Release Notes

iRule for iOS Version 3.0.1

iRule version 3.0.1 for iOS has been released. Current users can update their iRule app from the App Store free of charge.

Changes and Fixes

• Fixed an incompatibility with iOS 5.1 that caused a crash
• Fixed an issue with Leviton locks not functioning properly
• Resolved an issue with locks on Mi Casa Verde Vera controllers
• Disabled automatic UPnP discovery to avoid an issue where the app could crash

iRule for iOS Version 3.0 

iRule version 3.0 for iOS has been released. Current users can update their iRule app from the App Store free of charge.

Revisions and Additions

Builder Handset Wizard

Now you can create a new working handset in just a couple of minutes! Really! Pick a handset, select a theme, choose activities and devices, which device(s) control the input switching and volume, and the new Builder Handset Wizard does the rest! When you're finished, you'll still be able to tweak and customize just like you always could. It only takes a few minutes to try, so what are you waiting for?

Builder Activity Wizard

Get a new device and need to add a new activity to a handset? Use the Activity Wizard and add a shared Panel and automatically assign the device commands.

Lutron Automation Module

The Automation Module for Lutron RadioRA 2 enables simple control of Lutron lighting, scenes, and thermostats. Drag and drop a light module and get a slider dimmer, on/off button, and two-way feedback, all with no programming! The Lutron thermostat module controls HVAC and includes all the heat/cool, fan, and manual controls, with full feedback of temperature and system status.

HAI Automation Module

The Automation Module for HAI enables simple control of lights and thermostats using HAI's popular Omni  control system. Drag and drop a light module and get a slider dimmer, on/off button, and two-way feedback. The thermostat module includes all the heat/cool, fan, and manual controls, with full feedback of temperature and system status, all with simple drag-and-drop configuration!

ISY Automation Module

The Automation Module for ISY enables simple control of Insteon lights, thermostats, and more using Universal Devices' popular ISY series of home automation appliances. Drag and drop a light module into a remote and get a slider dimmer, on/off button, and visual feedback. The thermostat module includes heat/cool, fan, and manual control modes, with full feedback of temperature and system status. Add powerful, integrated, control and automation to a home's lighting, appliances, and more with iRule, ISY, and Insteon.

Vera Automation Module

The Automation Module for Vera controls Z-Wave devices via the Mi Casa Verde Vera family of automation controllers. Simply drag and drop the Automation Module into your remote, and control light switches and dimmers, locks, and more with visual feedback. Add powerful integrated control and automation to a home's lighting, appliances, and more with the iRule, Z-Wave, and Mi Casa Verde Vera.

3M/Radio Thermostat Module

The Radio Thermostat Module is a simple drag-and-drop module to add iRule control of the affordable family of thermostats from Radio Thermostat (and private label alternatives from 3M Filtrete, LockState Connect, and Homewerks.) The thermostat module includes all the heat/cool, fan, and manual modes, with full feedback of temperature and system status. Add simple, efficient, cost-effective HVAC control to a home with iRule and a Wi-Fi thermostat by Radio Thermostat.

Leviton Module Update

The Leviton Z-Wave Automation Module now supports thermostats! Control Z-Wave lighting, locks, and thermostats via the Leviton Vizia RF controller. The thermostat gives offers control of heat/cool, fan, and manual modes with full graphical feedback.

Onkyo-Integra Module Multizone Support

The Onkyo-Integra Module now supports multiple zones on 2012 Onkyo-Integra receivers and processors with multizone streaming capability. Now, somebody can be watching football in the den, and listen to Pandora or Spotify in the living room!

Modified Templates

We've done some work on the templates to support the New Handset Wizard, and we've added a few more templates to support a couple more popular Android devices. There are still more to come, but we wanted to support a few of the more popular devices as soon as possible.

Gateway Configurator

iRule is now smarter about how gateways are added and configured. Now, when you sync a handset, iRule will check to see which devices aren't configured, and if you want, search the network to find the appropriate devices and even configure the gateway for you. If it's a serial device connected to a Global Caché GC-100 or iTach, iRule will even configure the serial port! We can't automatically discover everything, but this makes setting up a new handset much easier for new users and experienced professionals alike.

Multifile Upload

Yes, it's true! You can now give your mouse a rest and upload an entire folder full of images to your account all at once.

Global Delays

You can now set a global value for all new delays, or you can change all the delays to a specific value in a Handset, Panel, or Page.

Improved Project Load Speed

Significant improvements have been made to the speed at which projects are loaded into the Builder.

Improved Sync Times

Dynamic syncing is now improved for repetitive editing and syncing where minor changes are applied.

Image Properties Display

Improved image properties pane to display image X-Y dimensions and labeled image file size in bytes.

Sync iPhone Handset on iPad

It's back! Better, really. When we unified iPhone and iPad apps to eliminate confusion, one side-effect was losing the ability run the iPhone version on an iPad and sync an iPhone handset. With iRule 3, that capability is back. It still isn't the best experience, and we don't generally recommend the practice, but it can come in handy in a pinch.

Gateway Backup/Restore Confirmation

A dialog will request confirmation before overwriting the Gateway settings on the server or in the app before a Gateway Backup or Restore.

Other Changes and Fixes

• Moved the Sync tab under More instead of Devices.
• Corrected numerical feedback parsing of more than 1-byte data size.
• Fixed an issue with commands not sending if phone brightness was set to zero.
• Fixed copy/paste image so newly pasted images are placed on top of an existing label.

iRule Builder Version 2.6.2

iRule Builder 2.6.2 has been released. This new version and its features will automatically load when you next log in to iRule Builder.

Revisions and Additions

Imroved Save

The mechanism for saving user changes back to the iRule Builder server has been reworked for massive speed improvments. These improvements will be particularly noticeable when working with large remote layouts, where save times of 10-20 times faster won't be uncommon.

iRule for iOS Version 2.6.1

iRule version 2.6.1 for iOS has been released. Current users can update their iRule app from the App Store free of charge.

Revisions and Additions

iPad mini Handset Syncing

iOS 6.0.1 changed the way the iPad mini reported handset resolutions to iRule, which then disabled proper handset syncing. This maintenance release resolves the issue with handset syncing on the iPad mini.

iRule for iOS Version 2.6

iRule version 2.6 for iOS has been released. Current users can update their iRule app from the App Store free of charge.

Revisions and Additions

Sonos Module

You've been asking for it and we're happy to finally be able to deliver it! The Sonos Module integrates iRule system control and advanced Sonos control. With iRule, an iPad or Android tablet, and the Sonos Module, you can browse and play a full audio library (streaming radio coming soon), yet still control system volume, input, lights, etc. No more switching apps all the time!

Onkyo-Integra Module

Like an "app within an app", the Onkyo-Integra Module enables control Onkyo Integra network receivers and processors. Select input source, network source, and radio station, stream from internet radio stations, local network media, or USB, and display content information.

Automation Module for Leviton Z-Wave

Need a fast, simple way to add Z-Wave control to an iRule remote? The Automation Module controls Z-Wave devices via the Leviton VRC0P-1LW Vizia RF + Plug-In Serial Interface Module. Simply drag and drop the Automation Module into your remote, and control light switches, light dimmers (both horizontal and vertical layout), and even locks. This is only the beginning; there's more coming soon!

iTunes Module Additions and Revisions

• Multiple iPads running the iTunes client can now connect simultaneously.
• TV shows are now supported.

Transparent Drawer Background Support

Transparent Drawer backgrounds introduced in the latest Builder update are now supported in this iOS app release. This means that Drawers without backgrounds in Builder will now be rendered without backgrounds, instead of black as in the previous release.

iPhone 5 & iPad 3 Screen Resolution Support

These new handsets were introduced in the last Builder update, but are now fully-supported in this release.

New Unifed App

Previously, there were two iRule apps: iRule for iPhone/iPod touch and iRule HD for iPad. With this release, the main iRule app will now run on both iPhone/iPod touch AND iPad/iPad mini, so it is no longer necessary to download two separate apps if you have one of each device. Eventually, iRule HD will be phased out, but it will be maintained until some time next year to allow a convenient migration to the new unified app.

Other Changes and Fixes

• Resolved an issue where using volume buttons after leaving and returning to a panel caused a crash.
• Fixed a problem where the app would crash when pairing the iTunes Module with an empty library.
• Corrected a problem music playback would be interrupted even if no hard-button volume control device was defined.
• Fixed a problem where opening or closing a Drawer in Panels with multiple pages would sometimes trigger commands.
• Resolved an issue where leaving a panel while a gateway connection was in progress would cause a crash.

iRule for Android Version 1.4.3

iRule version 1.4.3 for Android has been released. Current users can update their iRule app from Google Play. The update is a maintenance release that resolves two issues, one caused by the most recent Android 4.2 release.

Revisions

• Resolved an issue where numeric feedback was not working properly when the device language was set something other than USA English.
• Resolved an issue related to the recent Android 4.2 release that caused handset sync to stop functioning.

iRule for Android Version 1.4.2

iRule version 1.4.2 for Android has been released. Current users can update their iRule app from Google Play. The update is a maintenance release and resolves several outstanding issues discovered after the release of version 1.4.1.

Revisions

• Resolved an issue where "Repeat on hold" buttons weren't working properly in Drawers.
• Corrected a problem with feedback not working properly from RS-232 serial port #2 on GC-100-12/18 gateways.
• Resolved an issue where multiple pages on some devices were causing sluggish behavior.
• Modified feedback handling to find and display first match, consistent with iOS feedback handling.
• Links, Buttons, and Labels with user-defined text are now wrapped properly.
• Resolved an issue where list view in Settings, Gateways, Panels, etc. was truncated on certain tablet devices.
• Corrected a problem where color was displayed incorrectly on certain devices.

iRule Builder Version 2.6.0

iRule Builder 2.6.0 has been released. This new version and its features will automatically load when you next log in to iRule Builder.

Revisions and Additions

New Handset Wizard with Template Devices

With the new handset wizard, it's now possible to create a working remote from scratch (or configure an additional handset) in just a few minutes. Really! New handsets are now created pre-populated with "template" devices. You can then use Device Swap to replace the template devices with the actual controlled devices.

New Handset Template Layouts

There are now Handset templates built for most popular phones and tablets, including iPhone 5, iPad Retina, Android 720x1280 (Samsung Galaxy S III, HTC One X, etc.), and more. The iRule released iRule apps don't yet fully support the larger iPhone 5 and iPad Retina displays, but we wanted to release them in the Builder so our customers could start designing their Handsets. With all the new devices reaching the market, there are still more to add, but this new set covers the most common phones and tablets.

Template Drawers

The Handset layout templates now all include Drawers. Including Drawers in the iRule templates improves the functionality of the remote on smaller-screen devices, and makes updates much easier on iPads and other tablets.

Template Themes

The Handset layout templates are all created in each of our three current graphic themes: black, white, and brushed.

Transparent Drawers

Drawer backgrounds are now transparent by default. Transparency means pinned Drawers can be essentially invisible, displaying only the Drawer's contents on the screen, so this is most useful for pinned Drawers. This feature is in preparation of both Android and iOS apps being updated to support this feature. Currently-released apps will render Drawers with no background as black. Again, we wanted to get these tools into customers' hands so as soon as they apps are released, you can be ready with your Handset designs.

Other Changes and Fixes

• Resolved an issue where handsets not yet loaded would fail to receive changes to devices and feedbacks.
• Added read-only handset properties to display portrait and landscape usable area. This is crucial information for users creating and uploading their own backgrounds.
• Added a function to remove all commands from a handset or panel.
• Deleting or updating a device or device code now updates gestures, entrances and motions views.
• Replace Device summary view now shows Entrances, Motions, and Gestures commands.
• Added support for iPhone 5 and iPad Retina in preparation for upcoming iOS release.
• Added Handset defintions for Barnes & Noble Nook HD, Barnes & Noble Nook HD+, HTC Evo 4G LTE, Motorola Droid Razr HD, and Samsung Galaxy S III.
• Added handset and image libraries graphics scale fields to support automatically matching Handset pixel density to most appropriate graphic resolution (standard, medium, large/"Retina"). 

iRule for Android Version 1.4.1

iRule version 1.4.1 for Android has been released. Current users can update their iRule app from Google Play. The update is a maintenance release and resolves two issues discovered after the release of version 1.4.0.

Revisions

• Resolved an issue with the app and connections to a Global Caché GC-100-6.
• Resolved an issue where "repeat on hold" was not functioning properly inside Drawers.

iRule for Android Version 1.4.0

iRule version 1.4.0 for Android has been released. Current users can update their iRule app from Google Play. The update enables iRule Android to take advantage of earlier Builder updates.

Revisions and Additions

Drawers

Drawers are now available for Android! Drawers offer a solution to two issues. The first is faster design by instancing or "punch-through" as it's sometimes called. Create a page, add some buttons and commands, then "re-use" that page anywhere in the remote by "pinning" the Drawer open. For example, configuring source and volume buttons on the sides of a tablet layout previously required configuring each page where the buttons were used. With Drawers, there is no need to keep defining and redefining links and input commands for each page; simply configure the buttons once in a Drawer and re-use the drawer anywhere you need the links and buttons.

The other issue Drawers help resolve is that of screen real-estate on small-screen devices which typically require "hunting" around the remote. For instance, in the "Watch TV" page, there is no room for input selection and volume and mute buttons. With Drawers, you can add an "overlay" or sliding sheet that be swiped out from the side of the screen to add functionality even though screen area is limited.

Feedback Tokenization

Some devices output feedback strings which included changing values or lengths, making simple parsing impossible. Feedback tokenization solves this problem and allows for much more powerful feedback display.

Physical-Button Volume Control

The use of physical buttons for volume control are now enabled. Make sure your device

HTTP SOAP Command Support

SOAP support facilitates control of devices using this protocol, including Sony Blu-ray players and others.

IR and Relay Feedback

IR and relay feedback from Global Caché hardware is now supported which enables the feedback from sensors on the Global Caché Gateways.

Dimmed-Screen Tap

Tapping a dimmed screen will now wake the screen only; not trigger a command. This makes the behavior consistent with iRule for iOS.

Username/password Fields in Network Gateways

Network Gateways now include username and password fields for more intuitive configuration, eliminating the need to create more complicated strings for device URL's with embedded username/password. This capability also better supports devices using the Telnet protocol. Send empty username/password when for network gateway.

Other Changes and Fixes

• Added a Sync button in Settings panel layout for easier syncing.
• Fixed empty feedback code (without value) that breaks sync feedbacks.xml
• Fixed a connection issue with RS-232 serial models of iTach devices.
• HTTP/Network Gateway passwords are now masked.

iRule for iOS Version 2.5

iRule version 2.5 for iOS 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.

Revisions and Additions

Drawers

Drawers are here! Drawers offer a solution to two issues. The first is expedited design by instancing or "punch-through" as it's sometimes called. Create a page and define some buttons and commands, then "re-use" that page anywhere in the remote by "pinning" the Drawer open. For example, configuring source and volume buttons on the left and right sides of the iPad layout required configuring each page where the buttons were used. With Drawers, there is need to keep defining and redefining links and input commands for each page; simply configure the buttons once in a Drawer and re-use the drawer anywhere you need the buttons.

The other issue Drawers helps resolve is that of screen real-estate on small-screen devices that require "hunting" around the remote. For instance, in the "Watch TV" page, there is no room for input selection and volume and mute buttons, while in the home page (with volume, mute, and source selection), there is no room for DVR controls. With Drawers, you can add an "overlay" or sliding sheet that be swiped out from the side of the screen.

Feedback tokenization

Some devices output feedback strings which included changing values or lengths, making simple parsing impossible. Feedback tokenization solves this problem and allows for much more powerful feedback display.

HTTP SOAP command support

SOAP support facilitates control of devices using this protocol, including Sony Blu-ray players.

Username/password fields in Network Gateways

Network Gateways now include username and password fields for more intuitive configuration, eliminating the need to create more complicated strings for device URL's with embedded username/password. This capability also better supports devices using the Telnet protocol.

Username/password fields in HTTP Gateways

HTTP Gateways now include username and password fields for more intuitive configuration, eliminating the need to create more complicated strings for device URL's with embedded username/password.

Keyboard Element Nudging

iRule Builder now supports nudging elements! Use the arrow keys to move elements in the remote layout one row/column at a time, which makes designing remotes much faster and more intuitive.

Replace Device Codes in Panels

Replace devices in a single panel. Previously, only devices in the remote could be replaced with another; now replace a device in a single panel. One example of where this is a huge time-saver is the situation of controlling multiple identical devices - DirecTV receivers, for instance. Now, you can configure a single panel with control of one device, duplicate the panel as many times as you have device instance, then simply replace the device in each panel with the desired device.

Improved Entrances

Entrances now support Delay and Message Actions for improved remote design/functionality.

Improved Panel Summary View

The Panel Summary View is improved, with icons to link to Entrances, Motions, and Gestures, and pages, and to create new pages. There is also a list of all devices which are controlled by commands contained in the panel.

Other Changes and Fixes

• Fixed an issue with main connection status icon when a connection was lost.
• Fixed an issue where HTTP Post Gateway with directory showed red connection status.
• Fixed an issue with HTTP Gateway Restore from Android to iOS.
• Fixed an issue where swiping to Delete Gateways caused a crash.

iRule Version 1.3.0 for Android

iRule version 1.3.0 for Android has been released. Current users can update their iRule app from Google Play or Amazon Apps. The update enables iRule Android to take advantage of earlier Builder updates.

Major Optimization

In this new version of iRule for Android, the app has undergone a major overhaul to optimize performance for the Android platform, improve reliability and robustness, and to better align the feature set with the iOS version.

UDP Support

The app now supports sending UDP commands as well as receiving and processing UDP feedback.

Android 4.0.3 Support

Improved compatibility with Android 4.0.3 "Ice Cream Sandwich".

Text on Buttons & Links

As in the iOS version, Buttons and Links and can now have text overlaid for labeling and more customization without external graphics- or photo-editing applications.

Screen Dimming

iRule for Android now dims the screen after a period of inactivity. Leave iRule open and connected in a dark room; just tap the screen to brighten and use it.

Message Dialog

Use "Message" dialogs to inform and direct users to wait while device macros execute. This is helpful to prevent issues arising from users making source selections before devices are powered on or HDMI handshaking occurs.

Smooth Repeat IR

Faster repeating of infrared commands on supported devices, useful in applications such as volume ramping.

Better Macro Handling

Macros are now queued for more coordinated sequential execution.

Improved Command Execution

Command queuing has been improved for more robust control execution.

Improved Feedback Parsing

Improved feedback parsing from HTTP devices using XML, such as XMBC, DirecTV, and ISY-99.

"More" Tab

This tab in the Builder contains these items, which are now usable on Android:

• Actions - New Delay and Message elements for more reliable and polished macros.
• Widgets - Drag-and-drop Buttons, Links, Labels, and URLs from this new element group.
• Launch - Launch external apps, an email to support, or a URL in the browser - right from a Button!
• Nav - Use the Nav commands to add your own Back, Sync, Panels, and Gateways buttons to a remote.

New Handset Types

New preset handset types for popular new Android devices are available in the Builder Handsets menu.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).