Is it worth downloading the newest version?

[Ravenplucker]

Exactly as it says in the title. From what I've read, it's quite riddled with bugs and the interface is irritating. Is it worth upgrading, or should I stick with 1.8.5 until they come out with something more stable?

[Sonic]

It's really a matter of preference. On the one hand, yeah it has a lot of bugs, but on the other you got new tools like ropes and thrusters.

[TC42]

Install the new one to a different directory; if your graphics card is new enough, than it may be worth having both 1.8.5 and 1.9.5b, but if it is an older card like PH's, it may not be worth it. It does have some spiffing new tools and options, though the interface takes a little adjustment to get used to.

Pros:
Ropes
Chains
Thrusters
"Bend" option of hinges (makes hinge snap to user-defined angle, very useful!)
Algobox integration into program--Now you can browse the algobox without opening your browser; algodoo has access to this site (and this site only)
Up to 10x faster*

Cons:
Many bugs
Not compatible with some graphics cards (Algoryx is still working on a fix)
Some old scenes don't work in 1.9.5b

Remember it is a beta and therefore is crash-prone...
I found it worthwhile to keep both versions, so I can report bugs, but still create useable scenes.

[Someone Else]

I've found that the new hinges really don't give me anything other than trouble. I frequently have to set legacyMode = 0. It seems that when stretched even a little bit, they simply don't want to turn.

Also, I couldn't figure out how to get to the Algodoo forum from 1.9.5b. Algobox is easy, but...

Also, I discovered that 1.9.5b has a complete inability to process JPEGs. Most other filetypes can be used for textures, but JPEGS just come out with a blank white box or circle or whatever.

[electronicboy]

just rename the old startmenu entry to something simple such as "algodoo 1.8.5"
download the latest version and install it to a a new directory...

You can load 1.8.5 from the renamed startmenu entry and 1.9.5b from the new one, and, if you hate the beta, just uninstall it (and rerun 1.8.5s installer or manually redo the file associations.)

[tatt61880]

At least, it is worth for developer if you post bug reports and/or feedback.

[Someone Else]

Or, as was magnificently stated in the Official Release thread:

Yay! New Beta! Time to see in what amazing ways I can make Algodoo fail!

[Emanuel]

Also, I discovered that 1.9.5b has a complete inability to process JPEGs. Most other filetypes can be used for textures, but JPEGS just come out with a blank white box or circle or whatever.

This is a know problem, and we know how to fix it, but thanks.

/ Emanuel

[Ravenplucker]

Hmmm... I think I'll stick with the old version for now, and let the others do the bugtesting.

(What can I say? I'm a selfish guy.)