the real reason Android app "sales" are lower. - Android General

http://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-5...s-study/?part=rss&subj=news&tag=2547-1_3-0-20
to summarize, the article claims that the iOS app store generates more revenue for developers because people are more likely to buy there.
problem is, this article, and others like it, ignore the glaring flaw in their reasoning: revenue from sales is not the only source of revenue for an app developer. ad based revenue models area ctually very lucrative, proof of this can be easily seen from Google's success, and Facebook's success: their entire business model is nothing but ad based revenue!
in fact, ad based revenue is more lucrative in the long term than sales are, because with app sales, the dev gets revenue once, the first time a person buys the app, and then nothing from that customer ever again. but with ad based models, the dev gets money every time a person uses the app, as they get they revenue from a pair of eyes watching the screen.
so then, why does the app store have lots of sales, when the Market has only few sales? what's the difference? the reason is, iOS is not always connected tot he internet, and therefore cannot always receive ads to display, or transmit back user data. true, the iPhone is always on, and the iPad is almost always used at home on a wifi connection, probably 80% of the time at least.
the problem here, is the iPod touch. it's a highly mobile device (thinner than even the iPhone) and has access to all the same apps. it's also very popular. so, any iOS app developer choosing between releasing a free app that's ad based, and a premium app, will have to consider all the millions of iPod users without an internet connection with which to transmit ads over. the dev would be unable to make any money from them, and even if ads were preloaded, there's no guarantee that the user would turn on the app when their wifi is on later to be able to send user data back, confirming the ads were actually seen (especially since it's an on the go device, so people aren't using it at home that much). so that would be millions of downloads the dev would never see money for, unless that person eventually gets an iPhone or iPad, and its a gamble whether they actually would, or when.
Android, however, doesn't really have that problem. there never really was an iTouch style Android device except for the Galaxy Player, which wasn't even available in America (the largest market) until about a month ago. on top of that, until Honeycomb debuted, Google restricted official installation of the Market app itself to only cellular equipped devices, so even if you buy one of those cheap craptablets from CVS pharmacy or Borders running Android 2.1, you can't download Market apps, and therefore aren't relevant to the dev's business model.
it's also worth pointing out here, that the ad based model is better for consumers, too. not only do they get the products for free, they also are more liekly to receive updates in the future. after all, the dev with an ad based model makes money when people continue to use the app. so if the dev updates his app regularly with new features and levels, the user is more likely to continue using/playing or start again after a lull. which means the deve gets more money all the time, and the user gets new entertainment or utility all the time, for no more cost or very little. No more buying sequel after sequel.
For example, look at Angry Birds. it was one game, and was successful as a premium app on iOS. 2 sequels were planned and released; around this time, it came to Android. and Rovio did something different: they released it for free, as an ad based app. and wouldn't you know it, after that happened, there were no more sequels. yet the levels keep getting added and added and added to each game. compared to the original levels in the first game, there are now probably enough levels to fill 10 or 15 games, yet they keep adding them to the same games. they do this every time people tend to finish the last level pack and stop playing, then they add another and it starts up again.

all very interesting info quoted from Cnet
but what is the point you are trying to get at by opening this topic?

One other reason sales are higher on the App Store: people who buy into the Apple system accept the high premium that comes along with it and generally don't take issue with spending for apps. Part of the mindset coming in with Android is the idea of open, free development and therefore a lot of people sit back and wait for a free version of paid apps to come out. Just part of the different perspectives generally seen in the two markets. Developers who understand this have ad-based apps and still get their revenue, especially the ones who make it quite easy to accidentally click ads =P
There's also the fact that some developers allow you to donate as you like and don't require you to do so directly through the market, so there's more revenue that isn't directly seen as a "paid app" sale.

I dont think Android being open source may much of a difference, if you look at the world as a whole 99.9% of people looking at phones/tablets have no clue what open source even means.
That little 'ITunes' card makes the world of difference. I had an IPAd for 1 year, I spent maybe 20 bucks on apps, I have spent maybe 5 bucks on android apps in a few months. Now if I were to get an Android 50.00 gift card, I bet I would spend that within a month!
These gift cards are HUGE for the younger market where they dont have cell phones and they all have ipods, and starting to get Ipads/Iphones.

Interesting
Sent from my LG-P925 using XDA App

This make sense

I don't know, man. I'm pretty sure that Apple's philosophy is not conditioned by a single, specific device.
With the second part I do agree. Apple users are generally people who are able to pay for more expenses. Especially those who have a few Apple products. If you're willing and able to pay over 1k$ for a laptop, then a couple of bucks for an app is nothing.
There's a third reason why Apple has more app sales: it forces you to link your account to a credit card, so you're automatically set to pay for apps. In the Android market, you have to "detour" to link your credit card to your account.
Sent from my LT15i using XDA App

For the Android developer point of vue it is most valuable to use the freemium approach instead of the classic app purchase. It seems that the player prefer to play for free and buy something here and there to improve the game experience. A lot of games are doing that out there.

Most Android phones sold are of the buy 1 get 1(sometimes 2) free variety, and virtually all Android users that I know either don't download apps, have no clue that their phone runs Android or pirate apps by side loading. Personally I only bought 1 app in 2yrs of using various Android phones because most of them were far inferior to iOS versions usually sporting awful UI(due to the fact that Android SDK is a joke compared to Xcode).

Phrenks said:
I don't know, man. I'm pretty sure that Apple's philosophy is not conditioned by a single, specific device.
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I'm not talking about Apple's philosophy, I'm talking about the revenue potential for developers for iOS devices. What I'm saying is, the iPod has created iOS's own form of fragmentation. a Large portion of iOS users have an iPod touch that's only occasionally able to receive ads (connected) and even then, it's probably not connected when using most apps, especially games.
I had an iPod touch for 2 years back before I got an Android phone, and I only ever turned on the wifi to use the browser, a few news reader apps while killing downtime at work, and the app store/iTunes. that last one I did only very rarely, and I always turned the wifi off immediately after those uses, with the battery being so weak. I NEVER turned it on during games; in fact, If I was playing a game, I always made sure wifi was off, because so many games drained the battery very quickly, so I had to be especially power conscious.
So, if a dev wants to make apps for iOS, they have to consider that if they go ad based, a large portion of people will not give them any revenue at all due to being not connected to receive ads. that's why developers often charge for iOS apps, yet often make the same apps free or cheaper on Android.
Don't make the mistake of assuming Apple has a smarter philosophy than that; remember, the iPhone and iPod touch were never originally designed to have a downloadable app store to begin with. in fact, Steve Jobs openly admitted that he was opposed to it when his subordinates tried to convince him to allow it. It wasn't until the first iOS devices were jailbroken and hackers created Cydia (well before the official app store) that Apple saw the potential and caved. at that point, they had already released the iPod touch anyway, so they were stuck. Add to that the fact that they didn't really have a division designed to sell and distribute ads for other businesses at the time, and you can see how they weren't really prepared to see what the best long term system would be.

alex2792 said:
Most Android phones sold are of the buy 1 get 1(sometimes 2) free variety, and virtually all Android users that I know either don't download apps, have no clue that their phone runs Android or pirate apps by side loading. Personally I only bought 1 app in 2yrs of using various Android phones because most of them were far inferior to iOS versions usually sporting awful UI(due to the fact that Android SDK is a joke compared to Xcode).
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Really? I wish I knew where I could get two for one as never seen any uk retailer offer a deal like that and would love two for one
Out of curiosity though what is it about android sdk you think is a joke? Its not the sdks fault if an apps ui is bad yet anothers is good or all should be bad.
But back on topic most android users I know prefer free apps with ads so it could be true android users aren't so keen to buy apps whereas iphone is more a lifestyle choice and when you buy into a lifestyle your more likely to be willing to spend money investing in it.
Dave
Sent from my LG P920 using Tapatalk

Related

Eternal Legacy HD

I just discovered the existence of this game. where is it on the Market? It doesn't seem to be searchable with the term "Eternal Legacy". Gameloft's own website seems to require that one enters a service provider.
With the Transformer being an WiFi only device it doesn't have a service provider.
does anyone know how to get this game working on the transformer?
I'll go ahead and cover this. Gameloft is protesting the Android Market place. As such, they pulled all apps from the market and decided to sell them via their own means. The apps are available on their website via a moronic text system that more often than not, fails. None of the games are currently built for tablets, honeycomb or tegra optimized. So, unfortunately, until Gameloft offers the games on the site as such, you are SOL.
They're idiots...thats all I have to say.
blaine.hale said:
I'll go ahead and cover this. Gameloft is protesting the Android Market place. As such, they pulled all apps from the market and decided to sell them via their own means. The apps are available on their website via a moronic text system that more often than not, fails. None of the games are currently built for tablets, honeycomb or tegra optimized. So, unfortunately, until Gameloft offers the games on the site as such, you are SOL.
They're idiots...thats all I have to say.
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And I learned something new today, thanks blaine.
So why are they protesting the market?
~DC
The reason, as far as I know, is unannounced. Weird move considering it's the largest phone platform currently on the market. Sure, they're not paying the google fee for apps but I think they lost the vast majority of sales by not being a presence on the market and making it difficult to get their product.
Time will tell
P.S. this game doesn't support tegra2 and will not run on the transformer, even if you find ways of installing it.
Gameloft really does have some of the best games ever, but they suck for not being in the market. And I wish they would start supporting tegra2 I really want to play this game on my tablet!
wonder who their marketing genius is behind this decision....personally will only buy games through the market...it's buggy at times but overall works well. Guess they're trying to build demand for the product. Probably some young hipsters trying to buck the man.
Gameloft has a store set up for the Xoom:
http://wapshop.gameloft.com/php5/us...80f5f752d267d656&from=ADID-149339&promo=bogof
And the Acer Iconia:
http://wapshop.gameloft.com/php5/us...&sv5551=e1d30053e0e9f082d4e0&from=ADID-147084
And I have read that the games for the LG P990 Optimus 2x will work:
http://wapshop.gameloft.com/php5/us...&sv5551=81c380d350b9d085c7b8&from=ADID-147084
I am debating buying the Asphalt 6 version for either Xoom or Iconia myself as I have read that they will work through some googling. If anyone is willing to spend the $5 to try them while I am talking myself into being a guinea pig at least they have the buy one get one deal going on. Asphalt 6 and NOVA for $5? Yes please.
krighton said:
wonder who their marketing genius is behind this decision....personally will only buy games through the market...it's buggy at times but overall works well. Guess they're trying to build demand for the product. Probably some young hipsters trying to buck the man.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then why would you want to support the man?
The only reason why the Market exists is because there are dullards who can't Google the software websites for themselves.
The Market never existed in Windows Mobile, and I was able to find more quality software and information about software than Android.
So to cater to a unwashed masses of retards, software companies have to submit to Google's and Apples dumb down gateway system, letting them restrict freedom thru regulating on what kind of software is allowed and take a cut too.
Like with everything, masses of uninformed people are the single greatest barrier to freedom for everyone.
klau1 said:
I just discovered the existence of this game. where is it on the Market? It doesn't seem to be searchable with the term "Eternal Legacy". Gameloft's own website seems to require that one enters a service provider.
With the Transformer being an WiFi only device it doesn't have a service provider.
does anyone know how to get this game working on the transformer?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
See my post here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=13913276&postcount=246
May be good news for your search.
klau1 said:
Then why would you want to support the man?
The only reason why the Market exists is because there are dullards who can't Google the software websites for themselves.
The Market never existed in Windows Mobile, and I was able to find more quality software and information about software than Android.
So to cater to a unwashed masses of retards, software companies have to submit to Google's and Apples dumb down gateway system, letting them restrict freedom thru regulating on what kind of software is allowed and take a cut too.
Like with everything, masses of uninformed people are the single greatest barrier to freedom for everyone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
At the end of the day, it's all about convenience. If you can't offer that to your market...they aren't going to want the product. It is completely inconvenient for the masses to go to their site, enter MORE billing info, have a game TEXTED to you, download it via a usually broken link, then finally play it.
I was part of the old winmo crew and I fully appreciated downloading software from the companies site...but guess what!? This wonderful concept where all these applications were put in one spot ON MY PHONE with one billing method was invented and gosh darn it, I just think thats a swell place to get my apps!
If they do not want to fall into the market, they're missing 98% of the average phone users in todays world
So yes, Gameloft made a very horrible decision. Lesson here? Don't make your product hard to get.
krighton said:
wonder who their marketing genius is behind this decision....personally will only buy games through the market...it's buggy at times but overall works well. Guess they're trying to build demand for the product. Probably some young hipsters trying to buck the man.
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I wouldn't be surprised if it was something to do with a clash over Gameloft's terrible licensing policy.
I think Gameloft want to optimize its game based on specific hardware.
And I definitely would not complain since:
1. the price is way cheaper compared to the marketplace, (probably the price differs from a country to another)
2. alternative payment option. the games can be paid through telco provider by premium sms charge instead of credit card. Quite convenience.
klau1 said:
The only reason why the Market exists is because there are dullards who can't Google the software websites for themselves.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
and
klau1 said:
So to cater to a unwashed masses of retards,
Click to expand...
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and
klau1 said:
Like with everything, masses of uninformed people are the single greatest barrier to freedom for everyone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Huh? dullards? unwashed masses of retards?
Do you think that possibly there could be intelligent informed users of Android devices who for their own reasons like the Android Market and (gasp) even some of them use the market and other means of getting the apps that they want?
Honestly...this was a pretty ignorant post...
Most of the developers that are protesting the Android market don't like the fact that people can get a refund when they find out that the game sucks.
These developers prefer the Apple market because they can develop crap games and then the consumer is out of luck once they have your money.
Anyway... it's usually about the refund system. Google has cut it back to 15 minutes because enough developers complained, and I'm sure it won't be long before they do away with it altogether.
Drybonz said:
Most of the developers that are protesting the Android market don't like the fact that people can get a refund when they find out that the game sucks.
These developers prefer the Apple market because they can develop crap games and then the consumer is out of luck once they have your money.
Anyway... it's usually about the refund system. Google has cut it back to 15 minutes because enough developers complained, and I'm sure it won't be long before they do away with it altogether.
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This whole thought process I think is damning themselves. I know I've been less click happy on buying an app since they lowered the refund time. I had the market bug and not install the app (when it was 24 hours) and I couldn't get it installed until after the refund time was over, so I fear something similar will happen still and I only have 15 minutes to figure it out. If they get rid of it altogether, I'll deal without most paid apps. At the moment I already refuse to pay for an app through amazon because of their policy.
Of course I might not be the majority, but the return policy was a major reason (one of many) why I jumped ship from Apple and went with Android in the first place.

Newsflash: Android Is Not Perfect

This is just a PSA to all you vicious Android fanboys on this forum that hound anyone who asks the question "what phone should I get", especially when one of those options includes an iOS device or a WP7 device.
So let me get this started. I love Android. But Android is not perfect. Take a deep breath, and say it with me again, out loud.
"Android is not perfect." Was that too hard? If so the following explanation is for you.
Ever since Android first came out, people were hailing it as the iPhone killer. But in reality? It's really not. It may be getting there, and may be getting there quickly, but that's not that point.
It may be a surprise to many of you, but there are actually other human beings outside of XDA that use smartphones. Human beings that are not interested in rooting their phones or spending a lot of time completely customizing them or pushing them to the limit. These human beings want their phones to work when they need them, and that's all. Whether these phones are iOS, Android, or Windows Mobile/7 phones is completely irrelevant to them.
Except, it actually is. But see, not in the way most of you seem to think it is.
People shop for phones nowadays because the have an end they need to reach and they need the means to get to that end. Whether it's something as simple as checking an email message or quenching a thirst to play a game, they take into consideration what is the quickest, most hassle-free way to do this. This requirement is not because they are stupid. Most XDA users seem to think that anyone off XDA just buys iPhones because they are uneducated about "the true power of Android" and all that jazz. Guess what? That's not the case.
Yes. Here at XDA, we can do a lot with our phones. We root them, we build custom ROMs for them, we use features that were locked before, or get versions of our OS that aren't out yet.
But please be damn sure you understand that we are the minority. We will always be the minority. Your experience here doesn't define the mobile landscape, it only improves your personal experience with your phone. Just because you took a few hours to root your phone, find the perfect custom ROM, and settle down with it doesn't make the average Joe who just bought an iPhone (because it does what he wants easily and has all the apps he likes) a stupid user.
Here is the meat of this newsflash; Android wouldn't be here if it wasn't for iOS. (Going further, iOS wouldn't be there without Windows Mobile, and etc etc etc until we reached the very first man who asked 'why can't I see my email from my phone'). Apple took a chance on what people wanted, and realized they had something. They built an OS that was based on the ideals of OS X; simple, straight-forward, good looking, and well received. And so began the App and Data revolution. All of a sudden, the idea of having mobile data became real. These wonderful delicious little things called "apps" made the mobile world much more exciting than it had even been before. And so Apple hit a goldmine, and the mobile landscape had been painted. These apps were well-designed, fun, informative, useful, and people liked them so much, they started to buy paid apps. Apple knows how to market to people, and there success showed.
So then. Android.
Android was birthed out of the idea that Google could cash in on this app world. You may think the intentions were noble, with the idea that it was some pipe dream in the same way linux was; completely open mobile platform. After all, if Apple could have the success with a closed system, Google obviously could rock the world with an open one.
But it's not. Android, or at least what most people come to think of as Android these days, is not "open". It's open to phone manufacturers, and carriers, but that's it. It' snot open to the end user. Why else do we have locked down features, closed-source OEM skins that hinder future firmware upgrades? Why else do we have carrier-controlled Market restrictions? Why do some phones not ship with developer tools, or the ability to install from unknown sources?
Let me be frank. I love Android, but Android is a mess. It's a mess of a bunch of wonderful ideas that would have shined like nothing else in the perfect world, but a mess that didn't anticipate a simple fact; businesses like to make money.
The truth of the matter is that we don't have freedom with Android. Every little part of it has a restriction we need to bypass. Do you buy an expensive high end phone, or a cheaper low-end phone? Will you still be able to play those cool games on that low end phone? Will it get software updates? Is it safe from malware? Buying an Android phone has become the same as trying to buy a Windows PC.
It suffers from the same problem that Microsoft does when compared to Apple's line of computers. Apple builds its hardware AND its software, so they interface with complete precision and function. People with iPhones don't need to worry about security updates, or whether their phone will be obsolete. Apple may release a new phone every year, but the point is that those phones are made to last, both in terms of hardware and software. They even went the next step further and made the iPod touch, which gave phone users who weren't ready for smartphones a taste of what it was like.
My Sprint Hero came out on October 11th, 2009. The iPhone 3GS came out in June of the same year. Both were priced around the same amount, but what stands out to me the most when I think back to when I tested both that year? The fact it took Google this long to make an operating system which took ages to mature enough to be used by HTC to make a phone that STILL could not even give me a smooth web browser, something that the very first iPhone was able to do. Games on the Hero sucked in comparison to the 3D games that were playable on the iPhone.
Now then, Android smartphone hardware has advanced to a significant level, but the point of this whole rant is that Google has always been following in Apple's footsteps in the mobile world, and it's going to be that way for some time.
Be a bit humble about the begginings of Android and what it's become, and for f***'s sake, be a bit mature than just saying "LOLOLOL APPLE SUCKS GG GET ANDROID".
Because it's the rest of the world outside of XDA that defines the success of these mobile platforms, because I hate to say this, but you and I are not part of that outside world of mobile phone users, and we never will be.
The truth is, no one can really say what the "perfect" mobile OS is. All we can do is say what works best for us or what we prefer, but when we state it as fact, as though it's not arguable, that's when we become the fanboys that we so dearly hate. Just keep that in mind.
Opinions welcome, fanboyism from either side not wanted at all. Congrats on finishing this post.
Excellent post. Would read again.
Great things said there. I can see a point in it. But still, I don't either see Ios higher as Android since Ios is a mess too. Let me just take this simple statement. Music on a Ipod/Iphone needs to be converted from the computer to the device, you can't random download a song(on the device) from Internet and play it. Same as the file exploring.. if you want to search for a file, you find a file in some folder like: im/af/on/ar/qr, or just some folders which are messy, and the file types are unknown for the computer. All those small things give me the excuse to stay at Windows Mobile. Simply cause we can download music files and play it, simply cause there is great development on it, simply cause it can be customized how we want it.
Cool story bro
Sent from my HTC Glacier using XDA Premium App
d12unk13astard said:
Cool story bro
Sent from my HTC Glacier using XDA Premium App
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Good job. That must have taken some serious thought to come up with.
This is something I 100% agree with.
When I had a Samsung Moment, I had problems galore with it. Keyboard wouldn't type, horrible support, and the big network lockup. Mind you, a network lockup where you can't call out to anyone is against FCC laws. But just to get some type of damn support for the thing, I almost had to root it. And I'm sorry, but I shouldn't have to depend on an online community for support for a phone when the carrier and manufacturer of the phone should be doing that. What the hell is the point in buying the phone and paying damn near $70 a month if I can't use the damn thing?
Let's also talk about performance of the Moment and how unoptimized it was. The Moment uses the same SoC found in the Iphone 2g, and 3g. The only difference, stock 2g and 3g SoC is 600 mhz, clocked down to about 422 mhz for battery, while the Moment was 800 mhz. Both arm11 cpu cores. The Iphone 2g and 3g despite having almost half the clocked frequency of the Moment, was smoother and had actual hardware support and acceleration. Even this day, Samsung still does not have proper hardware support for the SoC being used in the Moment, Intercept, Transform, Spica, etc etc.
If done right, Android is pretty awesome I'll admit. But if I want a phone to work, I'll get something that actually works.
big advantage of android, but also a weakness:
it works well on many devices, but its not optimised for the spezific hardware of each phone...
gosualex said:
big advantage of android, but also a weakness:
it works well on many devices, but its not optimised for the spezific hardware of each phone...
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Good understanding
I love android because I love to tinker. Nothing could ever change my mind short of the os aging. I will say this flaws or not I refuse to give apple my money. So it's either wp7 or android.
My words to live buy if I can't hack it I don't want it. Just my 2cents
Sent from my A500 using XDA Premium Apps
I would agree iPhones support is a lot longer no network changes added, updates can brick the phones though.
Android need some love. Fragmentation. Networks slow to update. Ui 's being to sluggish to update the phone to higher levels.
All android phones should be aosp no extras from makers or networks.
Love my cm7/miui.us phone but most people would want to flash it or know how to. They would just think might as well get an iPhone.
Just my feelings. I own apple computers. Custom built pcs android phones had iPhones I still use an iPod touch in the kitchen as you can get the best speaker docks for them. Use what works best for the situation.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA Premium App
Android security warning !!
I think android is the best system, but its very insecure if you let it on stock and don't secure it, root it, get rid of some apps and optimize it.
Did you know that a normal app with all permissions can get all your data?
-gps location
-contacts
-logs
-screenshots
-hidden camerashots
-sms/mms
-emails
-photos
-etc
BELIEVE IT OR NOT, THIS IS FACT !!!
There was a test in germany, where a developer made a app with all the rights to do the things above and send them hidden in the backround to a specified server to that he had access. So he could read and see all the things above and it was even updating immidiatly after a new sms or something came in and the testuser who installed it had no clue at all and was shocked when they told it to her.
The App itself was just making photos with a black censor stripe in the eyes and it seemed that it never could do that, but all the real action is going on in the backround.
By the way, he sayd it was very easy and many apps could do that and most of them really do that.
And what I know, many of you don't know or don't care and spread all your information to some companys that like to have them alot. And they allways want more.
Maybe you should spread this information by quoting this post or linking to it, because many people don't like to be ripped of their information.
Or do you like it, when someone is standing close to you and listens all what you say to your friends, when you have a private conversation ? I think not!
check out my signature also.
and be safe!
edit: i think i should post this as a new thread!
Great post, good read!!
Hard to say any mobile OS is perfect. But the world of mobile OS is developing quickly in recent years.
Haven't played extensively with Android and IOS. Currenly, I still think IOS is more polish. Android definitely have a lot of features and I am looking forward to where they take the OS to in the future. It seems like it's an OS that has a lot of support and has had to "grow up" really rapidly.
I actually agrer with everything in this post. Fact is the best technology in the world is technology that is stable, works, and allows the user to complete what ever task is needed.
Last night it was decided my wife and I are switching to verizon why? Cause the wife wants IOS and I am more partial to android and BB and thats the only carrier that has all 3.
Now to add on what was already said I think google needs to pick one manufacture purchase them then do exactly what apple does marry the hardware amd software together to get rid of what can be a problematic OS simply cause with some manufactures android is worse then on others.
Sent from my SPH-P100 using XDA App
(•.•) said:
I think android is the best system, but its very insecure if you let it on stock and don't secure it, root it, get rid of some apps and optimize it.
Did you know that a normal app with all permissions can get all your data?
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You give apps on an iphone or WM phone permissions to do these things too right, so this is a more general problem in the new mobile world...
BTW, I like you're post LiquidSolstice, you could almost call it a fact, it's not that the one is better than the other. It's just that they are different and the majority of people likes easy and simple...
I agree with alot of what LS mentions in the first post. My wife is one of those who could really care less about rooting, overclocking, mem management, or even what version of Android she is using for that matter. She just wants to be able to send that text without the keyboard "hicupping", or to make that phone call without the dialer lagging, etc. I like Android, but I don't like Google's.. well let's say "less than kosher" business practices and corporate involvements. I think a big point to remember is that there will always be people like us that get a huge kick out of toying with electronics. For some, it's a hobby, for others, a career. With that being said, there will also always be those doofies that get on sites like this one and annoy the living crap out of you. Everything needs to be taken in stride, and though there are those who appear to be clueless on a subject, always remember that we all have to learn somehow. Knowledge is not obtained through osmosis.
Android feels like a permanent beta. I prefer iOS for simple tasks plusSbsettings is unmatched. WP7 seems more like a feature phone, it doesn't tell you 'I'm smart.'
I mostly agree
I don't think the problem with android is really the fact that more than one company is involved in developing phones for android. The problem is that those companies, (OEMs & carriers) have been given way to much freedom to decide not only what processor & RAM the phone would have but to put their "stamp" on android. I think the blame for that partially falls on Google for not putting a stop to OEMs & carriers putting their bloatware on phones. Google has been asked multiple times to do something about the "fragmentation" issue & they've refused, so ultimately they are partly responsible for the "mess" android has become.
tsaxda said:
I don't think the problem with android is really the fact that more than one company is involved in developing phones for android. The problem is that those companies, (OEMs & carriers) have been given way to much freedom to decide not only what processor & RAM the phone would have but to put their "stamp" on android. I think the blame for that partially falls on Google for not putting a stop to OEMs & carriers putting their bloatware on phones. Google has been asked multiple times to do something about the "fragmentation" issue & they've refused, so ultimately they are partly responsible for the "mess" android has become.
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Well, carrier "bloat" --I put that in quotes because the current three major skins bring much needed features to Android (whether or not the execution is done well or not is a different argument)-- isn't quite what's killing it, it's the time spent optimizing the hardware for Android.
Android gets slapped on as many devices as possible and then sold as a low end affordable smartphone, and that's the issue, but that's the essence of Android at the same time.
ZeGuitarist said:
Excellent post. Would read again.
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+1 Outstanding post. Completely agree.

The not so hidden evil of smartphones

This is just a wee rant, but i hope it makes folk think a wee bit
Right now, regardless of your Smartphone faction allegiances, we have a number of great devices, including iPhones, Androids, Windows Phones, and even good old Windows Mobiles, All of them great in their own wee ways
But something curious is happening which may have escaped us in the never ending quest to make us upgrade or buy new devices and that’s the "App store"
Personally, i think this "App" name is kind of annoying but perhaps that’s just my age coming in to it again, it’s also beside the point. Forget the differences in names, we all know what it is and by App store I’m talking about all of them
Anyhow, these app stores have a lot to answer for, some of us spend a fortune on them, all those "cheap" programs you’ve downloaded over the past years, many of which you may have even forgot you own maybe nibbled away at your pay cheque. So what happens when one day the unthinkable happens, your fan boy world is rocked too its feet when the satanic Enemy you have despised all these years actually takes your fancy, an after a bit of thinking, sleeping with the devil for that thing doesn’t sound too bad a deal at all, after all, this device IS better, its OS is better, it suites your needs more an damn it, it just looks cool too.
But here lies your problem, you have been chained to an app store for a while now, you’ve picked up many apps an maybe even some STDs, its cost you lots of money and you can bet your life that you cant transfer your apps to this "other" OS, So you have a choice, do you stay with the older phone knowing for well that the phone of your dreams is but a stone throw away or do you say, to hell with my old apps, give it to me now!!
Of course everyone is different, but to ignore the fact that nothing lasts forever and assume that your OS will always be the best would be naive, remember, these companies all have a vested interest in keeping you with them, and getting you on the app store of THEIR choice is one very good way of doing it,
Of Course none of this is new, Windows Mobile was similar but we didnt have choice then, now we do, Hopefully it might make you think twice before shelling out for junk you don’t need, your device might be the best now, but it won’t always be.
Ummm, Here's the best part about me...
I've only bought apps when that 10 cents sale was going on, and only spent $1.80 USD.
Being cheap rules...
Is this post about switching OS's or phones? I'm confused.
True, but it dont think thats always the case, my 6 year old kid managed to blow about a tenner within only a few min, buying cheap helps but if we take google as an example, they dont sell android, they make shed loads of money on advertising and you buying stuff, its in all of their interests to keep you buying programs on their app stores, the more you buy the less likely you are to leave them
They are all EVIL i tell you
^that was a joke
lowandbehold said:
Is this post about switching OS's or phones? I'm confused.
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OSs, you wouldnt have a problem with your apps if you stayed on the same OS, at least one would hope not, point taken tho, couple of wee changes added
i have a literal butt-load of apps for my iphone i have no hope of ever being able to use again. i had my phone stolen during that dark time when the iphone was not available to buy on pay as you go (dark dark times...), and so had to switch to a different smartphone os. at the time it was a htc desire, and i just never looked back, really. partly because i look at iphones and just think "hmm... nothing much's changed. same old same old..."
in an ideal world i'd be able to run my android apps on my windows phone, and have the best of both worlds - but that isn't going to happen any time soon. the best compromise i can see is "buy for one platform, buy for all" - why should i have to re-buy my apps for a different platform? why can't i buy one and be able to download the same version available for different platforms? steam does it with some pc games - including a mac version for free with your purchase. hell, there are even ways to run one os on another kind of machine, so you're not truly "tied" into something like with phones.
/end rant
dazza9075 said:
OSs, you wouldnt have a problem with your apps if you stayed on the same OS, at least one would hope not, point taken tho, couple of wee changes added
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Haha, thanks, that was actually my original comment. Then I thought about it and reread the post and assumed you were talking about the OS and not just the phone...hence the reason for the edit!
Welcome to the wonderful world of vendor lock-in.
I still don't understand why so many of you are so desperate for these website bookmarks with GUIs aka most apps out there. Or, there are 20 task managers, they still do they SAME exact thing as the stock one; there's nothing wrong with the stock one; so, why the heck would you even want an alternate one?
What happened to the days where, if you just had mobile internet access, that in itself was an extreme convenience and everyone had the patience to access every other site via browser?
What about battery life? Do you REALLY need to have 20 email and social network apps and widgets update every 10 minutes? Not really. If its something very important, I'm sure the party who needs to reach you can text or call you.
All of that said, I personally prefer the "older" solutions to this smartphone problem such as Nokia and their Symbian os. Bare, simple, but never fails, doesn't eat battery like 5 starving children, and you don't really have to worry about keeping up with these apps or too many updates. Oh, did I mention FREE gps with FREE downloadable maps, that doesn't even require data connection to be used?
dazza9075 said:
This is just a wee rant, but i hope it makes folk think a wee bit
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Ive always been wary of this as well. Its part of the reason I get the phones I do, At least there should be enough concepts, designs and hardware variations using my O/S to keep me happy. Also even though I have many programmes now I try not to get too trigger happy in the market.
Honestly, I pirated like crazy on android, it was too easy. The upgrade to wp7 was painless.
That's why I always think twice about buying an app. So far I've spent only about $15 on android, another $15 on iOS, and $9 on webos. I have friends who have spent hundreds on iOS. It's impossible to honestly recommend anything other than the iPhone to them.
I did pirate two apps though. The MLB app which they tried to sell for $15 on top of the subscription fees. If I'm already paying them $20 a month, it's unreasonable to tack on an extra $15. The other is the logmein app which was originally $30, but they have dropped the price to free. I would have never bought either one if I had to pay full price so it's not like they lost a sale.
I have never spent a dime on an app for any platform. I used an iphone for about 2 years and switched to Android about a year ago. I honestly don't worry about it. I can find free apps that do everything I want to do. I guess that might come from the fact that i am a Linux user as well. I have been trained to find something that works.
---------- Post added at 04:48 AM ---------- Previous post was at 04:45 AM ----------
bleach168 said:
I did pirate two apps though. The MLB app which they tried to sell for $15 on top of the subscription fees. If I'm already paying them $20 a month, it's unreasonable to tack on an extra $15. The other is the logmein app which was originally $30, but they have dropped the price to free. I would have never bought either one if I had to pay full price so it's not like they lost a sale.
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That's the thing about pirating that I don't think content owners understand. The movie and recording industry claim multi billion dolor losses due to piracy but in reality the people that pirated it had absolutely no intention of buying it in the first place and would not have whether the pirated copy existed or not. So basically they lost no money but have that may more people talking about how good it is. To me that sounds like marketing, not piracy.
"Piracy" isn't in the topic title people...
Wiggy Fuzz said:
in an ideal world i'd be able to run my android apps on my windows phone, and have the best of both worlds - but that isn't going to happen any time soon. the best compromise i can see is "buy for one platform, buy for all" - why should i have to re-buy my apps for a different platform? why can't i buy one and be able to download the same version available for different platforms? steam does it with some pc games - including a mac version for free with your purchase. hell, there are even ways to run one os on another kind of machine, so you're not truly "tied" into something like with phones.
/end rant
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It is unfortunate, but the reality is this will never change. If you tied the big 4 together effectively their revenue would be a lot less, in the case of apple and google anyway, and to be fair, programs from one market wont work on another markets devices, there has to be some work involved todo that so who gets paid for it.
Steam isnt a good compare, as its only 1 vendor, for it to be equal to phones you would need a situation similar to steam selling a game that origin also sells, why should you buy it twice?
In an ideal world you would have a new company that acted like a app store, hosting multiple platforms, of course the big 4 wouldnt like that as it wouldnt tie you to them and they would lose revenue
as far as i can tell, unless you dont mind wasting money, the best solution is to simply not buy anything.
Skv012a said:
What happened to the days where, if you just had mobile internet access, that in itself was an extreme convenience and everyone had the patience to access every other site via browser?
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Completely agree, im not going to get in to a which OS is best debate but thats the sole reason for the OS i use, without downloading any extra it does everything i want out of the box, its a phone with extras, ie, a smartphone
LogisticsXLS said:
"Piracy" isn't in the topic title people...
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it may not be on topic but it is an intersting side effect of the problem
If we role back the clock a few years well before the smartphone era, we have Windows Mobile, i bought a lot of programs for that OS an i still love it
But when i did eventually change i didnt mind buying new programs, after all, the developers had long since stopped developing, newer versions where only available on newer OSs, if they were available at all!
But here lies one part of the problem, now your not tied to older versions of your programs if you stay on any given market, all markets have the same program all be it coded differently so can you really steal something that you have already bought, or is it more likle that you are not buy buying anything,
what exactly are you "buying" when you hit the app stores? The program? the right to "use" a program, the right to use a program on one OS?
kind of a double post
I have over $200 worth of iOS apps that I have no device for. I'm actually considering getting an iPod Touch for a PMP and because I have so many iOS Apps. I'm pretty much waiting for the iPod Touch that has the iPhone 4/4s design but that's another story.
8mileroad said:
I have over $200 worth of iOS apps that I have no device for. I'm actually considering getting an iPod Touch for a PMP and because I have so many iOS Apps. I'm pretty much waiting for the iPod Touch that has the iPhone 4/4s design but that's another story.
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81 bucks in apps on windows phone 7. It doesn't matter, the second someone releases an OS that can compare, I'll jump ship.
vdub12 said:
That's the thing about pirating that I don't think content owners understand. The movie and recording industry claim multi billion dolor losses due to piracy but in reality the people that pirated it had absolutely no intention of buying it in the first place and would not have whether the pirated copy existed or not. So basically they lost no money but have that may more people talking about how good it is. To me that sounds like marketing, not piracy.
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indeed their stuck in the past, the whole system is broken, if people were being rational, they would allow a universal app store, prices would increase and fees would be paid to the various OS makes for using their systems, the customer would end up paying a small amount more per app to fund the additional third party but everything else remains the same only you would have access to all markets that the software makers designed for
z33dev33l said:
81 bucks in apps on windows phone 7. It doesn't matter, the second someone releases an OS that can compare, I'll jump ship.
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then its nice to have disposible income but when that day comes an it might be awhile away, if youve spent a lot more i wonder if you'll think the same then, if it were me, and someone told me id have to take a £100 note out of my pocket and burn it to move devices, at the very least, id be a bit cheesed off!
dazza9075 said:
indeed their stuck in the past, the whole system is broken, if people were being rational, they would allow a universal app store, prices would increase and fees would be paid to the various OS makes for using their systems, the customer would end up paying a small amount more per app to fund the additional third party but everything else remains the same only you would have access to all markets that the software makers designed for
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Click to collapse
Which completely eliminates brand loyalty, I hear often that people only stick to android/iOS when they try my lumia because they'd have to buy all their apps again.

What will it take to make android #1? Voice your opinion here

Hello after hearing about apple reaching 500 billion dollar, my question is what does android need to do to become a serious competitor to apple so that people would rather buy android then an iphone? What does apple have in the iPhone and ipad that android dosent? I would like to see some opinions of what you all think thanks
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Apple has always been the underdog lol Android is still new so it will be at the top in due time.
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reaper24 said:
Apple has always been the underdog lol Android is still new so it will be at the top in due time.
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Well in phones I meant ever since the iPhone came out and iPad everyone is going crazy about there products, I'm not sure why when they have no where near the selection of android
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Android users need Watson, that would literally kick the $*it out of siri. I mean that would be amazing- doctors, researchers in the field, really just anyone in the sciences could use it and the average person could enjoy it as well as learn from it. Android is the perfect channel to reach all sectors and the general public with such a new and really amazing technology.
MunkinDrunky said:
Android users need Watson, that would literally kick the $*it out of siri. I mean that would be amazing- doctors, researchers in the field, really just anyone in the sciences could use it and the average person could enjoy it as well as learn from it. Android is the perfect channel to reach all sectors and the general public with such a new and really amazing technology.
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Click to collapse
Yes the technology is far past apple, in my opinion android will be the future, I try to write what I imagine in the future of technology but I can't put it in words
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I see Android the same way I do Linux. It will attract the true techies but but for the average user it will not appeal to theme as it takes to much work to get it just right and most people are just to lazy
IMHO is the main difference between android and iOS, that android is more customizable and, with that, its more complicated. So, most people who only want to have a working phone which is looking good and don't want to learn anything bout software will buy an iPhone. Because its simpler.
I think android will be catshing up with apple, because it's only getting better, it is open source, the phones is cheaper and more options to change the apperence of the phone!
Why, isn't it the number one OS yet?
Hey thank you all for your replies, I was at best buy couple week ago and a person was looking to buy a android tablet or an ipad 2, I was next to the person when I was playing with a tablet and he asked me do you no what is better? Ipad 2 or this tablet? (He was looking at the Asus transformer) I told him Asus was, but he end up buying the ipad because his Droid phone always get a virus, freezes and so now he thinks all android are like that....if he only knew
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Android311 said:
Hello after hearing about apple reaching 500 billion dollar, my question is what does android need to do to become a serious competitor to apple so that people would rather buy android then an iphone? What does apple have in the iPhone and ipad that android dosent? I would like to see some opinions of what you all think thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can't entirely confuse profits with marketshare (which Android has 51% of, I think they were saying). Apple is able to get away with a higher price markup for lesser specs because
0) low price elasticity - iSheep will continue to buy and to rationalize their mother company no matter what
1) they're facing no competition from other, similar iPhone makers, unlike android makers who compete with each other in both specs and price
2) they slice down anything that even vaguely resembles competition with lawsuits (even where they're clearly not making iPhones)
3) the brand itself has become so hyped that it's able to continue to get new users - I guess you could count this as marketing
They still have a much greater stranglehold on the pad market, so a lot of the profits probably come from that.
Finally, if you believe this post at least, Apple is able to squeeze more profits from the way our carriers and subsidies work. Nowadays, it's standard for the carrier to bundle phones along with their services, in a dual-pay system (the carrier "subsidizes" part of the phone cost in exchange for a contract). Because of Apple's particular market power (users might switch to another carrier if the other has iPhone and they don't), they are able to demand that carriers subsidize more while taking away the profits. That way, they make more money without directly charging the buyers. Indirectly, of course, the carriers probably pay for this through increased fees in general, which means that everyone ends up sponsoring the iPhone.
In other words, they've successfully managed to implement an "iPhone tax". Isn't bundling the greatest thing ever?
As for how to make Android better, updates and better phone compatibility is definitely an issue. ICS, for example, needed to be available quickly for multiple devices as soon as it's released. There really is no way to do this, except.. release it earlier. Have a completely open beta, like the Linux kernel, so that everyone can get compatibility working from day -100 onwards. If flashiness (and non-copying by Apple) is an issue, at least give the manufacturers early access to it, so that they're able to start working on device compatibility right away.
Meanwhile, unfettered by bureaucracy, custom roms are churning out faster than any manufacturer ever could. You could have updates and features faster than you ever thought possible; the average user, however, doesn't know enough, or isn't confident enough to go through the installation process. Google should include an easy ROM installer/backup utility by default. That way, the users get a full taste of the speed and power of openness, which really is so intoxicating that they'll never go back to a closed system ever again.
(They could even put start posting up their own custom ROMs! Imagine what their developers could do, unhindered by the megacompany issues. We would have updates, the like of which we've never seen before.)
If Android was optimized to run perfectly on one core just like Windows Phone 7 than I can see a lot of people using it. When I talk to Android users who don't know anything about custom roms/root they complain about force closes and applications not working. Also how there phone slows down.
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Yeah, agree with two posts above... The slow spread of Android 4.0 is only good for Apple, the big companies should realize that they're depending on the users liking android, and you will not get them to like Android with refusing to give them updates. Sometimes I think they are not able to look into the nearer future to see what's necessary for them...
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great info everyone yes I do notice a bit of a slow down on android 4.0 but I'm on a single core device, hopefully by summer they can find a solution to make android 4.0 more stable and better performance, I feel that the android team is working fast to come up with a software that would bring iPhone users to android, but when iPhone 5 comes out I hope some android phone company's have something up there sleeve that will be able to compete with apple
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*bumping up
Right now there on the right path to becoming number one in the market, what i think they need to do to become number one.
all official releases of android to be the same across all phones, things like TouchWiz to be scraped altogether
moderation on the market to stop useless buggy apps from making the market look bad
an android OS for desktops/laptops that will run consumer products
[\LIST]
Better hardware acceleration on all applications.
I think that iPhone as an advantage : there is only one model.
So you can find dock for desktop, car, audio, ...
Android is only the softwar and each constructor have to make is own accessories and so on.
In my opinion, one major problem of Android devices is about fragmentation.. I hope that Android OEMs can release updates for all devices faster.
mikebzh44 said:
I think that iPhone as an advantage : there is only one model.
So you can find dock for desktop, car, audio, ...
Android is only the softwar and each constructor have to make is own accessories and so on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes that's true but there is more money to be made in the android market rather then the iPhone. There are ALOT of brands and generics that make the same accessorizes for the iPhone and each brand is struggling to make money when they all make the same product, unlike android. Verity is better

Extremely disappointed with the android community

I just need to vent. I'm a fairly active developer for the android platform. I've created a number of kernel patches and applications that I have released at no charge to the community for about 10 or so devices.
All this I do in my "spare time", which I have very little of because I am a full time professional student who takes on 32 credit hour semesters.
Recently, since my 1994 geo prizm is literally falling apart and I was hoping to scrounge together a little bit of money to get a new car so I don't end up stranded on my way to class, I decided to release a paid application. Fastcharge / Force AC toggle which allows you to toggle on and off the force AC feature. A feature which I have personally implemented and released source patches for on a number of devices.
Not only in every thread where I released the patch on a device did I write up how to toggle the feature through the command line, but I also stated that I also implemented a toggle into my completely free application that you can also download from the market, IncrediControl.
In good faith and knowing how annoying licensing is, I elected to not include licensing in my application. This is a huge regret.
Within a couple days of releasing the application to the market I googled it to see if anyone was talking about it. One of the first links was to a piracy site where a user was requesting the widget, to which another user obliged and posted the apk to a filesharing site. Doing something I never though I would have to do, I filed a DMCA takedown request, which was answered quickly and the app was taken down. Monitoring the thread, every single time a link gets taken down, another user requests the app and the original user reuploads it, most recently to 11 different sites.
So now, after filing dozens of takedown requests. This user has decided to unzip my apk, change out the artwork, and now is going around releasing it as his own work.
Really, all this to avoid paying $1.50 (only ~$1 of it actually going to me) to an individual whose yearly income is low enough that he doesn't have to file taxes?
This disgusts me.
This is even worse than the 50% "order cancellation rate" that the widget has. I'm not stupid, I know exactly what users are doing, but yet initially I was willing to ignore it. But this has gone too far.
What is even the point of pissing off a developer so much that he is considering saying screw the platform all together? It doesn't even make sense. We, the developers improve your devices, generally at little or no cost, and this is how we're repaid. With ~50% of current users of the application having pirated it. To avoid paying just over $1.
Now before someone even counters with the "my area doesn't support paid applications" argument I've actually gladly GIVEN the widget away to a number of users who casually mentioned in the release threads that they couldn't download it for this reason. Not to mention, everyone knows there are apps that unlock the market in these areas to be able to purchase apps.
How much more generous can a developer be than to provide source code patches for a feature, provide information on how to toggle the feature, provide a COMPLETELY FREE way to toggle the feature, and then charge a measly $1.50 for a secondary, slightly more convenient way to toggle.
Yet he's repaid like this .
Of course, this must suck for a developer like you. Unfortunately, it seems to happen more and more often, and all I can really say is:
I would gladly pay a few bucks for an application like IC or BootManager. That BootManager seemed really interesting, but we can't buy apps from the Play Store without CC (and as a 16-year old, I don't have one). I asked the developer if he accepted Paypal, but he didn't.
Don't get me wrong, and this is not an attack to you personally: developers, if you made something really nice, and people will like it, 70% of the people will gladly pay for it, just make sure you allow them to.
Chaosz-X said:
70% of the people will gladly pay for it, just make sure you allow them to.
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I honestly thought this was the case. It's really not. The problem is much worse than that. If 70% of users in the root community paid for apps it would be astonishing. Its made pretty clear by the number of users who download the app, back it up and then cancel the order.
If a 16 year old kid had made me that offer, the e-mail reply I sent would have the apk attached.
Well, that is a real flaw of Android: tweakability is really impressing, but these things make it really difficult to earn some money as a developer.
We have been thinking about anti-piracy measures as well, with stuff such as authentication with a server, and locking down the code and verifying integrity of APKs and stuff to make sure it's really hard to mess with the code, but it's just sad that there's a need for these measures..
The trouble is everything has piracy right from movies to game consoles through to mobiles and music.
I mean the iPhones appstore would be a hell of a lot bigger if there was no jailbreaking and installous.
Every platform has been cracked so you'll get it regardless of what you develop for.
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I think you know you just needed to vent but can I change your picture.
There are some people in this world who just don't buy the idea of an idea as property. That's not compatible with this business model. That's the first problem.
The next problem is that
there's a million and one apps out there and which one are we going to choose? Where does it start, where does it end? We all have our limits. What's yours?
For me, the app has to be something very unique and possible generate me cash. For example something I use every day at work. If it's something that the phone should do anyway I tend to skip it and save the $1 for the next phone that does it out of the box. Your app is a great thing, but there's many utility apps out there. It just doesn't fall into the kind of thing I'd cave my strict budgeting for. There are people here with a 1000 apps installed and you expect them to pay $1000 in this sense.
Another way would be having utility in the cloud and then the app is free. Another one of course, advertising.
The difference with both of these is we don't need to risk a credit card with the market. That's the main reason I personally haven't bought many apps and I'd imagine it's a problem for minors too.
The very community that allowed us to create the app fails to pay for it's products is like life itself.
I'd say make something for the iphone instead because there's more profit there but that would never have been possible, see what I'm saying? That's the 3rd problem.
So you've got 3 problems there all converging into one big push towards piracy. But remember, can your app assure security that the pirated version cannot for example? This is how one has to think.
In short,
you can't do something and hope to make a bit from it on the side. You got to go out from the start and get the money aspect central from the start. I mean, that's business and of course that's exactly what the android community works hard to free us from.
Still, summarising those 3 points for suggestion:
- offer something free things can't (i.e. security, brand etc) For example, I never run pirated stuff for fear of insecurity on my data whereas I'll try out software that way on an old PC
- can always put a service in the cloud aka the javascript trap
- iphone is there if you want...
- needs to "the one app" a certain person would pay for, not something everyone likes
Also just to make that point again, if one does not believe in property then inconveniently there is no moral crime here. I suggest learn to live with this and go with the flow
I hope google sells PlayStore cards (like itunes cards) that allows user to buy apps, music, movies, books without a credit card. I really want to buy some amazing apps but i dont have a credit card so i just use free apps. I think that if u cant buy an app that cant be a reason to piracy or sidedownload that app.
jago25_98 said:
For me, the app has to be something very unique and possible generate me cash. For example something I use every day at work. If it's something that the phone should do anyway I tend to skip it and save the $1 for the next phone that does it out of the box. Your app is a great thing, but there's many utility apps out there. It just doesn't fall into the kind of thing I'd cave my strict budgeting for. There are people here with a 1000 apps installed and you expect them to pay $1000 in this sense.
Another way would be having utility in the cloud and then the app is free. Another one of course, advertising.
The difference with both of these is we don't need to risk a credit card with the market. That's the main reason I personally haven't bought many apps and I'd imagine it's a problem for minors too.
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The feature is 100% unique and so is the widget. Not to mention, if you didn't want to pay the $1, I provided a free way to toggle the feature in the utility app. The point is, that there is nothing forcing people to pay for the widget to use the feature. But instead of using the free option provided, they not only pirate the paid app, but edit the artwork and release it for free as their own. It defies logic.
Also, ad based apps don't work with the rooted community. I learned that early on. Myfree utility app is ad supported. With over 40,000 installs you would think it would make even a dollar a day. Nope, makes nearly nothing. That's when I realized that the same niche I was marketing to are the same people who block ads. Even if someone didn't want to block ads, they can't install a single ROM that doesn't include an ad blocking hosts file out of the box.
chad0989 said:
[...] How much more generous can a developer be than to provide source code patches for a feature, provide information on how to toggle the feature, provide a COMPLETELY FREE way to toggle the feature, and then charge a measly $1.50 for a secondary, slightly more convenient way to toggle.
Yet he's repaid like this .
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Be sure you're looking at all sides. Yes, you're in a losing war with guys intent on pirating your app. You can't stop them, and well, you goofed on the licensing, so someone will no doubt release the clone.
First of all, don't do the Big Media thing and assume that everybody that pirates your app would have paid for it if it hadn't been available. A lot of folks collect, or just try something once. You'll only work yourself into a funk thinking about all that money you "would" have if only they hadn't been able to pirate it. They wouldn't have. At least not all of them.
More importantly, be aware that placing something out there with value does reach folks that otherwise would have no idea of you or your plight. More than once, I've purchased an app that I don't really need, but found clever and cheap enough I can buy it without thinking about the investment. I've spent more on Android software at $1-15 over the last year than I did over the last 25+ at $30-100 a pop. I've only refunded an app once, by accident.
Finally, be up front about your situation. A guy trying to make do does influence my impulse buying. So does his reputation. If you're doing a lot, be sure that's clear on your app page, and let us know clearly you're the guy that also brought us whatever.
I am curious, though: How much did you actually bring in?
Chad- thanks for telling your story, I agree that you have every right to be disappointed. Especially the buying and refunding, that to me send almost worse because you can't stop dedicated pirating, but I would have hoped the rest would have bought the app.
It's easy to forget the human side of development, so thanks for sharing your side.
Jesus christ Chad. This is f$%&*#@ ridiculous. Probably the best and most generous kernel dev I have ever come into contact with, and people are cheating you out of 1.50. Please don't abandon Android. I need kernels when I get my rezound! but in all seriousness, warez needs to stop.
Sent from my ADR6400L
Yep. Sucks. After getting serious about android , which wasn't too far in, joining with a nexus one and seeing all the free HARD work we get, I definitely try buying stuff I use. If I can't pay sometimes I will see if dev does something else I can donate to. Its an issue I've thought about and part of it really boils down to how sorry people are in general. They want free and cheap. $1 is laughable even when it can be easily had for free. You really should market yourself a bit even though you don't want to. And people should really put a complimentary $5 or so budget a month or more and try to support devs. Maybe if you have something he gave free but has an app you won't use for a buck, buy the dollar app and uninstall after the 15 minute period. Or throw him a 5 through PayPal or something. Its simple really. If these devs don't have to resort to ramen and water they keep dev'ing especially for the community supporting him or her. And if they're eating vegetables and have plenty of red bull money it gives them wings. Otoh, the devs that make us pay to reinstall an app after we bought it on another or lost our phone suck. Balls. Won't buys theirs anymore.
teach a man to fish, you feed him for life. teach a man to fastboot, and you create competency. and less threads on xda.
Maybe you should implement a system like some developers do where you download the app for free with a time limited trail, then they would go to another website to pay for the app to unlock it, and the unlock codes would be unique for every user which would minimize piracy.
Sent from my GT-N7000 Samsung Galaxy Note "Go big or go home" using XDA app
rafa6571 said:
I hope google sells PlayStore cards (like itunes cards) that allows user to buy apps, music, movies, books without a credit card. I really want to buy some amazing apps but i dont have a credit card so i just use free apps. I think that if u cant buy an app that cant be a reason to piracy or sidedownload that app.
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Click to collapse
In the Netherlands we have prepaid Visa card.
Works well.
Maybe you google something similar in your own country.
(3V prepaid Visa cards)
That does suck but if someone wants to pirate an app even licencing doesn't stop them as there is an app that apparently patches licence checks.
It is so easy for even a non root and new user to find cracked apps, I have seen links on here and even on peoples facebook sites, it's got to the point where people can just browse a webpage and click a link to get the cracked version of an app.
Unfortunately if someone wants to crack it they can. Unless you could implement your own security check somehow, something obfuscated in the code, licencing is the only alternative as it would stop people using backed up cancelled versions at least.
Unfortunately it seems a lot of people just don't want to pay for apps.
Dave
Sent from my LG P920 using Tapatalk
also have to look at both sides. some people just refuse to pay for **** whatever it is, or get it as cheaply as they can. being android apps, the free route is how they're going to go. but the other side, you hsould be grateful for all the people that do pay. they're the ones helping keeping google, open source, android and everything in between chugging along. open source is the future and you can tell every corporation i said that. and thanks for you your work even though i've never used it.
jago25_98 said:
...
Also just to make that point again, if one does not believe in property then inconveniently there is no moral crime here. I suggest learn to live with this and go with the flow
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is plenty to disagree with in your post as it all seems like an attempt at rationalizing ways to get around the system. This last statement is a ridiculous attempt at summarizing why stealing is OK. Your morals don't define the crime, the law does. Stealing property, physical or intellectual, is not legal and not right regardless of your morals or lack of.
Chad,
I am sorry to hear of your products' abuse. I used your kernels all the time on my Incredible devices and bought IncrediControl to support development. I have purchased many applications just to support development and believe that is the way to get high quality applications.
Piracy is just so damn easy on Android. I know ppl that are doing it who I wouldn't even expect to be doing such a thing. This guy I know love android only because he can get everything free by just googling the apk.
awww thats sad i feel really bad for you!
I've used pre paid visa debit cards to buy apps. You can find them in Any money shop like Cheque cashing places for example. You can even just stick a dicky diver (£5) on them. Perfect for situations like this
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium

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