What is Pro-Stitcher Connect?

PS Connect is the latest new software version for Pro-Stitcher Premium and Lite hardware systems. In addition to program improvements, it also enables the user to turn on wifi through the software to download designs and updates without using a USB, as well as watch educational videos directly on the tablet. 

Pro-Stitcher Connect can be download here: https://prostitcher.com/prostitcher-software-update/

Which tablets are compatible with PS Connect?

Windows 10+ tablets are compatible. There is a compatibility chart, along with a really great video that shows you how to identify which tablet you have.  There’s a link on the PS Connect update page, or you can go directly to https://prostitcher.com/compatibility

If you don't have a connect-compatible tablet, NOW is the time to purchase a tablet upgrade. Starting May 16th for a limited time, they are available only on the prostitcher.com website for $750. This is the time to update your tablets. This deal will be available through June 16, 2023 from Prostitcher.com. 

PS Tablet upgrades can be purchase here: https://prostitcher.com/shop/tablet-upgrade-product/

Will there be further updates to Premium and Lite software?

A new Beta version for Premium and Lite is available on prostitcher.com. Once that version is stabilized, there will only be updates for Connect moving forward, just like we have done in the past with Classic and Standard.

Hey, haven’t you been telling us to never connect our Pro-Stitcher tablets to the internet for years? What gives!

That is absolutely true so I understand the concern, however, as technology has improved, we are able to do so safely. Windows Defender is the antivirus software that comes installed on these tablets and works quite well. In addition, we have written code into the software that only allows users to access prostitcher.com and only allows users to download quilting files and program updates, reducing the likelihood of being infected.  

I’m still nervous about wifi, should I not update to PS Connect?

Please update your Premium and Lite hardware systems to Connect if you have a compatible tablet. You do NOT have to turn wifi on, and there are lots of bug fixes and program improvements for both Premium and in particular for Lite.

I’ve updated to Connect, and now my tablet wants to run Windows updates, what do I do? 

Yes, please run those Windows updates. That is the best way to ensure your tablet has the latest security systems in place. 

Can I install additional virus software protection?

No, additional software cannot be installed on the tablets. In addition, doing so would actually make the tablet less protected from contamination by interfering with Windows Defender and our software.

Will updates only be done via wifi in the future?

No, turning wifi on is optional and future updates will still be able to run through a USB update. There are no changes to the current USB update and digital file saving/opening procedures.

Tell me what those program improvements include.

You can find the full release notes on the prostitcher.com website, however a few top fixes for me include:

Huge improvement for Lite users, particularly with tie offs and reducing crashes

Added in Help text

Improved Opti-Stitch, including being able to change speed while stitching

Reduces those pesky unwanted line additions outside of Area that occasionally happened when cropping

Reduces program crashes

Do I need a ProStitcher.com account to download PS Connect? 

Yes, you need to have a registered account at Pro-Stitcher.com to download any software. You only have to select your machine preferences the first time you log in though. We need this information to be able to know how many of our users are on different machines. Once you have that account, you can download any software update for any machine.

This is different from a paid Pro-Stitcher Membership. Remember, PS Connect adds great new features that are 100% free to you. A PS Membership is optional and is a great way for computerized quilters to build their digital stashes, but it is totally optional.

What is this membership all about? Do I need to pay $14.95 a month to get my current library of designs?

PS Membership is an additional & optional membership that is a great way for Members to build their stash of digital quilting designs. It has nothing to do with their current library of designs, that stays exactly the same. The benefits of Membership include choosing any two designs from the PS Patterns library every month that they can download and keep. That includes an extra monthly bonus design in ‘Quilting Season’, a free quilt top pattern every month, 25% off additional purchases from Featured Designers patterns, along with other perks. It’s a great deal, but totally optional.

Information on PS Memberships can be found here: https://prostitcher.com/membership/

What if I already have a Quiltable membership?

All Quiltable Clubs have now become Pro-Stitcher Memberships. That change happened automatically behind the scenes. That’s great news though! It costs less, and now Members can choose any TWO designs from Pro-Stitcher Patterns.

How easy is it to cancel the membership?

Just like other online memberships, it’s a super simple process. All you have to do is click on your account in Prostitcher.com. Select ‘memberships’ and then ‘cancel.’ If you have a monthly membership, it will continue until the next billing date. If you have an Annual Membership, you’ll just need to click cancel sometime between now and next year's billing date.

How can I understand how to do all this stuff? 

We have a whole series of education topics right on ProStitcher.com! Videos, PDFs, and tutorials that cover general Pro-Stitcher techniques, and we’ve created a series of tutorials just for PS Connect. 

Links: 

https://prostitcher.com/education-courses/

https://prostitcher.com/frequently-asked-questions/

Thank you all for your questions and continuing support!