Feature creep

Open

Improvement

mgjohn

Version 10 has prompted me to suggest that eMClient is reached “feature creep” status. I would suggest that most users (~80%?) just want a simple, reliable email client. A smaller number of advanced users want more complex features.

Version 10 has reached the stage where options and settings are quite complex for the average user to work out.

For example, I am not interested in such features as AI, chat, teams and categories. eMClient must have external costs associated with the use of AI which will be unfairly passed on to all users whether they use AI or not. Maybe the use of AI should attract an additional user cost?

Such new features should be disabled on release, allowing the user to enable them if they want them.

In fact, Version 10 has reached the stage where I think there should be an option of basic mode or expert mode. Basic mode excludes all but the basic email client requirements. This could be implemented as a menu option, or, better, have a cheaper basic version available, so that users would not be subjected to the complexity (or extra expense) of features requested by the advanced users.

a year ago

-22

olivia_rust

Thank you for the feedback, we definitely don't plan to pass the cost of AI to users who don't plan to use it ;)

a year ago

repstein

I don't think eMClient forces anything upon anyone. In fact, you can turn off a wealth of its features if you want. I think the developers have done an excellent job of making eMClient feature-rich, but at the same time, highly customizable so you can make it as basic as you want.

a year ago (edited)

ramouz

I love eM Client but I am disappointed in seeing AI added to it. I was not expecting it. Let's see how it plays out though, but I don't want my messages read/sent anywhere else.
I'm all for new features though, just not AI.

a year ago (edited)

olivia_rust

@ramseykhalaf1 AI use will always be optional based on user action - eM Client will never upload your data anywhere without your consent. It will be possible to continue using eM Client without AI.

a year ago

thomasdahl

yeees.. But just like MS Word, when you need that special feature is is nice that it exists, while most of the time it is a confusing mess. Maybe a decluttered view option for those who simply want the basics on a daily basis..

a year ago (edited)

gizmo2501

Disagree. I got eMClient for the features and options, and am glad for features being added and upgraded.

I can see how a "basic mode" would be helpful.

As for AI, they could have it so you have to link your own AI API key, which would then only cost the user who uses it.

8 months ago (edited)

vemclient

I switched to eM Client to find features and capabilities that other email software doesn't provide or support with enough flexibility. I personally spend most of my day inside of the eM Client app. It is great to have the options that I can enable to support my personal organization, workflows and efficient daily use. For me, the new or innovative features minimize the complexity of my daily tasks and improve my quality of work.

I find many of the new eM Client features useful and have never had a problem customizing or disabling features I don't use or want. I also found during the latest upgrade I was presented the option to enable or disable certain new features like the AI mode or Categories during the installation and saw no additional cost in doing so.

Yet, I see your point. It must be frustrating for users that don't like change to be inundated with new options that might disturb their basic use of the tool. Unfortunately it's challenging for a company to innovate and solve problems that their competitors ignore while still preserving simplicity. Having a basic or simple modality would therefore be helpful for some who don't appreciate changes to their routine.

6 months ago (edited)

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