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Post by wendifful on May 22, 2021 19:38:22 GMT
Cricut made an announcement today that they're releasing the Cricut Explore 3 and the Cricut Maker 3 (even though there was never a Maker 2). The main selling point of the new machines is that they can use "smart" materials (like the Joy) and cut without a mat, up to 12 feet long. (Additionally, the machines can cut up to 2x faster than previous machines.) I watched the 20 minute video and, as a longtime Silhouette user, had to laugh, because the video made it seem like these features are revolutionary. However, you can only cut up to 12 feet?! Silhouette can cut up to 60 feet long! Also, the matless cutting can only be done with "smart" Cricut materials, so consumers are locked into buying the expensive Cricut materials if they want to cut longer than 24 inches. (Also, Cricut is now selling a separate vinyl roll holder, but the Silhouette Cameo 4 has a built in roll feeder.) While I'm not Cricut's target audience anyway (since I've heard so many horror stories about their software), I was very underwhelmed. Don't get me wrong, it's great that Cricut users can now do longer cuts...but it doesn't seem like this is enough to warrant a new machine release? I thought it would at least have some other features! It also got me thinking...have we reached the point with cutting machines where there isn't much left to innovate? When I think about how far Cricut/Silhouette has come, there's been the introduction of a dual tool carriage, ability to cut much thicker materials, ability to use specialized tools (like the rotary blade for fabric), pop-out cutting (on Silhouette) and larger cutting areas (with the 15" and 25" Cameo models). Aside from refinements (like more accurate/faster cutting), is there a feature that Silhouette/Cricut is obviously missing? Here's the release video for the new machines. (Sidenote: does the CEO's weird smiling while talking bug anyone else? It's like a combo between a smile and a grimace. He seems to smile normally when he's not talking, so I'm perplexed by it!) |
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Post by wendifful on May 22, 2021 19:43:51 GMT
Also, I do feel like Cricut is missing the forest for the trees. From the comments I read, most users would much rather see Design Space get a massive overhaul than buy a new machine.
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edie3
Drama Llama
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Post by edie3 on May 22, 2021 20:54:14 GMT
Cricut left a bad taste in my mouth when they got rid of the Craft Room. I got a Silhouette and never looked back.
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scrapnnana
Drama Llama
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Post by scrapnnana on May 23, 2021 6:41:34 GMT
Also, I do feel like Cricut is missing the forest for the trees. From the comments I read, most users would much rather see Design Space get a massive overhaul than buy a new machine. I agree, but Cricut/Provo Craft wouldn’t make any money on improving the software. New machine sales are apparently a big money maker for them, because they keep cranking out new machines every few years. I have a Cricut Explore Air 2, as well as the Silhouette Cameo 3. I use my Cameo far more than my Explore, because the Silhouette software is so much better. The Explore might cut finer, tinier details better, but I don’t remember if I have tested the two against each other. The Explore definitely cut better detail than my Cameo 1, and I still preferred my Cameo over the Explore because Design Space software is so lacking. I wonder if the additional features are lacking in the new releases because quite a few customers are digging in their heels about paying more for capabilities that they would rarely or never use? When I was trying to decide between the Cameo 3 and Cameo 4, I finally decided that I would probably not actually use the extra capabilities that the 4 offered, so why should I pay $100 more? The craft market can be unpredictable. I am still shaking my head about the Cricut mug maker. You need a subliminal printer, but that’s not exactly a common item, and I hear they can be expensive. Most people here didn’t seem interested. I wonder if Cricut made a bad call on that release. Maybe they just didn’t want to invest as much in the Maker 3 and Explore 3 machines. That is 3 new releases in a short period of time. |
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Post by teacherlisa on May 23, 2021 13:49:58 GMT
I was also underwhelmed.One comment I am seeing in groups is that people want a machine that can make wider cuts not longer. I don't have that need really, but that would have been something it seems ppl want. Cricut vinyl is way more expensive, harder to weed and just junk imo and so no one will want to get locked into that,. I suspect this will be a bust.
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Post by simplyparticular on May 23, 2021 14:53:45 GMT
Hardware is generally an easier sell than software because it’s tangible, and based on my experience with Cricut, not a priority for them. There was a robust thread here about the backlash when they tried a subscription model for uploads on how they think of themselves as the Apple of the crafting world, but I certainly don’t see that!
Some people complain about Silhouette’s tiered software model, but I think it makes sense. Software development takes time and money. Charge the advanced users for advanced features. It also gives corporate a clear view of who wants what.
I’m hoping Brother or Silhouette come out with a Cricut Joy competitor. I like the idea of a small, portable cutter that is iOS compatible, but the Cricut software is its weakness.
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Post by OntarioScrapper on May 24, 2021 18:54:37 GMT
Cricut made an announcement today that they're releasing the Cricut Explore 3 and the Cricut Maker 3 (even though there was never a Maker 2). The main selling point of the new machines is that they can use "smart" materials (like the Joy) and cut without a mat, up to 12 feet long. (Additionally, the machines can cut up to 2x faster than previous machines.) I watched the 20 minute video and, as a longtime Silhouette user, had to laugh, because the video made it seem like these features are revolutionary. However, you can only cut up to 12 feet?! Silhouette can cut up to 60 feet long! Also, the matless cutting can only be done with "smart" Cricut materials, so consumers are locked into buying the expensive Cricut materials if they want to cut longer than 24 inches. (Also, Cricut is now selling a separate vinyl roll holder, but the Silhouette Cameo 4 has a built in roll feeder.) While I'm not Cricut's target audience anyway (since I've heard so many horror stories about their software), I was very underwhelmed. Don't get me wrong, it's great that Cricut users can now do longer cuts...but it doesn't seem like this is enough to warrant a new machine release? I thought it would at least have some other features! It also got me thinking...have we reached the point with cutting machines where there isn't much left to innovate? When I think about how far Cricut/Silhouette has come, there's been the introduction of a dual tool carriage, ability to cut much thicker materials, ability to use specialized tools (like the rotary blade for fabric), pop-out cutting (on Silhouette) and larger cutting areas (with the 15" and 25" Cameo models). Aside from refinements (like more accurate/faster cutting), is there a feature that Silhouette/Cricut is obviously missing? Here's the release video for the new machines. (Sidenote: does the CEO's weird smiling while talking bug anyone else? It's like a combo between a smile and a grimace. He seems to smile normally when he's not talking, so I'm perplexed by it!) My groups on FB tried to discuss this. The hard core groups "let" people vent for a few days. Now it's all about being "happy". FFS. Some even said they would leave the groups if the "negative" posts didn't stop. There were legimate complaints in that post. I don't trust Design Space to cut out one image 4 times on my 12x12 mat because usually I get 2 that are cut wrong. Something tears. The machine gets possessed. I don't know. I just can't image having to spend that amount of money on a new machine to hope I get some good cuts.  Not buying their expensive "smart" vinyl. Laughed my ass off at the cardstock with sticky back. Um, dudes I have been doing that for YEARS already. Stick what paper you want to use in a Xyron machine. Stick on mat. Use deep cut blade. Duh. You may have to experiment to figure out what manual settings you have to set up for your machine but certainly cheaper than buying whatever they are calling that cardstock. Or you know, cut out your images then put them in the Xyron machine.  Wasn't impressed with their Mug Press. Not impressed with these machines either. And yes, from what I have read, crafters wanted to cut WIDER. You are still stuck with that 11.5 inch width. I still am using my original Explore bought in 2016. I see no reason to change machines. What I do want is a better Design Space. Yes, they have been adding new features but that has also come with some very odd problems with DS. There's been lots of updates this year because of needing to fix things. Sigh. What I really want is a fully functional off line feature. Currently I HAVE to be online to log in. I HAVE to be online to log out. I want to be able to download the cartridges I own ONTO MY COMPUTER and just be able to work on my computer off line. So if there is an issue with the online DS, I don't have deal with it. |
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Post by retrofunscrapper on May 25, 2021 12:59:09 GMT
These changes aren't much of a temptation for me to upgrade my Maker; I think I'm good. And this is coming from someone who can get her head turned pretty easily by the newest tools.
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Post by riversong1963 on May 25, 2021 13:40:11 GMT
I still am using my original Explore bought in 2016. I see no reason to change machines. What I do want is a better Design Space. Yes, they have been adding new features but that has also come with some very odd problems with DS. There's been lots of updates this year because of needing to fix things. Sigh. What I really want is a fully functional off line feature. Currently I HAVE to be online to log in. I HAVE to be online to log out. I want to be able to download the cartridges I own ONTO MY COMPUTER and just be able to work on my computer off line. So if there is an issue with the online DS, I don't have deal with it. I agree with this. I just upgraded to a Maker this past Christmas. Up until then, I had been using my 5-year-old Explore Air (1). It had started giving me problems, and I wanted an upgrade, so I got the Maker. We don't need new machines. We need some of the things you've mentioned. I love my Cricut machines, but they can do better with the software. They're trying, but they need to focus more on that. Unfortunately, that isn't where the money is - unless they start charging for more advanced software options. And there might be pushback on that. As for "being happy," I am. I'm very happy with my Maker machine. That doesn't mean that I have to agree with everything Cricut/ProvoCraft does. I'm very happy with my iPhone and iPad too, but that doesn't mean that I love everything Apple does. They are tools, not the center of my life.  |
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Post by riversong1963 on May 25, 2021 13:55:34 GMT
Also, I do feel like Cricut is missing the forest for the trees. From the comments I read, most users would much rather see Design Space get a massive overhaul than buy a new machine. I agree, but Cricut/Provo Craft wouldn’t make any money on improving the software. New machine sales are apparently a big money maker for them, because they keep cranking out new machines every few years. I have a Cricut Explore Air 2, as well as the Silhouette Cameo 3. I use my Cameo far more than my Explore, because the Silhouette software is so much better. The Explore might cut finer, tinier details better, but I don’t remember if I have tested the two against each other. The Explore definitely cut better detail than my Cameo 1, and I still preferred my Cameo over the Explore because Design Space software is so lacking. I wonder if the additional features are lacking in the new releases because quite a few customers are digging in their heels about paying more for capabilities that they would rarely or never use? When I was trying to decide between the Cameo 3 and Cameo 4, I finally decided that I would probably not actually use the extra capabilities that the 4 offered, so why should I pay $100 more? The craft market can be unpredictable. I am still shaking my head about the Cricut mug maker. You need a subliminal printer, but that’s not exactly a common item, and I hear they can be expensive. Most people here didn’t seem interested. I wonder if Cricut made a bad call on that release. Maybe they just didn’t want to invest as much in the Maker 3 and Explore 3 machines. That is 3 new releases in a short period of time. (I think you meant sublimation printer, LOL.) I have a Silhouette Portrait 2, which I got so that I could cut out my stamped images with the Pixscan mat. It works really well, BTW. I also have a Cricut Maker, and that is hands-down my favorite machine. While the Silhouette software is certainly more robust and stable, it is also much more difficult to learn and master than Design Space. The Maker can cut many more materials than the Portrait 2, and the cuts are better and more precise. I like both machines and programs for different reasons. I wish there were one machine that did everything well, but there isn't one yet. I agree about the Mug Maker. What were they thinking there? |
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craftywendy
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May 29, 2018 14:56:21 GMT
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Post by craftywendy on May 25, 2021 16:19:37 GMT
I just bought a Maker a few months ago, kind of a bummer but I suppose that is how technology moves.
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jediannie
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,081
Jun 30, 2014 3:19:06 GMT
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Post by jediannie on May 25, 2021 16:30:48 GMT
I still have my OG Cricut, with cartridges and no way to connect to a computer/internet (which is fine, I have a Silhouette portrait to do that). I can't remember the last time I used it so I suppose I should get rid of it, but what am I going to do with all the cartridges? Would anyone even buy these anymore?
I've heard the same grumblings from people who use the newer Cricuts, they want a wider one, they want a better design space, etc.
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scrapnnana
Drama Llama
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Post by scrapnnana on May 25, 2021 21:08:55 GMT
I agree, but Cricut/Provo Craft wouldn’t make any money on improving the software. New machine sales are apparently a big money maker for them, because they keep cranking out new machines every few years. I have a Cricut Explore Air 2, as well as the Silhouette Cameo 3. I use my Cameo far more than my Explore, because the Silhouette software is so much better. The Explore might cut finer, tinier details better, but I don’t remember if I have tested the two against each other. The Explore definitely cut better detail than my Cameo 1, and I still preferred my Cameo over the Explore because Design Space software is so lacking. I wonder if the additional features are lacking in the new releases because quite a few customers are digging in their heels about paying more for capabilities that they would rarely or never use? When I was trying to decide between the Cameo 3 and Cameo 4, I finally decided that I would probably not actually use the extra capabilities that the 4 offered, so why should I pay $100 more? The craft market can be unpredictable. I am still shaking my head about the Cricut mug maker. You need a subliminal printer, but that’s not exactly a common item, and I hear they can be expensive. Most people here didn’t seem interested. I wonder if Cricut made a bad call on that release. Maybe they just didn’t want to invest as much in the Maker 3 and Explore 3 machines. That is 3 new releases in a short period of time. (I think you meant sublimation printer, LOL.) I have a Silhouette Portrait 2, which I got so that I could cut out my stamped images with the Pixscan mat. It works really well, BTW. I also have a Cricut Maker, and that is hands-down my favorite machine. While the Silhouette software is certainly more robust and stable, it is also much more difficult to learn and master than Design Space. The Maker can cut many more materials than the Portrait 2, and the cuts are better and more precise. I like both machines and programs for different reasons. I wish there were one machine that did everything well, but there isn't one yet. I agree about the Mug Maker. What were they thinking there? Yes, you are right. Sublimation printer is what I meant. I wonder if anyone bought the Mug Maker without realizing that they needed a special printer first. I hope it’s clearly marked on the packaging. Otherwise, there might be some grumpy customers. Even if I had a sublimation printer, I don’t think I’d be interested in the Mug Maker. Mugs are the most overused gift there is. |
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Post by papersilly on May 25, 2021 22:41:16 GMT
wait, they are still making and using Explores? thought those were obsolete.
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Post by riversong1963 on May 26, 2021 0:20:39 GMT
wait, they are still making and using Explores? thought those were obsolete. You might be thinking of the Expression. There have been so many machines that it's difficult to keep track of them. |
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Post by papersilly on May 26, 2021 1:58:36 GMT
wait, they are still making and using Explores? thought those were obsolete. You might be thinking of the Expression. There have been so many machines that it's difficult to keep track of them. Oh yeah......you're absolutely right. The the lower priced Explore machines. Yup, too many machines to keep track of. |
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Post by kmage on May 26, 2021 2:03:10 GMT
I am so annoyed at another machine when all we want to do is have decent software. I am willing to pay!
Still think the Cricut Imagine was the dumbest machine ever. "You can print your own paper!" Ummmm...why is that a good thing? I LOVE paper shopping lol. My friend got one and it was such a piece of crap. It sucked ink like no tomorrow and the colors were all wonky...
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Post by magenta on May 26, 2021 3:24:40 GMT
I am so annoyed at another machine when all we want to do is have decent software. I am willing to pay! Still think the Cricut Imagine was the dumbest machine ever. "You can print your own paper!" Ummmm...why is that a good thing? I LOVE paper shopping lol. My friend got one and it was such a piece of crap. It sucked ink like no tomorrow and the colors were all wonky... I agree with this. I used mine exactly twice before I had to send it back for repairs. I'm so lucky Cricut customer service was so helpful and the repair was free. I got my machine back in no time and it printed and cut great. However, it was just so tedious to use and took up so much space. I haven't touched in in years. I've tried to donate it with some cartridges and inks to different schools but no one wants it. Probably a wise choice. |
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Post by Night Owl on May 26, 2021 3:34:03 GMT
I would like a machine that cuts a true 12 inch border but I am not buying another Cricut. I have the Air and the Air 2 which was gifted to me.
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Post by riversong1963 on May 26, 2021 12:45:00 GMT
I would like a machine that cuts a true 12 inch border but I am not buying another Cricut. I have the Air and the Air 2 which was gifted to me. You can do that with the 12 x 24" mat. Turn the border so that it is in the vertical orientation on the mat, and use longer paper/cardstock. This works very well, but you do have to invest in the longer mat. I'm still using the same one from when I first got an Expression. That reminds me. I have to give it a good cleaning. |
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Post by OntarioScrapper on May 26, 2021 21:29:08 GMT
I still have my OG Cricut, with cartridges and no way to connect to a computer/internet (which is fine, I have a Silhouette portrait to do that). I can't remember the last time I used it so I suppose I should get rid of it, but what am I going to do with all the cartridges? Would anyone even buy these anymore? I've heard the same grumblings from people who use the newer Cricuts, they want a wider one, they want a better design space, etc. Yes someone would probably buy your older machine. Some look for that not being on the internet. Depending on how many cartridges you have, you could sale with the machine. Or give the option. I had some buy my Create years ago and I wasn't selling my cartridges. Her mom had a Cricut and many cartridges and was just going to use her mom's cartridges. Y\ Yes, one of the big things was wanting a WIDER machine, not be able to cut longer. They could've given us both.  |
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Post by OntarioScrapper on May 26, 2021 21:30:29 GMT
I am so annoyed at another machine when all we want to do is have decent software. I am willing to pay! Still think the Cricut Imagine was the dumbest machine ever. "You can print your own paper!" Ummmm...why is that a good thing? I LOVE paper shopping lol. My friend got one and it was such a piece of crap. It sucked ink like no tomorrow and the colors were all wonky... I never understood that machine. That would get costly over time. |
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Post by Night Owl on May 27, 2021 0:11:03 GMT
You can do that with the 12 x 24" mat. Turn the border so that it is in the vertical orientation on the mat, and use longer paper/cardstock. This works very well, but you do have to invest in the longer mat. Thank you! That is very useful to know. |
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Post by wendifful on May 27, 2021 0:27:34 GMT
Also, I do feel like Cricut is missing the forest for the trees. From the comments I read, most users would much rather see Design Space get a massive overhaul than buy a new machine. I agree, but Cricut/Provo Craft wouldn’t make any money on improving the software. New machine sales are apparently a big money maker for them, because they keep cranking out new machines every few years. So I worked for a big box craft store for many years and at one point, our district manager told me that Cricut makes almost no money on the machines, it's a break even for them. However, he said that materials were the big money maker. I never saw the numbers to confirm this myself (we didn't have access to that at the store level), but due to how this works in other industries (like printers and printer ink), it wouldn't surprise me if this was true. And actually, this release completely plays into that theory because now users NEED to buy the Cricut brand "smart materials" to cut without a mat. (I wonder if third party vendors will come out with vinyl that's similar to the smart material? I don't know a ton about it, from what I understand, it's mostly about the media size and the fact that the vinyl has a thicker backing. Seems like something that could easily be knocked off, but maybe someone with a Cricut Joy could chime in.) |
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Post by riversong1963 on May 27, 2021 0:55:30 GMT
You can do that with the 12 x 24" mat. Turn the border so that it is in the vertical orientation on the mat, and use longer paper/cardstock. This works very well, but you do have to invest in the longer mat. Thank you! That is very useful to know. You're welcome. I hope it works well for you too. |
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scrappymeg
Full Member
Posts: 317
Sept 18, 2020 22:59:35 GMT
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Post by scrappymeg on May 31, 2021 23:15:03 GMT
(I think you meant sublimation printer, LOL.) I have a Silhouette Portrait 2, which I got so that I could cut out my stamped images with the Pixscan mat. It works really well, BTW. I also have a Cricut Maker, and that is hands-down my favorite machine. While the Silhouette software is certainly more robust and stable, it is also much more difficult to learn and master than Design Space. The Maker can cut many more materials than the Portrait 2, and the cuts are better and more precise. I like both machines and programs for different reasons. I wish there were one machine that did everything well, but there isn't one yet. I agree about the Mug Maker. What were they thinking there? Yes, you are right. Sublimation printer is what I meant. I wonder if anyone bought the Mug Maker without realizing that they needed a special printer first. I hope it’s clearly marked on the packaging. Otherwise, there might be some grumpy customers. Even if I had a sublimation printer, I don’t think I’d be interested in the Mug Maker. Mugs are the most overused gift there is. I have the mug press and don't have a sublimation printer. You don't need a separate printer if you use Cricut's Infusible Ink sheets or pens. Having a sublimation printer would mean I could do more things (such as sublimating a photo) but Cricut has so many different patterns and single-color infusible ink sheets and pens available, that I can do a lot of different types of designs. Yeah, it's another way for Cricut to make some bucks off of materials, but as a casual hobbyist I appreciate being able to do sublimation projects without investing in a separate printer and inks, which aren't cheap. Now, if I found I was doing a lot of sublimation projects, I would probably look at investing in it, but for now I'm happy. That said, I do feel like Cricut missed the boat on these new machines and their (thankfully abandoned for now) attempt to try to force everyone into a monthly subscription or limit their uploads was horrible. |
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scrappymeg
Full Member
Posts: 317
Sept 18, 2020 22:59:35 GMT
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Post by scrappymeg on May 31, 2021 23:42:19 GMT
I agree, but Cricut/Provo Craft wouldn’t make any money on improving the software. New machine sales are apparently a big money maker for them, because they keep cranking out new machines every few years. I have a Cricut Explore Air 2, as well as the Silhouette Cameo 3. I use my Cameo far more than my Explore, because the Silhouette software is so much better. The Explore might cut finer, tinier details better, but I don’t remember if I have tested the two against each other. The Explore definitely cut better detail than my Cameo 1, and I still preferred my Cameo over the Explore because Design Space software is so lacking. I wonder if the additional features are lacking in the new releases because quite a few customers are digging in their heels about paying more for capabilities that they would rarely or never use? When I was trying to decide between the Cameo 3 and Cameo 4, I finally decided that I would probably not actually use the extra capabilities that the 4 offered, so why should I pay $100 more? The craft market can be unpredictable. I am still shaking my head about the Cricut mug maker. You need a subliminal printer, but that’s not exactly a common item, and I hear they can be expensive. Most people here didn’t seem interested. I wonder if Cricut made a bad call on that release. Maybe they just didn’t want to invest as much in the Maker 3 and Explore 3 machines. That is 3 new releases in a short period of time. (I think you meant sublimation printer, LOL.) I have a Silhouette Portrait 2, which I got so that I could cut out my stamped images with the Pixscan mat. It works really well, BTW. I also have a Cricut Maker, and that is hands-down my favorite machine. While the Silhouette software is certainly more robust and stable, it is also much more difficult to learn and master than Design Space. The Maker can cut many more materials than the Portrait 2, and the cuts are better and more precise. I like both machines and programs for different reasons. I wish there were one machine that did everything well, but there isn't one yet. I agree about the Mug Maker. What were they thinking there? I totally agree. I have a Cameo, which I love for print and cut projects. I also think the software has so many great design options that blow Cricut's away. The ugly noise from the Cameo just kills me though. I have three kids under 7 and I cannot use it after they go to bed. The Maker isn't silent, but it's a lot quieter and the noise it does make is far more pleasant. I also love all the other materials it can cut, and it's super easy to make a project quickly. I pointed out in my previous post that you can use the mug press without a sublimation printer, if you use Cricut's infusible ink sheets and pens. I have the press and see no need for a sublimation printer at this point. I haven't had any issues with the mug press itself, the mugs I made turned out great. That said, there are more affordable options that are more versatile and I can't fault anyone for going another way. |
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