Calling any developers who want Windows / 3rd party support

I figured Joule would have a nice http TCP endpoint on the device with a REST api to make controlling it easy. I could then create some simple Windows Universal app to be able to do the basic control of the device within a few hours.

Unfortunately the protocol is more complicated than that so if there are 3rd parties who want to help us it would be more than welcome. This would benefit anyone who wants to be able to 3rd party interface with the device, beyond just for Windows. If we can figure out the protocol however we are happy to release a free Windows app for controlling it (phone/tablet/pc/etc).

For details on what we have found so far: https://github.com/mitchcapper/JouleUWP/blob/master/JOULE_PROTOCOL.md

Please contact us (my gmail can be found on my main github page) if you are interested in helping or have something to contribute.

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Comments

JasonWirth_68226

Thanks for this work! I'm not a Win developer but this looks really interesting.

"There could be some security ramifications as the Joule is NOT a local only device (it does take commands from the chefsteps servers)."

This really saddens me.

While I like ChefSteps, the nature of technology is that open standards is the only the way to go for longevity. If a company suddenly goes out of business or gets bought up and support stops, then the product is rendered useless. I guess that's why Richard Stallman isn't posting complaints on the forum that his Joule hasn't shipped yet.

Mitch_163207

I would say that bluetooth should be able to work even if something happened to chefsteps except for the initial login requirement hitting their servers (which could be patched out of the app). It is somewhat unfortunate it does not have an open endpoint on the device itself, which would make life easier (or we have not found it). In addition if we are able to decipher the Bluetooth protocol 3rd party apps could use it over BT without their servers I believe (I do not believe there is any security handshake happening there).

AngelArs_240456

JasonWirth Quote - "If a company suddenly goes out of business or gets bought up and support stops, then the product is rendered useless."

Not true. This was covered before in the forum. I couldn't find the post but ChefSteps has safeguards in place to make sure Joule will always be usable.

Mitch_163207

It would only be usable currently if they patched the app. This would not be hard to do but would require action on their part. Otherwise try to setup joule without any internet, it will fail. You can see the internet(and thus their server) requirement in the FAQ.

AngelArs_240456

Perhaps that was it, that they would patch the app. Sure wish it was easier to search the forum for older posts...

JasonWirth_68226

It's interesting that it's a giant Angular.js app.

I noticed they use segment.io. (https://segment.com/) I wonder what to make of this.

Mitch_163207

They are harvesting a lot of analytic data. Essentially every move in the app, or event on the device is logged along with just about all the information they can gather from the device itself. I am sure they are not using most of it, but gathering any and everything they can just 'incase' they find a useful way to use it.

fisher23

Is this the thread you are referring to?

AngelArs_240456

I think so. How in the world did you find it?

gabor.szeder

Oh, that might explain why the Joule app takes 19 seconds to start..

JasonWirth_68226

The reason it tokes 19 seconds to start* is that the app is basically a webpage. There is a couple software tools that allow you to run a web app like a native iOS/Android app. I'm not sure about caching but basically a shit ton of javascript loads when you open the app. In addition, its connecting to various servers and whatnot in the background (async).

The analytics stuff stuff probably tracks which buttons you click on.

- Do you click on "Basic burger" or "Super Awesome Burger"?

- Do you use their time/temp, or do you use the manual settings?

I don't mind tracking of times and temps. They could effectively crowd source the best times for ingredients. Google started ranking pages with rink relevancy (page rank algorithm) now they use machine learning to determine what's relevant (anything a user clicks on is relevant). CS could apply a similar model. Example, people select eggs, then manually set a temp. Joule tells them when the timer starts and when it ends (people probably turn joule off after cooking is finished, not let it run while they drink a hollandaise benedict milkshake). That tells them what time and temp people like eggs.

* Does it really take 19 seconds to start, I never timed it.

Duane_311356

I take comfort in knowing that Joule is backed by Gabe Newell. There are 3 things we know about Gabe. 1. Gabe Newell is worth 4.1 Billion (with a capital

, 2. Gabe Newell likes food. 3. Gabe is known for making quality products even if they take seemingly forever to get right (Half Life 3?).

Derek_Lewis_1481495

Thank you! Even though I'm not a Win developer, this was an interesting read. Can you recommend Vue developers to me? I have a private clinic and I am developing an application for making an appointment with a doctor. Need help on this issue.

Giancarlo_Esposito_1482269

I would also like the help of Vue developers! Now there are a couple of projects that need to be completed. Can you recommend me any other options where I can hire qualified Vue developers?