cross-posted from: https://programming.dev/post/27204525
We are also changing how remote playback works for streaming personal media (that is, playback when not on the same local network as the server). The reality is that we need more resources to continue putting forth the best personal media experience, and as a result, we will no longer offer remote playback as a free feature. This—alongside the new Plex Pass pricing—will help provide those resources. This change will apply to the future release of our new Plex experience for mobile and other platforms.
Life time subscriptions are just like pre-ordering games. You’re paying ahead of time for features that may not get developed and your concerns are no longer valid since you have no leverage to leave.
They have your money. Why should they cater to you?
And because you paid for a lifetime subscription, you’re likely to keep using them due to the sunk cost.
I don’t agree with that analogy because games are a set price. If you pre-order, you’re paying the same one-time price, but you don’t get a chance to learn about the product before it releases.
Plex has a subscription service. Whether you pay the subscription fee or buy a lifetime pass, you’re getting the same product that is already available for free. You can test it out, decide if you like it, then if you want advanced features, pay the extra cost for it.
True, it could turn to shit later. But a one-time payment is far cheaper than paying monthly or annually forever. I’m saving money AND getting access to the same product.
As I said in another comment in this thread, my Lifetime Plex Pass has already paid for itself. I would’ve paid more for a subscription by now if I had gone that route. And it has all the features I currently want, so I’m pretty happy with my purchase.
I bought a lifetime pass a while ago, and I’ve already gotten my money’s worth. Plex is great, but there’s nothing stopping me from moving to jellyfin if I’m not longer happy with Plex. Given that jellyfin is free, and you can run it side by side with Plex, there’s no sunk cost. The fact of the matter is Plex is a better product than jellyfin for many things.