I am writing this because I am beyond frustrated with the absolute lack of accountability regarding the Einstar Vega.
Shining3D/Einstar marketed this as a premium, all-in-one professional solution. Instead, we have been stuck with Starvision, a software that is objectively worse than what comes with their entry-level models. In November, we were told that EXStar Hub support was coming. It is now March, and there has been zero transparency or updates since.
The Hypocrisy of the “Premium” Experience:
The Hardware Lie: You sold us an “all-in-one” scanner, but the internal software is so buggy and limited that we are forced to go back to a PC anyway—rendering the “portable” selling point moot.
Software Regress: Why does the entry-level Einstar get the superior EXStar software while the €2000 Vega is crippled by Starvision?
Zero Resale Value: I have tried to sell this unit. Nobody wants it. Even the second-hand market knows the software makes this hardware useless.
My Question to the R&D Team:
How can you justify leaving your highest-paying customers with the worst user experience in your product lineup? We didn’t pay for a “paperweight”; we paid for a tool.
Give us a concrete date. When is EXStar Hub support launching? We are tired of the “we are working on it” template responses while our investment sits on a shelf gathering dust.
Note: This is prepared using AI, to keep it simple and to the point.
Thank you for your honest feedback. We completely understand your frustration with the silence and the current software limitations.
To answer your question directly: Yes, EXStar Hub is coming to Vega.
We have been using this time to optimize EXStar Hub’s performance and user experience. Instead of rushing a basic port, we want Vega users to get a refined, high-quality version right from the start.
We are currently targeting a Q3 release. We know this is still a wait, but we believe it will be worth it.
We apologize for the poor communication and thank you for your patience.
Thank you for the update. While I appreciate the directness regarding the Q3 2026 target, I have to express how difficult this timeline is to accept.
I purchased the Limited Edition Vega and received it in September 2024, paying a premium to be an early adopter of your flagship all-in-one solution. By the time Q3 2026 arrives, I will have owned this hardware for two full years without the professional software experience that was marketed at launch.
It is particularly frustrating to see newer, more affordable models like the Einstar 2 and Einstar Rockit already benefiting from the EXStar Hub ecosystem while the Vega—your premium offering—is still restricted to Starvision.
With this two-year gap in mind, I have a few specific concerns:
Software Disparity: How does Shining3D justify leaving its “Limited Edition” flagship users on inferior software while entry-level models receive the updated suite first?
Product Lifecycle: By late 2026, the Vega will likely be facing a successor. It feels as though we are being asked to wait until the end of the hardware’s “prime” life just to get the software we expected on day one.
Value Restoration: Given that many of us bought this for a portable professional workflow that isn’t currently viable, is there any plan to support early adopters? Whether through warranty extensions or loyalty credits, some gesture is needed to rebuild the trust that has been lost during this wait.
I truly want to see the Vega succeed, but a two-year wait for core software support is a very long time for a professional user to remain patient. I hope there is a way to expedite this or provide a better interim solution for those of us with the Limited Edition units.
Following the recent update regarding the Q3 2026 timeline for EXStar Hub support, I have made the decision to officially step away from the Einstar/Shining3D ecosystem. I have sold Einstar Vega.
This wasn’t an easy sale. Despite being marketed as a “premium flagship,” the market clearly recognizes the software disparity. I had to sell the unit well below market price because potential buyers are aware that the current Starvision software renders the high-end hardware nearly useless for professional workflows.
My departure comes down to a complete lack of accountability from the brand:
The Two-Year Gap: Expecting “Limited Edition” early adopters to wait until late 2026 for the software they paid for in 2024 is unacceptable. By then, the hardware’s prime lifecycle will be over.
Neglect of the “Small Fry”: It is clear the Vega was used as a developmental bridge to launch the more expensive Einscan Rigil. While Shining3D moves on to higher-margin products, the Vega users who funded that innovation have been left with an inferior, “crippled” experience compared to even the entry-level Einstar 2.
Zero Initiative to Compensate: There has been no effort to offer warranty extensions, loyalty credits, or any gesture to rebuild lost trust.
I am moving to a competitor that has already proven they value my business. In the past, when that brand failed to deliver on a promise, they proactively offered compensation—treating me like a professional partner, not just a transaction.
I truly wanted to see the Vega succeed, but I am done waiting for a “premium” tool that functions like a paperweight. I hope this serves as a cautionary tale for others considering “Limited Edition” hardware from this brand.
Note: the above is prepared using Ai, but it is my own experience.
Thank you for your continued feedback to Vega. We actively track product requirements and feedback from users across industries, and we have responded proactively to the issues you raised—efforts you may also observed firsthand.
As an all-in-one entry-level product, Vega was designed to redefine scanning by introducing a freer, more flexible experience that operates independently of a computer. Starvision, on the other hand, is a simplified PC software tool created to help s surpass device-processing limits, with workflows prioritized for ease-of-use for beginners.
The EXStar Hub’s compatibility with Vega represents a response to evolving needs in 2025 and will require further optimization over time.
We are deeply grateful for your support and trust in EINSTAR over the past two years. We remain committed to ensuring our products and services continue to meet your expectations and inspire confidence.
The idea behind the Vega was great, the execution and support from Einstar has been a total disappointment. It’s pretty clear they just want to pump out new devices rather than optimize the existing ones. I regret my purchase as well, I expected this to be a scanner that continued to receive updates and optimization, instead it’s already been left behind. What a shame.
Since the launch of VEGA, we’ve maintained a consistent update cycle for over a year, introducing a wide range of new features and enhancements. We place strong emphasis on user feedback and remain highly responsive, with EXStar Hub integration already under active planning. We appreciate your input. Our focus is on delivering a reliable, high-quality experience over the long term, with continuous innovation and refinement — not simply driving new product releases.
I’m aligned with binadhed and slammed68 on experiences, patience, disappointments and ultimately feelings and opinions. The Vega was not a good investment for me. Specs are great on paper but the software isn’t allowing us to gain the benefits. The features that are added are welcome but are ‘basic’ features not real productivity or quality features that make us use the scanner.
Just send out another part to a partner to scan it for me costing me time and money. Currently I would not buy another EINSTAR from the mid tier, nor would I recommend it to any of the ‘makers’ around me.
I appreciate the EINSTAR team responding. It’s great to know the messages are read but right now now it feels that team is forced to make ‘excuses’ for poor product management.
Perhaps an upgrade path for the hardware should be offered.