Algoriddim's djay for iOS Goes Free With Optional Pro Subscription, Updated With New Live Performance Tools and More

[GermanSuplex]

I have spent far more on apps without in-app purchases than I have with them.

I'll pay $15 each year for a good app over paying $0.99 a month. Maybe I'm alone, but its not even the price, really, its the abundance of bills. I try to have as few monthly expenditures as possible.

It also doesn't help some of these apps aren't even something that makes sense for a subscription. It's not a magazine or newspaper... its an app with a feature set.

 

[PhoneI]

I'm a carpenter. I told my clients that from now on I also work on a subscription basis. This is to ensure that I may come by to check on their new garage once or twice a year, fix some stuff I didn't get right, maybe even install some new features too, or do a complete re-paint in two years from now. Provided that they keep up the subscription. If they stop sending payments I will remove their garage again.

After you provide your services to a customer, does that customer expect you to return to their house and provide new services for no additional charge forever?

 

[deebinem]

No Beatjump? No thanks.

I've wanted to move to an iPad only setup for YEARS but without the robust tools that the desktop version of Traktor offers, these will continue to disappoint me. FFS even Native Instruments' own Traktor app doesn't do it!

 

[vicviper789]

After you provide your services to a customer, does that customer expect you to return to their house and provide new services for no additional charge forever?

No but the customer should expect to have access to the product they paid for.

 

[axantas]

... with a fullscreen remainder to buy the extended version on every fourth tap or so. One can try that...

Already bought the earlier versions.

 

[routine_analyst]

Amazing UI. Nicely done.

 

[DJMarty]

Oh nice. Too bad it can't read the dance floor to let you know that your upcoming Nickleback track you have loaded up will clear the floor like a fart in an elevator.

 

[routine_analyst]

I'm a carpenter. I told my clients that from now on I also work on a subscription basis. This is to ensure that I may come by to check on their new garage once or twice a year, fix some stuff I didn't get right, maybe even install some new features too, or do a complete re-paint in two years from now. Provided that they keep up the subscription. If they stop sending payments I will remove their garage again.

This is the best. LOL fantastic!!!!

I usually complain about doctors and how they are the only contractors you pay whether or not they actually fix a problem... but this comparison is the best I've heard yet.

 

[FasterQuieter]

I have no clue how much DJs make, but my guess is that if they can't afford $40 a year for the main tool of their trade they should consider a different career. As for everyone else who just wants to play with this thing, it's nice there's a free option.

 

[AppleMad98004]

All software, for everything, is eventually going to the SaaS (Software as a Service) model. This is the future. Perpetual is dying.

 

[Mac-Rumours]

I have no clue how much DJs make, but my guess is that if they can't afford $40 a year for the main tool of their trade they should consider a different career. As for everyone else who just wants to play with this thing, it's nice there's a free option.

I doubt very much that professional DJs are using "Djay".

I bought Djay and Djay pro and the beat matching was terrible on both. Traktor works much better although it hasn't been updated for iOS for 2 years. The brand new desktop / laptop app (Traktor Pro 3) was recently on sale for only $50 and is definitely used by professional DJs.

 

[deevey]

As a subscriber to the desktop and app versions of the software I'm a little pissed.

At the price: Not really much if it worked like it a $40 app should (more on this further down).
At the Interface: Hell No, love it
At the performance: In my opinion - its as pro as you can get.
At still ONLY supporting "kiddie" controllers: Hell yes I'm Pissed!

So I have no real issues with $40 a year. BUT If you are going to make me pay for it every freaking month at least allow midi mapping WITHIN the app and stop with the silly unsupported workarounds to get other controllers working. Oh yeah and spotify offline.

The BASIS of all DJ software is being able to use DECENT hardware out of the box!

The likelihood is that Serato. Pioneer and Native Instruments will release a (proper) iOS app later this year I would guess with decent hardware support.

So thanks Algoriddim I'll take my $10 upgrade until xmas 2019 for Djay but I think we'll be parting ways in the future. Somehow doubt that I will be subscribing if any other the other two release a decent piece of software that natively supports decent controllers.

For those saying that "pro" DJ's shouldn't have a problem paying the money for the app, you need to understand that there are MASSIVE limitations to using DJ in a live setting as your main rig currently due to hardware and it is mostly only useful as a standby software if all else fails or you need "that track" on a moments notice.

If you are a pro, you are mostly likely rocking VDJ, Traktor, Rekordbox or Serato as your main rig (all of which cost roughly the same or completely FREE with a (non-toy) supported controller.

Djay does work with other controllers (kinda), but its messy and requires a mac desktop, midi mapping and syncing - oh and they never told us it works - so shhhhhhh

 

[David.Kennedy]

So I’ve already paid for and bought the pro version years ago.

I used it the other day and realized there were a ton of new features that cost money. The update was a while ago I think.

I just bought and paid for it, so

Could be a great app. BUT, it needs Apple Music integration first. C’mon Apple! Spotify has worked for years!

This is true, but you can’t record any mixes you make with Spotify, which really attenuates the point, IMHO.

I mean, sure, you *can* record it with some line-out work, but it’s a hassle.

 

[omihek]

Apple has done subscriptions totally wrong. App developers should be required to make it known in the app description what you are getting for free and what features the subscription adds to it.

There should also be a way to do the "free trial" and then totally delete the app from your account and history forever if you don't want it. The way it is now if I want to download an app for a free trial (actually usually I download it not knowing there's a free trial and then feel I've been tricked again) and then I decide I don't want to pay for the app it either sits on my phone forever or on my purchase history forever even if I delete it from my phone. No I didn't purchase that app Apple. I tried it out for a week and didn't like it so chose NOT to purchase it. Get it out of my purchases. Would it really be so hard to start a 7-day timer that automatically deletes the app from my device if I haven't started a subscription even if I'm not connected to the internet?

 

[HenrikWivel]

I doubt very much that professional DJs are using "Djay".

I bought Djay and Djay pro and the beat matching was terrible on both. Traktor works much better although it hasn't been updated for iOS for 2 years. The brand new desktop / laptop app (Traktor Pro 3) was recently on sale for only $50 and is definitely used by professional DJs.

Professionel DJ’s are not using Djay, but Traktor or Serato. I do have, however, used Djay and Pioneers Wego04 controller on several occasions, when playing for fun at private parties and for that it’s perfect. I do agree that the beat matching could be a lot better.

 

[ikir]

Why this negativity? Subscription is a way to support dev and pay little in the beginning. I have few subscriptions but I happily pay them. This app are used by pros for work so I can see it fit this model, IF the app and features are constantly improved. So many "cheap" whiners, cmon... do you know how it is hard to create and keep up to date an app of this kind? And dear "carpenter" I suppose you get paid every time your costumers needs your skills. You pay for app you continue to use on regular basic like calling the carpenter every month.

 

[Coxy]

As a subscriber to the desktop and app versions of the software I'm a little pissed.

At the price: Not really much if it worked like it a $40 app should (more on this further down).
At the Interface: Hell No, love it
At the performance: In my opinion - its as pro as you can get.
At still ONLY supporting "kiddie" controllers: Hell yes I'm Pissed!

So I have no real issues with $40 a year. BUT If you are going to make me pay for it every freaking month at least allow midi mapping WITHIN the app and stop with the silly unsupported workarounds to get other controllers working. Oh yeah and spotify offline.

The BASIS of all DJ software is being able to use DECENT hardware out of the box!

The likelihood is that Serato. Pioneer and Native Instruments will release a (proper) iOS app later this year I would guess with decent hardware support.

So thanks Algoriddim I'll take my $10 upgrade until xmas 2019 for Djay but I think we'll be parting ways in the future. Somehow doubt that I will be subscribing if any other the other two release a decent piece of software that natively supports decent controllers.

For those saying that "pro" DJ's shouldn't have a problem paying the money for the app, you need to understand that there are MASSIVE limitations to using DJ in a live setting as your main rig currently due to hardware and it is mostly only useful as a standby software if all else fails or you need "that track" on a moments notice.

If you are a pro, you are mostly likely rocking VDJ, Traktor, Rekordbox or Serato as your main rig (all of which cost roughly the same or completely FREE with a (non-toy) supported controller.

Djay does work with other controllers (kinda), but its messy and requires a mac desktop, midi mapping and syncing - oh and they never told us it works - so shhhhhhh

Whilst I’m not a fan of subscriptions and I’m unsure about this change, I think you should look at some of their new documentation. I haven’t tested any of this personally though.

“Advanced MIDI learn system to map each control on users’ hardware individually.”

From this page - http://help.algoriddim.com/customer...ference-between-the-free-and-the-pro-version-

Hopefully that equates to midi mapping!


In regards to hardware, there’s a pretty impressive list on this page - http://help.algoriddim.com/customer...ch-controllers-are-supported-by-djay-for-ios-

Including CDJ-2000s and a vast amount of DDJ series controllers!

Personally I don’t think the current way to get midi mapping is all that big of a deal. Get the midi maps from DJ tech tools, open iTunes, drop the file on the djay app through file sharing and voila. Plug your hardware in via the usb3 camera connection kit and you have full hardware control. If the mapping doesn’t exist, download the djay pro trail for Mac/windows and map your hardware yourself before following the above instructions.

My biggest frustration with djay is the inability to to use Spotify whilst offline, but from my research this appears to be a Spotify limitation rather than djay.

 

[iapplelove]

I just bought and paid for it, so

Not sure why you replied to my post? Why do I care what you bought today?

 

[japanime]

I see skeuomorphism.

Totally! Though, I'm actually a fan of skeuomorphism and miss the look of iOS 6.

My favorite of all was the reel-to-reel player that was hidden behind a slider window in the podcast app. Yes, it was pointless and silly, but it was also fun.

 

[deevey]

Whilst I’m not a fan of subscriptions and I’m unsure about this change, I think you should look at some of their new documentation. I haven’t tested any of this personally though.

“Advanced MIDI learn system to map each control on users’ hardware individually.”

From this page - http://help.algoriddim.com/customer...ference-between-the-free-and-the-pro-version-

Hopefully that equates to midi mapping!

I'll be the first to admit I jumped the gun - I had not got to the updated pages and was still reading some of the old material after buying (sorry, "subscribing").

YES you are right, its got midi mapping and it nice, and its simple ! (finally)
YES they updated the stock mappings across the board to include just about everything under the sun ! - Nice
YES its officially AWESOME !

Thank you Algoriddim - looks like you have listened.

I wont say I'm crackers about the subscriptions, but if it means getting more frequent updates and better features I can live with $50 a year.

Spotify / Beatport / Apple Music offline would be the icing on the cake - just hope it doesn't take as long to implement as the midi mapper

 

[RevTEG]

After you provide your services to a customer, does that customer expect you to return to their house and provide new services for no additional charge forever?

I actually like the contractor example. After I pay the contractor to build what I want, I don’t expect them to provide new features for free. But I also don’t expect to have to pay for future features unless I want them. I don’t rent software. I’ll pay good money up front then it’s up to the developers to produce worthy of purchasing updates. Subscription model can lead to lazy updates that don’t really do much. Now if the guy that built my garage comes by and tells me about some great new features he can add to my garage then I’ll buy it.

 

[alphaod]

I hate companies that do this. Instead of giving a new app that offers a subscription, they make this existing "pro" app free and change into a subscription.

I get it, they are adding features, and a perpetual license cannot sustain forever, but don't devalue the product that a paying customer got when you can just release a free version separately.

 

[travelsheep]

I support subscriptions for continued development as long as it justifies your need to continually use the app. This app is used by professionals and if you are complaining with the business model then you are not the pro audience to be needing this app.

I'm still fine with my Microsoft Office 2008 on MacOS. The resolution is grainy on Retina, but ok. I'm also fine with my old Ulysses typing program and with my Adobe InDesign CS3. I really like it. It's simple to use and can do everything I need im book publishing.

 

[5232152]

I have no clue how much DJs make, but my guess is that if they can't afford $40 a year for the main tool of their trade they should consider a different career. As for everyone else who just wants to play with this thing, it's nice there's a free option.

Depends on your sort of gig i guess. A DJ booth that came with an iPad Pro and not an actual Pioneer setup would get most "above-your-average-cheap-wedding" running.

 

[YanniDepp]

Djay exists in a weird niche where it's a bit too expensive for casual people who want to play with it, but too basic and unreliable for actual club DJs.

I have some horror stories about Djay Pro for the Mac. In its first year, it was terrible. So many ridiculous bugs.