Public Beta Availiable - Win/Mac/Linux/Firmware/Android/iOS

[Tim Wessman]

Hello,

The HP Calculator group is excited to release a public beta for the next version of the HP Prime software. If you are willing and able to test, we invite you to download and provide feedback on the new features and changes.

Should you also prove to be a very enthusiastic individual with quality issue reporting skills, you may also receive an invite to participate in the more closed alpha level testing that happen earlier in the development process.

While you can post in forums such as this at your discretion, we ask that the primary way of reporting be to send reports to calcbeta@hp.com. Basically, the goal is avoid disruption or annoyance to other forum participants. You can pop up a pre-populated email template by clicking the "Report Issue" menu item in the programs themselves.

If you desire to test an iOS or Android version, please communicate to calcbeta@hp.com with your email ID and type of app store. We can add you in and you will receive a notice for the app when available in the near future (being processed by the various stores at the moment). If you already received test versions in the past, you will still be in the list I believe and do not need to request again.


This release may appear to not have many new "features" from a calculator functionality perspective. You are correct! Primarily, three major things have happened here.

1. We have updated several of the core libraries used to build the software to later versions, and have also updated to later versions of the software build tools. This means that *ideally* there are few if any changes from the user perspective, but it is always possible the tool change made problems. Having more people test it to make sure things seem to be looking good is therefore ideal. A good example of this is the Windows version of HP Prime - it now will use a 64-bit build by default for the majority of users. Previously, the public release was 32-bit only.
2. In order to support better connectivity, we now use what is called mDns/Bonjour network discovery. This means that ideally apps on different phones/tablets/computers will be able to more easily find the HP Connectivity Kit when on the same network. Additionally, we have provided a way to directly specify a valid IP address, or network name to allow connection. Things like "192.168.0.2" would be a possible valid input, as would something like "my_network_name" or even "localhost". Basically, if the system knows how to resolve it - the connection should be possible. We hope this will enable better and easier connection to manage your HP Prime software in individual or classroom environments. Please help with testing the robustness and connection capability. Thank you!
3. We've worked to improve issues and stability for iOS/Android apps. These will no longer use FTP protocol for download of documentation so the download and experience there should be cleaner and faster. Due to wide range of different devices and systems, Android is especially difficult to know if problems we have never seen or reproduced locally have been corrected. In some cases we have to make our best guess what might be causing it. If an issue is NOT resolved on those platforms, we will continue working with you to try and get it corrected.
   

From a "core" calculator perspective, changes have been kept minimal as larger items or features generally are worked on separately to avoid creating instability in the "main" program itself until fully tested. Trying to infer something about future changes based on what you see or don't see right now is just silly.

There are some issue fixes, as well as some slightly larger changes. Some are specifically included to get some wider feedback from users. For example, there is now the ability to draw 2D items in a "reduced size" format when the results are far too wide or tall to fit on the screen. We are trying to tune this behavior and get feedback on how best to implement it. If a matrix is 2 times the width of the screen, the result will be shown with a ... between the first and last item indicating something was removed in the display. A similar thing happens with extremely long text or integers. The goal is to make it easier to see, and also reduce the need to draw very large expressions that can slow down display.

Additionally, some tweaks to the editor and key handling have happened. The editor cursor will now resize based on which part of the expression your typing will apply. Highlighting is also now done using the system color settings. Key handling and repeat should be cleaner and have better behavior with key repeat and speeding up if held for a "long" time - like holding down BKSP on the calculator hardware.


There is now a "technical preview" of ONLY the HP Prime Virtual Calculator for Linux (not the Connkit since all communication forms (usb, etc) are not ready for that yet). Primarily, this is to determine if our method of using an appimage (https://appimage.org/) for distribution will be a good way to deliver HP Prime software. We'd like to know how things look regarding compatibility and behavior are currently. There is not a ton of experience in doing consumer type of applications within HP, so we have been left on our own to figure this one out. Note that the fact we are doing a "technical preview" does not in any way indicate that a final, supported version of any HP Prime software on Linux is implied or promised at this time.


Here are a few screenshots of some of the more visible user changes:

Networking screen:


Cursor/editor tweaks:


Early image showing "reduced size" display:




I request that you remember - this is not really the time to be requesting new features. The quicker we can validate the major "underneath" changes, the more time we have to get onto those more exciting "features" that are planned.

Special thank you to Eric Rechlin at hpcalc.org for hosting the files for us.

Quote:http://www.hpcalc.org/prime/beta/

Have fun!

Quote:HP Prime Public Beta – Release Notes
-------------------------

Beta Use

Please note that this is a beta version which is still undergoing development and testing before official release. The software and all content found within are provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis. HP Inc. does not give any warranties, whether express or implied, as to the suitability or usability of the software or any of its content.

PLEASE DO NOT CONTACT HP SUPPORT FOR ASSISTANCE. You will simply be asked to install the supported public release, or communicate with calcbeta@hp.com



HP Prime – Release Notes
-------------------------

Date Released: 2018/09/17

Internal Versions
-----------------
Firmware Version: 2.1.14091 (2018 09 17) BETA
Virtual Calculator Version: 2.1.14091 (2018 09 17) BETA
Connectivity Kit: 2.1.14091 (2018 09 17) BETA

Description
-----------
This BETA release of the Prime Calculator firmware and associated PC and Mobile software delivers fixes to outstanding issues. This document is not a complete list of all changes but highlights specific items. Only users willing to experiment with pre-release software and report issues to calcbeta@hp.com are invited to experiment with this release.


Please back up your calculator before the update. Any existing data on the device may be wiped during the update process.

Primary focus of this BETA release is focusing on modification of HP Prime Apps and changing network communication with the HP Prime Connectivity Kit.

Windows Connectivity Kit and Virtual Calculator:
1. Now delivered as 64-bit versions by default
2. Now include Apple Bonjour installers to enable mDns networking on Windows
3. Updated to use 2017 build tools and redistributable packages

Mac Connectivity Kit and Virtual Calculator:
1. Uses built in networking to enable mDns discovery
2. Updated to use 2017 build tools and redistributable packages

Linux Technical Preview Virtual Calculator:
1. Delivered in x86 and x64 versions
2. Built using Ubuntu 14.04 and packaged as an appimage
3. Primarily, this is to test if application is able to be run on a wide range of systems and distros
4. There is a technical preview and does not indicate a supported Linux release will be forthcoming

New Functionality and Changes (Calculator Software)
1. Added UVAL and UPART commands to get value or unit part from unit objects.
2. Changed FP and IP commands to work with unit objects
3. Changed DMS key to work properly in places other than the HOME screen (dialog boxes, spreadsheet, etc.)
4. Reworked network connection screen to allow connection to specific IP address or network name
5. Reworked network discovery to use mDns/Bonjour to use more standard network discovery
6. Reworked display of large matrices, strings or expressions that do not fit on the screen print in a reduced size in history
7. Reworked cursor height to match the part of the expression being edited
8. Reworked selection of expressions to use system color instead of an invert selection display


Resolved issues and changes excluding CAS
-----------------------------------------
1. Updated parsec definition to latest NIST value
2. Resolved issue with Mac version when switching and quitting rapidly
3. Resolved issue with sometimes receiving value from Vars menu, and sometimes the Var name as expected
4. Resolved issue with INPUT command not accepting other data types when real number specified as option
5. Resolved issue with app programs not loading function immediately on send
6. Resolved issue with spreadsheet display in Mac connectivity kit spreadsheet display
7. Resolved issue with accessing exported user function from an "Empty" base app

Resolved issues and changes in CAS
----------------------------------
1. Resolved issue with rand(<3_argument>) command
2. Resolved issue to allow _min to parse as _mn
3. Resolved issue for sign of multivariate expressions, make abs(a+b) -> a+b if a and b are positive
4. Resolved issue with lin, useful for lin(normal(((c*r*v0+c*r*va)*e^(-t/(r*c)))/(c*r) + va) if no simplification is selected
5. Resolved issue with := before evaluation of CAS command, otherwise a:=1 copied from history in command line is printed a=1

[CyberAngel]

(09-18-2018 01:32 AM)Tim Wessman Wrote:  Hello,

The HP Calculator group is excited to release a public beta for the next version of the HP Prime software. If you are willing and able to test, we invite you to download and provide feedback on the new features and changes.

Should you also prove to be a very enthusiastic individual with quality issue reporting skills, you may also receive an invite to participate in the more closed alpha level testing that happen earlier in the development process.

While you can post in forums such as this at your discretion, we ask that the primary way of reporting be to send reports to calcbeta@hp.com. Basically, the goal is avoid disruption or annoyance to other forum participants. You can pop up a pre-populated email template by clicking the "Report Issue" menu item in the programs themselves.

If you desire to test an iOS or Android version, please communicate to calcbeta@hp.com with your email ID and type of app store. We can add you in and you will receive a notice for the app when available in the near future (being processed by the various stores at the moment). If you already received test versions in the past, you will still be in the list I believe and do not need to request again.

<CLIPPED by VPN>

Special thank you to Eric Rechlin at hpcalc.org for hosting the files for us.

Quote:http://www.hpcalc.org/prime/beta/

Have fun!

Quote:HP Prime Public Beta – Release Notes
-------------------------

<CLIPPED by VPN>

Resolved issues and changes in CAS
----------------------------------
1. Resolved issue with rand(<3_argument>) command
2. Resolved issue to allow _min to parse as _mn
3. Resolved issue for sign of multivariate expressions, make abs(a+b) -> a+b if a and b are positive
4. Resolved issue with lin, useful for lin(normal(((c*r*v0+c*r*va)*e^(-t/(r*c)))/(c*r) + va) if no simplification is selected
5. Resolved issue with := before evaluation of CAS command, otherwise a:=1 copied from history in command line is printed a=1

My first Update of a real HP Prime Model A failed,
but I flashed it again and seem to have no data loss whatsoever.

Virtual HP Prime on a Windows 10 laptop was okay immediately

Reporting more later
VPN

[grsbanks]

I can confirm that this beta fixes the issue raised here:

http://hpmuseum.org/forum/thread-11404.html

[compsystems]

Quote:5. Resolved issue with := before evaluation of CAS command, otherwise a:=1 copied from history in command line is printed a=1

1: division of polynomials in the form of coefficients are rewritten when are copied from history to entry line

example:
[ (poly1[1,2,3])/(poly1[3,4,5]), (symb2poly(x^2+2*x+3,x))/(symb2poly(3*x^2+4*x+5,x)) ] [enter]
[up] [copy] [enter]

[ poly1*([1,2,3]/poly1)[3,4,5], poly1*([1,2,3]/poly1)[3,4,5] ] [enter] ["Error: Invalid dimension","Error: Invalid dimension"]

2:
4_d + 3_min => 4.00208333333_d // ok
convert(4.00208333333_d,1_s) => 345780_s


10_mile/15_s => (2/3)_(mile*s^-1.0)
convert((2/3)_(mile*s^-1.0),1_m/1_s) [up] [copy] [enter] 1072.896_(m*s^-1.0) // ugly
=> 1072.896_m/1_s // Pretty print .

convert(50_mile/1_h,1_km/1_h)

3: A problem was introduced
set[1,1,2,3,3,3] [enter] {1,2,3} // previous versions set[1,2,3]
[up] [up] [copy] [enter]
{1,1,2,3,3,3} [enter] {1,1,2,3,3,3} // the type of data is lost SET[] => set[1,1,2,3,3,3]

[Anderson Costa]

Nice to see a new beta update. I am wondering about HP Prime Pro app for Android. Will it skip last Prime update that wasn't released outside the Prime firmware and Virtual Calculator?

[Carlos295pz]

(09-18-2018 01:32 AM)Tim Wessman Wrote:  

Quote:Resolved issues and changes excluding CAS
-----------------------------------------
5. Resolved issue with app programs not loading function immediately on send

Something that I expected a lot , it was annoying to explain that the processing of an App did not consider the own data first and then compile the code generating problems with the application variables.

[Carlos295pz]

Is it possible for the half-circles of the App Geometry to be corrected in the next firmware?

[compsystems]

Tim Wessman
Early image showing "reduced size" display:


Hello, adding the symbol "..." to visualize long elements is fine, but scrooll is lost on the line (as in previous versions), I think that the hpprime can activate the scrooll when press the cursor keys [<][>]

approx(seq((sin(x)^2+cos(x)^2)=1, x, 0, 20));

//
TIM
4. Resolved issue with INPUT command not accepting other data types when real number specified as option

There is a similar problem, it is not detecting the type of data, when the information is transferred

PHP Code:

#cas
    test():=
    BEGIN
    local a;
    assume(a,integer); 
    input_(a,"a");
    print( a );
    END;
#end


EXPORT input_(idname,idstring)
BEGIN
  if NOT(input(idname,idstring)) then kill; end;
END; 


[Tim Wessman]

Looks like the android/ios ones should be showing up shortly.

Just got a link to add without input from us as well for android. You can click that if desired. https://play.google.com/apps/testing/com...calculator

[Dougggg]

On the android version of the emulator, it seems to do the reset command arbitrarily when the calculator is off. I even noticed the end of the clear memory message when I started the calculator once. I also noticed the Backup memory is intact. I observed on my phone it only takes a second to save or restore a backup on my octacore android 8 phone. If they cant fix that could they add an option to the app to save a backup when exiting the app and doing a restore when opening app. seems strange to have to do that but since the process of saving and restoring the calc takes little time seems to be a work around if nothing better will help

[Tim Wessman]

Is this on the beta right now, or the old current one in the store?

[Dougggg]

The version in the old current one in the store

[Anderson Costa]

(09-27-2018 01:13 AM)Tim Wessman Wrote:  Looks like the android/ios ones should be showing up shortly.

Just got a link to add without input from us as well for android. You can click that if desired. https://play.google.com/apps/testing/com...calculator

Thanks, Tim. I have bought the HP Prime Pro app and I was worried about the lack of updates of this app since version 1.4.0. I will test the app to see the bugs.

[Tim Wessman]

Hello,

The IOS one appears to be out. Please download the testflight app (search the app store) and it should have it there if you sent me your email before.

I'm not sure if the android one is out, or if you need to click on the link *after* I added you in, or clicking the link will add you. Please let me know anyone who asked if you have seen it yet, or be notified it is available, or if not yet anything. I am a bit unclear re the android side of things...

[DA74254]

(10-03-2018 01:09 PM)Tim Wessman Wrote:  I'm not sure if the android one is out, or if you need to click on the link *after* I added you in, or clicking the link will add you.

I tried the direct link provided for Android. I was informed that I had no access without an "opt-in" for the Beta app.

[nbenm]

(10-03-2018 04:22 PM)DA74254 Wrote:  

(10-03-2018 01:09 PM)Tim Wessman Wrote:  I'm not sure if the android one is out, or if you need to click on the link *after* I added you in, or clicking the link will add you.

I tried the direct link provided for Android. I was informed that I had no access without an "opt-in" for the Beta app.

I have a message telling me that the app is not available for this account.
I must add that the email address used to register here is not the email address for google play.

[Anderson Costa]

(10-03-2018 01:09 PM)Tim Wessman Wrote:  Hello,

The IOS one appears to be out. Please download the testflight app (search the app store) and it should have it there if you sent me your email before.

I'm not sure if the android one is out, or if you need to click on the link *after* I added you in, or clicking the link will add you. Please let me know anyone who asked if you have seen it yet, or be notified it is available, or if not yet anything. I am a bit unclear re the android side of things...

I have received the 2.1 version of HP Prime Pro App after clicking the link provided, Tim.I have bought HP Prime Pro App before clicking the link. No problems with the app in my basic smartphone Positivo Twist.

[cdmackay]

(10-03-2018 01:09 PM)Tim Wessman Wrote:  Hello,

The IOS one appears to be out. Please download the testflight app (search the app store) and it should have it there if you sent me your email before.

I'm not sure if the android one is out, or if you need to click on the link *after* I added you in, or clicking the link will add you. Please let me know anyone who asked if you have seen it yet, or be notified it is available, or if not yet anything. I am a bit unclear re the android side of things...

It seems a bit different to other Android apps for which I am beta testing. For most of those, the beta status is shown on the per-app page in the Play Store app, but not for Prime Pro.

I did get the update, but the only way to tell I've got the Beta is the version, there's no other indication of beta status in the per-app page. The "testing" link also confirms your status, of course.

thanks very much for making it available.

[Didier Lachieze]

When I click on the link given above it tells me that my account is not eligible. However I was part of the previous beta...

[Tim Wessman]

Hello!

I've modified how it works so it now becomes a simple opt-in at that link. Please click it (and refresh the page if it doesn't show you a "click here to become a tester" button.

https://play.google.com/apps/testing/com...calculator

Should also show up in the larger Play store somewhere I'd assume. Happy testing!

(please, if you are someone that has had issues with crashing or irregular screen updates, let me know what you see now. Thanks!)