One app in the Prusa 3d world to find them, one app to control them and one app to bind them.
I couldn't find anyplace to add this on Github that fit, so here it goes in the forum. PrusaConnect takes us to this forum for comment.
Currently I have 3 methods of checking my 3D printers.
Prusalink, local lan only.
Mobile app, web connection
PrusaConnect, web app and Prusa servers needed. Some hours on weekends it doesn't work.
The fundamental problem is they all work differently. If I want to access the new camera functions, that is in the mobile app only. I have more control with PrusaConnect than PrusaLink. The differences are huge. Good software eliminates chaos, it doesn't create more. Who would plan to have 3 apps for the same purpose, but all different capabilities? The apps grew over time and are now way out of synchronization.
There needs to be one set of backend code for connecting to the 3d Printers that has ALL the functions. It can be ported to mobile, windows etc. One set of developers, one group focused on a single product.
Step 1, build all functions into 1 application, Lets call it PrusaConnect. Mobile, PC etc. all have the same ability.
Step 2, build a Local version of PrusaConnect. One that maintains all the data on the local PC at least. Even mobile app. Why? get rid of PrusaLink and provide the critical, "no outside connection required" needed for many businesses. A switch in Prusa Connect to run locally or remotely should be available. The ability to transfer the printer links between the two should be supported.
Prusa, look at your own published blogs showing how people have built management systems on their own. Time to make PrusaConnect a complete product for managing the 3D products from Prusa. One complete product, not multiple incomplete ones.
I have a long history in software and I know there are lots of concerns and arguments. I also know that once the decision is made and direction given, people will do amazing things.