Database Info

Remove ads

Anyone know of a way to remove ads from applications without purchasing them?

I got this from one of the posts here on xda.

Worked pretty good man, thanks I appreciate it.

No problem, I just came across it in one of the threads here so I am not trying to take any credit here.

Put the hosts file in /system/etc

mrinehart93 said:
Put the hosts file in /system/etc
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The zip file has a text file with instructions.

So why do ads in free software really bother people that much?
I mean TV Commercials really get to you that bad?

Kcarpenter said:
So why do ads in free software really bother people that much?
I mean TV Commercials really get to you that bad?
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yes thats why i only watch dvr or hulu

It never ceases to amaze me how people expect others to spend time and money developing apps and products and then just give them away for nothing...........Would you go to work if they decided not to pay you?? So, why would you expect them to work for free?? The people who develop these apps know how cheap people are, so they get companies to pay them to advertise on their apps so we can get them for free.....if you don't like the ads, buy the app!

sdotcarlisle said:
yes thats why i only watch dvr or hulu
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DVR FTW!!!!

sdotcarlisle said:
yes thats why i only watch dvr or hulu
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Hulu has commercials! lol very short ones, but they do!
I just don't get why people comment in the market "Ads, uninstalled"
Do people not realize the ammount of time it takes to write an app? This **** aint simple.

chfields said:
It never ceases to amaze me how people expect others to spend time and money developing apps and products and then just give them away for nothing...........Would you go to work if they decided not to pay you?? So, why would you expect them to work for free?? The people who develop these apps know how cheap people are, so they get companies to pay them to advertise on their apps so we can get them for free.....if you don't like the ads, buy the app!
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Sorry thought we were talking about commercials. I didnt read any posts above KC's. I concur buy the app if you dont want the adds.

I mind the ads less than I do the pompous people who complain about what I should do. This thread was clearly titled so if my blocking ads from MY phone on MY service bothers you so much just stay out of the thread. No reason to start an argument since the OP's question was answered already.
If you really wanted to debate this why not start your own thread? This would allow you to voice your oppinion and for others to avoid reading it. There are plenty of reasons to want to block ads, not just in apps. Is it really worse than running adblock in Firefox? If you take adblocking away from me just take the web away too. If I have to look at ads I would learn to live without the internet.

I bet your on a pirated copy of windows with other pirated software installed as well.
Why start another thread for it, I was just saying somebody might be trying to buy some groceries, and disabling them makes it that much harder to buy the appropriate stuff to do all this. I'm sure you're well aware computers ain't cheap, neither is the education.
I wasn't trying to start any thing, but peoples "give it to me free I don't want to work for it" attitude pisses me off. Especially if it is my work that went into it.
Damn my moral values and ethics, damn my hard working self.
An yeah, I think running Adblock in firefox is pretty bogus too, hosting is expensive crap especially if you have any kind of traffic volume. The ads support the website.
Is it just me or do you apparently not know how this stuff works?
I go to school and pay 60 grand to learn how to write software and want to make a few bucks off an ad click or two to help pay the loan off...hell maybe even buy another phone to dev from... but your too high and mighty to click on an ad link so a company throws me a penny (almost litterally) for something I GAVE you? Pretty cheap dude, I'd hate to see what you get your girl for her birthday.
I guess you really do deserve it free...I don't think your service pays for the dev...but what ever free is free right?
Free beer people, free beer.
OH and incase you don't get the free beer reference here you go, Ill give you this too so you don't have to do any work to figure out what thats about.
And to everyone else, sorry for the rant/thread high jack...well i guess thread reuse since this has been solved...I have a sore spot about this kind of stuff if you didn't notice.

To each his own, to you it is an insult for a person to feel like they have a right to determine how they use their property and the service they pay for. To me it is exactly what this community is about. I'm kinda surprised you have anything to do with the rooting/custom ROM community since the idea of using it the way it is given to me is not exactly what happens here. You also assume incorrectly about my piracy. Windows Vista came with my laptop, Windows XP came with my desktop. I think the majority of internet users would agree that ads ruin the web experience. It is my computer/phone and I pay for my service so if I want to block ads it is not up to someone else to put me down for it.
As for the apps, sure if you want an app and it costs money then by all means pay for it. For me I will buy apps that I deem worthy, however I am not interested in my network and GPS being used every time I open some app. The person who wrote the app is free to stop providing it ad supported but that does not give them the right to decide what traffic I allow over my phone and service. If I wanted someone else to be able to tell me what I can and can't do on my phone I would buy an iPhone.
BTW, I'm not trying to be a jerk here or make enemies or raise the hate even. I guess you take it a little more to heart how others choose to use their phones. For me, it is up to them. I do think it's kind of lame though to accuse someone of piracy just because they block ads.

jlem26 said:
To each his own, to you it is an insult for a person to feel like they have a right to determine how they use their property and the service they pay for. To me it is exactly what this community is about. I'm kinda surprised you have anything to do with the rooting/custom ROM community since the idea of using it the way it is given to me is not exactly what happens here. You also assume incorrectly about my piracy. Windows Vista came with my laptop, Windows XP came with my desktop. I think the majority of internet users would agree that ads ruin the web experience. It is my computer/phone and I pay for my service so if I want to block ads it is not up to someone else to put me down for it.
As for the apps, sure if you want an app and it costs money then by all means pay for it. For me I will buy apps that I deem worthy, however I am not interested in my network and GPS being used every time I open some app. The person who wrote the app is free to stop providing it ad supported but that does not give them the right to decide what traffic I allow over my phone and service. If I wanted someone else to be able to tell me what I can and can't do on my phone I would buy an iPhone.
BTW, I'm not trying to be a jerk here or make enemies or raise the hate even. I guess you take it a little more to heart how others choose to use their phones. For me, it is up to them. I do think it's kind of lame though to accuse someone of piracy just because they block ads.
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Hey, I am all about making something better...its what I do. Hacking this stuff together and making it better than sprint could is top notch. But you aren't defacing the value of someones work here....like I said, your cell service doesn't pay the developer, the ads do. GPS location is a little extreme for any app that isn't geo-centric, but a little data never hurt anybody - expecially anybody with our plans.
Again, I as you, am not trying to get pissed at anyone, but advertising is the only way some companies survive, narrow margins are hell for anyone. Been there, done that.
And the acusation of piracy was stereo typical and short sighted, my appologies, I get heated - quick.

jlem26 said:
T For me I will buy apps that I deem worthy, however I am not interested in my network and GPS being used every time I open some app. The person who wrote the app is free to stop providing it ad supported but that does not give them the right to decide what traffic I allow over my phone and service. If I wanted someone else to be able to tell me what I can and can't do on my phone I would buy an iPhone.
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Click to collapse
You know...I was all set to jump all over you until I read the above. While I agree with KCarpenter that application developers should be paid for their work, I cannot disagree with what you said there...each time an ad-enabled application is opened it automatically opens a connected via your mobile network to an external site to load it. This does in fact mean that someone else is controlling what your phone does/doesn't connect to...
The only workaround I can see for it is to either not use ad-aware applications at all, or block the ads from being able to be run at all through a hosts file update. Unfortunately I can't see a way around it. Morally I'm stuck on two fronts. #1. I don't mind ads because they do support further development for some applications (the ones I like I purchase, ad problem goes away). BUT...#2. Having someone else force my phone to a site I didn't send my phone to grates on me.
In a perfect world, all apps would be donate-ware, or function limited until purchased. But this isn't a perfect world and there are way too many scum balls out there who would take someone else's work and freeload off of it. Hence the ads.
Bah. Moral dilemma. I hate moral dilemmas.

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I don't think the ads are so annoying yet that anything would really be worth the trouble of blocking. Rarely do I even notice the ad when I am in it. It's one of those things that you just tune out eventually. It's a shame but some of these apps that run on ads will access GPS to get your location, I am assuming because the ad company is catering ads to your general vicinity. IMO this is overboard on the ads and each time it starts the GPS it is in fact using my battery. The only reason my GPS should come on is if I want it to. This was the tipping point for me and why I started blocking them. The ads alone are not that big of a deal, but just because I am opening up some cheap game or rss reader or something doesn't mean that I should have to give up all my personal rights. They can show me an ad, but stop following me around. Well, that's just my take.
As for the developers of the apps, I love these guys. If I didn't appreciate their work I wouldn't have it on my phone. I have no problem helping them out, I'll feed a hungry wolf in the wild but I won't feed it by hand.

AdFree in the market works pretty well.

XDA: The time is right

Dear XDA: I think the time has come for you to step out of the shadows. I was at Barnes and Noble the other day and started looking for a magazine in their sizable magazine section. I was frustrated when i went to look for a magazine about android -anything- and found zero mags. However, i did happen to find 12 magazines covering apple. Soo i searched online and to my dismay have only found one magazine that covers android and only apps. Please save all of us who love android and need something to read on the toilet. I promise you i will be the first to subscribe. There is a desert wasteland when it comes to android magazines and you could be our oasis. Seems like now could be the opportune time.
(sorry for the dramatics...just thought it would be fun to post my thoughts about this...)

A magazine on Android ? hmmm...

It's a good idea. There's inough content out there right now to fill a year's worth of monthly editions. I'd subscribe (as long as it wasn't priced unreasonably), and it could open way more people to Android rooting/flashing/modding...
Sent from my HTC HD2 using XDA App

+1 thats whats missing actually. go for it XDA. u properly backed up anyway, so ...

Definitely a good idea. The democracy has always overthrowed the dictatorship. That's just the way the world goes.

If nothing else, and I hate to say it, think of the revenues.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App

an XDA-MAg it's a good idea, specially if my work it's on the front page....hehehe .
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Sounds cool. But sounds dangerous for xda also. Just thinking that people who aren't supposed to root or mod their phones might pick up a magazine andtry, then fail, maybe even brick their phones, and then they try sue xda. All i'm trying to say is I think it's best for people who don't have the mindset for modding or whatnot, to not be introduced to it or even tempted.

Kailkti said:
Sounds cool. But sounds dangerous for xda also. Just thinking that people who aren't supposed to root or mod there phones might pick up a magazine and try, then fail, maybe even brick their phones, and then they try sue xda. All i'm trying to say is I think it's best for people who don't have the mindset for modding or whatnot, to not be introduced to it or even tempted.
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A Warning on any article helps, they cannot get sued just because someone brick their phone, it wont be XDA fault.

Yeah but some narrow-minded twit is bound to try and go after xda at some point anyways, if it hasn't happened already. And there's always an opportunistic lawyer to accomodate (apologies to any members who happen to be lawyers lol). That's why there are disclaimers at the top of almost every thread. At least magazine revenue would help pay the legal defense fees.
This site has gotten so big since Android got hot, there's a constant influx of people who just bought their first smartphone and already know they want it rooted with CM7 and A2SD, but have no idea how to make it happen. If properly implemented, the mag could be a roadmap to get them started, and teach them some forum etiquitte (search, read, search, read, find correct forum to ask in) before they end up neck deep in technical terms they've never heard before, and a device that no longer boots. Beats following some half-ass youtube video with a megaupload link and then having a first post on xda titled 'help i bricked my...'
Edit: damn you, skepticalguy, you stole my spot ;-p
Sent from my HTC HD2 using XDA App

yes,agree............

TheSkepticalGuy said:
A Warning on any article helps, they cannot get sued just because someone brick their phone, it wont be XDA fault.
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A warning/disclaimer won't be a magical 'no lawsuit' pass for anyone. If enough people face issues and ends up bricking their devices, the magazine will get sued. Whether the lawsuit succeeds or not is up in the air, but I doubt it's 100% guaranteed to fail and, more likely than not, retailers selling the magazine will then ask themselves if they should continue stocking it or not.
And, of course, we're just talking about lawsuits from regular folks. Imagine if Google (or any number of other corporations involved in profiting from Android) gets a hold of the news that there's a magazine out there advising the general population on hacking the OS. Somehow, I think this is going to be another one of those times when 'Do No Evil' no longer applies.
If XDA decides to gets its own magazine, it should do what others have done: Give advice to look up how to do it, but do not offer any direct advice. If the people reading the magazine decides to continue doing it, then they only have whatever advice source they looked up to blame if something screws up. Of course, this still doesn't give the 'No Lawsuits' pass, but it'll probably be a much stronger case for the magazine.
All of this could just be my pessimism speaking, so no one has to feel that what I said will be unalterable reality. Still, it seems like an awful lot of risk for an attempt to get into a market that is supposedly not doing so well. I mean, there's nothing wrong with being online-exclusive. I doubt Engadget, with its 5+ million visitors, is complaining.

True true. The xda portal is pretty much like engadget itself. And engadget gets some of its news from xda also. Guess the problem is, the amount of people that are interested in hacking and modding, which is a relatively small amount. And well, as said before, we don't want to be inviting people who aren't supposed to be hacking or modding, else we get more threads saying how they bricked their phones. So maybe it's best to just stay as it is now.

^ Yes, you are right about that, but perhaps it's not as matter of exposure.
Look at the iPhone. Jailbreaking is much more widespread than Android rooting, but last I heard, it was still only about 2-4% of the entire iPhone userbase that was doing it. As others mentioned, there are several iPhone/Apple magazines too.
I think hacking has always been the domain of a small number of folks who probably knows the method to find out how to do such things by themselves anyway. The overwhelming majority probably doesn't want to hack and additional exposure by magazines to them might increase the hacking community by a small amount, but probably not any very significantly.
Rooting/jailbreaking/custom ROMS/etc will probably continue to be the domain of folks like those who frequent XDA and it's unlikely that it'll ever be as popular as, say, downloading MP3s until it becomes a super easy/risk-free task that has an undeniable benefit to the common man.
But frankly, I don't see a need to make it as common as downloading MP3s anyway. XDA is freely available to anyone who wants to know and, for those who don't want to know, let them continue using a stock Samsung Nexus S.

Yes... xda is the way forward! It is improving alot!!!!!!!!!
Now we have xda tv, i cant wait to see whats next!
Also @OP, why don't you take your phone to the toilet LOL You will have your all in one phone/magazine/browser
Jokes!

LMAO I actually just read the last few posts on the crapper!! Get out of my head!
Sent from my HTC HD2 using XDA App

huggs said:
LMAO I actually just read the last few posts on the crapper!! Get out of my head!
Sent from my HTC HD2 using XDA App
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ahahahh

Android Piracy - Real numbers

Hi
few days ago i have released my game on android. I have spend almost a year on development.
There are two option available lite and full ( paid ) full - with full content, and lite with truncated content. Implemented market licensing library. And two separate analytics to track lite and full version separately.
After an hour from release there was first payment, and of course user canceled within 15 minutes transaction.
After 3 hours - i have noticed that google is indexing illegal APKs . What the **** !
They tells that are for developers , and in other side they indexing pirated content ;/
So far there were total 7 full purchases in 3 days
So here is analytics from full version ( from 3 days )
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What should i think about this ? 7 purchases and 2600 UU ????
ps. i dont publish title in case of removal ( some may think it is promotion )

There is a lot of piracy on android, its very easy to find pirated apps and there's only one solution I could think of although not sure it is a perfect solution.
That would be to have the app check for licence validation and if none found over a long period of say a month have the app refuse to run until it can check with google but it might annoy a lot of potential users.
Dave
( http://www.google.com/producer/editions/CAownKXmAQ/bigfatuniverse )
Sent from my LG P920 using Tapatalk

mistermentality said:
That would be to have the app check for licence validation and if none found over a long period of say a month have the app refuse to run until it can check with google but it might annoy a lot of potential users.
Dave
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is license validation - but already cracked ;/

hi tajniacki
I think that you are little bit on lost position. I think thats why some devs release only free apps with advertisements inside - but this have also some disadvantages:
I had app for kid - about learning letters. - After some realease dev add ads inside app thats ok for me - but how can i explain 2yo kid to not click on color bars that appear on bottom of screen?

^ haha good point. I think developers will have to go the extra mile in android. I think devs should use some type of Internet based verification (this would actually be a really good startup idea i think). Similar to windows except nothing works if the app is unable to connect to the internet every so often.
Sent from my Kindle Fire using XDA

As Blizzard ? Keep most of the stuff on remote servers and play only after logging in ? It will be very hard for small devs , and startup idea is good
Everything can be cracked but this is madness :0 A lot of companies tried to have better DRM protection without luck. So we are on the lost position which is very sad.

BorrowADolla said:
^ haha good point. I think developers will have to go the extra mile in android. I think devs should use some type of Internet based verification (this would actually be a really good startup idea i think). Similar to windows except nothing works if the app is unable to connect to the internet every so often.
Sent from my Kindle Fire using XDA
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That's a big problem for people like myself who live in areas where they can't always get reception for a licence check or who don't have a data connection.
I bought a panorama camera app then found it only works when connected to internet....bit pointless if you are trying to take pic of a place that has no reception though.
Dave
( http://www.google.com/producer/editions/CAownKXmAQ/bigfatuniverse )
Sent from my LG P920 using Tapatalk

tajniacki said:
As Blizzard ? Keep most of the stuff on remote servers and play only after logging in ? It will be very hard for small devs , and startup idea is good
Everything can be cracked but this is madness :0 A lot of companies tried to have better DRM protection without luck. So we are on the lost position which is very sad.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is sad. Especially for small developers that spend tons of time and don't necessarily have the resources to implement insane drm and licensing/validation structures.
I think like much pirated content, we just have to hope there are enough decent people still willing to pay for things. And realize not every pirated copy is a lost sale. Pretty lame that they are readily indexing that stuff, but I'm guessing it'd be hard not to.
I'd hate to add up how much I spend on apps. I've probably only refunded a couple times when I felt the app wasn't what I needed or if I already had a competing paid app I felt was still stronger.
Good luck!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda premium

Yes, it would be expensive and impractical for small devs. But on the flipside, only the more expensive apps are readily available as pirated copies.
Im not saying u need Internet every time. But u will need internet for installation and u will need it like every other time u use the app. Obviously not the way to go for many types of apps.
Sent from my Kindle Fire using XDA

Wow, I knew Android piracy was bad, but I didn't realise it was that bad. The worst part is that whatever DRM or whatever you add, they'll crack it in days Tools like apktool or apk-manager or whatever, while designed to create mods and themes etc. for apps, make it all to easy to reverse engineer apps. Sucks, but I guess that's "how it is"
EDIT: It's not hard to see why many devs turn to putting ads in their apps and releasing for free.

I think the best way to look at piracy as a content creator is to look at the people that illegaly download your content as a group that isn't a part of your potential customers. These people always justify their ways by saying they "wouldn't buy it anyway". But then if you wouldn't buy it anyway, why the hell do you want to pirate it?
It sucks but that's the way it is! I think you should just try and look at the positive side that your work was that good that it got pirated

The_R said:
I think the best way to look at piracy as a content creator is to look at the people that illegaly download your content as a group that isn't a part of your potential customers. These people always justify their ways by saying they "wouldn't buy it anyway". But then if you wouldn't buy it anyway, why the hell do you want to pirate it?
It sucks but that's the way it is! I think you should just try and look at the positive side that your work was that good that it got pirated
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's easy to say, but when 7 out of ~3000 customers are paying, it's not so practical any more.

Most pirates are the younger generation, imagine, they have no options for paying the app, therefore they become pirates and unfortunately they stick to it.
If there were young people-friendly payment methods then maybe 15-30% more would pay.
So this is the sad reality we're living in.
Sent from my HTC Optimus Ray S

To be honest, most piracy occurs with apps the user would not purchase but if they can get it for free they would try it. I am not defending the act I do not pirate and have only purchased 4 apps. It is a catch 22, I do not want to waste money on crap, and the developer deserves their due for there efforts. If piracy did not exist, I guess my point is that you would not have nearly the number of downloads
Flyer

iok1 said:
Most pirates are the younger generation, imagine, they have no options for paying the app, therefore they become pirates and unfortunately they stick to it.
If there were young people-friendly payment methods then maybe 15-30% more would pay.
So this is the sad reality we're living in.
Sent from my HTC Optimus Ray S
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is very true, as a young teenager I had no choice, as I had no income source, no cc to validate when I did get money, and it just stuck. Only recently have I realized that it's not a good practice. I still pirate all of my media initially, but many things I buy, especially if the dev or artist is struggling or new (Sarah donner and her music) or if the product is absolutely amazing (minecraft, the binding of isaac)
Sent from my DROIDRAZR using XDA

SifJar said:
That's easy to say, but when 7 out of ~3000 customers are paying, it's not so practical any more.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe put a version of your app out there with a few features disabled but use adverts in it and perhaps it would earn more income as people will click ads at some point and each click is money you might not have from the app if only selling one version?
Dave
( http://www.google.com/producer/editions/CAownKXmAQ/bigfatuniverse )
Sent from my LG P920 using Tapatalk

You guys are forgetting about adblock on android. But yes, I have pirated some apps, but if I like it, I'll support the developer. If the Dev gets no money, that means no app.

You can easily filter the illegal downloads with email address verification. Very effective and low cost.
App: Public Key + Email Address
Server: Private Key + Verification Algorithm

This is extremely sad, and I think we need to set a fire under Google to do something about it. The problem is it is hard to do anything without closing the system, which would be to much like apple (evil)! So here is an idea; when someone is sideloading an app, the installer checks the market, and if it finds that is a paid app, it refuses to install it! Only problem would be with things like the amazon app store, where they both have the same app. They could at least make the app produce a sort of license before it installs. I know nothing of drm, so don't listen to me if this is dumb.
Sent using Tapatalk

Wow, I would never expect it to be that bad for a phone.

Scumbag App Developer

Please people, specially parents who have kids,
Don't download this app named "Yummy Burger Kids Cooking Game"
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...m_term=yummy+burger+kids+cooking+game+android
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It may look like a cute game for kids, but It has Many In-App purchases hidden inside without the knowing of the user.
The In-App purchases immediately happens when you start playing the game.
And mostly The In-App purchases could cost you more than 100$ !!!!
I don't know how that app got so much good rating and is still not removed from Google Play.
Please everyone I request you to at least report the app and get it deleted from Google Play.
(P.s: If this topic is posted somewhere else, feel free to report it and have this thread deleted).
Sent From My Pencil

I created a similar topic a while back on another forum but I'll repost it here
So I just wanted to give all the parents of young children out there a heads up.
If youre a parent Im sure youve let your young one play games on your phone. Maybe youve even gone so far as to let them download what they want to play. I am one of those people. My kids have never had an issue with downloading paid applications and Ive constantly stressed to them to stay in the "free" section.
Recently though, after checking my bank account, I noticed a few separate charges totaling almost $100. :shock: Guess what the charges say... GOOGLE *FREE APPS GOOGLE.COM/CHCA -$49.99 .... Ironic dont you think?
It was my wifes kindle that my youngest had been playing with. I checked all the apps wondering what he could have possibly bought. Every app was coming up clean. So far, no app even had the ability to purchase anything. That was until I came to the end. YUMMY BURGER KIDS COOKING GAME. Sounds innocent enough. I opened it up and was stunned. Its free to download but your immediately asked to make purchases. Any purchase made requires no authorization. Just another press of a button and it goes through. The way the app is designed, a kid would have no clue theyre even making a purchase. Its laid out in a "cute" restaurant menu style page.
So some of you may be saying, "its your fault, you should have been watching." Quite correct. I learned my lesson. So let my mistake be a lesson to you all. Though I trust my kids not to download inappropriate or paid apps, I SHOULD be keeping a more watchful eye over them. With that said, I still feel the developer of these "KIDS" apps is a douche. The app is designed in a way to get your children to make these accidental purchases, and once made, well, too bad your fault. I have never come across another app that makes purchases so ridiculously EASY. Every app with in-app purchases comes up with multiple pages where you can always go back. With this though, any accidental press may end up with you paying through the nose.
Check the app out for yourself ( https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.giantmonster.bestcoolfungames.yummyburger ). Check all the one star reviews. See how many other people have been victimized. I dont know why this is allowed. So what did I end up paying nearly $100 for?
$8 For "Kids stand mode"...
$35 for "Cheats"
$50 To "Unlock All"...
I cant even figure out what "Cheats" does!!!
Thank god $100 wont make or break me. But read some of those reviews. Youll see a few are single moms where $100 spent can completely ruin their budget. A request for a refund was sent a week ago, and I havent even received so much as a simple "NO". I read the reviews on a few of the other devs apps and they seem to be the same case.
Sorry to bore any of you. I just needed to vent.

So u were a victim too of this app.
Sent From My Pencil

Yep. Just under 100 wasted. I flagged it in the market but it doesn't seem to matter.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

That's appaling.
How do they do that?, extreme coding!
Anyway, I've shared this with my Recognized Contributor buddies and I'll sk them to flag it.
Was going to download, but not after the rediculous amounts it charges!

If I had the ability to I would send DDoS attacks to his computer and smartphone
"Friends forever." - Ventus

Flagged.
1 million downloads, I wonder just how many of those people were ripped off... could this app be funding terrorists?
Sent from my piece of crap Zio until i get my E4GT back from Samsung, using XDA Premium app

Mattix724 said:
Flagged.
1 million downloads, I wonder just how many of those people were ripped off... could this app be funding terrorists?
Sent from my piece of crap Zio until i get my E4GT back from Samsung, using XDA Premium app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just figured it out...they probably got the high ratings by the people they paid for.
You can't probably play the game, even a single mode without making payments less than 8$.
Sent From My Pencil

Flagged on GPlay and the iOS app store using my Dads 4S

More than 1 million downloads...
If every person got scammed and made purchases around $50-$100 than the developer is rich!
His money must be taken away and returned to users!
I reported the app, and so can YOU!
Sent from my sending thing (copyright by domini99 )

ppero196 said:
More than 1 million downloads...
If every person got scammed and made purchases around $50-$100 than the developer is rich!
His money must be taken away and returned to users!
I reported the app, and so can YOU!
Sent from my sending thing (copyright by domini99 )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes obviously. Its a shame that Google Play is not removing that app. No wonder how much money that developer has got by deceiving people.
Sent From My Pencil

It seems to be all of the developers apps. He should be brought down and forced to pay back the money

The permissions list for the app does include the "Market billing service - Allows the user to purchase items through Market from within this application". I am not saying the guy is not a scumbag and that the app shouldn't be removed from the market, both of those things are true, but a lot of people really just don't pay enough attention to the permissions lists during app install and ask questions of the developers before installing it as to exactly why their app needs a certain permission.
Here is the report link on the Play store so people can report it easily.
Google App report link

Just to clarify, when you make an in-app purchase here, it doesn't send you back to Google Play asking you to confirm the $60 purchase?
I would've recommended password-protecting Google Play with a program like Perfect Applock.

mf2112 said:
The permissions list for the app does include the "Market billing service - Allows the user to purchase items through Market from within this application". I am not saying the guy is not a scumbag and that the app shouldn't be removed from the market, both of those things are true, but a lot of people really just don't pay enough attention to the permissions lists during app install and ask questions of the developers before installing it as to exactly why their app needs a certain permission.
Here is the report link on the Play store so people can report it easily.
Google App report link
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should probably know that most of the free apps these days have in-app purchases for coins, xp, etc. So that's no big problem for most of us as we know that. But for this app, an in-app purchase is there for every game mode and purchase happens immediately.
Sent From My Pencil

mf2112 said:
The permissions list for the app does include the "Market billing service - Allows the user to purchase items through Market from within this application". I am not saying the guy is not a scumbag and that the app shouldn't be removed from the market, both of those things are true, but a lot of people really just don't pay enough attention to the permissions lists during app install and ask questions of the developers before installing it as to exactly why their app needs a certain permission.
Here is the report link on the Play store so people can report it easily.
Google App report link
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I Agree yes the dev has done it in a pretty bad way but tbh google play does tell you the permissions.
Its down to the users to read these and decide if its ok or not, personally I would never install any apps on a kids device that have in app purchasing, or for that matter have a google account linked to it that has card info saved.

As I stated before, I feel I am at fault for not keeping a more watchful eye over what my kids are doing. The problem I have is the app solely exists for the purpose of trying to trick someone into an expensive purchase.
1. Not all parents are as tech savvy as you may be. They see FREE app and their assumptions go no further. They may know nothing about in app purchases.
2. All legit games with in app purchases have confirmation screens. They bring you to the play store where you are asked if you're sure you would like to go through with the purchase. In this app, once you hit an item, you're as good as charged.
3. The purchase prices are absurd, not to mention some of the purchases don't actually do anything.
4. Any other app that charges prices even remotely close has ongoing development. This has none. So what are we funding?
As you can see the dev created this app to prey on unknowing customers and children's mistakes. This app was never intended to be an actual game. Its just a scam in an application wrapper. If my child was playing smurf village for instance , and purchased some berries, the only person I would be mad at is myself.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

Dsoto87 said:
2. All legit games with in app purchases have confirmation screens. They bring you to the play store where you are asked if you're sure you would like to go through with the purchase. In this app, once you hit an item, you're as good as charged.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Damn, that's bad news.
What if you have more than one mode of payment, though? They'd have to ask.

thebobp said:
Damn, that's bad news.
What if you have more than one mode of payment, though? They'd have to ask.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And surely this comes back to the whole not having a account with a payment method?
You could easily set up your kids a google account so they can download free apps

You're right. Great idea. Parents definitely should be looking at ways to limit any errors. The thing is, Apps like these don't belong on the play store. They serve no purpose but to pad the "devs" pockets. You're not understanding that this really isn't a game. I don't have an issue with in app purchases.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

Girlfriend cheating!

So my brother came to me today and knows i can root phones and whatnot. He thinks his girl is cheating on him. He says she has one of those apps that changes the notification icon of recieves messages from certain contacts and the messages dont show up in her normal inbox. At this point he just wants to catch them in the act. So, she has a samsung galaxy S1 and i know i can root it. He said he wants it so when she sends/recieves a text, it saves whatever is sent/recieved to a file OR saved in a database somewhere. and he wants a gps on her phone that lets him check where her phone is.
What apps/hacks can i use to do this without her knowing? He said hes even willing to pay for any apps if neccesary. But the apps cant be noticeable. Thank you guys Raidenbeats out!!

Raidenbeats said:
So my brother came to me today and knows i can root phones and whatnot. He thinks his girl is cheating on him. He says she has one of those apps that changes the notification icon of recieves messages from certain contacts and the messages dont show up in her normal inbox. At this point he just wants to catch them in the act. So, she has a samsung galaxy S1 and i know i can root it. He said he wants it so when she sends/recieves a text, it saves whatever is sent/recieved to a file OR saved in a database somewhere. and he wants a gps on her phone that lets him check where her phone is.
What apps/hacks can i use to do this without her knowing? He said hes even willing to pay for any apps if neccesary. But the apps cant be noticeable. Thank you guys Raidenbeats out!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Look for any apps named like Shady SMS or whatever. It's like THE cheating app. If she has that, you don't even have to catch her.

Since she is going to know right away that her user data got all wiped when you rooted it why bother

^^^^^^^ this. Yeah really. If she's going to know since her data gets wiped. I'd recommend your brother having a good friend of his, one that she doesn't know, or at least doesn't know what he drives, have him drive your brother around and see where she goes. She won't know cuz she won't know that she's being followed. Or just have your brother's friend follow her...
And take this from someone with experience with this, women are VERY VERY good liars. Unlike us men, who are kinda good liars, but women, they are twice as sneaky as us men, TRUST ME! Anyway, if he catches her with another guy, and she lied about where she was at, and she says that they are JUST friends, she's lying! She's a freaking LIAR! And NOW is the time to KICK HER TO THE CURB! And then find the guy she's hanging with and twist his neck! Or at least curb stomp his little bitc# ass!!
Sent from my HTCONE using Tapatalk 2

Well he already knows she is cheating. He just wants to catch her. He also said he doesnt care if it wipes her user data, he will make her background the same as it was before and redownload all her apps. She already "accidentally" deleted all her contacts (because she had the other dudes number in there) so she wont notice that. + shes kind of a bimbo and would probably just chalk it up to her phone dropping. (She cracjed the screen and thinks that will mess up the software so it wouldnt be hard to convince her otherwise)

So no one has an app/hack to suggest?

NubzX said:
Since she is going to know right away that her user data got all wiped when you rooted it why bother
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
root does not involve wiping data, you can root S1 easily with framaroot app, here you go too many apps out there
Check this out!You , YES! you are an " Android ". Not your phone but U.
You Must watch this documentary concerning your privacy Terms & Conditions we had agreed to, by using a PC or Smartphone
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Assuming you're in the US/Canada or any country in the EU this would be highly illegal and I'd advise not doing it.

Tell your brother to take her somewhere that is in public with a lot of people around, expose her for the POS that she really is, and leave her there.
Then he should throw a party to celebrate throwing out the trash.
Cheating is for selfish, pathetic, spineless and untrustworthy people.
If you don't want to be with someone, treat them like a person and be honest, just tell them.
Sent from my HTC One using xda app-developers app

c5satellite2 said:
Tell your brother to take her somewhere that is in public with a lot of people around, expose her for the POS that she really is, and leave her there.
Then he should throw a party to celebrate throwing out the trash.
Cheating is for selfish, pathetic, spineless and untrustworthy people.
If you don't want to be with someone, treat them like a person and be honest, just tell them.
Sent from my HTC One using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately, this thread will be closed if it starts to be about cheating girlfriends instead of being about rooting and "spying" apps.

ohwut said:
Assuming you're in the US/Canada or any country in the EU this would be highly illegal and I'd advise not doing it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He owns the phone and pays the phone bill

Raidenbeats said:
He owns the phone and pays the phone bill
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe so but in some countries (US and Europe) there are still laws that apply to illegal interception of communications.

Well anyways, what are some apps or things i can do? Anyone know of anything good?

http://www.crazyandroid.com/top-10-android-spy-apps-you-dont-want-to-miss/
Sent from my HTC One using xda app-developers app

Secret Sms replicator i used that once XD caught my GF planning to have something with best friend,uhm well they did XD haha they were shocked when i showed them their messages XD haha any way search the file on the web if you cant find it pm me,i thinks its not available on the web,i bought it on a forum

You are strongly recommended that you should not post these kind of threat here in xda. Because they are non legal and they intrude with the policy of xda's policy if non development. So beware before posting such threats.
Sent from my HTC Wildfire using xda app-developers app

xtatsh said:
Secret Sms replicator i used that once XD caught my GF planning to have something with best friend,uhm well they did XD haha they were shocked when i showed them their messages XD haha any way search the file on the web if you cant find it pm me,i thinks its not available on the web,i bought it on a forum
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is the app hidden on their phone rhough?