Syrp for Android

This app works so poorly. I’m using the genie mini, just trying to execute basic pans for video. Constant disconnects, and worse, the record button often doesn’t appear at all after resync. Using the app every day in the field, I have to say that it’s truly awful. The old beta Genie app was way more reliable, worked in portrait mode, and was just all around superior. I’ve been a Syrp loyalist for years but this pain of using this app compelled me to write this review.

The app won’t even open on iOS 14. It crashes immediately. So continues the long legacy of horrible software from Syrp and the continuation of their of making really nice hardware that are no more useful than a paper weight. Worst investment I’ve ever made. I would sell all of my gear but I would feel the guilt Syrp clearly doesn’t have about taking someone’s money.

I might not be using this the same way others are but it works very well for panning and tilting a camera for video streaming events. I wish there was a way to connect and control the genies with WiFi instead of Bluetooth. The Bluetooth has range and reliability issues. They can be worked with, but not as rock solid as I would prefer. Even something simple like, buy a router, set the ssid to xxxxx and the password to xxxxx, then connect the iOS device to that network, connect to the genies and you’re ready to go. I would think that would even make the update process go smoother. I’ve never had an update work on the first try. Later, you can add a screen to the app to use Bluetooth to let the genie know which WiFi network to use and what the password is. That can wait. I’d gladly put a dedicated WiFi access point in the room with no internet connection just to get some range and connection stability.

My frustrations began right out of the box when prompted to update my Syrp Genie Mini II to latest firmware. Getting the device the maintain it’s connection was a nightmare. However, after some perseverance I successfully updated only to be confronted with a far larger and still unresolved challenge. The link cable simply will not fire my shutter as intended. I have the “2S” cable and attempted to use it to fire both a Sony A7iii and a Sony a6500. I followed Syrp website advice to a tee (I.e. set to manual mode in camera, turn off live view, make sure the cables are firmly pressed in, make sure photo preview is off, reset the Genie Mini ii by long pressing 5-6 seconds, etc.) none of it worked and I followed up by wasting a day trying adjustments with what seems like every setting on my cameras. I’ve never been so frustrated with a software and corresponding device. I really had high hopes for this. So disappointing.

While it works (loads in my Android device without problem) it just doesn’t in my Mobile Pro and Android 11. When I try to open the app, it tries to go up, and simply disappears, very frustrating. And the awful firmware experience is still true, regardless of what device you use. I have been using Syrp equipment for years now, but getting to the point of jumping ship and using something else for needs. Wake up guys!