New Version of the MIT App Inventor 2 Setup Tools for Windows

Feb 3, 2015 andrew's Blog

The MIT App Inventor project has just released version 2.3.0 of the setup tools for App Inventor 2. Who should use these new tools?

This new version adds additional flexibility, and fixes several issues that users have reported, and is now the standard MIT App Inventor 2 Windows Tools Installer. Starting now, users who follow the getting started instructions for Windows will obtain version 2.3.0.

The new tools make few user-visible changes. If App Inventor is currently working for you with Windows, you need not install the new version. (Leave well enough alone.)

Changes for version 2.3.0:

1. Fixed an issue caused when users selected a custom directory for installing the setup tools,, rather than the default. Subsequently running the uninstaller would delete additional files. This should no longer happen with version 2.3.0.
2. Fixed an issue that ins some cases would prevent the aiStarter program from launching the emulator or connecting to a device using the USB cable.
3. Added the ability to select whether to install tools as a single individual user, or for all users (the default). The installer will check and make sure you have the correct privileges to install accordingly.
4. Users can now install the setup tools using, Windows silent install mode. This makes it more convenient for administrators to automate installations for classrooms or labs with many computers.
5. Added improved error checking and user messages.

Important: Users who installed the previous version of the Windows setup tools v2.2 and earlier to a custom install directory must uninstall those tools manually, by going to the custom location and deleting the AppInventor directory. At this point you can go ahead and run the new installer program following the directions specified.

Users should always make sure they have a backup of their data before installing any new software.

In general version 2.3 fixes bugs, allows for more control over installation and improves the user experience. As always please let us know if you find any issues or have any questions installing these new tools. By posting a message on the MIT App Inventor Forum.

Happy Inventing!

Andrew McKinney Director of Software Development, MIT App Inventor Project