It’s not often I feel misled by a product and the hoopla surrounding it. LogMeIn Ignition for iPad/iPhone (see below for their description) is misrepresented on their site. It’s simply not a secure solution and not worth 29.99 from the iTunes store. I’ll share my story and you can be the judge if my expectations are unfair or unreasonable. I spoke with a LogMeIn tech too looking for resolution.
This is my issue.
IPad app has remote “blank screen” and “lock keyboard” capability.
Nowhere in the marketing on iTunes or on the LogMeIn site does it state that using this app with your Mac may leave that Mac open to other users even after you have logged off (Exiting the iPad).
As the lock screen and the lock keypad is unavailable it is sort of pointless using the wake-up feature.
LogMeIn can not refund your money because it was purchased via iTunes – take it up with them they say.How convenient!
I set up LogMeIn on my Mac after signing up for a standard account. I then purchased it for my iPad from the iTunes store. $29.99. I connected back to my MacBookPro with no problems. It took only a moment to figure out how to move the mouse on my iPad. It’s slower of course than just being on my Mac but really quite usable. The time delay was minimal on my home wifi network – although I imagine this could be slower on some connections. I was soon looking at the settings. There’s clearly a remote “screen” and “keyboard” lock available. I flicked them to on. I thought my laptop screen and keyboard would blank and lock. They didn’t. I rebooted and reset both devices a couple of times. I couldn’t get it to work. I went to the support pages. I accessed this page. How do I blank the host screen’s display while in remote control?
And while this doesn’t seem to be specific it doesn’t mention MAC’s or OSX as being incompatible. I have no idea if they are or aren’t with DPMS. But there was nothing I could apparently download. I rated the page a 1. I then called customer support.
The support tech was pretty unclear at first. I was way ahead of him re notes on the page, familiarity with the iPad and the software. He apparently had it working on an Android and while busy with my support inquire apparently logged into a mac etc. He also contacted some of his colleagues. I reiterated my problem a couple of times. That logging into to my Mac via my iPad left it exposed. Their site info states:
I guess this is the bullshit legal thing. Since when is a Mac in this regard not a PC? I can only assume this claim is effectively fraudulent. Let’s be even more obvious. How many iPad users or iPhone users have a Mac? I bet it is a lot. So if you create a product for them you’d expect them to connect to a Mac. Why is there NO WHERE something that says… if you have a MAC this will not work as advertised? Well he confirmed that the controls are their and only work on Windows machines. It doesn’t say.. won’t work with Mac – it just doesn’t. I asked him how many iPad/iPhone users probably have a Mac. I’m sure a good number. That’s why I’d expect this to work.
So I asked for a refund. I was told that they can’t give a refund and I’d have to apply through the iTunes store. I’m not sure how you get a refund via the iTunes store. Sort of thought it impossible. In other words you spend your money and weep if the product doesn’t work. I’d have been less incensed if the product was at a price point that was much lower. However, I was prepared to pay $30 bucks for a product that would give my iPad more flexibility. I got a tough luck buddy. He said he’d never had this complaint before.
For my part I’ve seen a number of reviews. It was my impression that LogMeIn was one of the top grossing apps for iPad on iTunes. Certainly many people were writing it up that it was easy etc. I should have stuck to a VNC solution. It would have been cheaper and probably provided the security that should be built in. So think twice before you buy this app.
If you don’t lock your Mac, then it works. If you log out of your account then it isn’t going to work either. And when you log in your screen and keyboard will be available. You can only wake from sleep if it is hard tethered to your router. While I don’t see this as a big issue the LogMeIn site lacks instructions for proper wakeup and sleep setting.
Let me give an example where these controls aren’t just based on security. I’m at a show. My Mac is being used as a “presenter” hooked to a large Display. The Mac is hidden away. The iPad can be used from anywhere at the show to key up new presentations, play music even to activate remote skype sessions. They keyboard in this instance remains locked.
That’s the type of functionality I thought I should get for $29.99. BTW it seems the latest update doesn’t provide multi-tasking for iPhone 4.
More descriptive stuff from LogMeIn:
One click on your iPhone or iPad lets you remotely access one
or more computers anywhere, anytime. So you never have to worry about
leaving anything behind. Directly control your desktop, all your apps
and all your files – like that important presentation for your boss or
that important photo album for your mom – with a simple touch.
Now one last thing… really makes one wonder. You can simply log in from Safari on the iPad without an APP. Although You cannot download the plug-in to Safari that might make it work eg to type a document you can certainly click around.
LogMeIn Ignition for iPhone and iPad is a fast and simple way to connect to your LogMeIn Pro² and LogMeIn Free
computers.
One click and your
iPhone or iPad becomes an extension of your work or home computer
Your login information and preferences
are stored securely
Access from anywhere -
without having to remember passwords
I walked into two Lucky stores over the weekend. I like Lucky Stores and I know them for their jeans. I’ve got 3 pairs of Lucky jeans in my closet today. I think I bought shorts and a shirt there last year too. Yet today I am also no longer a customer and won’t recommend or take anyone to Lucky again.
I have a typical sort of shopping expedition/approach when going for jeans. You see the selection for me no matter where is always limited. Today I’m a 34″ 36″ and that means I have long legs. I could probably even wear a 37 on some occasions or if they weren’t preshrunk. As a kid growing up at one time I was a 32/36 and I’ve even been a 36/36. The problem is the 36inch inseam not the waist size. So on my typical shopping expedition I go into a store and ask them… What jeans do you have in 34/36. For the last few years Lucky always had a few pairs in stock – perhaps not in every color but I could at least try some on.
Over the weekend I got – “We don’t stock 36 long anymore. You can still order them online” from the Walnut Creek store and then again later same message at the San Francisco downtown store. So basically a piss off don’t waste your time here in our store spending any money because we don’t like the length of your legs. Look on line if you want. We have no interest. Now to be fair to Lucky I stopped in at Diesel (which years ago made the same change) and they too have nothing that is 36 long. Here’s my comments from that time.
Why do they think or believe a message delivered in this way would actually encourage me to go and shop online. It won’t. They lost a sale.
I sort of got it when I was growing up. I really was one of the taller kids on the block. Today 6’5″ remains tall but not exceptionally tall. I see it when I walk places. So I don’t believe I’m the only one chasing tall jeans. Nordstrom’s usually has at least one or two brands in my size. Again it will be limited. At least I know I can shop there.
So I offer a few suggestions for retailers that won’t stock and sell 36 long’s. There’s an opp. We’re the most loyal guys you will ever find. We hate asking for our size to be immediately disappointed. It’s like jumping into a Porsche Boxster and realizing you will never drive it. Stupid – but impossible.
Here’s a hint Lucky. If you only sell 5 pairs at 36 long a month in a store I suggest you ship them at the same time each month. Even if it is less then replenish your small number. Make sure the number is shipped again at the same date every month. If I miss out you can say… on the 15th of every month we get the extra longs in. Usually just a few. Come in then. You know what… I would probably put a reminder in my calendar.
In fact I’d say this for just about any store. I go into a Banana Republic. I know it isn’t worth looking for any sort of trousers. They won’t come in my size. They stop at 34. Levis. well I can probably buy them.
Next. It’s a pain but you have your own stores. You have computers. It’s not hard to do a made to measure. Here sir try on this pair.. or find a 34/34 you like and then we will order it now for you. Home delivery or would you like to come and pick them up. Yes I know the issue is store training. But this doesn’t require much training. It’s dollars the store lost and it is the peripheral dollars too. You go into a Lucky or a Diesel for the jeans and then consider the other stuff.
Now finally I am persistent. I also went online. I took a look at a number of pages. But in over five minutes I couldn’t figure out how to find anything that may be 36 long. The best I found was regular and 34.5. That’s not good enough. Your sites also a fail for a guy like me. Why is it… I can’t search for my size up front. No point in sending me to sale items etc. Just give me my size and thus options. Well I finally found that route. There are two options there. But not what I wanted. Just two in the whole assortment.
I’m sorry that we couldn’t do business. It will probably cost your company at least a $1000 over the next five years. That’s been the length of my loyalty. I know… just a drop in the bucket.
Daily update on del.icio.us links with my notes. I also just tweet links @stuarthenshall
iPhone4 photo comparisons vs competitors are really useless | Simply isn’t the real world – you end up with one phone. iPhone4 over saturates color – The iPhone4 camera is way better than the 3G and provides a performance I last saw and used consistently on a Nokia N95. However, all these comparisons are really rather pointless. The camera isn't a primary reason to buy the mobile anymore. That the new iPhone4 camera is competitive is — it had to be. Yet no one buys an iPhone for it camera, it is bought for the whole package. How does the camera perform? It tends to oversaturate the colors. It creates some fantastic Kodachrome Blue skies – but they just aren't real. However, the clarity is obivious, and the ability to do simple things like focus and change exposure with a finger touch are just fantastic. That simple touch action puts it well ahead of the majority of camera's I've ever seen.
Why do apps fail? Mostly due to poor marketing. Here’s an absolutely fantastic app that I’m sure almost no-one has heard of. It’s also destined to be like a voice recorder or alarm clock – just part of the apps that come from the manufacturer with the handset.
iMoto is a bluetooth based intercom system that works between two iPhones. The name iMoto as it suggests targets bikers eg rider and passenger or two bikers that are riding together in reasonable proximity. If you and your passenger have an iPhone or your riding partner has one… this deal $1.99 currently reduced to $.99 cents is the bargain of motorcycling.
Check out this link if you want a longer flashier video – How much budget was that!
Just add iMoto to two iPhones. I tried it on both 3G and iPhone4. It worked just fine. Of course you have to remember to turn the bluetooth on. You have to set a shared passcode and then the program takes over and it will run in the background too.
In practice how does it work? Well that is dependent on the headset and the helmet. I used standard iPhone headsets with a passenger and we could still hear each other at 80mph. Although it is better at slower speeds.
So what are the issues and constraints.
It’s a little hard to control the volume when the iPhone is in your pocket and you are riding. Start with the volume high and talk softly.
I imagine those that already have their helmets wired may get a better experience. Finding the right place for the mic so wind gusts and stuff aren’t heard (create some crackle) is something I still have to experiment more with.
I suspect it will have little impact on battery life. After all most phones will do 6 or 7 hours.
Because it uses the audio channel you can’t listen to the iPod at the same time or talk over it.
It’s limited to one to one rather than one to many.
It automatically reconnects if for some reason the connection does happen to drop.
There’s not many controls here so if you already have a sophisticated system on board your bike this isn’t going to help.
How far away before the connection drops? Quite a way… I think it would be possible to use when riding with a partner.
So is the the perfect intercom. Nope. Yet those systems for bikes can cost hundreds and hundreds of dollars. I’m going to have to try using a bluetooth headset at the same time with it. (presume I can). Issue is how that fits in my ear and in the helmet for comfort. Simply if you bike and have iPhones then I’d get one and try it out.
Are there other intercoms? There might be. I’ve searched before on the iTunes store. I found some they generally had lousy reviews or only worked on the 3GS etc. I never purchased them. This one had zero reviews and I thought I’d just try it out.
Now back to marketing. No stories in the iTunes store. It would seem no listings in the major biker forums. Yes there’s been the flashy videos, and it would seem the PR has sent it off to all the Review sites. Yet I can’t help thinking that this app has been poorly marketed. There’s plenty of bikers out there in the blogosphere and even more on forums. This type of thing gets lots of discussion there. I’m sure the dudes that created this (presume from Italy) have nice Ducatti’s parked somewhere. iMoto also limits other opportunities by naming it like it has. Or quickly do it under a few brands. Eg this would work for many sports… cycling, rock climbing, skiing, and more. For an instructor on a Ski slope it could be tremendously useful. For kids with a couple of iPod touches this is the always on walkie talkie. For parents traveling in airports this is a perfect way to keep in touch while shopping dutyfree etc.
They’ve done the actual engineering well and it is a simple app (relatively from a user POV). However they’ve missed their Target. Unless they are going to offer a Harley app, and a Triumph app and a BMW app etc. There’s many ways to take this to market, however their current price doesn’t make marketing it very attractive. This is worth every cent of all 99 or 1.99. Fact is 4.99 or even 9.99. If you know how much bikers spend on bike farkles then this is small cheese.
There’s no website for iMoto (founders site is seemingly under construction). Perhaps the “intercom” is really just something that Apple or Android should build into every handset. In fact this seems like a universal sort of new app, like a clock, or the voice recorder. Yep that’s it. No real market for this app. The Platform will just suck it up.
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As Chief Strategist and Facilitator at Mosoci, Stuart brings his passion for the future into guiding his Clients - startups and large businesses, to develop and execute powerful strategies around brand and product innovation.
