WTF...Simplify Media now charging for update.

[iPhoneNYC]

I find a lot of apps - both free and paid - I'm not using after 30 or 60 days. If an app is something I'm going to use -- and keep using - I don't mind paying for it. The new update is only 3 bucks - if you found use for the original and continue to use it, then buy it. If you don't use it much then stay with what you have. In the end, the consumer iPhone user will vote with their download to instruct developers what they can get away with. And interesting, my most used apps on the iPhone were free.

 

[gloss]

The app is worth a latte. Why complain?

 

[Buschmaster]

Bad analogy. I may be completely wrong, but the developers above don't necessary charge for multiple "updates" within a 12-month span. I do know for Apple, they will give multiple 10.5.x updates for free during the year. Their major (paid) updates come every 1-1.5 years. This may be a poor example, but Microsoft's major updates come every few years and they don't charge for the updates (sp1, sp2, etc.). How long was it between Adobe CS3 and CS4?

Furthermore, the developers above will still support their previous versions and provide them with updates, even if they have a more current version out. Heck, I'm still getting (free) security updates for a Windows XP machine I have. The "original" Simplify Media has now been discontinued.

Now, iPhone Apps are a bit different. Their update timeline and lifespan may be totally different (but hey, you used the analogy, not me). Maybe this is what were going to see. An App developed for 6-8 months, then dropped for something new. This will fit well for the "I want the best and I want it now" crowd.

What do you mean by discontinued? They said they won't be adding new features to it, so? You can still use it and it will still be supported, I'm sure. This is the same thing Apple and Microsoft do with their operating systems. And Adobe with their Creative Suites. Microsoft doesn't add Vista's features and design into XP or Windows 7's features and design into Vista. Vista is not that old of an operating system and yet many people are upgrading to Windows 7.

 

[slapguts]

I'm mostly afraid of this setting a precedent across the entire app store.

If every time a slightly less scrupulous developer releases an update, it gets listed as an new app, the app store could very expensive very fast.

I'm mostly not looking forward to paying $3.99 for 'bug fixes'.

 

[Buschmaster]

I'm mostly afraid of this setting a precedent across the entire app store.

If every time a slightly less scrupulous developer releases an update, it gets listed as an new app, the app store could very expensive very fast.

I'm mostly not looking forward to paying $3.99 for 'bug fixes'.

But in this case that's not what it is. They are only charging for the new features. From my experience the last version is stable and runs well and I'll continue to use it without upgrading.

 

[Kahnyl]

If you agree with what Simplify Media has done, then it only makes sense that you should not purchase any new apps until firmware 3.0 comes out. As soon as Push and other APIs are implemented through 3.0, by Simplify Media's logic, this is going to necessitate the introduction of a "new" app and whatever version was sold previous to 3.0 will be discontinued. It's best to just wait until after 3.0 comes out, unless you would like to re-purchase the app after it's updated with 3.0's new APIs and Push.

I think I've bought two apps since that last Apple Keynote. When I heard about the new APIs I realised that I didn't want to invest anything above a certain amount in anything from the store because they probably would be obsolete come July. That's just reality, not something I agree or disagree with.

 

[jnguyen4]

I kind of want to upgrade. I love this app so much. I just freed up 7 gb of music and soley used Simplify. I just posted my username on MR and someone added me. Now I have his 25+ GB of music at my fingertips. It's totally worth the money.

Before 2.0 came out, they advertised it as "many new features." The features that 2.0 comes with just makes it more similar to the iPod function on the iPhone. To be honest, theres no reason to upgrade, unless there's a lot of bugs in 1.0 that dooms it unworkable. I don't think I am going to upgrade.

Guys stop complaining. The developers are in a business. They need to have a source of income in order to continue to update the app and manufacture future great apps. If you don't like the new 3 dollar price tag then don't buy it. Simple as that.

 

[paul-simplify]

What also ticks me off is that I just downloaded the original Simplify Media app. It was recently on sale and I decided to take the plunge and buy it. I would never have bought it if they were going to discontinue updating it.
...
Well, FU Simplify Media. I didn't know I was buying an app that was in the bargin bin because it's getting discontinued. I feel bad for the people who actually got into this app and use it often because now you need to re-purchase it. And for those of you who were lucky enough to grab this app at its inception (because it was initially free), you're not so lucky this time.

We read MacRumors whenever we can. Although we rarely post, there is much we learn in the forums, and threads about us are no exception. We appreciate the feedback - and the support. In this instance, there are several matters I wanted to clarify.

1) the original Simplify app is not discontinued. Very recently we released v1.2.2 with bug fixes to make in compatible with OS 3.0. If OS 3.0 changes before release and breaks 1.2.2, we'll release v1.2.3. In addition, yesterday's (free) desktop update allows iPhone v1.2.2 to play FLAC files (a new feature).

2) as the OP states, when we knew the new application was getting close to launch, we put Simplify on sale for the first time ever. For the entire time it was $.99, the app description said, at the top, that the reason for the sale was the release of an all new application:

"To make it easy to buy now and change to the enhanced version later, we are lowering our price for the first time ever. Purchase Simplify right now for $.99 as part of the "2.0 is coming!" sale (instead of the regular $3.99 charge). Then, if you like the new features, buy Simplify 2.0 at the special introductory $2.99 price."

3) No one needs to repurchase. If you are happy with the original version, keep using it. If you think the new features are worth $2.99, we would be delighted if you purchased the new app. For completeness, the new features available only on Simplify 2 (so, in addition to FLAC) are: search across multiple remote libraries, favorites, edit favorites to create a playlist, and a scrub bar.

 

[wooo]

We read MacRumors whenever we can. Although we rarely post, there is much we learn in the forums, and threads about us are no exception. We appreciate the feedback - and the support. In this instance, there are several matters I wanted to clarify.
...snip...

Even if we're competitors and even if I think you made some business mistakes, I've got to say, I really really admire what you guys do.

 

[lunarmac]

Thanks for writing but please don't feel you have to justify yourself to the crazy OP. The OP naively thinks that software development is magic (that's my new phrase i'm saying now to all the post that think that software developers shouldn't be compensated for their hard work or that Apple should put every single feature into a product at one time because such and such other product has it - i.e. copy/paste. Not understanding that in software development features/enhancements are prioritized to reach a certain deadline and are usually constrained by available resources.)

Simplify Media/Music is a wonderful product. I'm glad i got it for free and happily paid for 2.0 because I believe in your vision.

Keep up the good work and I look forward to checking out your other products.

We read MacRumors whenever we can. Although we rarely post, there is much we learn in the forums, and threads about us are no exception. We appreciate the feedback - and the support. In this instance, there are several matters I wanted to clarify.

1) the original Simplify app is not discontinued. Very recently we released v1.2.2 with bug fixes to make in compatible with OS 3.0. If OS 3.0 changes before release and breaks 1.2.2, we'll release v1.2.3. In addition, yesterday's (free) desktop update allows iPhone v1.2.2 to play FLAC files (a new feature).

2) as the OP states, when we knew the new application was getting close to launch, we put Simplify on sale for the first time ever. For the entire time it was $.99, the app description said, at the top, that the reason for the sale was the release of an all new application:

"To make it easy to buy now and change to the enhanced version later, we are lowering our price for the first time ever. Purchase Simplify right now for $.99 as part of the "2.0 is coming!" sale (instead of the regular $3.99 charge). Then, if you like the new features, buy Simplify 2.0 at the special introductory $2.99 price."

3) No one needs to repurchase. If you are happy with the original version, keep using it. If you think the new features are worth $2.99, we would be delighted if you purchased the new app. For completeness, the new features available only on Simplify 2 (so, in addition to FLAC) are: search across multiple remote libraries, favorites, edit favorites to create a playlist, and a scrub bar.

 

[kas23]

Thanks for writing but please don't feel you have to justify yourself to the crazy OP. The OP naively thinks that software development is magic (that's my new phrase i'm saying now to all the post that think that software developers shouldn't be compensated for their hard work or that Apple should put every single feature into a product at one time because such and such other product has it - i.e. copy/paste. Not understanding that in software development features/enhancements are prioritized to reach a certain deadline and are usually constrained by available resources.)

Simplify Media/Music is a wonderful product. I'm glad i got it for free and happily paid for 2.0 because I believe in your vision.

Keep up the good work and I look forward to checking out your other products.

First of all, watch the personal attacks. It's not tolerated around here. But, if you still think I'm "crazy", then you best read the App's reviews on iTunes. My views are shared with many.

Secondly, although development is not magic, charging money for updates is against Apple's developer TOS. Apple must think App development is magic too.

 

[lunarmac]

Saying many people share your views does not necessary justify your views or make it the right one. Like I said it looks like a lot of people think that software development is magic.

So where do you draw the line on free updates?

This new version has significantly new features that would justify a paid upgrade. It really is up to the developer to judge charging for these features and for you to buy it or not. But to say that these features should have been there in the first place then is to really think that software development is magic.

Your version works the same way as when you bought it.
Just don't look at the new version.

First of all, watch the personal attacks. It's not tolerated around here. But, if you still think I'm "crazy", then you best read the App's reviews on iTunes. My views are shared with many.

Secondly, although development is not magic, charging money for updates is against Apple's developer TOS. Apple must think App development is magic too.

 

[Compile 'em all]

First of all, watch the personal attacks. It's not tolerated around here. But, if you still think I'm "crazy", then you best read the App's reviews on iTunes. My views are shared with many.

Secondly, although development is not magic, charging money for updates is against Apple's developer TOS. Apple must think App development is magic too.

Starting in June (as per 3.0 agreement), a dev can charge for an update. Currently, to charge for an update a developer must create a new app (with a new ID).

 

[marksman]

If the moves the company's make with pricing work, then they should do them.

If they don't work out they are a mistake. Saying a company is wrong because they are raising prices or charging for various things is ignorant.

I have simplifymedia. I got it for free. I like it and I use it once in a while. I saw the note about the upgrade when my desktop client upgraded. While the new features are nice, I don't use it enough and would not use it more because of the changes, so I see no real need to get it.

So in the meantime the SimplifyMedia app I have continues to work.

If developers use the new billing methods to nickel and dime us, then we simply have more choices to make. We are not forced to do anything. With as competitive as the App Market is for the iPhone, pricing mistakes can open up huge doors for other developers to step in and make a ton of money. So it is a dangerous game of chicken some of these developers will be playing when it comes to new pricing models.

When SimplifyMedia came out it was the first of its kind. We had one competitor post here, and there might even be more options. So before I ever upgraded, if I did, I would check out the competition first.

By the way I consider the SimplifyMedia upgrade to be a major upgrade, and have no issues with them charging for it.

 

[marksman]

~18 months

Did the update from CS3 to CS4 comprise one major change?

Did Simplifymedia? I don't understand this assertion

Does Adobe still support the use of CS3 or have they washed their hands of that application?

Do they still offer upgrades and additions for it. No. Same thing SimplifyMedia is doing.

Did Adobe place CS3 on sale and without prior warning, drop support and discontinue the application 6 days later?

I am sure that it is likely that someone somewhere had it on sale before the launch of CS4. In fact this is not uncommon for retailers to mark down old softtware versions when new ones are about to come out or come out.

I don't think you are using the word "support" properly.

If you agree with what Simplify Media has done, then it only makes sense that you should not purchase any new apps until firmware 3.0 comes out. As soon as Push and other APIs are implemented through 3.0, by Simplify Media's logic, this is going to necessitate the introduction of a "new" app and whatever version was sold previous to 3.0 will be discontinued. It's best to just wait until after 3.0 comes out, unless you would like to re-purchase the app after it's updated with 3.0's new APIs and Push.

If the changes are not worth the money to you do not buy it. The old application still works and does everything you expected it to do when you bought it.

Perhaps people need to learn with iPhone Applications you should not buy based on future enhancements, but instead buy based on what the program does now versus how much it costs now.