@ironman1 posted:Okay, I'll ask again, & please excuse me if these are dumb questions.
Am I correct that the basic MTH WiFi app is free but there are limitations? To get full functions, all of the functions you have with the remote, there is a fee? Is that a one time fee & you have it forever? Does it need to be purchased for each smart device? I honestly don't know how this works. If MTH closes COMPLETELY, does the APP for the WiFi disappear? Is it something you own forever?
Thanks
The free version of the MTH WiFi app is limited in functionality. They list three "tiers" on their site:
- The FREE version provides users with control of 3 locomotives and limited features and works with the DCS WIU WiFi Module or the DCS Explorer.
- The $4.99 STANDARD version provides users with full Proto-Sound 2.0 and 3.0 locomotive control when using the DCS WIU WiFi Module.
- The $24.99 PREMIUM version provides the user with full DCS control and more when using the DCS WIU WiFi Module.
I found this at: https://mthtrains.com/news/576
I'm by no means an authority on this, but from my experience with the App stores (both iOS and Android) when you download or buy an app you get to keep that app on your device even if the publisher retracts it from the store. This has been true of both free and paid apps in my case.
As far as I know with Apple devices you only have to purchase things once, but it may depend on the app. However, that will likely NOT be the case for an app that is on both platforms, i.e. if you buy it for your iPad, it won't be paid for on your Android phone. Also, when paying for an app via the store, usually that transfers from device to device. However, if it uses in-app purchases to unlock features, I think it's a per-device purchase - but I'm not positive about that.
Another thing to consider is that while I've been able to keep apps on my devices after the publisher pulled them off the App Store or they went out of business, the app will only work as long as it stays compatible with the version of the Operating System on your WiFi device. Sometimes after an upgrade I've had an older app stop working.
My assumption is that whoever takes over the DCS stuff from MTH will probably continue to support this app. Whether that will require buying another license when that business entity is established or if the existing versions will transfer is TBD. But for $25 it's not the end of the world right?
