That sucks. I am entitled to a free upgrade but I must purchase an iKey first. Lame Lame Lame!

Indeed...
I say: bye, bye... no buy, buy, even if it is just the dongle I'm buying...
Already have enough of them.

Is the free upgrade worth it? Meaning... will you get a great deal of new functionality from having it?
Perhaps it's worth using it for free until they want you to pay for an upgrade again, and then the world will have changed once again, and who knows...

Did you get an e-mail from them? I have been waiting forever for some information on how I can get my free upgrade. I am getting annoyed with IK. And now an iKey? Is that different from my iLok?

Just got this today:

Dear AmpliTube user:

According to our records, you qualify for the Free Upgrade to AmpliTube 2. Please read the following important information for receiving your AmpliTube 2 Upgrade.

Like all recently released IK Multimedia software, AmpliTube 2 works with the Syncrosoft USB Dongle/Key. If you already have a Syncrosoft key from other IK products (such as Miroslav Philharmonik or CSR, Classik Studio Reverb) or from other products that come with the Syncrosoft key (from companies like Steinberg, Arturia, Korg, Vienna, etc.), receiving your free AmpliTube 2 is as easy as downloading and activating it, and you are immediately ready to go. For a complete list of software equipped with the Syncrosoft key click here:
http://www.ikmultimedia.com/prod_iKey.html

By next week the installer of AmpliTube 2, along with instructions for registering your IK product and activating your Syncrosoft key, will be available in the "Download Software Updates and Free Software" section of your user area here:
http://www.ikmultimedia.com/IKRegUsersArea.html

Your AmpliTube 2 serial number and the Syncrosoft license code necessary for its activation/authorization will be located in the "Request A New Authorization Code" section of your user area. Please follow the instructions for registration and activation you will receive when downloading the installer.

If you do not already have a Syncrosoft key, to receive your AmpliTube 2 upgrade immediately, you can purchase a Syncrosoft key. This is not expensive and can be easily found in a number of major music instruments' dealers here:
http://www.ikmultimedia.com/IKDistributors.html

or online here:
http://www.ikmultimedia.com/prod_iKey.html

If for any reason, you can't find a Syncrosoft key easily in your area, or if you do not want to purchase one to be able to use your AmpliTube 2 upgrade immediately, we invite you to contact us here and we will ship one to you (due to the significant amount of AmpliTube users, please allow 8-10 weeks for delivery). Click here to have an AmpliTube 2 iKey shipped to you:

http://www.amplitube.com/AT2iKeyReq.html

*If you chose to have the iKey shipped to you, please do not register/authorize the AmpliTube 2 you received in your user area. Wait until you receive your iKey. If your copy of AmpliTube 2 is registered/authorized, you will not receive your free iKey shipment.

Thank you for your continued support and enjoy your AmpliTube 2!

Best regards,

Your IK Team

You qualify for the Free Upgrade to AmpliTube 2 - Guitar Amp & Fx Plug-In!

Hi Larry-

Aargh! I don't use Amplitube, but changing the copy protection scheme mid-upgrade-stream for existing users really stinks, IMO. I started a thread here about "creeping iLoks". Offering it as a "feature", then requiring it for an upgrade, then requiring it for all new customers. Very slippery slope!

I can certainly understand your frustration. Users unite!

-Susan

i'm not opposed to the dongle .. but i cancelled my order because i'm out of
USB ports .. i've already got an iLok .. i don't want another one... and they
are problematic with usb hubs...

i like the software .. but sheesh...

jeff

Dongle = Deal breaker. Looks like I won't be upgrading to Amplitube 2. Pity.

Wow!

More so than ever it seems like everyday I'm reminded of this:

"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it."

In this case, I'm reminded that the software industry is littered with failed copy-protection schemes, tainted with PO'd *paying* customers, and products abandoned because of some misguided attempt at selective crippling of the product.

20x7

Honestly, I will probably just use the cracked version. I'm sure it will be available in the next couple weeks. They made no mention of this ahead of time and I find that highly unacceptable.

I knew it....but I didn't technically know it till just now! I also got an email from them (yesterday), but it was a little different and had NO MENTION of the new dongle requirement. I proceeded to their official website, and searched everywhere for mention and/or explanation - nothing. Usually in the "Requirements" section companies will put something like "One free USB port...", but nope nothing of the sort. :-0

I was starting to wonder if maybe they weren't gonna do it. Now the truth is out, thanks Larry!
And yeah, that's a deal breaker for me as well. Fortunately, I'm quite happy sticking with Amp 1...