Filed under: Software, Internet Tools
Speed Download 5 released
Before the recent Macheist bundle I had never used the download manager Speed Download, but once it made it onto my system I've found that I really like it. Particularly for somebody who is constantly downloading new software, etc. the way it collects together (and organizes) all my downloads has been quite handy.Well now it's clear why Yazsoft agreed to include Speed Download 4 in the bundle as the paid upgrade version 5 has been released. They're calling it the most substantial update ever and the list of new features is extensive. In addition to a new downloading engine behind the scenes, Speed Download 5 has a new customizable interface including a mini-iTunes like controller. Other additions focus on organizing and searching downloads.
Speed Download 5 is $25 and a demo is available. Upgrades from version 4 (including Macheist) are $15. They are also running a "switchers" promotion at $15 for users of "another commercial Mac download manager or FTP program."
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
LL said 9:16AM on 2-13-2008
There's been quite an uproar in the MacHeist community as most of us were led to believe that this should have been a free upgrade for bundle purchasers, based on the fact that we puchased "full licenses" during the upgrade grace period.
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Neil said 9:46AM on 2-13-2008
MacHeist used sketchy techniques to market their bundle and did the same thing to people last year.
Why would anyone trust these guys? They're only in it for their own gain.
Zack Kitzmiller said 9:52AM on 2-13-2008
Neil, I'm sure you're mistaken, They didn't do this last year, OR this year. The DEVELOPER is backing out of their end of the deal.
Maybe you should pay attention.
mentalsticks said 2:39PM on 2-13-2008
@Zack: I bought from MacHeist, it's their responsibility. If they don't know how to draft a binding and complete contract, then they shouldn't try this kind of thing.
I've always found it weird how the "mac community" (whatever that may be) has made some kind of saints out of these guys.
Yazdgerd said 9:49PM on 2-13-2008
This is simply called, ignoring a lot of customers, those who participated in charity. Don't think I'll trust them anymore.
Flareman said 9:19AM on 2-13-2008
Yazsoft is refusing to upgrade SD4 MacHeist II licenses, claiming that they were "promotional" purchases. A veritable thunderstorm has broken over this matter, with many MH2 bundle buyers (myself included) sending Yazsoft e-mails of protest. A very foolish move on the developer's behalf, one that will cost them potential future customers as well as public image.
I strongly urge all bundle owners that have not done so yet to send Yazsoft an email expressing their own sentiments concerning this fraud.
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stainboy said 9:52AM on 2-13-2008
more specifically, they're refusing to upgrade SD4 licenses to SD5 for FREE. you can pay the $15, like i did, to get the upgrade.
wheelsee said 9:39AM on 2-13-2008
for more about the MacHeist Uproar go here:
http://www.macheist.com/forums/viewtopic.php?id=7499
this was what was included in my receipt for my Bundle Purchase:
"This version is the same as the currently released build of Speed Download in every way besides activation, which is required to track promo customers. You can upgrade to new versions using official, non promo releases through Yazsoft.com, or Speed Download's auto updating."
and this is what YazSoft's Website Said:
"If you purchased SD 4 between Jan 01, 2008 and Feb 12, 2008, you may upgrade to SD 5 for FREE. Simply email us with your registered SD4 username and email and we will send you your personalized SD5 info."
-wC
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Zack Kitzmiller said 9:44AM on 2-13-2008
If Awaken doesn't It will. Jerry is very good to incorporate feature requests.
Infact. I'll email him now.
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Zack Kitzmiller said 9:53AM on 2-13-2008
I have no idea how I posted that. Sorry.
Zack Kitzmiller said 9:45AM on 2-13-2008
dont buy!@#$
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FoundInTheFlood said 9:52AM on 2-13-2008
I got this from the MacHeist Team:
"• MacHeist purchases do not qualify for free upgrades but rather discounted ones at $15.
Simply email us with your qualifying SD 5 information and we will send you your free SD 5 registration.
Simply visit our secure Kagi store:
http://store.kagi.com/cgi-bin/store.cgi?storeID=7NT_LIVE
and purchase the correct 'Speed Download 5: Upgrade License' for you.
Thank you for choosing Speed Download. Yazsoft appreciates your business and continued support.
Sincerely,
Johnny
The Speed Download Team"
Was this 15 $ Upgrade fee mentioned ANYWHERE in the macheist deal description? If not, this is illegal !
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Zack Kitzmiller said 9:54AM on 2-13-2008
You DIDNOT get that from the MacHeist team, you got that from the Speed Download developer.
ron said 9:54AM on 2-13-2008
like always, MacHeist never disappoint...discontinued versions (WireTap Pro) old non-upgradable versions and much more:)
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Joao Carlos de Pinho said 10:22AM on 2-13-2008
How much did they charge you for WireTap Pro?
James Donevan said 9:54AM on 2-13-2008
Given the widespread commotion/condemnation that accompanied this SD 5 upgrade it bore reporting in this piece. Particularly as TUAW gave considerable positive promotional coverage to MacHeist.
Either MacHeist or Yazsoft did an abysmal job in explaining the sales license for his product. It certainly was not the standard license that non MacHeist purchasers received. As a result MacHeist customers are left having to pay an upgrade fee . It falls to TUAW to report such practices if TUAW chooses to positively endorse either the promotion or the software.
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Rob said 9:59AM on 2-13-2008
On the Yazsoft website, it states:
"Users that have registered SD 5 from Jan 01, 2008 to Feb 12, 2008 can upgrade to SD 5 for FREE.
Purchases made via the MacHeist 2 bundle not applicable for free upgrade."
This plain sucks.
I also understand from reading the comments on MacUpdate, that SD 4 automatically upgrades itself to SD5. And when that happens, you can no longer use SD at all (since you do not have a license to SD 5). At the very minimum, SD4 should give people the option to stay with SD 4 and tell people that if they upgrade to SD5, SD will NO longer work (unless they buy a new license).
In my view, it is clear why Yazsoft participated in MacHeist. Increase the user base and then try to get them to pay for an upgrade within a month. Sounds like some sort of bait and switch scam to me.
It will be interested to see if Yazsoft will continue to support SD4 customers at all.
I have a license to SD4 from MacHeist. I was planning to install it. Now I won't even bother.
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obtusegoose said 10:31AM on 2-13-2008
If it's true that SD automatically updates to version 5, then I'm turning off "Check for updates" in the preferences. There is no reason that I shouldn't be able to keep using version 4 if I want to.
FoundInTheFlood said 10:04AM on 2-13-2008
@ "Zack Kitzmiller said...
You DIDNOT get that from the MacHeist team, you got that from the Speed Download developer."
SORRY, you are right, i just misstyped it cause i read on both pages and forums and this is arousing some emotions.
its NOT macheist to blame, sry.
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Geoff Willets said 10:07AM on 2-13-2008
You can argue this as much as you want. the simple fact is that Yazsoft changed the terms of their upgrade policy to specifically exclude MacHesit customers on THE day of the 5.0 release.
Read the thread on MacHeist VERY carefully before either blaming MacHeist or defending Yazsoft.
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