[Freature Req.] Auto-update (Sparkle)

[ono]

Hi,

Since version 18 is going to be released soon, it would be nice if PL would check for updates at startup. Most of Mac apps here doing so. I recommend Sparke Framework. Also it would be nice if it had some (*) Stable releases ( ) Beta releases choice in Preferences.

WDYT?

Cheers,

[gmhofmann]

I don't need such an option.
I often start PhotoLine on my Mac without beeing connected to the internet. If PL automatically looks for updates it generates an timeout error and an error message.

[TT1]

Not everyone wants their software to 'phone home' without approval. An option, maybe, but I'm happy to check for updates on my own schedule. Thanks.

[bkh]

Since version 18 is going to be released soon, it would be nice if PL would check for updates at startup. Most of Mac apps here doing so. I recommend Sparke Framework. Also it would be nice if it had some (*) Stable releases ( ) Beta releases choice in Preferences.

I think it would be easy for PL to automatically check for updates at regular intervals – it can already check for updates manually. But this should be a user preference, not general behaviour – to respect users' privacy.

Also it would be nice if it had some (*) Stable releases ( ) Beta releases choice in Preferences.

I don't quite see why. Imo, the stable release should check for updates of stable releases and not try to persuade people to use the beta version. The beta version doesn't currently report new versions. However, if you ask for access to the beta testers forum, you can just subscribe to new topics there, which are mainly beta version announcements.

Cheers

Burkhard.

[ono]

Since version 18 is going to be released soon, it would be nice if PL would check for updates at startup. Most of Mac apps here doing so. I recommend Sparke Framework. Also it would be nice if it had some (*) Stable releases ( ) Beta releases choice in Preferences.

I think it would be easy for PL to automatically check for updates at regular intervals – it can already check for updates manually. But this should be a user preference, not general behaviour – to respect users' privacy.

Most of Mac apps using Sparkle will ask you whether you want the app to check for updates on startup, later you can refine your choice on Preferences. They're never doing that w/o your consent. Sparkle does also app update, so you don't need to download it manually.

Also it would be nice if it had some (*) Stable releases ( ) Beta releases choice in Preferences.

I don't quite see why. Imo, the stable release should check for updates of stable releases and not try to persuade people to use the beta version. The beta version doesn't currently report new versions. However, if you ask for access to the beta testers forum, you can just subscribe to new topics there, which are mainly beta version announcements.

I've just said it would be nice to have a choice to check for Beta releases as well, at least when you are running some Beta release. But you're absolutely right, I can just subscribe to new topic notification in Beta forum.

[bkh]

Most of Mac apps using Sparkle will ask you whether you want the app to check for updates on startup, later you can refine your choice on Preferences. They're never doing that w/o your consent. Sparkle does also app update, so you don't need to download it manually.

I had a quick look at Sparkle and I think it is mainly useful if you want auto-updating (maybe I misunderstood your post and that's what you are asking for?). As I said, it would probably be much easier for the developers to add an automated update check option in the prefs. Installing a new version of PL is so easy that I'm not sure it's worth having an auto updater. I think I have never known about a new PL version via "Check for updates", does it take you to the download page directly?

I've just said it would be nice to have a choice to check for Beta releases as well, at least when you are running some Beta release.

Agreed, nothing to be said against beta versions checking for new betas. But not a priority issue for me. I guess it's up to the developers if they want to make their beta versions more public.

Cheers

Burkhard.