I want to do a little roundup of what’s been going on with Cricut and Silhouette machines and software recently in case you’ve missed out on any of the news or are dying to hear my armchair analysis of it. So here are the snippets, in no particular order (but grouped by manufacturer)…
Silhouette releases its cloud and the Cameo3 before they are ready
Whenever the first thing you have to do when you take a machine out of the box is update the firmware to get it to work, that is a dead giveaway that it was released too soon. Firmware, for those not familiar, is the normally factory-installed software onboard a device. Updating it should be needed rarely, if ever unless adding new features, as it is a time-consuming, nerve-wracking process that is not beginner-friendly.
But in the case of the Cameo 3 there have been 3 firmware versions released in the brief time the machine has been on the market yet the Cameo 3 is still suffering from a number of issues including bluetooth connectivity problems and excessive pausing.
To make matters worse, the Cameo 3 requires version 3.8 of Silhouette Studio, which is one of the cloud-based versions. The Silhouette Cloud is still glitchy and far from user-friendly with many adopters experiencing scrambled libraries, missing files and an inability to download their store files. So, unfortunately, Cameo 3 users have to deal with issues both related to the non-optional (for them) cloud and the new machine and its immature firmware.
Version 4 of the Silhouette Studio software, which promises some exciting new features, and was supposed to be released following a robust beta testing phase in time for the Cameo 3 launch, has had to be put on the back burner since it wasn’t ready when the machine was released and resources had to be diverted to patching version 3 instead.
My advice … just say no to the Silhouette Cloud and the Cameo 3 for now and let support@silhouetteamerica.com know if you would rather wait for a machine that is ready to function properly out of the box. While Silhouette’s cloud is basically a good idea as planned, I would still like to see it be made optional to protect those who have poor or expensive internet connections and to prevent the problem Cricut has with rising system requirements.
Silhouette quietly deprecates the only remaining V2 version
Those who wish to continue using the beloved Silhouette Studio version 2.9.67 (itself a response to a previous outcry) were surprised to learn that their software could no longer download from the Silhouette store as of earlier this month. Silhouette gave no warning to those who have chosen to use a version of the software that they preferred over current offerings. Now, granted, V3 was released 2 and a half years ago, but in that amount of time, Silhouette has failed to restore the full feature set of V2 or provide a more stable, reliable version 3 that would entice us to upgrade even after 18 (yes, I counted them) iterations. I should add that version 3.6.057 (the last pre-cloud version) is not that bad, its just that V2 was so good. As my friend and Silhouette guru, Jin Yong, put it, with V3, “it’s just not fun anymore.”
Please let Silhouette know your feelings on this, v2 lovers, and perhaps we can win another reprieve.
Cricut quietly drops Windows 7 and MacOS 10.9
As I have discussed previously, one unfortunate consequence of a cloud based system is that the minimum system requirements are fluid. Indeed, Cricut recently raised its system requirements again, even though no new features have been added to the Cricut Design Space Mac or Win versions in over a year. Windows 7 machines are still running Design Space without issue for now. The biggest impact will be getting support for an operating system that is officially no longer compatible. Unfortunately, this change was made shortly after the period for free updates to Windows 10 had closed.
Update: System Requirements changed again on 10/6. MacOS 10.10 has been dropped. The meaningless clock speed reference was also removed and specific internet speeds were added.
Cricut Explore 2 to be released Oct 5
After several weeks of trickling leaks, Cricut confirmed the impending release of the Explore 2. It has the same form factor as existing Explores but with an inverted color scheme (color on top, lighter on bottom) in 4 retro pastel colors. The only other difference is the addition of an optional “Fast Mode” which will cut or write up to 2x faster when using the vinyl, cardstock or iron on settings. The comparison video seems to show the same cutting order for both, so presumably the speed increase is not from cutting order optimization (which would be a way to speed up existing Explores as well.) While the new machine is an incremental update, those wishing to purchase an existing Explore model should find great deals now and on Black Friday.
The Design Space plug in was updated overnight to support the new machine, so if you are experiencing new issues, contact support.
I can’t help but wondering if they will release a single head version called the Explore 2 One. LOL
My advice, skip the Explore 2 for now and let Cricut support know if you won’t be needing another color until the Design Space overhaul is complete and proven.
Cricut releases offline design and cutting for iOS
After nearly a year of beta testing, Cricut recently released a version of its iOS app that can operate without an active internet connection (this is not possible with the browser-based Mac and Windows versions). Instead of having the “entire library of over 50,000 files … plus your own designs to design with” offline, as earlier announced, users can select content to transfer to their iOS devices, 50 files at a time. This actually works better for me since I don’t have a lot of space available on my iPad, but it fell short of Cricut’s own stated objective to be the first in the industry to offer their entire library for design offline. (I guess they forgot Cricut Design Studio did that in 2007).
Cricut Design Space web app improvements, Android app still in work
Cricut recently announced that efforts to replace Design Space’s dependence on the problematic Flash platform in favor of HTML5 have been underway for over a year but declined to announce a target date. Beta testers have been recruited but are on hold for now. Larger paper sizes for print then cut are now a year and half late based on Cricut’s originally announced timeframe.
The Android app continues in testing, also with no target date announced. It is unclear whether Android users will be getting an offline option at release, or ever.
“SnapMat” added to Design Space iOS app
A recent update to the Cricut Design Space iOS app added a previously unannounced feature to assist with positioning cuts, called SnapMat. SnapMat allows users to capture a photo of their mat, loaded with paper scraps, preprinted images, etc. to serve as a guide when manually placing cut lines during the mat preview phase. While a big improvement over the tedious “counting squares” method, SnapMat’s accuracy is limited because it does not account for mat loading tolerances like the technology Silhouette and Brother use for this function. I am looking forward to seeing Cricut/iOS users employ this feature in creative ways, nonetheless.
Reading back through this, I realize I sound kinda cranky, to say the least. The truth is I enjoy using machines from both companies almost daily, but someone needs to sift through the hype, see past the pretty colors and challenge these companies on the unfulfilled promises and untapped potential. So I call it like I see it, in hopes that both companies will keep striving to produce solid, innovative, user friendly machines, even if it means my wacky workarounds will no longer be needed.
Whew! I am glad I came to read the blog. My email version says Silhouette has dropped support for MacOS10, which I was getting ready to upgrade to. I was concerned they were abandoning the platform. Here, the blog states OS9. Much better read, LOL!
Thank you for all the info you posted… it will be a good guide through updating software for my various machines.
It is Cricut that dropped support for Mac OS 10.9, not Silhouette. Sorry for the confusion. Cricut has since dropped Mac OS 10.10 as well.
Reading your Cameo concerns reminds me of 6 years ago when all the problems a Cricut would have…with no assistance at all from “Customer Support.” It makes me wonder how many Silhouette employees used to work for Cricut, since they are repeating the costly mistakes!
I still enjoy my original Cameo and my SD is packed away for a “just in case” scenario. I have no desire to upgrade my Windows 7 at this time.
I guess I finally reached the mindset that I don’t need the latest & greatest. “New & improved” gets old & frustrating when software and hardware are released way before they should. I have enough aggravation in life to let these companies add to that.
I have been reading about the Legacy issues with connecting to the Silhouette Design Store for a while, but had been confused, as I was still able to connect without any problems. That is until I purchased files on the Birthday Sale yesterday (8-30-16). The purchase went through fine, but when I went to download them, I got a can not connect message and the store screen is now white. I have a Mac, so I tried Time machine to reload Legacy from that morning when I was still able to access the store, but it did not work.
I am very curious to know why I had no problems accessing the store until I bought something. Obviously that triggered something in the software. I had not even downloaded a free file since May, but had been using the store on a regular basis to find links to instructions and add to my wishlist.
I love my Cameo and use it almost everyday. I even have a spare that I purchased on clearance when the Cameo 2 came out. I had nothing but trouble with Version 3 and gave up on it after a few months. I’ll try 3.6.057, and see how I like that. Thanks for all the info.
You don’t sound cranky, you sound honest, which has been in short supply with everyone being so “politically correct”. When a company is committing suicide they need someone too step in and stop them.
Kay
I got your update about Cricut dropping Window 7 plateform a day to late.
I messed up my computer to where I am gettin a blue screen.
I have been trying to get ahold of Cricut but no one wants to answer the phone
or get back to me.
I don’t know how anybody else feels about this but I want my money back for a machine I can’t use unless I “upgrade” to a yuckie Windows 10 plateform.
Do you have any suggestions on how to return “refund” this now worthless machine????
Thanks Bobbie
Hi Kay,
I think I now know what is going on with Silhouette. I’ve been watching HSN and see that there is a new Cricut Explore that can print and cut, has a “snap mat” (very similar to the pixscan mat), and now can be used offline. Looks like to me that the Silhouette experts have been lured to ProvoCraft! And the people Silhouette now have now don’t have a clue which probably explains why we are seeing so many problems with the software. It appears the new folks don’t have the skill set to maintain the older version (hence, the disconnection of the store from the legacy version….really??). I think all the “bug-filled” software out there now how is being created by the new folks.
Since I do not have Window’s 10 and do not want to purchase it, is there any way I can use my Cricut Explorer One? Anything anyone knows about? Thanks for your help.
Bobbie
You can continue to use Windows 7, but if you have a problem, Cricut may or may not provide support any more. And it can stop working at any time they update DS.
Thanks for the update Kay. I have been patiently waiting for the Silhouette Cameo 3 and after reading this, I will be waiting a bit longer.
I just ordered a Silhouette Portrait yesterday but had downloaded the software quite a while ago to see how it works. I just checked and it is version 3.3.451, is it better to just keep that version? Problem free?
I would stick with the version you are on. You could also go to 3.6.057. That is the last version before the cloud.
Kay,
You might want to check this silent update to Silhouette Studio V2. Release Notes: https://www.silhouetteamerica.com/software/release-notes/325
Download https://www.silhouetteamerica.com/software/silhouette-studio/legacy-software
This is great news. Another victory won! Thanks for letting me know, Roberta.
I tried to update to this on my old (2009) computer and it wouldn’t load after doing so. I reverted back to the previous v2.9. Emailed Silhouette and have not heard from them at all. Hopefully others are able to use it.
I loaded it and went straight to the store – IT WORKS! Thanks so much. My purchased designs are more useful in version 2, for maximum compatibility.
I just got a Cameo 2 and for the two days I’ve been playing with it, I love it! Just have the basic Studio though. If I upgrade to the designer, will the Cloud version come into play? I don’t want to do that – really hate this whole all-cloud, all the time thing (thanks Adobe!) I will hold off updating if that’s the case. Thanks!
You can add Designer Edition to a pre-cloud version. I recommend version 3.6.057, available on the beta/legacy downloads page.
Thank you so much! I’ve been having some success today with tracing, but I think I will find designer a bit more helpful! 🙂
(reply to Heather) You do not have to update to the latest version to add Designer Edition. Silhouette would like you to but that has no bearing on unlocking the DE features unless you are using a historic version 2 and very very early version 3 of silhouette studio then you will want to go to the legacy/beta software page and download ver 3.6.057 pre-cloud.
Thanks for that follow-up – good to know because there really isn’t much info on the Silhouette site about this at all. Purchased the download card to day which should arrive in a few days. I’ll make sure to stick with the older basic version. Thanks again! Can’t wait…
Woe is me… My Cameo 3 has sat unopened as it came from Amazon for the last two weeks. They were offering one of those “daily deals” on it and even though I’ve enjoyed my Silh 2, I figured I’d upgrade to the 3 because I had heard it cut somewhat thicker materials and would operate wirelessly. I leapt for the deal without knowing about the “cloud” requirement and work-in-progress software with stricter OS requirements… Ugh. My joy is evaporating.
I got my Cameo 3 back in late October. I had not had any issues what so ever with it. I have been playing with the beta version on Studio 4.0 and really love it. I have the air 2 as well but my go to machine is my cameo because most often when I try to use my cricut DS is having trouble.
Kay, Do you think Circut will ever have a stand alone machine that doesn’t need the Internet to operate it? I am liking what I see with the Circut Air 2 but the must use their design space is the stumbling block.
Unfortunately I don’t think so. There is limited offline capability via an iOS device, but not really practical for non-Cricut images.
Well that stinks. It would be a giant paper weight then :(. If they would give this option they would be top of the die cutting market. I bet a large number of folks would jump ship. 😉