the 8.5 update removed the "offline mode" from the content tab, when I questioned this, the reply I got back was
"That it was a duplicate function of the  the 'Sync online content when launching the program' option. Therefore,Reallusion  removed the legacy 'Offline' option, as unchecking it results in the same behavior as the 'Offline' setting."
This was clearly misleading as unchecking "the Sync online content" doesnt stop the AP from contacting Reallusion servers on start up, and when I force it into offline by blocking access through the firewall the AP generates watermarks and other issues.  Even if you simply logout of your account the AP puts up a NAG window every time I open the AP. After some back and forth I wasn informed that reallusion understood the need for and  would be looking into providing a proper "offline mode"
Now the latest update has intergrated a so called  "AI online search function"  which is nothing more than a marketing tool as it doesnt search the web only  Reallusion. While you dont have to use it. It cant be turned off or uninstalled which contradicts efforts for a true offline mode.

There have been options to search online content in iClone in previous versions, before iClone 8. It has just been improved. And like you said, you don't have to use it.

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