[Fixed in 4.4] Weird bug: latest "Spectral Suite" update not included in upgrade plan

[Midibitch]

It's a mess to call it "update" and not "buy a cool addon if you like"

[pc999]

This is really a bad move IMO. I do expect and want these things to be part of the upgrades that we already pay, almost annually in my case, I am not really ok with needing to pay more for stuff outside of the upgrade plan. It starts to feel like a bad deal for me. And really expensive too.

I grant some things (like a GIGANTIC orchestral library for example), or third party add ons could have reasons for paid add ons, but first party and "trivial" paid add ons devices is completely out of touch, and not justifiable IMO.

[hariossa]

Very ugly move, they may say that this suite may not be of interest for everyone but I don't think so. This should have been included as a regular update, now they have opened a side market for "extras" that feels more like milking their users in a very bad way. I know we all need money right now with the energy bills but this is not the way to get more revenues, they are antagonising their own loyal users.

[anoise]

I grant some things (like a GIGANTIC orchestral library for example), or third party add ons could have reasons for paid add ons, but first party and "trivial" paid add ons devices is completely out of touch, and not justifiable IMO.

Exactly. Devices as addons. Not the smartest move. This will backfire.

[steff3]

Bad move.
You buy something and then you will not get `free` updates as they are linked to bitwig versions. Customer support and customer satisfaction Waterloo.
Having add-on sound packs which are not directly bound to the software code itself - might work, but that - seems pretty short-sighted.

[Phil B]

As someone who has always supported them and given them patience and the benefit of the doubt without exception (a real “fanboy”), the fact that this doesn’t sit well with ME has me concerned for what impact this could have on the company. I think they should just reverse course, include the add on in bitwig this time (and refund anyone who actually paid for this) and formulate a new, well communicated approach that will go live one year out once all current plans have expired. But, there will still be some trust issues to work out either way. Very disappointing

[Dionysos]

Very disappointing

That just about sums it up.

[pseudonym_303]

Add-on should be a standalone piece of software, like Traction is doing with their synths.
If you like it then you can buy it - not related to the version nor upgrade plan you have.
And, well, it should be communicated like this maybe - expect new cool soft we are doing afterhours so you can buy it and enjoy seamless integration with your beloved bitwig (no matter what version you have).
Info about updating only because there is paid add-on that many does not want at the moment is lame.

[xbitz]

additionally, they have killed the reputation of the Bitwig related youtube channels too like Polarity's one


check the comment section... I would say it was an epic fail move

[RichN]

Early adopter here. I'm still on version 4.1.6. This was the first time I let my update plan lapse. I was waiting for some more new devices before renewing (and still hoping for a Studio One or Logic like drum editor/sequencer, although that's not the direction they seem to be going). Well, these new devices they now introduced seem cool, and they would probably have given me an incentive to renew. But now I'm actually thinking of switching DAW's. From now on, they could easily qualify the best new stuff as 'add ons', and charge extra for them. Bitwig lost a lot of goodwill with this move.

[musikarldererste]

would you pay for that if it was cheaper lets say 30 $ ?
or it is a no go and should pe free ?

reason has the same marketing strategy

[pseudonym_303]

Price is not a problem here, but breaking the agreement.
As I mentioned, if that would be communicated that they are trying to implement add-on system, and you can buy some cool stuff, ppl definitely would buy it, if it is supported on any version of bitwig. Now you need to upgrade bitwig to be able to buy add-on.

[xbitz]

^^^ if they are in financial trouble, it should have been introduced like "Bitwig needs your help...4 devices pay what you want from 30euro" or something similar

[hyperdeath666]

would you pay for that if it was cheaper lets say 30 $ ?
or it is a no go and should pe free ?

reason has the same marketing strategy

Reason never sold me something as including free "updates" and then tried to charge me extra for "add-ons". And the distinction is semantics - this content easily could have been the 4.4 update.

[SLiC]

I think the Bitwig team are using the same PR team as the UK Conservative Party...