BillMinder 3: MR Forums Exclusive Teaser

[SFC Archer]

So you're suggesting a message at the top of the description? That's easy.

We don't know who buys our apps unless they contact us first. I know you don't pirate the app. But really, something is causing that issue and it's pretty much impossible to say what that could be. It could be as simple as a third party app that switches out icons, for example.

And it's pretty simple to find pirated copies of even the latest version of BillMinder so we're changing our strategy all together with BillMinder 3, which means you won't run into this issue with it.

Edit: If you recall, the tweetie developer received a lot of grief for releasing tweetie 2 as a new app. Everyone was up in arms but at the end of the day it was a great update and I paid for both the original and the new version. Now it's free but I don't feel cheated because I got a lot of use out of it for very little money (something like $6? for two years+).

Yes, I am suggesting honesty to those that just do not know and want a great honest start to using an app that has been a benefit to me for almost 2 years. Very few of your future customers read these forums and it is only fair to them and your business that you are upfront and letting them know that a new version is coming that will have to be purchased again, let them make the choice but give them one.

I remember the Tweetie 2 but even worse was when Ambiance did it and it took a very long time for him to recover. Yes both apps became better and I also paid for both. Again, I know that BillMinder3 will be just as good if not better then what we have now (especially me), and yes I will buy the new version as well. I just feel slighted by being cut off when I was seeking assistance and after all I had done for you and Drew. I have given very strong reviews in iTunes about the quality and effectiveness of this app...I do not want to have to change it to reflect a change that future customers should know when making a decision.

 

[Fisher624]

iPad?

I love BillMinder and will gladly pay for what seems to be a lot of added functionality. I have to ask though, you mention it will sync between devices, and I can't help but think your thumbnails/screenshots look a lot more like an iPad than an iPhone.

Will BillMinder 3 run full on my iPad, and sync with my iPhone?

 

[return7]

I love BillMinder and will gladly pay for what seems to be a lot of added functionality. I have to ask though, you mention it will sync between devices, and I can't help but think your thumbnails/screenshots look a lot more like an iPad than an iPhone.

Will BillMinder 3 run full on my iPad, and sync with my iPhone?

That's the retina iPhone simulator. I can neither confirm nor deny the future existence of an iPad version of BillMinder but I can say we wouldn't be happy just blowing up the iPhone version to fit the screen as some have done. The iPhone version should run fine on the iPad if you fancy that.

 

[Fisher624]

That's the retina iPhone simulator. I can neither confirm nor deny the future existence of an iPad version of BillMinder but I can say we wouldn't be happy just blowing up the iPhone version to fit the screen as some have done. The iPhone version should run fine on the iPad if you fancy that.

Nice

 

[Gokunama]

A developer should try to support and make his product as stable as is feasible, and from what I've read, this developer has done that with a lot of work trying to troubleshoot, fix bugs, as well as update his app. From most of what I've heard, Billminder has worked out well for most customers, odd things happen in operating systems though, like one of my apps has become unusable, not because it doesn't work for most people, but because large amounts of data sometimes cause a crash bug that developers who have such apps generally know about, but can't find a fix for. This is not like return7 just left his current product alone for a long time, he has spent time both updating, fixing bugs, and troubleshooting.

I can agree that potential customers now should be aware that there's a brand new app coming out. Perhaps in the current app's description?

But I really don't mind paying again for great software, especially when it's rewritten to include new features. I don't see much of a reason for complaints here.

 

[skillz1318]

I never understood why people have issues paying for new versions of software. Yes, .1 updates should be free, however I can't think of any software where major releases are included. When Adobe, Microsoft, iLife, VMWare, Nero, and every other company has a yearly update to software it's always another purchase. I don't hear many people complaining when Madden 2012 comes out that it's not free since they have 2011...or the new Call of Duty. These applications/games updates are always 50-$500 when new versions release. This developer is asking for a few bucks...there is no reason to complain. I will buy the new BillMinder day 1 as I have loved the existing version and use it almost daily.

Thanks Return7! I love your app and can't wait for V3!

 

[Petra Systems]

I like an idea on this app and realization looks professionally, good job

 

[return7]

So FYI, I had to disable the anti-piracy stuff from the old version to get around whatever issue SFC Archer is having. It's submitted but will take however long it takes Apple to do their thing.

We haven't submitted the new version yet as we're still trying to polish, but all of the features are now done. We'll put up text in the old description when we submit it letting people know the new version is coming as a separate app.

Thank you.

 

[SFC Archer]

Thank you for the hard work and consideration!!!

I would like to point out that I am not the only one with this problem based on reviews in iTunes.

I also want to clarify my comments to those that have tunnel vision when they read posts and fail to comprehend what people are saying.

I WILL be purchasing the new version!!! I have NO problem with new versions and FULLY understand that IF Apple ALLOWED in app upgrade discounts that return7 WOULD have given current users a discount. This is NOT return7's fault and the blame is SOULY pointed at Apple. I DID state that I did not want to pay for a new release that was coverting to a lite version because I am jailbroke and themed. Amro covered this concern in a previous post and has submitted a fix for the current version.

AGAIN, I have NO problem with the new release or purchasing it, so please find another thread to spout your attempts to get attention and pats on the back.

Amro, thank you again for the fix and the opportunity to continue using your outstanding apps!!!

 

[bigjnyc]

Using 2.3 and I love this app. Can't wait for the new one looks great from the teaser screen shots, I don't mind paying for a seperate app at all.. With all the useless crap in the App store I dont mind paying for something that is actually useful. Thanks for all the great work!

 

[Gokunama]

Oh man, buzz off! There are a few legitimate reasons for wanting a jailbreak, but it's in the best interest of developers to discourage jailbreak as it results in great losses for them. Balancing legitimate jailbreakers against pirates is hardly easy, and even less easy from all the party's involved and the coding involved. Hardly a lot to spend much a bit on an app you believe in.

I do not want a pat on the back, and by all I've seen here, you're a regular poster that carries at least a bit of clout. I don't care, I'll go on what I know. Seriously, unless you're some part time worker working at a minimum wage job, and I've been there, a couple extra dollars is not much at all.

 

[rwilliams]

return7, any word from Apple on when 3.0 will be released? I grabbed the 2.3.2 update already and am just waiting to move my data. Thanks.

 

[JeffLebowski41]

I never understood why people have issues paying for new versions of software. Yes, .1 updates should be free, however I can't think of any software where major releases are included. When Adobe, Microsoft, iLife, VMWare, Nero, and every other company has a yearly update to software it's always another purchase. I don't hear many people complaining when Madden 2012 comes out that it's not free since they have 2011...or the new Call of Duty. These applications/games updates are always 50-$500 when new versions release. This developer is asking for a few bucks...there is no reason to complain. I will buy the new BillMinder day 1 as I have loved the existing version and use it almost daily.

Thanks Return7! I love your app and can't wait for V3!

agreed. some perspective is especially needed sometimes on these couple dollar apps. $2-3 for a new version that has been reworked with new features is certainly reasonable. One of the more recent iTunes reviews about contacting the BBB because they are planning on coming out with a new, better version? Absolutely ridiculous.

very glad to hear that we can input previous data.

 

[return7]

return7, any word from Apple on when 3.0 will be released? I grabbed the 2.3.2 update already and am just waiting to move my data. Thanks.

No word yet. It's in the queue. Sometimes these things take a while.

 

[SFC Archer]

Just wanted to say "Thank You" for the recent update...works perfectly again and everything is as it should be!!!

Anxious to see the new version and so glad that I will be able to transfer everything instead of rebuilding...Well Done!

 

[ScottNWDW]

Looking forward to BillMinder 3. I don't mind paying for an update to programs that I use on a regular basis. Billminder has been one of the apps. Yes free updates are great, but when there is a major new version I don't feel it is wrong for the developer to charge for the update. after all they have to support themselves as well as the app. iOS apps for the most part are only a few bucks so it's not going to kill me to buy the new version. People spend far more than the cost of an iOS app on frivolous crap anyway, at least for a few bucks I'm getting something that I find very useful.

I see all these people complaining over an app that cost a buck or two, but everytime Microsoft comes out with a new version of Office they are there plunking down 2-3 hundred dollars on the upgrade. every year when Quicken gets updated people go and buy that, and the upgrades cost $45 and up depending on the version of Quicken you are using. Same with those game apps mentioned earlier, not only are they willing to fork over the money for the newest verion, but for some of the games will camp out overnight for the privilalidge to do so. yet when it comes to an iOS app they think it has to be a free ride.

People who actually use an app and find it very helpful in their life will not mind spending the money for a new version.

 

[iClique.com]

Sounds like a great app... I'll have to get it when it comes out!

 

[return7]

Aaand it's up on the App Store.


We still need time for the new website, etc.

 

[LSUtigers03]

Just downloaded. This is by far my most used app. Keep up the quality work.

After playing with the app for a little while I have a few comments. The app crashes when I pick the all bills report for the last six months. Also in future updates I'd love to see the ability to see which bills make up each piece of the pie in the all bills reports instead of just the category and the option to view a one month report and quarterly report. Also a bigger notes section for usernames and passwords since I'm sure most people pay bills online these days.

I love the new look to the app and the upcoming screen is easier to read and see which bills are coming due. Also the categories look great. I love being able to see the total paid and average for each bill. As well as the average for the category itself. The added detail for each bill will be very useful. I like seeing the bill history. The UI is great all around. This is a great update to an already great app.

 

[return7]

The app crashes when I pick the all bills report for the last six months.

Thanks for buying the app, the great feedback and the crash info. We'll get it fixed.

 

[rwilliams]

Version 3 looks terrific. I haven't encountered any bugs yet, but I will let you know if I find any. You guys did a great job in rebuilding this piece of software.

 

[A684TTQARX7]

Thanks for buying the app, the great feedback and the crash info. We'll get it fixed.

Well I tried upgrading & no luck. Here's what I'm getting.

First the App BillMinder 2.3.2 told me to "upgrade click On Learn More for Special Upgrade Price." Anyhow that "DIDN'T" work, BTW what is that price$$? Next I tried "View BillMinder 3 in App Store" & well it won't open. Error that I get states "Cannot Open Page Safari Cannot Open The Page Because The Address Is Invalid", now mind you that's w/in the App itself. Next I tried via BillMinder by clicking on "Send Data To Bill Minder 3" again it does "NOTHING" at all.

In fact I did it (3) times & what it does is an occasional crash & then when re-opening BillMinder it opens "WITHOUT" PASSCODE YIKES BIG NO NO!

So now I'm concerned where did my data go when I hit "Send Data To Bill Minder 3"?

So now what, any suggestions?

 

[eazyslim123]

I'm still on 4.0.1 with a jailbreak currently, I'm waiting for 4.2.1 jailbreak Christmas Eve. Would this be a reason for the list of problems below?

1.Sent info from Billminder original is giving Billminder 3 old bills that I've finished paying. It's adding those once recurring bills back into the cycle. When I tried to delete it, it only gives me the option to delete that one bill only or all occurrences which would include the ones from the past that I did pay. I pretty sure Billminder Original had the option to delete future occurrences.

2. Crashes playing with the pie chart.

3. Upcoming bills didn't show up even after a restart (when I started from scratch it worked somewhat, when I redeleted the bills again when the upcoming was working, the upcoming bills remained even though all the accounts were deleted, then when I tried taping those upcoming items it crashed.

4. If I double send info from Billminder Original it will give me double the bills and accounts (not really a problem but just putting it out there)

5. Billminder 3 Needs the 3 removed (It messes up the look of the app)

6. Speed is tad bit slower than Billminder Original IMO

7. Had some other random crashes (also I would love an option for the Send crash report to turn off)

But like I said I'm still on 4.0.1 with a jailbreak until Christmas Eve hopefully so it could be just my device. I don't have any of these types of crashes occur on the original Billminder mind you.

 

[return7]

...

Sorry you're confused. The link in the message might not have worked depending on when you tapped it and whether or not the app had finished propagating through the App Store servers.

We've pushed a fix to BillMinder 2 that should address the link on the Settings screen.

To upgrade, first you need to download the new app from http://bit.ly/billminder3 (or just search for BillMinder 3 on the App Store). Then open BillMinder 3 and either make an account or choose not to create one (which means no sync or backup). After that, open BillMinder 2, go to the Settings screen and tap the button to send your data to version 3. That's all there is to it.

...

Sorry you're having problems.

1) Jailbreaking shouldn't matter but as I've explained before, we don't test on jailbroken devices. That said, we really haven't done anything that might cause the app to work differently on a jailbroken device so I would rule that out.

Regarding old bills, BillMinder 2 didn't show past due bills from past months so many people thought the badge icon didn't work properly when it actually did. BillMinder 3 shows all past due bills on the upcoming. The quickest way to mark them paid is to just swipe over the cell on upcoming and tap the "quick pay" button. (Not really relevant since you're now using version 3 but to verify what I'm talking about in BillMinder 2, you can go to the Accounts screen and tap on each account. From there tap History and scroll through the list to find the old, unpaid bills.)

2) Gotcha -- please continue to send crash reports, should they appear. We know of a crash with the line graph with some BillMinder 2 datasets but we have not seen one with the pie chart yet. Will check the reports in a bit.

3) Upcoming only shows bills that are due in the next 30 days. It works instantly for me so I'd need a little more information. The only other possibility is somehow you have a really wonky BillMinder 2 dataset that didn't quite import correctly. We tested the import code pretty thoroughly but it's possible something slipped through.

4) Yes, this was intentional. Detecting duplicates would be error prone since the datasets don't quite match up 1-to-1 so we left it open for the user. The easiest way to delete all data from within the app without deleting your account is to delete the categories the data is in and recreate them, should you want to start over.

5) Where? We need a way to let users know it's different from the original or they'll be confused. If you mean on the home screen, we'll chat about doing this after the original is removed from the store (I don't know when that will be -- depends on a lot of things relating to support and maintenance).

6) This one is very surprising to me. Hard to gauge that. Is there a particular screen that's slower?

7) We're definitely looking at any crashes that come through -- the logs are the only way we'll be able to track them and fix them properly for you but we'll talk about this too.

Thanks for the feedback. We really appreciate it.

 

[bigjnyc]

awesome! just bought it without hesitation. This is hands down the app I use most. Thanks for all the hard work, I will definitely be leaving a review shortly.