It was a comment from yourself in the Video AI v7.2.0.2b discussion:
âperpetual usabilityâ - not perpetual, but we will be maintaining these apps to make sure you can use them on the latest operating systems for the length of the support window. Weâll maintain these as long as possible but beyond that you might not want to update your OS to ensure compatibility.
ânew modelsâ - When purchasing an upgrade youâll get access to all the latest AI models for that version. With Studio we are also releasing new capabilities which you will have access to for the length of your license, but not under a perpetual contract.
Yes - @BlackCat55, my mistake there. I was under the impression it only applied to auto-renewals at the time.
My PAI expires in January 2026. My GAI expires in November 2026. I want and expect upgrades to those apps until those dates. That is what you promised me. And I expect that those versions I have on those dates will keep working whether I further upgrade or not. Your new sales model can take effect for me after those dates and I will have the choice to give you my credit card again and go with the new sales model or not.
Your new sales model for new customers can start on 9/16, but for people with currently active subscriptions the new sales model should only start at the end of their subscription.
This is just a repeat of your EULA debacle a year or two ago. You wrote a new EULA and used obfuscation to make it very confusing and hard to understand in order to take peopleâs images for your training. People saw through that attempt though. Finally an updated EULA was released.
Your email feels that same way. Intentional obfuscation.
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Thanks for the response @dakota.wixom
I only use batch processing in PhotoAI (and VideoAI). Mostly because the automatic settings worked well for batches and was tedious to do similar with Gigapixel IIRC.
Batches will not be possible in PhotoAI Studio cloud rendering?
Also, are the Studio versions cloud render only? With local GPU not being an option anymore?
Are the studio versions webapps and not desktop apps?
Is there any word on how many video credits will be included and how much real world usage that would equate to?
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Sorry, but no. Whenever I extended my subscription (which you possibly mean by âpurchased an upgradeâ), it was NOT the âlatest AI models for that versionâ that I paid for but as well all the future models for the app that would see the light during my subscription period. As to Gigapixel, we have been told again and again that 8.5 is in the pipeline and the release should be imminent, no talk about âstudioâ and ânew capabilitiesâ then which is now the pretext to not roll it out in a form that does not expire to those subscribed to a non-expiring GPAI, which I bet would have been feasible. Instead, Topaz decided to put revenue ahead of customer service and customer satisfaction, it is as simple as it is shameful.
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Great questions!
We donât yet have batch processing for Topaz Photo in the cloud, but itâs definitely something that might be useful to add, especially so you can run tons of Dust & Scratch at once, for example. Gigapixel is more purpose-built for this style of rendering at the moment.
But despite the lack of batch for Topaz Photo, it is still unlimited cloud in the studio version - no credits needed.
No, Studio versions will have both local and cloud rendering of course 
And they are desktop apps, just as before.
More info on video credits will be shared later - youâll get significantly more with the Studio bundle than an individual app subscription.
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Upgrading your license gives you immediate access to the latest AI models and features on the perpetual ownership setup. Those capabilities are still present and weâll continue to support the version of the app that you purchased with updates.
I do understand your perspective. In your case, youâll be getting access to the Studio edition of the apps alongside the legacy version of your apps and you can test the new Studio features there in a separate directory. Youâll get free access for the length of your license - but there are new capabilities in the Studio editions that we cannot offer in a perpetual model, for example unlimited cloud rendering. As a founding customer you will get free access to the Wonder and Starlight family of models at no extra cost as well in Studio.
Not interested in studio. Would just fill up valuable space on my hard drives with stuff I donât need and would never use. Got a feeling your customer base will be shrinking.
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Awesome. How do I sign up for beta access for photo ai?
Try this link here: Topaz labs photo beta testing group - Topaz Community
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We do understand that the non-perpetual licenses arenât for everyone. However we are building new AI capabilities every single day, and the Studio versions of our products are launching with some incredible new features.
Youâll get free access if you have an active license, and it installs in a new directory so thereâs no risk for you.
Itâs worth trying! Cheers
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Definitely not the intention. Youâre welcome to your opinion but weâre clear about our stance here on user data - happy to answer any questions about this or the Studio transition. Weâre one of the few companies that allows you to process images and videos locally without sending any of that data to the cloud in general.
Studio retains these capabilities of course. Unfortunately some models are so demanding they donât even fit on most GPUs, so cloud rendering is an option for you if needed.
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I am hoping for some plain, clear language so I can understand the actual practical implications for me.
My PAI expires in 1/2026. The current version is 4.0.3. Are you saying that from now on 4.0.3 will only get occasional, rare, minor fixes for things such as OS compatibility, but that is all?
So, for example, in 1/2026 when my subscription ends the version may be 4.0.5 and that version will continue to work even without an active subscription?
And are you saying that the beta Dust & Scratches model will never be updated in this version and will remain beta?
My GAI expires in 11/2026. The current version is 8.4.2. Are you saying that from now on 8.4.2 will only get occasional, rare, minor fixes for things such as OS compatibility, but that is all?
So, for example, in 11/2026 when my subscription ends the version may be 8.4.3 and that version will continue to work even without an active subscription?
And are you saying that starting 9/16 there will be new Studio versions of PAI and GAI that will have new features and new models and I will get those for no additional cost to use until 11/2026 when my current GAI subscription expires?
Or do I get the new Studio version of PAI for use until 1/2026 and the Studio version of GAI until 11/2026? I am at the moment open minded, but I want a clear explanation. Thank you.
But the Studio has other apps too such as VAI, etc. when does my free use of those end?
Then after my current subscriptions expire I can either not renew and continue to use PAI 4.0.5 and GAI 8.4.3 or start paying for a new Studio subscription in order to continue to use the new Studio versions?
How much is the Studio subscription?
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Very happy with this announcement. As long as I can continue to process videos and images locally, I will stay subscribed. I donât mind the recurring subscription, as long as new models are introduced every few months that improve upon the older models in terms of visuals and speed. If my money is going towards improving models, them I am fine with staying on a subscription. I want the latest and greatest.
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Iâve read the new messages, and I hope I misunderstood. Will I only be using the newly purchased Topaz Gigapixel with small updates? For one year, will the new models be released only for Topaz Studio Gigapixel?
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Thatâs exactly right - this allows us to reinvest much more into model development and move even faster.
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New AI models will only come to Topaz Gigapixel (studio version), and your current Gigapixel AI perpetual license will receive maintenance updates. Youâll get free Topaz Gigapixel (studio) access though linked to your perpetual license, and you can have both versions installed side-by-side. That version of the app is yours forever. This way youâll get to use the new AI models on launch. You will have to maintain your license though to retain access inside Studio.
Youâre also going to get access to models inside Studio which are otherwise only available to Pros, since youâre a âfounding customerâ. For image thatâs the Wonder model, for video thatâs the Starlight family of models including a new variant.
Youâll also get unlimited image cloud rendering in Topaz Gigapixel for the duration of your active license.
If you purchase another app prior to the studio transition on the 16th, youâre also going to get the full Studio bundle which includes Video AI, Bloom, and more. So a darn good deal.
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My PAI expires in 1/2026. The current version is 4.0.3. Are you saying that from now on 4.0.3 will only get occasional, rare, minor fixes for things such as OS compatibility, but that is all?
You will continue to get patch updates for Photo AI, yes. And that version of Photo AI is yours forever. Same goes for Gigapixel.
And are you saying that the beta Dust & Scratches model will never be updated in this version and will remain beta ?
Anything in Beta now is slotted for the Studio release.
And are you saying that starting 9/16 there will be new Studio versions of PAI and GAI that will have new features and new models and I will get those for no additional cost to use until 11/2026 when my current GAI subscription expires?
Correct - in fact since you own multiple products, youâre also going to be upgraded to a Studio bundle, which means you can use Video AI, Bloom, and other new bundle products all for the price of your current setup. Itâs a very very good deal. You will also get legacy access to the Starlight series of models and also unlimited cloud image rendering in the studio versions. The new AI models will be inside the Studio versions, not the legacy versions, which can be installed alongside in a new directory.
But the Studio has other apps too such as VAI, etc. when does my free use of those end?
Not sure about the details there - for now assume until the first license expires, but possible we may change that and make it more lenient. Checking on feasibility there.
Then after my current subscriptions expire I can either not renew and continue to use PAI 4.0.5 and GAI 8.4.3 or start paying for a new Studio subscription in order to continue to use the new Studio versions?
Correct - but if you let it expire youâll lose âfounderâ status, and will also lose any preferred pricing. So be careful there - because itâs a really good deal as-is.
How much is the Studio subscription?
Will be equivalent to the price of your 2 products on auto-renewal at the time. This will be much cheaper than the list price. Not to mention your legacy status gives you access to some of the Pro models at no additional cost.
Hope that clears some things up - I know itâs a lot!
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Oh and by the way the new Wonder model for Topaz Gigapixel and Topaz Photo is insane. I really recommend trying out the new version if youâre running low res upscales a lot. Itâs my new favorite model.
