Re: PI Product Line Future...

Alan,

I get both sides of this issue or perceptual stakes. The quarterly emitters doesn't bother me for as I've said, we have more than what we can use, I mean... really :) Besides, frankly, I was so impressed with the quality of some of the later ones such as the Clouds, I'd prefer a "quality over quantity" approach anyway.

Where I do agree with the concerns or what's-really-going-on part of the inquiry is that emitters are one part of the equation; the other just as important part is development and upgrade of the engine that makes all this magic-making possible -- the PI software.

Apart from some more or less orbital improvements, PI hasn't really changed in the 6 years I've had it. I started with v.3, we're at 3.4. In one sense this reflects that the changes have been overall small. And I also am well aware that Alan has in one sense carried most of PI -- there isn't a penthouse suite with 100 coders at his disposal. And its a one-of-a-kind and rather complex program under-the-hood.

But even the GUI looks dated in a way, and there have been no new features that stand out. Maybe that's what the opening post was about... is PI ever going to go to v.4 or version PI Pro or whatever and take on a whole new look with new user-friendly features?

It doesn't have to look like a high-end Mac workstation or have Aero glass icons, etc. -- this is a workhorse program, not a phone app. Yet improved GUI's do matter and can give users a boost, a sense of "Yeah, I'm driving my new baby now..."

Last but not least and as mirrored by the inquiry of this thread, I or we are only seeing things from our side of the fence -- as users. You have priorities and have to do things we don't have a clue about.

And as you also well know, I am very, very grateful for even having PI for the reason you know know well from back 6 years ago. It's helped me really continue to fine-tune my signature visual style as well invent stuff I never thought I could make up.

So none of the above is some complaint-fest and my/our respect for you is unwavering, but I hope that you can also see it from our end. In other words, we would love to know if there are some plans for, pardon the Star Trek analogy, a "PI - The Next Generation."

Sincerely,

~ Philip Knight