iLok USB-C version announced

[mhschmieder]

https://sonicstate.com/news/2021/05/12/ ... announced/

A bit of a confusing announcement. I just bought my Generation 3 dongle a couple of months ago as it holds up to 1500 licenses and I'm going to need that once VSL transfers their stuff from the eLicenser to iLok.

I'm too tired to read this announcement a third time to analyze it deeply, but it seems a bit misleading to me, as it appears to suggest that this is a new version and spec for the iLok but then the one I just bought kind of gets brought in as the same other than for the connector type being USB-C.

Well, regardless of whether the USB-C version is yet another upgrade from V3 with USB-A or whether it simply helps people who may only have USB-C (or enough of them) on their current devices, it does help keep the iLok current enough for next year's devices.

[mhschmieder]

From that other forum, here's a more complete product announcement, which I am WAY too tired to read right now but it should help others who are in more appropriate time zones for taking in a technical announcement such as this one:

iLok USB-C Announced - Offering Professionals Even More Options To Keep Licenses Safe

April 27th 2021, San Jose, California. PACE Anti-Piracy, Inc. have today announced the USB-C version of the third generation iLok USB. In addition to the iLok USB-A, PACE is now offering the iLok USB-C which uses the USB Type- C connector. Both iLok devices hold up to 1,500 authorizations—3x more than before—and deliver twice the transfer speed of the second generation iLok USB. Plus, it’s sleeker, smaller, and more secure, with a full metal jacket (made from durable aluminum) that won’t split or crack from normal use.

The iLok USB is fully backward compatible with previous versions – so all software developed for use with a 2nd generation iLok will continue to work with a 3rd generation iLok USB-A or USB-C. And with the addition of Zero Downtime (ZDT) protection, you will always have access to your licenses if your iLok USB is lost, damaged, or stolen.

Since its release over 20 years ago, the iLok USB hardware device has never been compromised.

The design of the 3rd generation iLok USB-A and USB-C are a huge step up from previous versions. The internal components are ingeniously small, packed into their metal case using methods that make duplication virtually impossible. And fewer components mean fewer points of failure once the device is being used in the field.

“Many people asked for a USB-C version of the iLok, and here it is. More computers are entering the market with USB Type-C ports, and our new iLok USB-C allows users with USB-C ports to use our licensing key without the need of additional adapters. Along with our Fusion Anti-Tamper technology, the 3rd generation iLok USB-A and iLok USB-C provide a publisher with the most secure tools in the industry. Period.”

Andrew Kirk, Vice President of PACE Anti-Piracy, Inc.

Whether you’re purchasing your first iLok or want to consolidate licenses from older keys, iLok USB makes it easy to take all of your software authorizations with you, wherever you go.

PRICING:

Standard 3rd generation iLok USB-C pricing (as of April 2021) All pricing is in US$ - MSRP is $59.95

FAQs

How many licenses can the iLok USB-A and USB-C hold?
The 3rd generation iLok USB-A and iLok USB-C can hold up to 1500 licenses depending on the license type. By comparison, the 2nd generation iLok can hold up to 500 licenses.

Can I have original iLoks and the iLok USB-A and iLok USB-C in my account at the same time?
Yes, you can have any combination of older iLoks and new iLoks in your account at the same time.

Does the new version of the iLok USB work just like the original iLok?
The 3rd generation iLok works the same as the 2nd generation iLok. It is also fully backward compatible.

Can I get Zero Downtime protection on a new iLok USB?
Zero Downtime (ZDT) is immediately available for 3rd generation iLok USB-A and iLok USB-C. Theft & Loss Coverage (TLC) may be enabled within the iLok License Manager application on ZDT-covered 2nd & 3rd generation iLoks.

Do I have to buy the new version of the iLok USB?
You do not need to purchase a new iLok USB to continue working. Note that software publishers may set some of their products to require 2nd generation or above iLoks.

Will you still be selling the USB-A third generation iLok?
Yes, 3rd generation iLoks are now available in both USB-A and USB-C versions.

Why should I buy the new version of the iLok USB-C?
If your computer only has USB Type-C ports, you can use the new iLok USB-C without the need for a USB Type-A to USB Type-C adapter connector.

Can I move licenses from an old iLok to a new iLok?
Yes, both the new and original iLok USB function the same.

[mikehalloran]

At the risk of repetition, USB-C is just a port. It has no protocol of its own.

In a nutshell, this turns a USB-A iLok 3 into a USB-C iLok — I have a pair of these and tested just now on mine. They work. 2 for $5.99 on Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Thunderbolt-Comp ... 07KR45LJW/



Pretty sure since that works, this would, too, if I bought the USB-C version.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B085VT1VJT/re ... le_desktop



You can purchase ZDT at any time by going to the PACE web site and logging into your account. I did so a couple of days ago for the new iLok 3 that I purchased earlier this month. I'd let it expire on my iLok 2 a couple years ago. They were happy to take my money to reinstate.

Since my iLoks work fine through a USB hub, I'm not regretting getting the USB A version. Since I purchased only 18 days ago from Sweetwater, I could exchange if I wanted, I suppose.

[bayswater]

Since my iLoks work fine through a USB hub, I'm not regretting getting the USB A version.

Ditto. I have 4 dongles including iLok V2 in an old unpowered USB hub that was given out free years ago. That hub is plugged into another powered hub, and from there to a USB 3 port on the Mini. This arrangement has worked fine for many years.