Hi there!
I'm excited to share a brief update about the status of Maven and when you can get your hands on it.
But first, an exciting new feature: I have a lot of video lectures in my library from Penguin Lives to Vanishing Masterclasses, and I wanted a better way to search those, as well, in addition to their store pages. So I added a really useful new feature: On supported devices, you can generate full transcripts of those videos entirely on your device. This means videos become searchable down to the timestamp of what was discussed when.
This feature does use AI, but it uses an open source Whisper model that is run locally on your computer, so nothing is every sent to the cloud. The actual transcriptions themselves are stored as txt files next to the videos so you can take your data anywhere you want.
A few other highlights
Better support for downloading videos and pdfs to your other devices for offline viewing.
Improved video controls on mobile devices
Full mobile support for cataloging (media browsing and multi device still requires a desktop/laptop device)
Customizable source of truth links. This is a big one. On cataloging an item, Maven will search the web for the best resource on the contents of an item, but due to policies with some websites, for some items, getting information automatically is not possible. So if you know a place that has info on the item, you can give it the direct link, and it can be included in the research as a manual,user-provided addition.
Now let's talk availability.
I use Maven every day on my own library, and I think it is ready. But one person doing all the testing is still one person, so I am letting people in a few at a time, at a discount.
I want to be straight about why, because "limited places" is usually a trick. There is nothing scarce about software. The limit is about me: I would rather answer ten new users properly than fifty badly, and fix what that first group finds before the next one arrives.
If that sounds like your sort of thing, the first round is open here:
$80 instead of $100, the whole app, nothing held back for a later tier. All I ask is that you press the bug button when something looks off and describe it in as much detail as possible. If there's a feature you'd like? Something you wish was better? As an early access user, your feedback counts, so those requests can be included there, too!
And if it is not your sort of thing, no pressure at all. Stay on the list, keep reading the updates, and wait until it is properly buttoned up. You will still get a discount when Maven opens to everyone, for having been here early.
As always, if you have any questions, don't hesitate to reply right to this message!
Thanks for following along,
Judah Gabriel
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