I wanted to thank all the Premium Members that took time to complete the survey I sent out at the end of April. It provided a lot of good information about the app.
If you’re interested, here are the results of the survey:
1. How would you rate myArmsCache on a scale of 1-5?
Answer: the Weighted average was 4.59
Some of the comments included:
- Range records could be easier to enter and would be nice to be able to add different ammo type to guns that are used at the range. Also, not sure of the purpose of the Range Checklist –> I’ve tried to make it as simple as possible to enter range info. Also, you can add your ammo or different ammo in the Range Report. I created a detailed post about the Range Report.
The Range Checklist keeps track of the items you take with you to the range. As you pack the items, you can use the checkmark box to check them. - Interface feels dated. Somethings, like removing ammo b/c you went to the range requires too many steps – I have to create a shooting record. –> I am working on redesigning the interface. I’ve tried to keep the Range Report as simple as I could, but it was designed based on user feedback. In order to incorporate all the features users wanted, it needs to include 2 steps. You can read more about why it is designed the way it is on the Range Report page.
- Need the ability to take more photos in every category –> The app offers the ability to take quite a few photos, with the exception of the Accessory section. In the Gun section: you can take up to 5 photos (a main photo, and 4 additional). Ammo section: you can take a main photo for your Ammo, then photos of each of your purchases. Accessory section: you can take 1 photo of your Accessory. Range Report: you can add as many Shooting Records as you want. Each Shooting record includes a photo.
This app is designed for many different devices with different storage capabilities, including the iPad Pro, iPhone 7, iPhone 11, etc. Photos take a lot of memory and not everyone has a device that can handle a lot of photos, so myArmsCache has to accommodate their devices and be a ‘photo’ heavy app. If you want a lot of photos of your guns, a great solution is to use the Camera & Photos app that comes with your device. Once you add photos, you can add them to Albums. That way you can keep as many photos of your items as you need
- Needs to sync with iPhone –> I have hesitated adding this in the past, as most users are concerned with privacy and like the fact that all data is stored on your device. However, since I have had requests for it from Premium Members, I will include for Premium Members to vote as to whether they want to see it added to the app.
- There is room for improvement. I’d like to be able to sort ammo by velocity or energy –> I will be including that on the list of items that Premium Members can vote on.
- Would like a search features, would like an easy way to export all photos, an easy way to export any and all photos, a way to just export and print C&R eligible firearms –> I am planning to add a search feature to the app. As far as exporting photos, I’m not sure where you want the photos to be exported to. And I don’t know of a way that all photos can be exported. You do have the option to save your photos to the Photo Library (on your device). There are 2 ways to do this. You can find complete instructions in the User’s Guide in the Gun section under “Save a Copy of your Gun Photo” (it also works the same for Ammo and Accessories).
2. What sections of the app do you use the most?
Summary: It looks like the Ammo section is used the most, with the Gun section in 2nd place. Here are the percentages:
- Ammo 78%
- Guns 61%
- Statistics 44%
- Range Report 39%
- Purchase Report 39%
- Accessories 39%
- Shopping List 17%
- Range Checklist 6%
3. What sections of the app do you use the least?
Summary: It looks like the Shopping List section is used the least, with the Range Checklist not far behind. Here are the percentages:
- Shopping List 56%
- Range Checklist 44%
- Purchase Report 22%
- Statistics 22%
- Accessories 11%
- Range Report —
- Ammo —
- Guns —
4. What new features would you like to see added to the app?
Some users already answered this in the first question. Here is a list of the responses (I removed duplicates):
- Ability to sync data between devices
- Bar codes for ammo purchases
- Shot timer
- Build section that adds parts instead of assigning accessories to a rifle. Tracking for custom built rifles/pistols on an AR platform
- Sort Ammo by velocity or energy
- Reloading section
- Ability to Search (Guns, Ammo, Accessories)
- Zoom in on photos
- Rounds shot since last maintenance
- Manufacture date for ammo
- Additional photos for Accessories
- Ability to use dark mode
- Graphical (Pie graph) representation of statistics
- Ability to keep track of target inventory
- Add multiple pics at same time –> I’m not clear on what you are referring to. Most sections (except for Additional photos for guns) only allow you to add one photo.
- More accessory options –> If you have a specific suggestion of exactly what other options you would like to see in accessories, please email me.
- Quick add/use ammo –> When adding ammo, you only need to add an Ammo once, then each time you purchase that ammo, you only need to add a Purchase Record to it. That way you can keep track of the total of that ammo you purchase, how often you purchase it, etc.
- Ability to add multiple pictures in all areas –> This has been requested by a few users. See my response in question #1 above
- Easier access to adding pictures to guns –> I’m not sure what you’re referring to. I’ve tried to make it as simple as I possibly can. If you have a specific recommendation, please feel free to email it to me.
- Condensed listing of guns by name so I could scroll through it fast, if I am looking for a particular gun. –> I’m not exactly sure what you mean by a condensed listing. If you’re look for a particular gun, sort your guns by model there is an alphabet down the right side, you can simply tap the first letter of the model and be quickly taken to it.
- A way to re-order guns in a brand listing –> You have the option to sort guns by Manufacturer (brand), or are you referring to something different?
- Export photos –> See my response in question #1 above
- Move Shopping List items to Guns, Ammo, or Accessories –> The app currently does this. If you go to the User’s Guide, under Shopping List, it will tell you how to move items from the Shopping List to your Guns, Ammo, or Accessories.
- Add a picture correction app to crop and change pic properties –> Your device already has the ability to crop and edit photos. There is no way I could even come close to creating something as nice as what Apple already provides on your device. My suggestion is to take the photos with the Camera app on your device and edit them how you want. Then when you add the item to the app, tap the ‘Add Photo’ and select ‘Choose from Library’ (instead of Take Photo)
- I don’t see ability to use files to back up my data –> I’m not exactly sure what you’re referring to. If you go to the Backup Data page, there are instructions there on how to backup your data.
- Easier viewing/scrolling through multiple pictures of guns –> In the Gun section, you can tap the ‘photos’ button (bottom right) and view photos of all your guns. If you’re referring to something different, please send me an email.
- Face password option? –> Once you set a password for the app, you can use Face ID to access the app. If it isn’t working for you, you may need to go to the Setting app and check your setting for Face ID.
5. What improvements would you like to see made to the app?
Answers included in #4 above.
6. We value your opinion and appreciate you taking the time to complete the survey. Do you have any other comments or suggestions about the app?
Answers included in #4 above.
————————————
PHOTOS:
There are a number of users that would like to add more photos to the app, so I wanted to address that. Right now, the app offers the ability to add a number of photos, with the exception of the Accessory section.
Gun section: you can take up to 5 photos (a main photo, and 4 additional).
Ammo section: you can take a main photo for your Ammo, then photos of each of your purchases.
Accessory section: you can take 1 photo of your Accessory.
Range Report: you can add as many Shooting Records as you want. Each Shooting record includes a photo.
This app is designed for many different devices with different storage capabilities. Photos take a lot of memory and not everyone has a device that can handle a lot of photos.The app needs to be able to be user friendly for ALL devices.
myArmsCache is a gun and ammo app, not a photo app. I need to stay true to its purpose. If you want a lot of photos of your guns, a great solution is to use the Camera & Photos app that comes with your device. Once you take a photo, you can add them to an Album — call the album Guns, so it’s easy to find. That way you can keep as many photos of your items as your device has room for. I addressed this in Question #1, but I wanted to include it here also incase you missed it.
————————————
I value all of your input and am doing my best to continually improve the app for everyone.
My goal is to make the app user friendly for everyone. The challenge is, everyone has different devices and they use the app differently.
I am only one person, there is no team or anyone helping me. It takes a great deal of time to keep the app updated due to changes in the iOS and continually add new features. When I add new features to the app, I need to consider all users and make sure what I’m doing is beneficial to everyone using the app.
THANK YOU!
Thank you so much for being a Premium Member and supporting the app!
The app would not exist if it wasn’t for your support.