118 replies to this topic

[ChefLamont]

At this point, I'd hesitate to say it's that way because they want to retain control.  I feel like it's more that the people who run the company can't conceive of anyone not having internet access!  I hope to speak with them more about an offline mode, so we'll see how they respond to that.

 

 

I don't necessarily use the word 'control" like its a bad thing.  My feelings about Apple aside (), I think the analogy works.  One of the reasons that Apple products all work so well together is that they retain a relatively high amount of control especially compared to the PC-based platform where it can just be the wild west sometimes.

[denny]

I don't necessarily use the word 'control" like its a bad thing.  My feelings about Apple aside ( ), I think the analogy works.  One of the reasons that Apple products all work so well together is that they retain a relatively high amount of control especially compared to the PC-based platform where it can just be the wild west sometimes.

 

An interesting fact is that all 3 principals were Microsoft guys.  IIRC, one was CTO.

[Stout_fan]

An interesting fact is that all 3 principals were Microsoft guys.  IIRC, one was CTO.

OK, then it most certainly has a back door ...

Edited by Stout_fan, 25 February 2015 - 03:53 PM.

[Stout_fan]

You put the keg in a bucket of ice water while the pump in the unit recircs the wort.  Here's what happens if it goes too long....

 

nice foam stand Denny.

I'll give it that full point on the BJCP appearance sheet.

 

Seriously, I talked to 'dose guys' at Grand Rapids.

For the hobbyist with ca$h and limited time, this is a viable option.

 

All I have to do is work on that ca$h part...

[ChefLamont]

An interesting fact is that all 3 principals were Microsoft guys.  IIRC, one was CTO.

 

 

OK, then it most certainly has a back door ...

 

 

LOL  The material writes itself.

 

 

Kidding aside, that also says that they are familiar with business and producing a product.  Should be good.

[denny]

I've gotta say, this might be the most beautifully constructed product I've ever seen.  Perfect fit and finish and a joy just to look at.  Attention to detail is stunning.

[HVB]

Is there anyway to keep the brewing info off the web? Seems like some may want a bit more privacy.

[positiveContact]

Is there anyway to keep the brewing info off the web? Seems like some may want a bit more privacy.

 

it sounds like as of now the answer is no.  I'd say it's a flaw they should def fix.  No one wants to have to be online to brew beer.  What if schwanz had wanted to brew the other day?  he was without internet for a few hours.

[denny]

Is there anyway to keep the brewing info off the web? Seems like some may want a bit more privacy.

 

It's not public.  It's stored in your Picobrew account.  But no, if you're concerned about the info being out there at all, then the system is not for you.

[denny]

it sounds like as of now the answer is no.  I'd say it's a flaw they should def fix.  No one wants to have to be online to brew beer.  What if schwanz had wanted to brew the other day?  he was without internet for a few hours.

 

I'm finding that you have to be careful not to project your expectations and prejudices onto another person's brewing.  While I agree that I'd rather not have to be online to brew, I don't know if that's a concern for the intended market.  OTOH, I hope to have a discussion with them about this.

[HVB]

It's not public.  It's stored in your Picobrew account.  But no, if you're concerned about the info being out there at all, then the system is not for you.

I think it is kind of public.  I can go to the site and look at the map and get a pretty good location where you brewed "Just Another IPA."   While it is neat to look at all the locations where their device is being used but maybe it would be better if you were not able to zoom in and see street names and what not.  Just my $0.02 and I know already this system is not for me, I would spend the time and most likely more money to build my own because that is what I find fun.  

[brewman]

Seems like it should have both online and off line functions. Load some software on your PC, hook it up and brew away without internet.

 

Dan

[HVB]

Seems like it should have both online and off line functions. Load some software on your PC, hook it up and brew away without internet.

 

Dan

Agree and I think Denny is already submitting this to the developer.

[positiveContact]

I'm finding that you have to be careful not to project your expectations and prejudices onto another person's brewing.  While I agree that I'd rather not have to be online to brew, I don't know if that's a concern for the intended market.  OTOH, I hope to have a discussion with them about this.

 

There is no projecting there.  I'm not saying get rid of the way it works now.  I'm saying they need an offline mode as well. It's a single point of failure that makes their product into a very expensive paperweight until communication to their website is back.  in a worst case scenario they go out of business and then what do you do?

Edited by Evil_Morty, 26 February 2015 - 12:44 PM.

[denny]

I think it is kind of public.  I can go to the site and look at the map and get a pretty good location where you brewed "Just Another IPA."   While it is neat to look at all the locations where their device is being used but maybe it would be better if you were not able to zoom in and see street names and what not.  Just my $0.02 and I know already this system is not for me, I would spend the time and most likely more money to build my own because that is what I find fun.  

 

I could turn that info off if I cared about it.

[HVB]

I could turn that info off if I cared about it.

I see

[denny]

There is no projecting there.  I'm not saying get rid of the way it works now.  I'm saying they need an offline mode as well. It's a single point of failure that makes their product into a very expensive paperweight until communication to their website is back.  in a worse case scenario they go out of business and then what do you do?

 

 

I agree that there needs to be an offline mode.  After I finished brewing, I couldn't even run the cleaning cycle for half an hour becasue my internet went out.  That just doesn't make sense.

[Stout_fan]

I agree that there needs to be an offline mode.  After I finished brewing, I couldn't even run the cleaning cycle for half an hour becasue my internet went out.  That just doesn't make sense.

See Micros**t reference above.

Edited by Stout_fan, 26 February 2015 - 02:48 PM.

[denny]

Here's my review....

 

https://www.experime...ing-zymatic-way

[SchwanzBrewer]

Great review!