FREE? Not Really.

**Rob** · 10-27-2008, 03:24 PM

Many applications listed as "FREE" are actually crappy demos that do pretty much nothing but link you to a webpage where you can buy a full application.

That is total donkey poop and I want to make a running list that calls out these applications... they are LISTED as free but they ARE NOT FREE if you judge free by something called principles and values.

Fast Food Calorie Calculator ($9.99)
IM+ All-in-One by SHAPE Services (Free for 7 days, then $20.00)

drustvold · 10-27-2008, 03:50 PM

Free to download not so free to use.

This is to be expected with any kind of subscription based app. Google needs to change "free" to "subcription: $.$$" and then have the discrition say if there is a free time period to try.

Flatman · 10-27-2008, 03:53 PM

total crap.

**Phases** · 10-27-2008, 04:02 PM

Post here with these applications as you come across them and we'll edit them into the original post.

krstofer · 10-27-2008, 06:32 PM

Hey Rob,

what about subscription apps or trial betas like andNav?

gewgluvr · 10-27-2008, 06:40 PM

Those little "$" signs you see posted in from of those numbers mean that this file will soon be posted on ThePirateBay.com .... with crack included. It's like a big shiny red flag or FREEdom.

Durf · 10-27-2008, 07:16 PM

Wait till the spam community figures out an automated script into google market. Think it won't happen? just wait.....

**Rob** · 10-27-2008, 08:27 PM

1) Automated Script is explicitly banned by the Android Market Terms of Service... I wouldn't risk that

2) I also wouldn't risk downloading "pirated" apps since they are linked... directly to... your phone number...

Just my opinion - I won't preach or anything!

krstofer · 10-27-2008, 09:29 PM

I kind of agree about downloading pirated apps, but more because of a possible attack when using pirated software on my phone. Esp since there is the whole security hole they found in the browser.

shoes · 10-28-2008, 06:40 AM

But I thought that the only way to have an app within the app market is for it to be free? Developers can only submit apps that are free and according to some info I found here and there, the paid apps in the Android market are not expected (nor possible for submission) until March next year? What am i missing?

BTW - not a G1 user - how do you like the apps available for it right now? Compared to stuff you used on some other phones?

PhantomTrace · 10-28-2008, 10:05 PM

Apps are very promising right now, the capabilities are endless. Im highly anticipating BioWallet

MaReKoKa · 10-29-2008, 09:30 PM

IM+ All-in-One by SHAPE Services says it's free... for 7 days and then you have to buy it for $20. Baloney! Put this cr@p in the demo's area.

teilo · 11-04-2008, 11:01 AM

The demos are there because the developers want to post their commercial apps today. They do not want to wait until March.

I agree, Google should force these into the Demo category.

But remember - Marketplace is in beta. Of course, so is 90% of the software that Google runs.

airprakken · 11-09-2008, 01:50 PM

The Android Market Developer Distribution Agreement says this:

3.3 You may also choose to distribute Products for free. If the Product is free, you will not be charged a Transaction Fee. You may not collect future charges from users for copies of the Products that those users were initially allowed to download for free. This is not intended to prevent distribution of free trial versions of the Product with an “upsell” option to obtain the full version of the Product: Such free trials for Products are encouraged. However, if you want to collect fees after the free trial expires, you must collect all fees for the full version of the Product through the Payment Processor on the Market. In this Agreement, “free” means there are no charges or fees of any kind for use of the Product. All fees received by Developers for Products distributed via the Market must be processed by the Market’s Payment Processor.

Note that "upsells" are encouraged.

Having demo versions or timed out versions for free download but requiring purchase to get all features or continue all features is a very normal way to sell and buy software. I agree that the Market should make this clearer like a website would but there is no rip off in selling software this way.

There will be lots of software on Android and a lot of it will cost money. Most developers need to sell software or services in order to buy food and put their kids through school. I am very excited about the entire Android environment, in particular the completely OPEN nature of the application software. Historically, open software has also become the norm and I have high hopes that even Verizon will be forced to open up.

GasBot · 11-10-2008, 11:46 AM

As has been said before. The market doesn't allow you to select anything other than Free when you're submitting an app. Thus the reason every single app in the market says free.

g1tube · 11-11-2008, 05:26 PM

I guess we will see lots of better apps when developers are allowed to charge.