Friday, August 14, 2009 - ProductMan
During the political correctness craze of the 90s, many doctors abandoned the term “patient”, preferring to call a person seeking treatment a “client”. The word patient sort of implies that people are passive in the state of their health. As if they can only wait patiently for their doctor to conjure up some sort of medicinal magic before they can get better. Of course there are no patients in poker, only players. It wouldn’t really be a stretch to call UB players clients, but that would only cause confusion since we regularly refer to our software as our client.
Still, we are constantly assessing the health of our software and we’re taking an active approach by listening to poker pros and our customers to build the best possible poker experience. Lately we’ve been scouring the forums, soliciting feedback, and taking the pulse of these blogs to gauge our progress.
Over the coming weeks we’ll be rolling out some additional security features. We’re also going to clean up some of the animations to improve the game play. It’s going to be even easier to get to the table of your choice.
Now is your chance to be the doctor. Assist the poker community at large by figuring out what ails you at the tables. Give us your diagnosis. You can help us, and help yourself in the process, by giving us your feedback. Let us know what you love and hate. Tell us what features you’d like to see. Do you find something annoying? Are there things you can’t live without? You can always email us directly or blog away. Good or bad, we love hearing from you.
Tags: Product Features, Product Team, software updates, ub
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Friday, May 15, 2009 - ProductMan
The evolution of poker continues right here at UltimateBet. With nearly ten years under our belt, it sometimes seems like all the bases have already been covered. Tell that to our programmers, who have abandoned their beds and strapped themselves to their desks to help us roll out some exciting new features. Log on and test-drive our latest release. Here are a few of the changes you’ll find in this week’s update:
Ante Games:
Log on and discover the newest addition to our ultimate game selection. At our Ante Games every player at the table will be required to post an ante along with the two players that have to post the blinds. Join one of our ante games, watch the pot grow pre-flop, and enjoy even more action.
Final Table View:
We’ve redesigned the final table of our renowned Multi-Table Tournaments. You can experience our exciting new design this weekend, beginning with our 100K Guaranteed Tournament. The final table is the stuff of fantasies, and you’ll agree that it looks fantastic. The new look is unbelievable. We’re sure the blogosphere will be abuzz about our unique new look. Be one of the players to make the final table in the 100K and witness our new design firsthand.
Tournament Pop Up:
Who doesn’t love playing in our tournaments? Unfortunately, sometimes computers crash and people need to restart their machines. Players who multi-task sometimes accidentally close the main client during tournament play.
We have updated our client so that if you are playing in a tournament and the main client is closed on purpose or by accident, all you have to do is reopen the client. Players will no longer have to search for a tournament that they are playing in. Just load the main client and the tournaments in play will pop back up.
Tags: final table view, poker software, Product Features, Product Team, Software Update, tournament pop up
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Friday, May 8, 2009 - ProductMan
When there’s money on the line, the truth matters more than ever. That’s why we might ask you to verify your identity. When we know who sits at our tables, our poker room becomes more respectable, legitimate, and secure. Both our Operating License Agreement and Payment Processor Agreements legally require us to ask players for documentation. Having this info lets us know that players are who they claim to be, even when they hide behind a computer screen thousands of miles away. It also lets us protect our financial transactions.
We do realize that you might be frustrated with having to send us documentation, but please realize that you aren’t being singled out. Many people have misgivings about sending their personal information to third parties, which is why we never request sensitive information. When you send us copies of your government ID, bills, or other documents, we always advise you to black out your Social Security Number and CV2 Code Number (from the copy of the back side of your credit card) for your own safety. All items will remain strictly confidential.
If you ever have any questions or difficulties providing this information, our security team is always available to help you 24/7. We want to make this process as smooth as possible so that you can take your seat at our tables without interruption.
Tags: Identity, Product Team, Security
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Friday, May 1, 2009 - ProductMan
If you believe the calendar, this year has been whipping by at warp speed. Can you believe it is May already? I’m not really participating in any May Day festivities this year, not that I completely understand what that even entails, but it doesn’t really matter. I’m actually saving myself for a more significant anniversary in a few weeks. Later this month we’ll be unofficially celebrating a major milestone at UltimateBet, the six-month anniversary of the CEREUS poker network launch.
Late last autumn we ushered in a new era, creating a poker powerhouse. Over the past six months we’ve delivered better promotions, larger jackpots, bigger guarantees, and enhanced software with no end of new features to a growing UltimateBet community. But let’s face it: our site is nothing without you.
We’re glad you joined us for the ride, but we’re committed to making things better. Do you have any mind-blowing ideas to enhance our software and your time at the tables? Maybe you have some minor pet peeves that you’d like to get off your chest? We want to know where things stand whenever you take a seat at our tables.
This isn’t a cry for help. It’s more like sitting at a crossroads and we want you to map our route. Our software is always evolving and we are all about your feedback. Post your comments, desires, tips, ideas, quibbles, and thoughts directly into the blog. This is your chance to have your voice heard.
Tags: Cereus, feedback, Product Team
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Friday, April 17, 2009 - ProductMan
I’m well aware that Easter was last weekend on most calendars, but it’s no secret that I’m going to be reveling in my own brand of candy-fuelled bliss for a while. My once sizeable stash of belated heart-shaped confectionery didn’t even survive February, but my new official savior (aka the Easter Bunny) delivered enough seasonal treats to put his rival Santa Claus to shame. I’m particularly fond of those cream filled chocolate Easter eggs, but I’ll embrace anything in the spirit of the season.
Speaking of Easter eggs, did you know that some programmers occasionally hide Easter eggs in their software? I’m not talking about virtual chocolate or intricately decorated eggs, but hidden features, messages, and other surprises designed to delight users. At UltimateBet our coveted features are no secret at all. Of course, with a basket full of great features, some might not always get the attention they deserve. Here are a couple of recent favorites that might have got lost in the hunt.
Rabbit Cam
Have you ever wondered what could have been? With our innovative Rabbit Cam feature you can see what card would have been dealt if the hand hadn’t been completed after the flop or the turn card. Satisfy your curiosity or learn from your mistakes by activating this feature from the options menu.
We’re sure you’ll love the bunny all year long when you take advantage of this option at selected games and limits.
20 Table Limit
Playing online is not only convenient, but it offers benefits that offline poker rooms can only dream of. Did you know that we recently raised the number of tables you can play at simultaneously? As long as your system has the right specifications, you can log on and play at up to 20 tables at once. That wasn’t a typo!
Just keep your current game window active and double click on another game listing in the lobby to pull up an additional table. Please note that multi-table gaming requires additional system resources. If you want to hit 10 or more tables at once, then please make sure that your system has at least 2 GB of RAM if you’re using Vista or 1 GB of RAM for XP machines. With tons of downtime this weekend, you might just find yourself at a table or twenty.
Tags: Easter, Product Team, rabbit cam
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Friday, April 3, 2009 - ProductMan
April Fool’s Day isn’t what it used to be. I’m not sure if I’m just more paranoid as a full-blown adult or if potential pranksters have simply scaled back their craft in these lean economic times, but this year passed entirely without incident. I probably wouldn’t have fallen for the once-classic plastic wrap on the toilet seat fiasco, although crazy glue shenanigans still get me every time. Even though there’s another 363 until the next practical joker’s paradise strikes, it is always a good call to stand on guard against threats and hoaxes, especially online.
At UltimateBet, we never bluff when it comes to safety and security.
Whether you have thousands of dollars in your account or a few small cents, your security is our top priority. It is always worth having to deal with safeguards when there is money at stake.
Unscrupulous characters can’t compete with what we have in store. Our 256-bit encryption algorithm is designed to foil hackers and keep your info safe from harm. You can rely on the same level of protection that you’d find when using online banking at the world’s leading financial institutions.
We always keep your personal information strictly confidential.
All your details always stay under wraps thanks to our highly secure database and stringent privacy policy.
From banking and data security to gaming security, we’ve got you completely covered, but we aren’t about to get smug. Our Security Team constantly reviews our safety measures and new developments are already in the works. You can watch this space for news about our new enhanced security features, which we will be rolling out over the coming months.
As always, we welcome your feedback. Post your feedback and thoughts about security right into the blog. Good security is truly a team effort and we want you to take part.
Tags: enhanced security features, Product Features, Product Team, Security
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Friday, March 27, 2009 - ProductMan
Change is still on the menu, but you won’t find me rattling on about some meaningless political slogan that will soon only be found on faded bumper stickers. Spring is officially in the air and the only change I have in mind involves trading in my skis for a set of golf clubs and my trademark winter hat for an umbrella. Our software development team, on the other hand, has been working around the clock to deliver some exciting changes for our latest update. Log on to UltimateBet and you’ll find tons of new tweaks and features.
These are only a small handful of our latest changes:
Disable Avatars
If you like consistency and can do without distractions, you’ll appreciate the option of disabling avatars. Experience a cleaner look by visiting the option menu to customize your game.
Full Chip Rule for Tournaments
Our live tournaments are officially more realistic. We’ve made a few worthwhile changes that will bring the whole experience in line with the industry standard. We’ve scrapped cents from our tournaments, which means players will be allowed to bet in whole dollar increments only. Pots will also be split in whole dollar increments.
You’ll also probably notice that the dollar sign no longer appears at our tournament tables. When playing in tournaments, you aren’t gambling with dollars, but with tournament chips. Our update recognizes this fact.
Registered in Tournaments Feature
It’s now easier to find the tournaments you are registered in. We’ve streamlined the way we display your tournaments so that you won’t find yourself bombarded with unwanted and out of date information.
Just visit the “Registered In Tournaments” option from the “Tournaments” drop-down menu in the lobby and you’ll see which tourneys you are registered in.
You’ll notice lots of other new changes when you sign on. You can also expect tons of new enhancements over the coming weeks and you can help us tailor them to meet your needs.
Don’t forget that we always love hearing from you. Whatever you’ve got, dish it out right into the blogosphere! Just click on the comments link below and fill up the suggestion box up with your thoughts. Tell us and the world right now.
Tags: avatars, Product Features, Product Team, software updates
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Friday, March 20, 2009 - ProductMan
We might be a few days ahead of schedule if you believe the calendar, but our software developers are in full-blown spring-cleaning mode. You won’t find anyone neatening up their cubicles, dusting off their monitors, or tossing away vintage pizza boxes around here. This round of cleaning is strictly digital and you stand to reap the rewards. Our programmers have not only been polishing up our software with tons of tweaks, but they’ve added several brand new features to enhance your play at our tables.
Just launch our software to take advantage of our latest release. Here is a small sampling of some of the changes you’ll find in our update:
Better Waiting Lists
We’ve changed the rules for our waiting lists. Only eligible players can take up spots on our waiting lists. Before joining the waiting list for a full ring game table, our software will now check to see if there is enough cash in your account. If you don’t have the required minimum buy-in for the table, you will be unable to join the waiting list.
In addition, if you join a waiting list and your available balance drops below the minimum buy-in during your time on the waiting list, then you will be removed from the waiting list.
These changes should result in shorter waiting lists and serious players will now have a better idea how close they are to taking their seat.
Lobby Clock
We’ve eliminated the ghosting in the lobby clock. Now you’ll always know what the official time is without a hitch.
Disable “Fold & Show”
Most players love our “Fold and Show” button, which allows you to display your cards after folding in heads-up situations. If you aren’t a fan of this feature, then you can now stop the “Fold and Show” button from being displayed by turning it off completely in the options menu.
You’ll find many more changes already online. Don’t forget that many of these changes are the result of your valuable feedback. We encourage you to post your suggestions directly into the blog. Whether you think our software needs the quick sweep of a broom or you want us to rip out the floor and start over, we want to hear from you.
Tags: Product Team, Software Update
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Friday, March 6, 2009 - ProductMan
Everyone loves a good debate. Whether it’s the battle of the spoon vs. the fork, ale vs. lager, or The Beatles vs. The Stones, who can resist getting wrapped up in a heated war of words and pulling out all the stops for their favorite? When the argument starts, it seems like everybody not only has an opinion, but contends to be some sort of authority. I guess there’s nothing wrong with a little loyalty and passion.
There’s certainly no shortage of heated debates in poker. We all love quarreling over strategy, recounting old hands, and offering expert opinions on endless what-if situations, but there is another argument unfolding on the felt and it is really just a matter of personal preference. Which do you prefer, Texas Hold’em or Omaha? Even though Texas Hold’em deserves its legendary status and top billing on TV and at major events, I’ve always found Omaha to be more refined, almost like the natural evolution of poker. Where do you like stacking your chips?
Some players like to stay in their comfort zone. If you haven’t yet taken advantage of our Omaha tables, you can access them in the lobby. Just click on the “Omaha” tab located under the “Games” tab or browse through our scheduled and sit and go Omaha tournaments. You can choose from Omaha High and Omaha Hi-Lo. Learn the ropes at our free tables or find a game at all stakes.
Let us know what you think of all our games. How do you like our offerings? What in particular do you like about them? Which games do you prefer? What do you want the future of poker to hold?
Let your voice be heard by voting in the poll below, and/or posting your opinions right into the blog. You have the power to help shape our games. This would be the time to take a stand, or at least let the world know where you like to sit!
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Tags: omaha, online poll, Poker Strategy, Product Features, Product Team, texas holdem
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Friday, February 27, 2009 - ProductMan
It’s too bad 2009 isn’t a leap year. While you’ve probably never met anyone who dreams of an endless February in this hemisphere, we could certainly use an extra day sewn onto the calendar, if only to catch our collective breaths. We’ve been working around the clock, firing on all our digital cylinders, prepping our latest release. It’s chocked full of useful new features that will easily enhance your next trip to our tables. Take a look at our latest changes and let us know what you think.
Blinds Now In The Title Bar
You spoke and we listened! For your convenience, we have started displaying blinds directly in the title bar for Ring Games and Tournaments. Now you’ll always know the stakes, since they’ll be staring right at you.
Tournament Dollar Fix
If you win two satellite seats to the same tournament you’ll be credited with Tournament Dollars. If you win an entry in a satellite and the event is not designated “must play,” you will be able to unregister and receive a credit in Tournament Dollars.
Although most events are now listed as “must play” events, we’ll be making changes over the next few days so that most events on our schedule will no longer be listed as “must play” events. Our latest update also allows you to use your Tournament Dollars to enter ALL tournaments. Now you can play satellite tournaments, knowing that your wins will be rewarded to your advantage.
Don’t forget that if you buy into an event you can still unregister and get your buy-in back in the same form that you bought in with.
Railbird Chat Settings
A little play-by-play and color commentary can enhance the flow of the game, but not when the script is hijacked. Lately, some sketchy characters have been logging onto our site and spamming our tables from the sidelines.
To prevent this from happening, players will be unable to railbird chat unless they’ve already made a deposit. Players will also be blocked from chatting if they do not have enough money to sit at the table. As an added precaution, players will no longer be able to paste text into the chat window and we’ve disabled HTML links in chats, which will put a stop to sinister phishing schemes. We are also completely removing railbird chat from our play money tables.
We’ll be rolling out tons of tweaks and changes over the coming weeks. Keep your eyes peeled right here to see what we have in store. We always welcome your feedback, so don’t hesitate to make your own suggestions directly below.
Tags: blinds in title bar, new software release, Product Team, railbird chat settings, Software Update, tournament dollar fix
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