We are extremely excited to announce that eWallet 7 has just been released. Not only does eWallet 7 include a completely revamped Windows PC version, a working preview of eWallet for Mac, and a host of new features, we’re working to create a new approach to selling mobile software.
Also – if you’re just coming back to the blog, make sure to read the update at the bottom of the post!
For the full story on eWallet 7, read on after the jump…
Software is for People, Not Devices
I love the new features in eWallet 7, but I’m going to start with something that I think is the biggest news. With the release of eWallet 7 we’re reshaping the idea of how people buy mobile software. For years there has been an idea that you buy software for your mobile device. This doesn’t make sense to us. People aren’t buying the software for the device. The software is for the person. That’s why with eWallet 7 we’ve completely re-imagined how you buy the product.
Now, for $19.95, you can use eWallet on any device we support. No extra versions. No extra purchases. When you buy eWallet it’s for you – not your device. This is true even for iPhone users (see the information here for details on how this works for iPhone.)
And for our existing customers, upgrading just got better (and cheaper!) For just $10.00 you can use the latest version of eWallet on your Windows PC, Windows Mobile device, or BlackBerry, and get full access to the Mac Preview.
A New Desktop Version
The next big news is that we’ve rewritten eWallet for Windows PC from the ground up. With eWallet 7, the Windows PC version is easier to use than ever before, offers more options for customization, brings you some great new features, and looks amazing. We even included a way to get the Old School eWallet feel for folks who aren’t ready for a big change!
eWallet for Mac Preview
With eWallet 7 we’re also releasing a special 30 day preview of eWallet for Mac. It doesn’t include everything, but this special preview edition is ready for you to try. We even built a special tool into the iPhone version that lets you manually transfer files from your iPhone to your Mac so you can try it with your own wallets!
And if you’re an owner of the complete eWallet package, use your eWallet registration codes to unlock the Mac Preview for unlimited use!
Image Synching and More…
And that’s not all…eWallet 7 adds a number of other new features as well, including synching for inserted background images. Now, you can create an amazing wallet on your desktop complete with background images and sync it over to your iPhone or Windows Mobile device where you’ll get the same, great looking wallet!
What Do You Need to Do?
We’ll be sending out upgrade notifications over the next week with all the information you need to get eWallet 7. If you purchased within the last 90 days, we’ll upgrade you to the full eWallet package at no charge. If you purchased before that time, it’s just $10.00 to upgrade the entire package.
iPhone customers will get the upgrade to eWallet 7 for free, but please be aware that if you purchased the desktop version more than 90 days ago, you will need to pay for the upgrade if you wish to use the eWallet 7 Windows PC version.
And if you use the iPhone and DON’T WANT TO UPGRADE your desktop software, we have a special version of eWallet 6 that you can use. Read all about it here!
RELEASE UPDATE 12-1-09
As you can probably tell this is a HUGE release. We’ve changed more things in more places than we ever have in any release of our software ever. We aren’t surprised to hit a few bumps along the way. SO here is what I can offer as far as how things are going!
People Love It! OK, I couldn’t resist mentioning this – in part as a pat-on-the-back to all the folks who have busted their tails on this project here at Ilum Software. Thank you to EVERYONE OUT THERE who has been emailing and posting compliments about this release. It’s great to hear so many positive comments!
Non-English Windows Installs: It looks like some folks running non-English installs of Windows are getting errors when they run eWallet 7. We are working on this as we speak and getting very close to discovering why this is happening!
BlackBerry Unlock Codes: We’ve also had some folks hitting snags when they try to register their BlackBerry version. Again – we’re working on this and will keep you updated.
Support Calls and Emails: We WILL respond to everyone, but right now Lee and Kevin are absolutely swamped – mostly good stuff but still swamped all the same – we apologize for the delays but at this stage we’re going as fast as we can. SO we’ll try to post on the biggest issues here on the blog and will try to get through all the request for support before the week is out. Sorry for the wait and thanks for your patience!
iTunes Reviews: We totally understand the frustration a lot of folks felt over the trouble with the iPhone update and we’re really sorry for the grief it caused. Even though we provided a fix, I imagine that not all of that has disappated – HOWEVER – if you feel so inclined to either provide us with a positive review OR improve a negative one, we would REALLY appreciate it. We’d really like folks to know that when something goes wrong we don’t just sit back and ignore it – I really hate asking for reviews but in this case we’d really appreciate the support if you feel so inclined. Thanks!
And that’s it for now! We’ll keep you updated as we go. It’s an exciting time here and I think as the year progresses you’ll find that this is just he beginning!
- Marc
Twitter
You guys are amazing! Nice work and I like the new software model!
Just upgraded to 7.0 on PC. The default install location is: program files/illium software/eWallet6.1/eWallet. I changed this to install in a different eWallet7.0 directory. All working OK and the ‘Microsoft Riboon’ interface looks good.
However it now seems I still have eWallet 6.1 installed, as I can still run it from the start menu, but I’m not able to uninstall it, as control panel / uninstall programs only shows eWallet 7.0.
Should I just delete the 6.1 eWallet program directory?
thanks
IF YOU HAVE TROUBLE WITH EWALLET 7
I cannot handle support from the blog. I am very sorry. Most people are having no trouble at all running eWallet 7, but some folks have had some trouble. Please – if you are having trouble either call or email support. They will be happy to help you as quickly as possible, but there is no way we can provide support to everyone via the blog.
I apologize – this is a busy time for us and we can and will help, but the blog just doesn’t work as a mass support system.
Good work folks! Well done for keeping on schedule, responding to users over the iPhone loss of sync with V6 followiing upgrade and managing to rush out a V6 Windows fix to sort this!
Now, with the Mac preview I am playing with… Is it helpful to have feedback and bug reports? If so how would you prefer to get these?
@Ian: At this stage you are welcome to send us bug reports, but even more helpful are suggestions. The reality is that we’re probably aware of the bugs – it isn’t a final version – but suggestions will help a lot. Send them to info@iliumsoft.com Thanks!
What about Bar Codes? This is a new and wonderful addition that you should be thinking about. I worry that your competition is sneaking up on your product which I love and have been using for years.
YEEEEESSS!!! I have been waiting for the OSX version for ages. Way cool to see it in action reading my old eWallet file perfectly. You guys rock!!!!!!!!
Before blogging I did a bug report.
eWallet 7.0 is not working with my PC under vista SP 2.
Now you told that 7.0 is not a final version ?
Is it or no ?
Will there be a new v7 for USB mem stick, I use the USB version along with my PC Version and want to upgrade both the pc and usb mem stick
@WILLIAM: eWallet doesn’t automatically handle barcodes but I’ll certainly pass along the request. According to some customers, you can take a picture of a barcode card, use the picture in a Picture card, and keep barcodes handy that way. (Inserted pictures are encrypted.)
@Donovan: Thanks!!!
@Bestter: ONLY the Mac version is a Preview. eWallet 7 for Windows PC is the final version. It should work perfectly on Vista. If you are having any trouble, definitely drop the support folks a line (which it sounds like you did). They will help you work out why you’re having trouble.
@Roger: There are no plans for a eWalelt 7 version for USB at this time. I’m really bummed about this but there just isn’t a market for this right now. We have (literally) a handful of USB customers.
I received the automated email after purchasing the upgrade.
It states ” your software purchase includes free upgrades for the next 45 days. After 45 days, upgrades are available for a discounted price.”
Is this new or is it the same where we get minor updates for free and major version number changes cost money?
@Dean: Minor changes will remain free. If we release an update that fixes some minor bug 50 days for now, we’re not going to charge you for it.
If I upgrade my PC eWallet 6 to eWallet 7 I will unlock the MAC preview for unlimited use. I believe the upgrade will cost me $10.00. What will happen when the final MAC OSX version is released? Will I be charged again or is it included in this $10.00 upgrade fee?
Thanks
@ John
That’s a good question for those that don’t want Windows including myself, however, I’m glade to give ilium my $10 bucks in the mean time so they can eat too!
Nice work on the interface. Looks real good!
Will try the MAC version when I get home.
Fantastic! Mac version of eWallet works like a charm… FTP transfer from Mac to iPhone works fine too (looking forward to seeing the sync working in the alpha version!)… Thanks guys… I’ve been waiting for this a long time and am VERY pleased…
Where do we submit suggestions? I have one: please add a reminder service, such as passport or driver’s licence renewal coming up. That would be awesome
@Sophia: Send any and all suggestions, requests, compliments, and complaints to info@iliumsoft.com. We read every single email that comes in through there! Please keep in mind that releases are VERY busy times here so our usual 24 hour turn around on replies might be closer to 48. (PS: I already added your request to my list!
)
@Geoff/Dean/John: Thanks! We really appreciate the feedback. It’s been a lot of work to get here but we’re very happy with the results. We’re really glad you are as well!
Cost for the Full Mac Version
Under the new system that depends on whether we release it as part of a free update or a paid upgrade. We’re too far out for me to be 100% sure which it will be but I can tell you this:
If the Mac comes out as part of a paid upgrade, anyone who purchased within the free upgrade period gets it for free (No, I’m not sure when the full version will come out) AND everyone else who already owns the full package will get it at the usual discount. In other words you’re not buying a new version of the software for your Mac – it’d be just like any other upgrade to the software – it simply expands support to another platform.
@All Mac Users: One thing we are VERY interested in hearing is “does it feel like Mac software.” So, when you email us those ideas (info@iliumsoft.com) let us know. We know Mac does not equal Windows and we don’t want eWallet on Mac to feel like a Windows app shoved onto Mac – we want to make a true Mac application. So let us know!
[...] To comment on this article, please leave a message on our blog. [...]
I think you guys just secured your names in the pool of possible choices of names for first-borns.
Congrats on another milestone!
@Kerim:
Thanks!
Swwwweeeeettttt!
XP/iPhone.
@Haim: I moved your support request over to our support team but when I tried to email you about it, the message bounced. Please email support@iliumsoft.com so we can help you get your problem resolved! Sorry for the trouble.
@John: Thanks!
Marc reply to my email:
zonhaim@gmail.com
Thanks.
Haim.
I’m looking forward to install the brand new eWallet 7 on my Windows machine later this day. No problem to spend 10 USD for the update. Keep up your good work.
@Stefan: Thanks!
@All: For those of you following the comments, I tacked an update onto this blog post, giving some info on how things are going and a couple of snags we’ve run into.
I currently own eWallet 6.1 for my Windows PC and Blackberry. If I pay the $10 upgrade fee I get both versions upgrade to ver 7, correct? Do I also get a license to run it on my iPod Touch as well?
@J. Wagner: Yep – $10 gets you use of eWallet 7 on both Windows PC and BB (and Windows Mobile!) As for the iPod Touch – that’s the challenge – Apple doesn’t have a way for us to discount you or sell a package through iTunes (they don’t allow selling anything that doesn’t go straight onto the phone) so yeah, that’s a separate purchase.
Thanks for clarifying. Do the BB and iPod version support KeyPass with their respective built-in browsers?
Bug Report For Windows PC Ver 7 on Windows 7.
Use find to find an item or use edit to create a new card and then ‘find’ that card. Click on item in left window.
Click on Edit Tab
Click Delete–item is not removed from find window.
Click on item in find window–App Crash.
I like your product, I really do, but I am confused by your new pricing.
I paid for the iPhone product, then paid $19.95 for windows (well over 90 days ago).
If I want the new product today I pay $10 more.
If I were a brand, brand new customer, and buy the iPhone version, I would pay $10 more.
Effectively I have no value by having bought the Windows version before, you are offering it to established customers at the same price as someone who walked in today and started with iPhone today.
Or am I missing something?
It’s a worthwhile product, and I will likely fork over the $10 more, but customers appreciate when you reward their loyalty with discounted upgrades — which means cheaper than new guys get it. Not just cheaper than it was before.
Linwood… for people who purchased the iPhone version, the Windows version has always been $10. So, without going to bring up the past 6 days
this is what Ilium figured:
They made the update from v6 to v7 on the iPod free, but charge $10 for the Desktop version.
Had they *cough* made it possible to still sync with version 6 (which they have NOW), this would have been a very fair and honest deal.
So, in effect, if you paid $19.95 for the Windows version AFTER you purchased the iPod version, unfortunately you paid too much
I noticed that the credit card displays in eWallet 7, PC version, are truncating the 16th digit of the credit card account number. I tried different display styles, but it didn’t matter. I use Windows 7 running on a Dell Latitude D620.
Also, I assume that the beta MAC version, unlocked, cannot yet synchronize to the iPhone. (I didn’t see how to do it.) Right or wrong?
Thanks.
Great release guys, well worth the 10 bucks.
@Marc Does the new licensing mean I can now run eWallet on my home PC and laptop, and my work PC since it’s licensed by user now?
Paid for the updated version 7 last Thursday so now [im]patiently waiting, as you advise that, “We will send an email to everyone eligible for the free upgrade”
……
@Sophia – I just went back and found the order form, and I did indeed pay $19.95, I verified against both e-mail response and credit card, purchased 12/13/08. I bought it after purchasing the iPhone product separately. I reviewed my iTunes bill and that as $9.99.
But even if it was $10, my point remains — it would appear that I am paying the same price for the windows upgrade as someone who never paid for the windows product initially (but who also bought the iPhone).
It’s not a big deal — but it is annoying.
Nice recovery! Honesty and admission of a problem are always the best policies. I’m in the software business and know how this feels. I’ve been using eWallet on my iPhone and my laptop for about a year and a half. 6 months ago I switched to the Mac, so I’m very happy to see a Mac Desktop.
Is there a way to be kept up to date when there are new builds of the Preview? I’ve had problems with it staying alive and have reported to technical support.
From what I see, it’s very nice.
Bob
While I’m happy with the updates so far for Windows. The Mac preview has a lot of issues for me and is almost unusable (emailed tech support with examples). Hope the fixes are coming soon as the Mac preview was the primary reason I purchased the upgrade
OK, one thing I don’t like, in an otherwise beautiful interface. The big empty window on the right that just shows the category statistics in it is a waste. Please put the big ol’ card icons in there, for the category I have highlighted, so I don’t have to expand and collapse each category in the navigation pane. Really don’t care that I have 13 cards, no subcategories, and what the default card type is in my Assorted bunch, I want to see the assorted cards. Be pleased to have that as an option, accommodating those that like the stats. If that is already an option, darned if I can find it.
Thanks
Is anyone else having trouble with sync to iPhone under version 7? I will submit this to Support, but I wanted to poll other early updaters to see if it’s a common problem. I upgraded both the Windows Desktop and iPhone eWallet apps, opened my existing wallet (after it auto-converted to be version 7 compatible), made some changes to a card on the Desktop side, then tried to sync to iPhone (I had already opened my existing wallet on the iPhone so that it auto-converted as well). My previous sync settings were already in place on the Desktop, but when I tried to sync the Desktop failed to find my iPhone. I tried deleting the existing sync setup and add it as new through the sync setup process, and at first this failed as well because the iPhone was not detected, but after restarting the Bonjour service under Windows, I was able to successfully add the iPhone under the sync setup and establish a trust using the code generated on the iPhone. But then I still could not sync — still getting the “no Apple devices detected” error.
One twist is that I am running Windows XP as a virtual machine on my iMac using the Parallels software, but everything worked fine under this setup using eWallet 6.1.
Anyone else having such issues? Anybody running Windows using Parallels on a Mac who has successfully upgraded eWallet and has sync working?
@Ron: Thanks for the bug report. We’ll check it out!
@Linwood: You wrote:
“I paid for the iPhone product, then paid $19.95 for windows (well over 90 days ago).”
If you already purchased the iPhone version you need to use a special order form to add the desktop for just $10.00 (that was true then and now.) Sounds like you ended up overpaying. Just email support and let them know what happened. Since you paid an extra $10 the first time (and shouldn’t have) we’ll just assume you are covered and give you the upgrade for free. Quote me in the email!
@Paul H: I’ll have the developers look at that credit card thing. As for the synching, you cannot – but you can move files from the phone via FTP. I think I included a link in the post above but you can also find the instructions in the Technical Support DB on our site.
@Scott: You wrote:
“@Marc Does the new licensing mean I can now run eWallet on my home PC and laptop, and my work PC since it’s licensed by user now?”
We’ve actually always allowed that scenario BUT yes – feel free to do that.
@Rick: Sorry to make you wait! The software will work for 30 days without an unlock code. You can always install now while you wait.
@Bob: You wrote:
“Is there a way to be kept up to date when there are new builds of the Preview? I’ve had problems with it staying alive and have reported to technical support.”
There isn’t right now but there should be. Let me look into that. It’s definitely a good idea. Probably not something I’ll be able to get to until next week at least however.
@Elvin: You wrote:
“While I’m happy with the updates so far for Windows. The Mac preview has a lot of issues for me and is almost unusable (emailed tech support with examples). Hope the fixes are coming soon as the Mac preview was the primary reason I purchased the upgrade”
I”m sorry to hear that. For the most part people don’t have trouble. And please – to anyone thinking about buying JUST for the Mac version – this is not a full version – we REALLY appreciate the financial support but try it for 30 days first. We don’t want anyone to be disappointed.
@Sven: You wrote:
“Please put the big ol’ card icons in there, for the category I have highlighted, so I don’t have to expand and collapse each category in the navigation pane.”
Thanks for the kind words and I’ve recorded your vote to put back icon view!
@Scoob: We’ll definitely answer your support request. As for sync problems, that part of the software is one area that DIDN’T change much so it’s pretty strange that you’d have trouble – hopefully thsupport folks will be able to help!
Whew! That’s a lotta posting! Thanks for all your feedback everyone!
Well after all of the drama over the past few days, now that I was able to see what version 7 looks like, I decided it looks cool enough to upgrade, go figure.
Update on my sync issue: I installed eWallet 7 on a laptop running Windows 7 and sync with the iPhone works fine from there, so it appears to only be a problem with XP running virtual on the iMac under Parallels. Through trial and error I’ve found that I actually can sync under that setup, but I have to restart the Windows Bonjour service immediately before syncing, every time.
@scoob: you’ve hit the nail on the head. I upgraded mine too this morning and it stopped syncing. I’m using eWallet in VMWare on a Mac. I couldn’t get it to sync at all even after reinstalling Bonjour but your trick works perfectly. Restarting the Bonjour service allows me to set up the sync connection.
Ewallet 7.0 crashes just after startup on two of my computers (one with Windows 7 x64 Professional and one with Windows 7 x64 Home Premium). Ewallet 6.2 just runs fine.
Okay, I think I’ve got the virtual machine sync problem fixed now. When I submitted my issue to Ilium Support it presented a link to an article on the subject which suggested switching to “Bridged” networking mode under Parallels or VMWare on the Mac. I tried this and sync works now, without having to restart Bonjour. Nice job Ilium on presenting automated in-context knowledgebase links for support inquiries. @Dave L, see if this helps you too: http://www.iliumsoft.com/site/support/kb/idx.php/0/372/article/
The desktop eWallet 7.0 version crashes after startup on my Windows 7 PC, even after complete un install and re install.
I have written to support.
The WM 6.5 soft runs OK but I could not find where to enter the registration code !
Maybe this will help – problem signature for ewallet crash (mscorlib?)
P1: ewallet.exe
P2: 7.0.0.27618
P3: 4b139740
P4: mscorlib
P5: 2.0.0.0
P6: 4a275af7
P7: 5395
P8: 61
P9: N51CFFZWZ1GFFVSLVRUB5UXQ1GVD0TXU
P10:
“People Love It! OK, I couldn’t resist mentioning this – in part as a pat-on-the-back to all the folks who have busted their tails on this project here at Ilum Software. ”
Ilum Software? New name?