I already understood your point of view on this because it’s obvious and understandable and my knee jerk reaction too. On a personal note, I was really annoyed when I reported a bunch of app/interface bugs to them early in the AP700 cycle and they never fixed them. I would agree with everything you said if it was an iPhone or something else that will sell by the billions in revenue.
But reefkeeping gear is different for the reasons I already pointed out, mostly because it’s a low volume niche. If they have to choose between 6 year gen cycles with intervening minor software upgrades and backwards compatibility, versus 3 year gen cycles with major new software and other accessories upgrades for each new gen only, they pick the later and I’m glad they do.
I’m not saying you can’t have your opinion that they should spend their money improving old equipment instead of coming out with new equipment, I’m just saying it’s unreasonable to demand that they improve the old AND come out with the new at the same pace, due to the nature of our hobby. And I’m trying to explain why so you don’t think there is something nefarious going on.
If you don’t want to accept this you (and a lot of other folks) can just continue to complain about things and be upset by them without consequence. The companies do their best with each gen cycle because it’s a competitive market, and they get some thing really right while they get other things really wrong. The next gen cycle they improve the big problems and also leverage improvements in technology. That’s progress for the hobby.
John not sure your passionate posts are really justified. Criticizing a product dosnot mean criticizing a whole company.
I believe ( out of 3 years experimce) ap700 is failed product. It was plagued with power supply issues, LEDs melting, horrible connectivity and app and subpar coral growth. Yet at the same time, I believe kessil is one of the best LED companies out there, their other products are very good and their customer support is second to none..still, AP700 missed the mark and customer feedback all over the forums is the evidence.
These are customers opinions and you cannot minimize it just because there was efforts and money spent on the product development. This argument is (if you look at it from customer POV) out of touch.
Because I do not knownif you have used ap700, I have, 3 of them, ended up selling 2 for 45% of the cost and 1 litraly throwed it in the trash....I am sure zune had alot of efforts and money spent on development....
Customer should be allowed to voice their concerns and opnion without fear of shaming or favor.
Also the industry size has nothing to do with how product is evaluated. Smaller industries like ours, force excellence otherwise you cannot compete, that should not be an incentive for customers or advocate to be ok with issues in a product...
Btw do you know why I had 3 not 2? My system only need 2. I was perused by arguments similar to the one you are advocating right now, and thought maybe it was my fault, let me buy a 3rd new one it will be better..well it did not and these strong advocates did their thing and moved on while I wasted close to $2600..
My 2 cents.
