This:
I'd like to see the next product be fully stand alone. No OPD. The licensing and all cracks need to be imbedded into the application in case this happens agains. Obviously there needs to be hooks to support new cracks between software updates, but the next release should obviously roll all that back into the install package.
I agree completely with storing the database and cracking abilities in the program itself instead of constantly accessing the servers. Maybe as VirtualRipper has said, when new releases come out, they can be temporarily available on the OPD, and then along with the next program update, is included. And another idea would be to let the user decide if they want to save on HDD space by downloading an OPD version of the program, or a version with the protection database built-in. I imagine it takes quite a bit of space, thus why I'm suggesting two different versions here.
I also agree with others about the hassle of Bitcoin... never used it in my life and hope I never have to. I can understand it for anonymity reasons, but otherwise it's just a major pitb. Hopefully other methods of payment can be included.
The only reason I was so curious about DVDFab before was because I didn't know how they worked. It sounds like they only piggy-back Slysoft, and charge more than they should. Seems like a ripoff to me. I was never a fan of them in the first place. I will always stand by Slysoft. My family has used it for many, many years. Not to mention the nostalgia of the dreaded "Oh no!" message of Elby.
I still hope there will be the ability to activate offline however. This is one feature I'd hate to see disappear. One of the many reasons I love Slysoft and hate DRM and "internet connection required" copy protection bullcrap on games. I'm by no means a "gamer" and I hate DRM with a passion. It was so much easier when all you needed was a serial key, no internet, and unlimited installs. (I only want to use it for my personal use, I do not share. The government just doesn't care. (Rhyme not intended)) And then you don't have to call the company when your OS craps out and you didn't have a chance to de-register the software with that PC due to limited installs when you have to reinstall your OS.
At any rate, I hope the Phoenix rises from the ashes of the Fox. Best of luck and wishes.
Image found on Google, credits to the original artist.
P.S. I've heard the talk of Linux versions of the software. That'd be cool too, but I hope development will always continue on Windows.
P.P.S. One of the primary reasons I hate online activation is when the company's servers shut down for whatever reason, or just because it's obsolete and they want you to buy something new, then that game/program or whatever, can no longer be activated, and thus disappears from the face of the earth.