08/06/2021
Hi All,
A few issues have been experienced by my testers, customers and resellers, recently. This has resulted in a range of software upgrades to the website and the Apps. New versions of both the Android (v2.2.38) and iOS (v2.2.21) apps are now available.
Locale decimal number formatting
The most important issue relates to the handling of locale decimal number formatting.
Firstly I must apologize to all our international users. I did not appreciate that the number of countries that use a full stop as the decimal number separator is actually very small and that the majority of the World uses a comma as its decimal number separator.
This meant that special code was required to handle Comma Separated Values (CSV) properly and to ensure the smartphone data files were not rubbish.
Both the Android and iOS Apps have been changed to handle this issue.
As it is difficult to test this fully for the number of languages and locales, please let me know if you are still experiencing an problems.
Android 10/11 Permissions
Recently, Android updated their operating system on their latest smartphones to Android 10 and 11.
One of the most significant changes related to managing user permissions and required a number of code changes to support the new requirements.
A number of permissions are required by the HoldMaster App to connect via Bluetooth to the sensor and receive the data from the sensor via Bluetooth to the smartphone App. This requires both permission to use Bluetooth and Fine Location Access (a new requirement).
When you stop collecting data, a file is created and stored on the smartphone. The new requirements mean much tighter control of where these files can be stored and what App can access them. Our software changes should ensure the files will be saved correctly within the App’s storage and are not lost.
Note that old files will no longer be accessible with the latest App as the new Apps can no longer access the original file directory. New files can still be uploaded to the website, as required. Once again, you may have a phone/version that we have not tested, so please let us know if you still have any issues.
Shot Identification
Shot identification is an ongoing process. As we have more HoldMaster users, we have better data to help improve the shot identification code. There are a number of parameters that we use to tune the process. These can be updated regularly within the App, without needing a new version of the App. However, we have taken the opportunity to review and improve the code in the App.
Field Target
Field Target is a discipline that is shot outdoors at targets strategically placed in a field or woods. These targets may be at varying heights. The early Apps were only designed to work with fixed height targets, so a new discipline of Field Target has been added to the Apps to cater for the new requirements.
Fullbore
Another new discipline that has been added is Fullbore Rifle. Functionally, it is similar to Smallbore (KKM) but matches are much shorter. We are still testing the durability of the sensors and the sensor cases. A new case has been designed to attach the sensor onto an Anschutz Rail under a Fullbore or Field Target rifle. We are still waiting for the prototype case before it can be approved for release.
Finally
If there are any changes, improvements or additions you would like to see in either the App or Website, please forward your thoughts and comments. Our focus is very much continuous improvement in everything we do in order to improve your shooting experience.
