iRule Version 2.1.1

iRule version 2.1.1 has been released. Current users can update their iRule app from the App Store free of charge. iRule Builder has also been updated to include new functionality.

App Revisions and Additions

Setup Lock

App settings can now be locked to avoid accidental or intentional settings changes. Users benefitting from this feature would be parents with young children, and especially professional installers that would like to protect device settings from inadvertent settings changes that may require service calls.

Gateway and Device Status Drawer

Users can now tap the gateway status icon in the lower-right corner of the screen to open a "drawer" containing the status of all the gateways and devices to which the current panel connects. This is an excellent diagnostic to tool if you have 

Gateway Status Icon Now Optional

The gateway connection status icon can now be switched on or off, allowing for a cleaner user interface once installation and testing is complete.

Button Push/Release Event Commands

Commands can now be attached both to button-press and button-release tap events. This feature gives iRule functionality similar to a momentary switch. A good example of an application for this feature might be a fireplace that requires the user to press and hold a switch to ignite properly.

HTTP POST

The POST request method was added to HTTP gateways to accommodate devices which require that method.

HTTP WoL

Added Wake-on-LAN option to HTTP gateways. Great for devices such as HTPC's running XBMC that use a web server for control. That system can now be asleep in low-power mode, and iRule can send a Wake-on-LAN packet as part of a command to wake up the computer before executing the command.

User Interface Rotation

User interface rotation is now disabled if no pages are defined for the target orientation. This avoids user confusion.

Builder Revisions and Additions

Auto Delay Insertion

The Builder now automatically inserts a delay between multiple commands dropped on the same button. This makes building macros much easier and faster.

Command-Type Display Column

The Builder now displays devices' command type (RS232, RS232/IP or IR) in a new column, making it easier to tell at a glance what type of device you're viewing in the device browser.

Improved Browsing

Improved browsing for panels, images, devices and feedback by adding column-sorting.

Improved Search

Improved search functionality with separate query for iRule and Users tabs to speed searching, so you can now search only iRule-managed content, or search only user-created content. Searches are faster and easier.

Entrance Commands

Entrance commands assigned to a panel will now execute regardless of what page the user enters.

Google Apps Authentication

Google Apps authentication is re-enabled.

 

Other Changes and Fixes

• Fixed condition where invalid XML characters in the password were resulting in an "Authentication Failed" dialog.
• Removed the "Connecting to Gateways" message dialog. Handy for demonstrating the remote off-site or for troubleshooting.
• Fixed other miscellaneous bugs.

 

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iRule Version 2.0

iRule version 2.0 has been released. Existing users can update their iRule application from the iTunes store free of charge. iRule Builder has been updated to include the new functionality. New with this release is the introduction of iRule Pro and iRule Standard editions. By default, all iRule customers receive the new functionality of version 2.0 Standard. Customers can upgrade to iRule Pro for advanced functionality.

Panel Sharing - iRule Pro

Expanding on the community sharing within the iRule solution, users are now able to share individual Panels. As with Image Libraries, you can browse and filter and preview the Panels prior to importing into the existing setup. Panels that are added will not overwrite any existing Panels. All of the necessary images will be included when importing a Panel.

Two Way Feedback - iRule Pro

With the iRule Pro, you can now parse text based feedback from AV devices and display the information on the remote instead of on the on screen display. Some typical examples:

• AV Receiver – Display the volume, input selection (with user defined text not just the names of the manufacturer inputs) audio modes. Some newer receivers display Internet radio content such as artist, album name, song name and time.
• Lighting – Some lighting systems provide the ability to view the intensity of each light.
• Satellite – You can view the channel number and show synopsis
• Blu-Ray – See the elapsed time of a movie playing or the chapter information

Improved Cut/Copy/Paste - iRule Standard and Pro

The cut/copy/paste functionality can be used by right clicking on an object, using standard keyboard shortcuts (Control-C or Command-C on the PC/MAC), or using the icons in the Panels tree. You can now use the cut/copy/paste functions with the following iRule objects:

• Panel - Duplicate the Panel with all elements within the Panel.
• Page - Duplicate of the Page with all of the elements within the Page.
• Button - Commands and delays are copied with the button.
• Link - Commands and target link location are copied.
• Label - Labels are copied with the associated commands and settings.
• Background Image

Background Commands - iRule Standard and Pro

Entrances have been enhanced to allow commands to be resent at a user-defined interval. This is critical for devices that close the connection when not in use such as some AV receivers and automation systems. Also, this function can be used with the feedback queries for devices that do not automatically send back the feedback.

Handset Support - iRule Standard and Pro

Based on the requests of users and installers, there was a need to allow for unique interfaces within the same account. Now iRule support the creation of a new handset that will sync to a specific iOS device. Users can create an iPad interface for the husband and another unique iPad interface for the wife, all within the same license.

• iRule Standard Handsets – In the iRule Standard license, 3 handsets are included with additional handsets available for purchase.
• iRule Pro Handsets – In the iRule Pro license, 5 handsets are included with additional handsets available for purchase.

Retina Support - iRule Standard and Pro

Based on the enhancements of Handsets, iRule now supports a new resolution for the iPhone/iPod touch 4. Image libraries have been updated to include the standard iRule images in the high resolution required for Retina.

Improved Backup/Restore - iRule Standard and Pro

In addition to user created backups, the iRule server now automatically stores a backup from the last day’s login. The server stores up to seven backups allowing the user to go back to a previous system backup when needed. Note that a single Backup is made per day.

Toggle Commands - iRule Standard and Pro

Users can now apply multiple commands to a single button and have the commands alternate/toggle between each button press. This is useful when applying functions such as multiple audio modes to a single function and cycling between them with each button press.

Improved IR Functionality - iRule Standard and Pro

IR commands with the iTach series of devices have been improved and will accommodate some devices that were creating an error on the iTach series but not on the GC-100.

New iRule Stainless Steel Button Set - iRule Standard and Pro

Building on the great feedback of the Black and white glossy button sets we are now adding a stainless steel button set that duplicates the entire setup. The detail in these buttons really is amazing on a retina display.

Faster Loading - iRule Standard and Pro

Improvements in the server were made to improve the load time of Pages and searches.

Device Merge - iRule Standard and Pro

Ability to combine two devices with codes into a single device. This is a great tool when expanding an existing device without the need to create it from scratch.

Device Import Status Improvements - iRule Standard and Pro

When browsing devices, the interface now defines which devices are already in the user setup to eliminate the import of the same device multiple by mistake.

 

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iRule Version 1.72

iRule version 1.72 has been released. Existing users can update their iRule application from the iTunes store free of charge. iRule Builder has been updated to include the new functionality.

Support for iPad Multitasking

iRule is now multitasking capable on the iPad, as well as on the iPhone.

Improved Initial Sync Time

Initial sync time is reduced for interfaces with many images and devices.

Improved Copy Functionality

Users can now copy a Page to another Panel, reducing the time needed to recreate a Page in a complex setup.

Improved Search Results for Devices and Image Libraries

Image library and Device database search results are now split into two tabs, that are used to separate iRule Device and Images and user submitted content.

Device Database Update

New Devices have been added and updated to the Device database to include the new 2011 models.

Support for non-Google Logins

Installers can now create accounts that are not tied to Google based email addresses for additional flexbility and account management.

Fix for iPad Link Bug

Bug fix for an iOS 4.2.1 bug on the iPad that caused a crash.

 

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iRule Version 1.7

iRule version 1.7 has been released. Existing users can update iRule application from the iTunes store free of charge. iRule Builder has been updated to include the new functionality.

Wake On LAN

iRule is now able to send a magic packet to wake up the PC before the Gateway connects. The Wake On LAN feature seamlessly integrates with the Gateway connection, eliminating the need for the end user to manually include commands.

3G Support

iRule now supports the ability to control Gateways by using 3G not just WiFi. Please note that the quality of this solution really depends on the 3G connection.

Gateway Sync

This feature is intended for users with multiple iPhone/iPod/iPad devices at home. You configure the Gateways on the first device and can then backup your Gateway definitions to the server. All other devices can download the Gateway definitions from the server and reduce the setup time. Please note, that while Gateway definition is uploaded to the server, you can not edit the Gateway in the iRule Builder.

IR Command Repetition

Some IR devices require the command to be sent multiple times to work properly while others do not. Users will be able to adjust the number of times a command is sent with each button press. For devices that had an issue with double commands being sent, this will allow you to tweak the code to send only a single command. This option can help other devices that require some commands to be held down to send a new function to the device.

Image Library & Device Reordering

Image libraries and Devices can now be ordered by using the up/down arrows or the Page UP/Down keyboard shortcuts.

Repeating Serial Command Bug

On some Global Cache Gateways, repeating serial commands did not work, this bug has been fixed.

Device Renaming

If you change the name of a device, the associated commands in the Panel will maintain the association to the Device and function properly.

Fixed Multiple Links Bug

In cases where multiple links were selected in a row, the app may sometimes crash.

Improved Macro Execution

Internal improvements to handle macros.

Fixed Label and Gesture Bug

You can now cover a Page with Labels and use Gestures without any interference.

Repeating Button Bug

When swiping away from a repeating button, the command will continue to execute.

 

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iRule Version 1.6

iRule version 1.6has been released. Existing users can update iRule application from the iTunes store free of charge. iRule Builder has been updated to include the new functionality.

iOS 4 Compatible

iRule application is compatible with the iOS 4. You will be able to take advantage of the fast app switching if your device supports multitasking.

Native iPad Support

Starting with this version we released iRule for iPad application which can be found in the iTunes Store. Please note that Apple approved iRule Version 1.6 for the iPhone before iRule for iPad and there will be a delay of a few days between the release dates. In the meantime, you can use iRule Builder to begin to create the interface for the iPad.

Starter Project

New users to iRule Builder have the option of getting a professionally designed complete interface which includes vast new image libraries, backgrounds and links. All you need to do is add your specific devices and map the commands to the buttons. Existing users can also use the interface using the backup and restore functionality.

Hidden Panels

You can now create Panels and hide them from the Panels list. Hidden Panels are still accessible from links and can help to simplify the look of a complex interface.

Default Panel/Page

You will now be able to define a Page within a Panel as your default Page. A default Page will load when the application is launched bypassing the Panels list.

Duplicate Panel/Page

You will be able to quickly duplicate a Panel, which may be used to build complex interfaces faster. This function can be used to quickly duplicate a setup for homes with multiple rooms or to duplicate the interface between a Blu-Ray player to a DVD player.

Faster Load

Images and Devices will now load when the folder is expanded. This new functionality will improve the load times of the iRule Builder. Duplicate Panel - You will be able to quickly duplicate a Panel which can be used to build complex interfaces faster.

Backup and Restore

You will be able to backup your entire interface to your computer and restore. You can also use the Backup/Restore functionality to experiment with different interface ideas and revert back to a previous setup without worry.

Improved Labels

Labels without an assigned command will no longer interfere with Gestures.

iTach Bug Fix

Some iTach devices had an additional period at the end of the IP address.

Fixed Special Character Bug

Fixed special characters for names of images.

 

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iRule Version 1.5.1

iRule version 1.5.1 has been released. Existing users can update iRule application from the iTunes store free of charge. iRule Builder has been updated to include the new fucntionality. 

Improved WiFi

The WiFi capabilities of the iPhone/iPod touch have been improved to allow the application to remain connected without any network activity indefinitely.

Improved Entrances

Improvements have been made to provide a more streamlined way to control and access to Entrances. Entrances are no longer associated with the Panel, to call an Entrance it must be selected from each Page thus eliminating conditions where some Entrances are called inadvertantly. 

GC-100-12/18 Repeating Button Fix

A bug related to the GC-100-12 & GC-100-18 repeating buttons has been corrected. Repeating buttons now work without issue on all Global Cache Gateways. 

Link Panel Renaming Fix 

A bug related to the renaming of Panels within the iRule Builder has been corrected. You can now rename and move Panels within the Panels tree while maintaining the Links.

 

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iRule Version 1.5

iRule version 1.5 has been released. Users can download the update for iRule application from the iTunes store. iRule Builder has already been updated to include all of the new functionality. The next time a user logs into iRule Builder, the new capabilities will be available for use. A key advantage to an online application is that there is no compatibility issues with other software on your computer. There will be no additional software to install to upgrade the iRule Builder to the latest release.

Images

The ability to add background images is now available which empowers users to create a richer user interface. You can place an image up to 320x396 in the background or images that are smaller. Images can be stacked on top of each other including transparency. Background images are always below: Links, Labels, Buttons and URL elements.

Links can now be dragged and dropped by holding down the L key on the keyboard at the time you release the mouse. Links can now have a Device command or series of commands associated with a Link. Commands will be executed before the Link jumps to another page.

Labels can now be different fonts (the fonts are determined by the iPhone/iPod touch), user defined size, user defined color, bold option, and alignment (left, center, right). Labels can now accept Device commands effectively making them a functional interface element.

Users can now embed a web page into a panel. This can be used for both internal and external web content. Simple off the shelf web cams can now be integrated into the remote creating a real time security video within the same iRule interface. 

When a Device command is being sent from the iRule, there will now be a visual indicator in the bottom left corner showing the activity. There is also a visual indicator for the Gateway connection in the bottom right corner: green means that all gateways connected, yellow means that some gateways connected and red means that no gateways connected.

Users can now define a button as repeating, which can be useful for things like controlling the volume or dimming a light. The user can assign a repeat time. Repeating commands can be IR, RS232 or network commands. 

iRule Version 1.5 includes a new Gateway class called HTTP Gateway. This allows HTTP based commands to be sent to compatible devices (for example: IP thermostat, lighting, XBMC).