Benro Connectv1.5.1

Released October 1, 2024Major

iOS

The latest major update resulted in a negative impact, characterized by a 1.3-star decline in average ratings on iOS. Critical regressions in connectivity and hardware support have rendered core features unusable for the user base. The net verdict is strongly negative due to the loss of existing functionality.

What changed

UXRenamed app to Benro Connect and redesigned the homepage
New featureIntegrated Theta smart module features into the app
New featureEnabled live streaming via Theta Battery and GoLive modules
New featureAdded remote camera control and leveling for Theta modules
New featureAdded Holy Grail shooting mode for Theta modules
New featureAdded Optical Sensor Module control for Polaris Holy Grail mode
New featureAdded pause function for Polaris Panoramic Shooting
PerformanceImproved performance for Polaris Focus Stacking mode

Reception

30/ 100 impact scoreNegative

What worked

New feature
no_evidence

What didn't

Platform
backfired
The update introduced infinite connection loops and broke Astro kit functionality, causing a 1.3-star decline in average ratings.

Marlvel takeaways

Prioritize a hotfix to resolve the infinite connection loops preventing device pairing.
Restore Astro kit functionality to address the primary driver of negative user sentiment.
Increase testing coverage for hardware-dependent features before future major releases.

Original release notes

This update announces that the Benro Polaris app has officially been renamed to Benro Connect. Along with a redesigned homepage, both Polaris and Theta smart module features are now integrated into the Benro Connect app. Here's an overview of the key updates:

I. Theta Smart Module Software Features
Notice: These features require the use of Theta Battery Module.

    1. Pairing with Theta Battery Module and GoLive Module enables live streaming.
    2. Pairing with Theta Battery Module and Camera Control Module enables fine-tuned leveling and remote camera control shooting.
    3. Pairing with Theta Battery Module, Camera Control Module, and Optical Sensor Module enables the Holy Grail shooting.

II. Polaris Updates and Optimizations
 Notice: This verison requires Polaris firmware >=6.0.0.48, update App to this verision before Polaris firmware update.

    1. Added Optical Sensor Module control in Polaris' Holy Grail mode, allowing for dynamic exposure adjustments.
    2. Added a new pause function for Panoramic Shooting in Polaris.
    3. Improved Polaris' Focus Stacking mode for enhanced performance.