Savant TrueControl App Reviews
The Savant home automation system is truly great, especially insofar as the hardware (and software infrastructure) is concerned. However, the user interface is merely ok, and certainly not up to the standards (or price) of the system as a whole. Specifically, this particular version for Mac OS X is merely a clone of the iPad version, but without that versions full functionality (for instance, it lacks the energy monitoring screens). Furthermore, certain interface features are simply poorly thought-out: when you select an auto-off time for the TV, say, after clicking the "Enable timer" button, the next screen youre taken to has only one option at the top, "Cancel." While this doesnt actually cancel your timing request, it sure looks as though it might, and that can certainly be better designed. Really, the whole interface could use a bit of a redesign, to both look and function better (for example, finely controlling the audio volume is difficult on small screens: couldnt this slider "grow" when you select it to give you finer control?) In general, the Savant system does not allow enough end-user customization. Want to rename a room or zone? Call the programmer. Want to rename a particular source? Call the programmer. Want to set up simple things like lighting groups or timings, or HVAC schedules? Call the programmer. Want to reset the default zone for a particular remote? Call the programmer. Really? It doesnt need to be like this. These folks need to hire a few dedicated people who do nothing but fix up the software and bring it up to the standards of Apples own software with regards to human interface design, rather than keep pumping out new hardware while their softwares interface, functionality and flexibility remain stagnant.
Looks like crap on a Retina display - would have expected MUCH more from Savant! Get the graphics up to par. Works well but should be able to fit entire page on one screen.
horrible ergonomic user interface—feels 10 years old. each software update, presumably to improve the controls, brings no change to the user interface, and more bugs. Whole Savant system is unreliable—wish i never purchased this system for my home.
The only controls that work in Pandora are foward and pause. You cannot go back to look at songs played, rate songs with thumbs up or down or sort the playlist alphabetically.
The app no longer works, so my title speaks for itself. Hopefully an update will be out soon. Until then, I will be forced to rely on the iOS app. Also, the interface needs improvement. It’s dated and ugly and inconsistent with the look of current Apple products.
I do not understand why some Reviews say that this is a crappy Application. I think it works great! Sure, it is OLD; but, it still LOOKS GOOD, is REALLY EASY TO USE and just WORKS. I agree that it does need to be updated to work BETTER with El Capitan; but, IT DOES WORK WITH EL CAPITAN, AS IS because I am running Mac OS El Capitan Public Beta version 10.11.2 and IT RUNS GREAT! Sometimes, it just CRASHES ON START-UP; but, if you simply Click on it again, it runs fine. Sometimes it takes 2 or 3 Clicks, but it does RUN. I am sure they will fix this problem in the next update. As far as HOW IT LOOKS, I think it looks fine, with the Square Icons & Slider Volume Control. Sure, it could be more modern looking but that is the purpose of the NEW SAVANT APPLICATION where you can import Room Photos, etc. The other great thing about this App. is that it looks exactly as it does on the Savant Remotes, which also makes it EASY TO USE because you already know where everything is & how to get to Control what you need to Control. I only really have 2 issues with it: 1. STOP SAYING THE SAME THING FOR EVERY UPDATE, I Quote, “This Release addresses specific customer-requested enhancements and stability improvements.” THAT IS SO LAME & such a poor-man’s way of describing ANY UPDATE FOR ANY SOFTWARE. How about Manning-up & ACTUALLY TELLING US WHAT THE SPECIFIC FIXES AND CHANGES ARE, so that we can easily determine whether, or not, the update addresses & fixes our issues? It is called HONESTY & GOOD CUSTOMER SUPPORT when you properly, & clearly, inform your Customers about Software Changes. 2. Why are the Versions always different from each other? Right now, on the Mac, the latest Version is 7.2.0 but the latest Version on the Remotes (iPhone, iPad & Hard Button SSR-1000 iPods) is 7.2.3? At least EXPLAIN WHY the Versions are different on the Newest Update & when the Other Update can be expected. So, in summary, I think this is a GREAT APPLICATION! If you don’t like it, then I suggest you try the New One, with the S, which is totally different but DOES NOT RUN ON THE MAC & ONLY RUNS ON iOS 8.0 & above. So, IT DOES NOT RUN ON THE HARD-BUTTON REMOTES & Older iPads because they can only run iOS 6.1.6 & NOT HIGHER. What do you think?