When is a new product actually a new product?
I noticed that the Audeze Audio LCD-2 Headphones have been updated, yet Audeze opted not to change the model number to LCD-3 or even LCD-2.2... There are both sonic and cosmetic changes: 1) There is a new driver that is supposed to result in improved bass and, more importantly, to create more extended highs (as the LCD-2 have been criticized as being much darker sounding than other high end headphones)... 2) The metal headband with exposed memory foam (often criticized for looking cheap and nasty) has been replaced with a sexy looking leather headband...
So all that got me thinking; when should a product be called a new product?
Also, is it reasonable for a manufacturer to claim that a product is the same product, if they have altered the design of the product?
Some persons want to buy "new products", while others want a proven product that has been around "unchanged" for 20 or more years... So it seems manufacturers merely pick their strategy and may claim that the same old product, with a face-lift, is really a new product to drum up sales OR may pretend that a product design has remained unchanged for well over a decade, despite the fact that significant internal changes have been made over time...
So back to my question; in your opinion, when is a new product really a new product? OR when is a product still the same old product?