years old which in software time is the Jurassic era.
The latest update was 11/6/2018 so 4+ years is actually less than 3.5 years. The Lionel iCab app is even older, should MTH release a new fluff version with no updates just so that the version and release date are newer? My dad still uses a DOS based spreadsheet program, because it work reliably and does exactly what he needs it to do, if it ain't broke don't fix it.
Support for newer iOS/Android features
What features? Maybe some form of voice control...
Use the phone Bluetooth to control Lionchief+ stuff
This would need licensing from Lionel, good luck getting that...
Usability improvements (takes me 5 tries to click the upper left/right refresh icons)
I don't have this problem, maybe an issue with your phone/touch sensitivity? Anyway, I usually go to the engine list screen and swipe down to refresh the engine list.
Other capabilities, e.g. link to new parts website; social features; lots more I can think of
My preference would be to remove the links to online content as those who use the WIU in MTH Mode will not have internet access anyway. I would like to see an API added to the app to allow interfacing a Bluetooth gaming controller to control app functions.
What happens when (inevitably) iOS or Android breaks the current version
Cross that bridge when we get to it, right now the current app still supports Android going back to version 4 and a fair number of older iOS version as well and the app also supports the latest versions of both Android and iOS. The bigger issue here is making sure that MTH remains in compliance with the licensing agreements set forth by Apple and Google so the app remains active on the stores. The Lionel camera app on the Google Play store is still MIA and Lionel won't respond as to why this happened or when it will return.
