Amplitube question for IKM: Component licensing

[Breeze]

There's something I don't understand about the IKM purchasing iOS model for Amplitube.

I bought Amplitube Slash a while ago and I decided to get the full Amplitube iOS version yesterday. I decided to buy the in-app Fender bundle instead of the separate one because it makes more creative sense to mix and match components within one app.

But why is it that I can't "import" or get the Slash components in my full version of Amplitube? I already own a license for them, why should I have to buy them again? Shouldn't "Restoring in-app purchases" simply transfer licenses between different apps since the content is identical?

Thanks for any light on the subject. Remember: Musicians First!

[Peter - IK Multimedia]

They are separate apps, so in-app purchases will not transfer between them in Apple's App Store ecosystem. However, if you'd like to get Slash in-app within AmpliTube Full, you may be able to explain the situation to Apple and see if they'd allow a refund on Slash so you could then get them as in-app in the separate AmpliTube Full app you have. We don't have control over the app licensing vs in-app purchases on App Store purchases, but Apple has been known to be helpful in certain cases.

[SLICK_1975]

I guess the best way would be to make the Amplitube app universal and just have the bundles available as in app purchases and not stand alone apps. Too late now I suppose
Aside from making it more obvious that a new product is available is there any actual advantage to the end user for them to buy the slash app rather than the 'stock' app and add the slash bundle?

[Brian @ IK Multimedia]

Not really, other than for Slash fans to have his official app. And obviously, like Fender, there is an incentive there for our partners, as well.

But for die-hard AmpliTube fans on KVR, the advantage is going to be in having all the models inside AmpliTube 2.5 together, with more in-app expansions to come.

[SLICK_1975]

Well I look forward to the updates. I still wish that amplitube was universal like Ampkit and Jam up are

[Brian @ IK Multimedia]

I think you'll definitely like the new gear we have in store for our next update.

[Breeze]

So, I got email notice today that iOS Apmplitude purchases would be 50% off till the 30th of August... "Great!", I thought, "I can get Amplitude Slash as an in-app purchase for half price. Not ideal, but not so bad as buying it again at the full price..."

But in the app it's not discounted... On the website, it only applies to Fender and Vocalive elements, and there's a specific notice:

"*AmpliTube Slash gear not included in this limited time special."

[ObiWonder]

That is because AmpliTube Slash is already discounted with its introductory price. The price will be going up to its regular price soon.

[Breeze]

That is because AmpliTube Slash is already discounted with its introductory price. The price will be going up to its regular price soon.

Thanks for that information. But how is one supposed to know this? Most vendors usually indicate the regular selling price as an incentive to prospective customers (as in "Now on special for x (reg. price 2x)"). For whatever reason, it seems that IKM makes it a policy NOT to indicate special pricing vs regular pricing when it comes to the AmpliTtube Custom Shop and the iOS in-app purchases. The practice leads to some confusion, and is inadvertently just shy of misleading. I suggest you try to make this information clear; it will benefit everyone. Thanks.

PS: So is the desktop Amplitube Slash currently showing its regular price or a special price? TIA.

[Breeze]

They are separate apps, so in-app purchases will not transfer between them in Apple's App Store ecosystem. However, if you'd like to get Slash in-app within AmpliTube Full, you may be able to explain the situation to Apple and see if they'd allow a refund on Slash so you could then get them as in-app in the separate AmpliTube Full app you have. We don't have control over the app licensing vs in-app purchases on App Store purchases, but Apple has been known to be helpful in certain cases.

This was Apple's answer:

"Your request for a refund for "AmpliTube Slash for iPad" was carefully considered; however, according to the iTunes Store Terms of Sale, all purchases made on the iTunes Store are ineligible for refund. This policy matches Apple's refund policies and provides protection for copyrighted materials."

[Peter - IK Multimedia]

I've PM'd you and please do note that it has been brought up as a point by my team and the support staff that we could do better in helping reduce the confusion caused by full apps vs in-app purchases, etc. I hope you understand and I look forward to your reply to my PM

[Breeze]

PM reply sent. I'm glad you've decided to look into this. It should never have become an issue. Hopefully you can set up an equitable system or at least clarify up front to customers the terms and limits of purchases made. Transparency will benefit everyone.

[ObiWonder]

That is because AmpliTube Slash is already discounted with its introductory price. The price will be going up to its regular price soon.

Thanks for that information. But how is one supposed to know this? Most vendors usually indicate the regular selling price as an incentive to prospective customers (as in "Now on special for x (reg. price 2x)"). For whatever reason, it seems that IKM makes it a policy NOT to indicate special pricing vs regular pricing when it comes to the AmpliTtube Custom Shop and the iOS in-app purchases. The practice leads to some confusion, and is inadvertently just shy of misleading. I suggest you try to make this information clear; it will benefit everyone. Thanks.

PS: So is the desktop Amplitube Slash currently showing its regular price or a special price? TIA.

It is a special introductory price.

[Breeze]

Some news: I challenged the Apple store's "ruling" posted above on the grounds that I didn't see how paying twice for the same content constituted a copyright issue but how it is in fact much more of a consumer price protection issue... and surprisingly, they reversed their decision and have agreed refund the purchase of Amplitude Slash. Accordingly, I've uninstalled Amplitude Slash and purchased it in-app within Amplitude. I should be getting the refund within 5-7 days.

Mind you, I don't know if IKM had a hand in this or not... If yes, then thanks!

FYI...

[Peter - IK Multimedia]

I've been on Facebook too much, I keep looking for the "Like" button on your post, Breeze