Adobe Announces 2015 Creative Cloud Updates, New Integrated Adobe Stock Service

[SoAnyway]

This will be a big deal to me when Adobe announces that I can pay for a license upfront instead of having to lease the software and get stuck with a subscription.

For all those who defend Adobe Cash Cow, your math is completely wrong. Those of us who were used to buying a license weren't upgrading every cycle, hence not costing us around $199 every other year. Many of us upgraded every 2-3 cycles or longer, which can be translated to 4-7 years. In fact, I know professionals who still use older versions of Photoshop, from version 7 to CS4.

I started with Adobe CS[1]. I actually bought a full version of CS[1] shortly after CS2 was announced in 2005 and Adobe upgraded me for free. I didn't upgrade until CS6 was announced in 2012 which I ended up buying CS5 shortly after the announcement and Adobe upgraded me to CS6 for free. It's now 2015 and in 10 years, I've spent a total of around $550 or $55 per year or $4.58 per month. That's far less expensive than anything Adobe has to offer with Cash Cow.

Anyone who thinks an $8-10 monthly subscription for the Photoshop bundle, for example, is a great deal, is only fooling themselves.

I'm personally sticking with CS6 for as long as I can and when it's time to move on, I'll be looking for an alternative for it unless Adobe can offer a much more compelling product with a much more competitive price. Don't get me wrong, I understand that Adobe needed to do what they felt was in the best interest to make money but their short-sightedness have cost them many long-term customers.

Lastly, I have tried CC and have a subscription that was given to me by the school I am currently attending. I downloaded only what I needed for my classes but stayed with CS6 for Photoshop. I really wasn't impressed by anything currently offered. Either way, now that I don't need those apps, there is no reason for me to keep CC despite it being available to me.

I find it sad that anyone who needs one of Adobe's creative apps now will get suckered into a subscription model.

 

[Itzamna]

You really have no idea what you're talking about nor do you have any idea how irate a lot of businesses are with Adobe's greed lately. Businesses are not run by idiots. They know cheaper options exist and will start to seek them out. Adobe is getting an easy ride because they're perceived as the only game in town but that's not the truth. They're tarnishing their image for short-term gain with big businesses, i.e., those who spend the most money on Adobe's products. I can assure you, Adobe has made a very poor decision with the move to a more expensive subscription model.

And that info comes from? The Internet forums? Because if that's so, there is plenty of thrash talk on the Internet about Apple and yet here we are.

As for the real world, I work with several studios, some bigger than others and the ones that use Adobe CC are pretty happy. I also use it on mine and I'm also satisfied.

 

[Janichsan]

I'm very happy with Pixelmator and Affinity Designer, and looking forward to Affinity Photo… They do not offer 100% of the features of Adobe's stuff, but still are very capable.

 

[inkswamp]

Care to explain in more detail why it blow chunks?

Because they've taken what was once a simple software install and turned it into a convoluted system where you have to log in and run/install everything from a completely pointless control panel. The pricing is ridiculously expensive and needlessly complicated. The UI in their software is a disaster. Tying the use of software to a specific user is an unwelcome change in a business environment. I could go on and on and write many paragraphs on how their "upgrades" to the software are nothing of the sort (I mean, WTF happened to Acrobat anyway?! It's become a complete joke.)

It's greed, plain and simple. That's what motivates Adobe nowadays.

 

[inkswamp]

And that info comes from? The Internet forums?

Source: my own personal, firsthand experience.

I've already been involved in discussions about replacing Adobe software down the road and have heard it being discussed by many, many businesses out there. Business users are not happy about the increase in price. Adobe is shooting themselves in the foot.

 

[baryon]

Every single time Adobe updates Photoshop since 1999: More bugs. More and more bugs. Even more bugs. And now, introducing, massive bugs! Bugs you can't go around! Bugs that require you to learn JavaScript to get around. Bugs that make bugs look like features! Yay! Can't wait to install this and then realize I should have never become a retoucher because now I either get used to the bugs or I can't do my work, at all, as there are no alternatives!

Edit: They've fixed the Undo bug that's been around since CS4! Holy ****!!! I can't believe it. Guys this is big. Photoshop CC 2015 is CS3 level stuff! Get it before they screw it up!

 

[LethalWolfe]

Business users are not happy about the increase in price.

Some are, some aren't. I personally know of a few large post production facilities that have switched to Adobe from Final Cut Studio and, just going by job postings, the uptick in facilities using Premiere Pro for editing has seemingly increased a lot in the last few months.

 

[Michael Scrip]

Adobe today announced that all of its Creative Cloud desktop apps will receive updates as part of the company's 2015 Creative Cloud Update.

Actually... Adobe announced a lot of these features at NAB in April.

I guess they are finally ready to release them. Bring it on!

 

[SoAnyway]

Source: my own personal, firsthand experience.

I've already been involved in discussions about replacing Adobe software down the road and have heard it being discussed by many, many businesses out there. Business users are not happy about the increase in price. Adobe is shooting themselves in the foot.

I agree with you about your criticism about Adobe. Why is it however, that I'm already hearing someone in the discussion saying that your personal experience doesn't count?

As far as businesses using CC goes, I think too many people in this thread don't realize that most of us who are creative professionals that use Adobe software aren't necessarily a part of a large corporation that can afford to pay for a monthly subscription. Many of us are freelancers and often small business owners who don't have the budget to pay for a monthly subscription, especially one that costs more than paying for a license upfront.

 

[Roykor]

Every time an Adobe article hits, the anti-subscription people start in on them. Look, I get it – you want to own your software. But don't knock it until you try it. The CC apps are fantastic, and the subscription pricing really helps me budget my software updates. Plus, they keep adding features and providing bug fixes more frequently than ever before. In the 20+ years that I've been using Adobe apps, I have never been a more satisfied customer.

Same here. I really dont care what others think about the business plan behind CC. All I care is that I can use the tools I need to make artwork for my clients. The CC platform works great for me, lots of updates, acces to everything etc etc. If its not for you than dont go for it. Simple. Easy.

That is of my chest! Now: Updating in 3, 2, 1 ....

PS. If you say your a freelance "Professional designer" or what ever, and cant effort the monthly sub of 60 euros, u really have to scratch your head.

 

[twietee]

Loathe the CC (only) system - but have to admit that I threw in the towell and subscribed.

I guess the PS+LR for 12 bucks a month is somewhat a nice deal. But if you need 3-4 programs there is no way around paying top dollar for all these programs I'll never use. So that's a huge bummer. Not sure what I'll do if they'd raise prices in a year.

 

[Itzamna]

Source: my own personal, firsthand experience.

I've already been involved in discussions about replacing Adobe software down the road and have heard it being discussed by many, many businesses out there. Business users are not happy about the increase in price. Adobe is shooting themselves in the foot.

Your personal opinion is not that big for you to deduct that every business don't like Adobe subscription... The reality is that probably 25% hate it but are stuck with it, 25% love it and 50% don't care about it and go along the flow.

 

[twietee]

Same here. I really dont care what others think about the business plan behind CC. All I care is that I can use the tools I need to make artwork for my clients. The CC platform works great for me, lots of updates, acces to everything etc etc. If its not for you than dont go for it. Simple. Easy.

PS. If you say your a freelance "Professional designer" or what ever, and cant effort the money sub of 60 euros, u really have to scratch your head.

Cool that you guys are down with that system. But there is no reason why subscriptions are the only way to go. Other than the most obvious one: $$$

Less options is not a good thing.


But yea:

I really dont care what others think about ... All I care is that I...

 

[Itzamna]

Because they've taken what was once a simple software install and turned it into a convoluted system where you have to log in and run/install everything from a completely pointless control panel. The pricing is ridiculously expensive and needlessly complicated. The UI in their software is a disaster. Tying the use of software to a specific user is an unwelcome change in a business environment. I could go on and on and write many paragraphs on how their "upgrades" to the software are nothing of the sort (I mean, WTF happened to Acrobat anyway?! It's become a complete joke.)

It's greed, plain and simple. That's what motivates Adobe nowadays.

Convoluted install? You install one app and after that only click on button to install any app.

The rest are hardly any technical problems, more your personal opinion.

 

[typecase]

I used to buy the Creative Suite every other year but haven't since CS5 due to the switch to the subscription model. My CS5 apps continue to work well and I'll never support a subscription service at the prices that Adobe demands. I wish they'd rethink the subscription only model and until they do, they've lost me as a customer forever.

 

[Quu]

Interesting how they're comparing to CS6 a lot. I suspect a lot of customers are still holding onto their Cs 6 copies such as myself, for as long as possible to avoid the annual subscription payments.

I sure am. I'm not in to this cloud stuff.

 

[BillyBobBongo]

Many of us are freelancers and often small business owners who don't have the budget to pay for a monthly subscription, especially one that costs more than paying for a license upfront.

I was trying so hard to stay out of this thread as it always turns into a massing argument between those for and those against the subscription model, rather than it being about the features that are added.

However, I myself am a freelancer and I pay for the CC subscription. The fee is a pittance, not even an hour of my time. When I first began I didn't have available cash to buy the software I required outright. Once I had been going a while I was however able to generate the necessary funds to purchase it.

The subscription model is perfect for small business and freelancers as it requires a small investment to begin with. Either you need to up your hourly rate or change career. Hell, why not just pay the monthly fee and put it on the clients invoice. If you're good enough at what you do, they'll pay it.

----

On topic, looking forward to using the artboards in Photoshop. Going to be very handy with responsive design. Add to that the ability to view the designs on my devices...great new feature.

 

[twietee]

I used to buy the Creative Suite every other year but haven't since CS5 due to the switch to the subscription model. My CS5 apps continue to work well and I'll never support a subscription service at the prices that Adobe demands. I wish they'd rethink the subscription only model and until they do, they've lost me as a customer forever.

I'm so bummed I had no alternatives than either buy CS6 off of Ebay for ridiculous pirces (and not that trustworthy sellers), search for alternatives for Acrobat Pro, InDesin, Photoshop and Illustrator or throw in the towell. Would have been glad with CS5 or 6!!

Crazy (more absolutely sad!) to think I eventually can't open my PSD files anymore in ten years beacuse, you know progress...

 

[Roykor]

Cool that you guys are down with that system. But there is no reason why subscriptions are the only way to go. Other than the most obvious one: $$$

Less options is not a good thing.


But yea:

I think you get me wrong here.

In the end, "all i care" = that i can finish my work. If that is with Adobe, or something else, it doest matter. It is just a tool. It pays my bills. And so-far, CC works great for me. Bugfixes are rolling in, updates with new effects, u name it. It is just a toolset, which expends. I work 10 - 14 hours a day and for me those 60 bucks / euros are well spend. If you look to a bigger picture, sure.. it is a bit more expensive on the long run. But in some cases the long run doenst help me today. Now I am installing the new updates because i am in "the system" like you prefer to say. For me, it is acces to better performance (i hope) and some new tools to produce artwork.

You can stay with CS6 as long as you want. I dont care (dont get sad again, I just dont care. Do what you want and feel good) but I can not change Adobe his vision. You can jump on the train and hook up, or stay at the station and complain. I prefer to move on, deal with it and create content.

my 2 cents. Do what you like and be happy with that.

 

[Small White Car]

Here's why I like the subscription plan being mandatory for everyone. Not to be rude, but it separates out those of you who aren't serious about it.

Why does this matter? Conversations ALWAYS used to go like this:


"You're editing in Premiere?"

"Yeah, I'll send you the project."

"ohhhh... I'm 2 versions back. I can't open it. Just export an EDL. Then when I'm done today you can up-convert my project and just fix any issues you find."

"You realize we'll have to do this like a dozen times during this project?"

"Yeah....sorry!"


It is SO refreshing these days to ask "do you use program X?" and if the answer is "yes" you KNOW you're both on the same version!

This is an amazing feature and I love it so much. It has saved me SO much time when working with people.

I get it, though. I'm sorry that those of you who used Photoshop once a month don't find it economical any more. But the fact is, both Acorn and iMovie are damned good programs so I don't think your lives are over.

 

[twietee]

You can stay with CS6 as long as you want. I dont care (dont get sad again, I just dont care. Do what you want and feel good) but I can not change Adobe his vision. You can jump on the train and hook up, or stay at the station and complain. I prefer to move on, deal with it and create content.

Huh? I have CC as well. You sure use a lot of buzz words though.

You may show me in ten years how you deal with it when you moved on to what is the gold standard then to 'create content' and still have to subscribe to crappy Adobe CC just so you can open a file.

And I didn't complain about prices but about the 'do or die' approach no sane customer should be raving about.

 

[ginkobiloba]

The next months are going to be my last time with Adobe's ransom..uh sorry..subscription model. Affinity Designer has replaced Illustrator for me, Affinity Photo is already replacing Photoshop even though is still in beta. After Effects is the last one, but Blackmagic has announced Fusion 8 for Mac this summer ( and it's free ). So, so long Adobe.

 

[twietee]

The next months are going to be my last time with Adobe's ransom..uh sorry..subscription model. Affinity Designer has replaced Illustrator for me, Affinity Photo is already replacing Photoshop even though is still in beta. After Effects is the last one, but Blackmagic has announced Fusion 8 for Mac this summer ( and it's free ). So, so long Adobe.

Too bad it's mac-only. Cross-platform would be welcomed!

Is there a layout product similar to InDesign though as well?

 

[ginkobiloba]

Too bad it's mac-only. Cross-platform would be welcomed!

Is there a layout product similar to InDesign though as well?

Quark Express ?
I also know that Serif is coming up with Affinity Publisher, a direct competitor to InDesign , but it won't be released until early 2016. If it's anywhere as good as Designer and Photo, it smells trouble for Adobe.

 

[Roykor]

Huh? I have CC as well. You sure use a lot of buzz words though.

You may show me in ten years how you deal with it when you moved on to what is the gold standard then to 'create content' and still have to subscribe to crappy Adobe CC just so you can open a file.

And I didn't complain about prices but about the 'do or die' approach no sane customer should be raving about.

about the do or die approach, Thats the only part i share your frustration. But Adobe will not change their strategy. So, deal with it (look you are doing) or like for a other toolset which will be hard to find. There is competition, but creating artwork that needs to be printed etc etc, Adobe is just ruling the place. So, i think they are checkmate us all