Accesstuner Race Updates

[Cobb Tuning]

As a heads up to those who rely on Accesstuner Race...

After taking a look at current industry news and trends, we have decided to proactively re-tool Accesstuner Race. Starting 5/9/16, it will temporarily be unavailable on our website, but we expect to have the updates available by June. We know it’s a bummer not having it available right now, but please check out the list of Protuners on our website for an interim solution.

If you have any questions or concerns about this, please feel free to email us at support@cobbtuning.com

Marshall@COBB

[JgamB]

The verbiage here looks quite a bit like bad news for the consumer dressed up with dodgy non-descriptors. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

If you start charging the Mazdaspeed platform for ATR, will you also reduce the cost of the AP? (Focus ST for example).

[nindoja]

Why take down access to ATR? That's only going to hurt your consumers, both customers buying new and buying used?

As a professional software developer, stating you plan on re-tooling an entire application suite in less than a month sounds insane. Especially since it appears the same codebase is used across all your platforms...
@Cobb Tuning;

[Mazdazilla6]

The only thing I'm getting from this is that I now have yet another reason to jump ship to Versatune. Thanks for the update Cobb!

[nindoja]

Originally Posted by Mazdazilla6 The only thing I'm getting from this is that I now have yet another reason to jump ship to Versatune. Thanks for the update Cobb!

I've been teetering for a while with my 2 APs. Depending on what they do here, it could easily push me over the edge to VT. Heck, I may do it early just in case they really screw people over on this.

[JumpingJackson]

I feel like "industry news and trends" is both vague, and a bad reason for removing a feature from a product people have already paid for knowing it had such a feature. What if you want to install ATR on a different computer or laptop?

[silvapain]

It just means you can't download the install file; you can still use your installed copy of ATR.

No need to worry.

Originally Posted by JumpingJackson I feel like "industry news and trends" is both vague, and a bad reason for removing a feature from a product people have already paid for knowing it had such a feature. What if you want to install ATR on a different computer or laptop?

Get the install file now and save it on your HDD.

[Cobb Tuning]

Originally Posted by silvapain It just means you can't download the install file; you can still use your installed copy of ATR. No need to worry. Get the install file now and save it on your HDD.

This. If you already have an AP and think you may need to use ATR in the near future, go ahead and request an install file here.

Marshall@COBB

[Gerbilo]

I was actually planning on buying an AP this weekend, but now I'm not so sure. Yeah, it'll be purchased before the deadline date, but I won't be able to get the serial number until it arrives, which would be after.

Originally Posted by Cobb Tuning This. If you already have an AP and think you may need to use ATR in the near future, go ahead and request an install file here. Marshall@COBB

With my predicament stated above, am I just SOL?

Originally Posted by JgamB If you start charging the Mazdaspeed platform for ATR, will you also reduce the cost of the AP? (Focus ST for example).

Wondering this as well, even if/when ATR returns, it might be in a rather diminished capacity.
I was planning on going through one of our wonderful protuners here anyway, but paying full for a product that is no longer what it used to be has me concerned.

Sorry if anything I said doesn't make sense, feel free to correct me. It's just that I had been planning to buy an AP on this day for a while now(just saving a little extra cash, the weather finally isn't shit, etc.) and this is giving me doubts and now I'm just not sure what to do.

@Mazdazilla6; you've been talking up VT, Cobb might have done more to help that group-buy than anyone.

[Mazdazilla6]

Originally Posted by Gerbilo @Mazdazilla6; you've been talking up VT, Cobb might have done more to help that group-buy than anyone.

Get it while it's hot man. You can still monitor all the same stuff with VT and a cheap windows tablet as you can the AP. Plus it's wireless!

Not trying to be an asshole and crap up this thread, but unfortunately I think Cobb has gotten complacent with the Mazdaspeed platform. Maybe once they start losing a good chunk of business they'll step in and actually update stuff. IMO competition is good, good for companies to continually improve themselves and their products and good for consumers because then they have options and those options will try to better themselves to appeal to the consumer. I just don't see that happening with Cobb. Sorry, not sorry.

[MD1032]

Originally Posted by Mazdazilla6 Not trying to be an asshole and crap up this thread, but unfortunately I think Cobb has gotten complacent with the Mazdaspeed platform. Maybe once they start losing a good chunk of business they'll step in and actually update stuff.

Yeah this has been evident for a while and I agree totally. At least what we have available to us works, and works well. Ultimately I can't blame Cobb too much because they have bigger fish to fry. I'm sure Ford has already outsold Mazdaspeed3's with their Focus ST twice over, and we were a small market to begin with.

[Cobb Tuning]

Originally Posted by Gerbilo I was actually planning on buying an AP this weekend, but now I'm not so sure. Yeah, it'll be purchased before the deadline date, but I won't be able to get the serial number until it arrives, which would be after. With my predicament stated above, am I just SOL?

Give us a call! We can probably get you the serial number on your order so you can download ATR before it's taken down.

Marshall@COBB

[Gerbilo]

Originally Posted by Cobb Tuning Give us a call! We can probably get you the serial number on your order so you can download ATR before it's taken down. Marshall@COBB

Thanks for the offer, I was planning on buying from one of the vendors here on MSF because I needed to order other things at the same time. I know it's too late now but thank you for the attempt anyway.

Just keep everyone up to date on what is happening with this situation.

[JJsax]

Originally Posted by Cobb Tuning This. If you already have an AP and think you may need to use ATR in the near future, go ahead and request an install file here. Marshall@COBB

So, I did reach out to you guys to get the file and was basically told too bad so sad (see my post about 9 posts up).

My computer shit the bed and I lost everything, including my maps from freek and APM. Which I mentioned in my email to @cobbsupport. So, I'm pretty much screwed.

If you can point me in the right direction that would be handy as I DID have the previous version of ATR BEFORE it was pulled. Didn't think a HDD would go boom and I'd need to back up my downloads folder. I guess you live and learn.

[Dano]

a brand new machine's hard drive can die, a virus can cryptolock it, etc. if you don't back up your data we (I mean I) don't feel sorry for you.

btw I'm in IT

hopefully the lesson will stick. Get new drive, create new data, back it up immediately.

16Gig thumb drives can be picked up all day long for under 10 bones. 1TB USB HDD < $70. Then there's Google Drive, OneDrive, DropBox, and any number of other free online storage services.

[JJsax]

Originally Posted by Dano a brand new machine's hard drive can die, a virus can cryptolock it, etc. if you don't back up your data we (I mean I) don't feel sorry for you. btw I'm in IT hopefully the lesson will stick. Get new drive, create new data, back it up immediately. 16Gig thumb drives can be picked up all day long for under 10 bones. 1TB USB HDD < $70. Then there's Google Drive, OneDrive, DropBox, and any number of other free online storage services.

Completely get it, this was a new drive too.

Sent from my LG-H830 using Tapatalk

[SKiZZ]

Might wanna turn off auto updates too.

[TiGraySpeed6]

Sounds like time for a new GUI

That'd be nice, tho I don't have any problem with the current one- I kind of like simple & direct tables. Then again, I deal with spreadsheets all day long so my brain is trained that way...

[MD1032]

Why take down the existing version while you're "developing" the new version? @Cobb Tuning;

[wes3id]

Just spoke to Matt at Cobb on the phone, they are re-evaluating ATR for environmental reasons...since ATR lets you bypass certain emissions control features on our vehicles. That was the explanation i got, so i'm assuming that the Gov is on their ass about it. hope this helps clarify some worries. He also stated not to worry about turning auto updates off, as it will remain the same.

[rfinkle2]

Originally Posted by wes3id Just spoke to Matt at Cobb on the phone, they are re-evaluating ATR for environmental reasons...since ATR lets you bypass certain emissions control features on our vehicles. That was the explanation i got, so i'm assuming that the Gov is on their ass about it. hope this helps clarify some worries. He also stated not to worry about turning auto updates off, as it will remain the same.

[TiGraySpeed6]

..... so, off road use only then. Got it.

[g00s3y]

I have a feeling only "pro-tuners" are going to be able to use atr going forward. I really hope this isn't the case.

[MD1032]

Originally Posted by g00s3y I have a feeling only "pro-tuners" are going to be able to use atr going forward. I really hope this isn't the case.

Exactly my thought initially. Now let me preface my following statements by saying I've had A LOT of beer tonight, BUT...I don't think this is exactly what they're going for...hear me out.

Restricting ATR to pro tuners would TOTALLY change Cobb's product. It would go from being a $650 tuning solution, to a $650 gameboy that you could USE to pay someone $200 to tune your car on. Fuck everything about that. I seriously doubt this is their objective. I anticipate their resulting product will be somewhere in between:

1) Prevent maps generated using one copy of ATR from being opened/resaved by another copy of ATR. This would put etuners out of business that don't pay for the "pro" copy of ATR.

2) Prevent manipulation/unchecking of DTC's. To make the gov't happy. This has been a long time coming.

[g00s3y]

Either one wouldn't surprise me. And either one would have me making a switch to versatuner. Or maybe we'll get lucky and they'll actually fix all the mislabeled/incorrect tables..... Hahaha.

#1 wouldn't put them out of business. I have about 6 different copies of atr, for different years and ap models. I have the people I tune send me their whole atr install, and then I can do everything that needs to be done. So "unprofessional tuners" could work around it that way.

I completely understand #2 , but I think that's only going to be part of the change.

Whatever this change is, it most likely isn't good. Unless they have already been working on "retooling" the program, no way in hell they are redoing it from the ground up in a month or so.

[TiGraySpeed6]

The speed6 is a small market. The speed3 multiplied like rabbits in comparison, but yeah, still a small, and getting smaller, market since both the platform(s) and engine are no more.

Ford is moving forward, is a "new" thing. But for Cobb money is also being generated by Volkswagen, Subaru, Porsche, Nissan, and BMW. Heck even Mitsubishi is probably generating more income these days than Mazda.

Since there's no current plan for a boosted mazdaspeed, we hope they continue to support a dead platform, or maybe they also move to the newish skyactive stuff, or perhaps more reasonably just drop mazda.

Frankly, based on development over the last few years they've dropped the mazda brand and continue support only as long as it's income and customer loyalty bring benefits to the company.

Or, the TLDR version- competition in this case is more likely to send em away in a "let the little guys have em, we make 100 times as much with our other brands" mentality.

So, Be nice, not bitchy- don't push em away.

[keridil]

Originally Posted by TiGraySpeed6 Ford is moving forward, is a "new" thing. But for Cobb money is also being generated by Volkswagen, Subaru, Porsche, Nissan, and BMW. Heck even Mitsubishi is probably generating more income these days than Mazda.

To be honest I think that they make money nowadays with Porsche and Fords. Because BMW guys are leaving for MHD which is much better and convenient than an AP. Mitsus and Subarus are in another Open Source tools league too. And Nissan... mmm... really?

Anyway, our Japanese platform is coming to an end. ;-)

[nindoja]

I disagree on the platform dying. It's getting cheaper and cheaper every day to buy a used one, and they are being bought with quickness.

My thought is that Cobb is going to go the FoST route, where the AP is cheaper and you pay for a license for ATR. That gives them a recurring stream of revenue when APs get sold used, and also incentivizes people to buy new APs instead of used ones.

Basically, I think existing AP owners are going to be hosed, but it'll mean more money for Cobb and hopefully more support from them.

[MD1032]

Originally Posted by nindoja I think existing AP owners are going to be hosed

How so? I already have a working and fully functional version of ATR now that does pretty much everything I could possibly need. I think it's the future owners who are gonna get hosed. Whatever ATR comes out the other side in a month is probably going to be restricted in some way compared to what we have now.

[nindoja]

Originally Posted by MD1032 How so? I already have a working and fully functional version of ATR now that does pretty much everything I could possibly need. I think it's the future owners who are gonna get hosed. Whatever ATR comes out the other side in a month is probably going to be restricted in some way compared to what we have now.

I should have clarified. They'll be hosed if they want to sell a used AP, because it'll be worth less if Cobb lowers the price.

[dagrimey1]

Charge $150 for ATR for new and used APs, so they don't lose on resold units. Lower price of current AP to $500 par with the ST model. Increase revenue for lost resold AP units. Looks like Cobb been talking to Apple.

[ASHMS3]

Yeah, this really fucking blows for me. I have ATR that is for my V2, I just did the V2 trade-in program and can't even use the damn V3 because I don't have ATR for the new AP to convert my maps over.

[dagrimey1]

Originally Posted by ASHMS3 Yeah, this really fucking blows for me. I have ATR that is for my V2, I just did the V2 trade-in program and can't even use the damn V3 because I don't have ATR for the new AP to convert my maps over.

U should contact them, they have been helping people out in certain circumstances

Sent using Moto Fo Sho Doe

[ASHMS3]

Originally Posted by dagrimey1 U should contact them, they have been helping people out in certain circumstances Sent using Moto Fo Sho Doe

I found all of this out just after closing time. I am going to call them first thing in the morning.

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[Dano]

So my background is in IT, been doing it since the mid 90s and during that time I have worked with many software vendors, too numerous to mention. Anytime one of them planned to sunset or EOL (End of life) a product or service there was 6 months to a year between the notice date and the date it was pulled from the support download sites. They leave up the old code up until the new code is released, and this is very important, and is mature. Not version 1.0. Intelligent organizations and/or individuals will not jump on a new product until months after its release. I would suspect a similar if not slightly accelerated timeline would occur in many instances for new ATR/ATP software installations.

Here’s what happened:

At 4:23PM on May 3rd, Cobb announces that it will be pulled less than a week later on May 9th. They announce in an obscure thread on a forum instead of messaging everyone they have e-mail addresses for. They certainly have no problem sending me marketing material. So the end result, is that the majority of ATR users don’t get the message until after the fact (in my case) or at all.

Further, they promise the new code will be available in June. Do I need to point out the obvious about software vendors release date promises? Not hating on Cobb’s ability to roll out code but let’s be honest here, timelines get pushed and pushed out further so it won’t happen that quickly. This statement applies to ALL software developers not just Cobb. What we will end up with is likely a 3-6 month window where no tuning software will be available for self-tuners. And why. Why pull the existing code until after the new code is released? Why add burden on your support team with a la carte' calls to get the code?

Here’s what should have happened:

May 3rd, Cobb announces the planned release of a brand new version of ATR, release date TBD. In that announcement they indicate the older versions of ATR will be sunset/EOL on Nov 3rd and at that point no longer available. This announcement is placed in this forum section as well as an e-mail campaign sent out to all known addresses and a banner placed on the ATR/ATP order form on the Cobb site.


You see in the modified scenario, everyone still gets to have a warm and fuzzy feeling that a brand new ATR will be coming out while providing piece of mind to everyone in the meantime that they will have access to the old version until it’s released. Further still, when the new version comes out, not everyone will be forced to use it and there will be a gradual adoption of the new version. This is good for both the consumer and product vendor as to not be inundated with support issues from both ends, which leads to poor customer satisfaction. Some, myself included, would prefer to run both versions side by side until we are comfortable with the new version.

In my experience, this is the way old software is sunset then new rolled out in the corporate world.

p.s. For the two main scenarios that this will occur under, e.g. those who currently have and AP/ATR and those who are looking to get an AP, I would add this. Those who already have it can still get screwed if their system gets compromised due to hardware or software failure or they just want to get a new system and don’t have access to the original code. Those looking to get an AP will be best served to wait. What vendor wants to have their potential customers wait to make a purchase?

For the sake of those who may be in need of the source code, I hope Cobb will make a course correction and make the current version available until the new version is released and mature or at the least, continue to answer one-off calls to acquire it.

[MD1032]

In the meantime, they continue to offer this:

COBB Tuning - MAZDASPEED Accessport V3

At full price.

Originally Posted by Cobb The Accessport is the world's best selling, most flexible, and easiest to use ECU upgrade solution for your Mazda. Unlock power hidden within the vehicle by replacing conservative factory settings with more aggressive calibrations. Follow our staged upgrade path with pre-loaded Off The Shelf (OTS) maps or use custom mapping for any modification level. It's the last engine management solution you'll ever need.

This is lying as far as I'm concerned.

[Dano]

I'm going to craft a more detailed response to this later but for now I'll just say this change has not been handled in a professional manner whatsoever.

[faeker]

Originally Posted by Dano I'm going to craft a more detailed response to this later but for now I'll just say this change has not been handled in a professional manner whatsoever.

No joke man. I am totally guessing here (riiiiiiiiiiiiight) but I feel like self tuners and non pro tuners are gonna get hosed. I remember when they advertise that ATR was gonna be a great way for friends to share maps. Guess not. Aw fuck, I kinda just thought of this too; they made a program to share tunes, not create and charge for tunes.

[ASHMS3]

Originally Posted by faeker No joke man. I am totally guessing here (riiiiiiiiiiiiight) but I feel like self tuners and non pro tuners are gonna get hosed. I remember when they advertise that ATR was gonna be a great way for friends to share maps. Guess not. Aw fuck, I kinda just thought of this too; they made a program to share tunes, not create and charge for tunes.

Yeah you're probably right. I think Justin, Rob and Lex are going to get a lot busier.

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[ASHMS3]

They took care of me. I called and gave them serial numbers and they sent me a file to make my v2 maps play nice.

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