This is new software as a service or subscription model is just bad news for consumers.

It used to be that patches are available for your old versions, nowadays they do not let you have it.

I ran out of the subscription period and I cannot update to the latest minor version. Only way was to get it back from my system backup. This was during the "windoze patch broke the audio" period, with the MagiX support asking me to un-install and re-install my MEP, Great business model, when the company tells you to remove the software and then "oh, you need to pay to get back what you had previously".

Well, the way I understand it, is that the ORIGINAL version you BOUGHT will always work. With the update period, any new updates during that period will still continue to work after the update service expires but, if you have to re-install, from the originally downloaded installer, you will be reset to that version and not able to update.
So, repeatedly extending the update service seems more like a subscription (unless I misunderstand) because after several years you really haven't BOUGHT anything that you own beyond your original purchase. I did notice the last time, that I could EXTEND for $59 or UPDATE for $69. In my opinion it was worth the extra $10 to permanently own the new version so that is the option I chose.

I don't think I would call it a "problem" as long as the purchaser understands what they are getting though. Personally, I just think it seems better to just buy the upgrade every couple of years. BTW, if you buy the upgrade, you still get an additional year of update service.

If you read my post again, you will understand where the catch is: suppose I'm working on a project using different transition and other effects. I have a PC crash, install re-everything and than I notice that some bugs - cured by the updates - are no longer available. And that is not correct! Even if I should buy the new version, I'm not sure that all effects will work because some don't exist anymore! It is not a matter of $10 it is the business model that is not correct!

I understood the catch, which is why I upgraded rather than extend. Basically, I agree with you that it is not a good model (in my opinion) but I don't think there is a "hidden problem" is what I mean to say. It is all laid out for the user to decide. It is just Pros and Cons. If you want to newest software you can continually extend for less. If you prefer a permanent product solution (i.e. it works for the foreseeable future, barring OS changes breaking it, etc.) and want to pay up front then then just upgrade every so often.

I understood the catch, which is why I upgraded rather than extend. Basically, I agree with you that it is not a good model (in my opinion) but I don't think there is a "hidden problem" is what I mean to say. It is all laid out for the user to decide. It is just Pros and Cons. If you want to newest software you can continually extend for less. If you prefer a permanent product solution (i.e. it works for the foreseeable future, barring OS changes breaking it, etc.) and want to pay up front then then just upgrade every so often.

What I'm complaining about is the following situation: you've bought a product, made projects with it but you have to re-install your PC and then you notice that the bug fixes, where you have paid for, are no longer available. So your product is no longer in the same status than before. Upgrading doesn't help, because a lot of transitions etc will be different. I'm really surprised that customers seems to accept this!

Yeah. I don’t like the subscription model in general to begin with. This plan may be a little better than a true subscription because at least you still have something to work with when the update service runs out. I personally felt that if I pay for the year of update service, I should get to keep the version which was current when the update service EXPIRES, not when it STARTS. I don’t know how many customers accept it as I have no data. It is an offer Magix makes and users can take it or leave it. There are other options available and each has it’s pros and cons. You obviously see the downside of the update service model so I would recommend avoiding it like I did.

So, guys from Magix: will old updates for older versions be available or not?

Magix update files are downloaded when we update the softwares. You guys can save the update files for futureproof, in case we might have hard disk failure or pc change.

In the case of MEP, I choose the option to update only after MEP is closed. While it is still running, I go for the update folder and keep a copy of the update file. You can find the update folder here..

...User/AppData(hidden folder)/Local/Temp/MAGIX/UPS/...

We can find the update file inside one of the odd naming update folders.

Yes, but will it activate? Your license is going to be for a specific version. If you have a newer version installed wouldn’t the activation process fail? I don’t know honestly if it just looks at base version number, decimals, or build numbers...

Well, my apologies, I just bought MEP in May for the first time and have to go few months more .

Well, I don't really know. Just wondering. After your update service expires, you should try just to see. I am sure some here would be interested.

Well, I don't really know. Just wondering. After your update service expires, you should try just to see. I am sure some here would be interested.

You might want to try on another computer (doesn't Magix allow you to install on two computers?) rather than uninstall/reinstall on your primary working computer, just in case it doesn't work.

I don't think any of us "like" this update policy but it is known to us (or should be) at time of purchase so we made the deal. At least we always get to use the version that existed at the time we paid for it, which is more than can be said for some subscription models. The subscription model is highly desirable for software manufacturers though so expect it to become more not less prevalent as time goes on.

I think Magix should treat all users fairly like the way they do to Vegas users here.

But they already mentioned it is not a regular practice. Maybe we can request.

So, guys from Magix: will old updates for older versions be available or not?

Magix update files are downloaded when we update the softwares. You guys can save the update files for futureproof, in case we might have hard disk failure or pc change.

In the case of MEP, I choose the option to update only after MEP is closed. While it is still running, I go for the update folder and keep a copy of the update file. You can find the update folder here..

...User/AppData(hidden folder)/Local/Temp/MAGIX/UPS/...

We can find the update file inside one of the odd naming update folders.

 

Well, what I see as a decent solution is that the updates (= "bug fixes") become part of the reference version, so that - in case of re-install - you have the latest version without the bugs. And that version should be available for a couple of years, so that you can rework existing projects without problems.
The solution that you mention lays the problem on the customers side and I think that a customer who paid for version X plus the bug fixes for one year, is entitled to have the "last" version instead of the "first" one.

There are companies that work like that, e.g. Ableton (a DAW, music software). It is also a German company so Magix can take a look at their model.

And I'm still waiting for a point of view from the Magix guys!

And I'm still waiting for a point of view from the Magix guys!

If by that you mean you hope Magix staff will respond in this thread, I have to say that is extremely unlikely.

These are user-to-user forums; Magix staff actively participate only rarely. Perhaps to further clarify: none of the moderators is a Magix employee; we are all fellow-users.

Jeff
Forum Moderator

And I'm still waiting for a point of view from the Magix guys!

If by that you mean you hope Magix staff will respond in this thread, I have to say that is extremely unlikely.

These are user-to-user forums; Magix staff actively participate only rarely. Perhaps to further clarify: none of the moderators is a Magix employee; we are all fellow-users.

Jeff
Forum Moderator

Thanks Jeff for clarifying that! Is there a place where I can send my message to the Magix staff?