mjschmidt

In case you haven't seen it yet, there is a post on Phandroid about AirPush, and their ad tech that lets Devs push ads to your notification tray even when the app from that dev ISN'T running!

AirPush Sends Ads to Your Notification Pane (And Why I Think It’s Horrible)

Already there has been a backlash against the Dev of APNDroid, who was apparently the first to use AirPush.

APNdroid is suspended on the Android Market - Martin Adamek

That dev removed the AirPush ads from his app after receiving a horde of 1 star ratings and being reported as malware.

I am completely in favour of Devs making money from their apps! I have purchased apps, and I have free apps that serve ads IN THE APP, and I have NO problem with that.

KEEP YOUR ADS OUT OF MY NOTIFICATION TRAY!

I found this thread between Devs and AirPush. Let them know how you feel.

Interview with Air Push

Here is what I told them...

I am not a developer, I am an end user and I am here to tell AirPush, and Developers, that if I download an app that serves ads via AirPush, I will 1. Uninstall the app. 2. Give it a bad review. 3. Flag it as Malware, and 4. NEVER buy that app or install apps from that developer again.

To be clear I COMPLETELY support the right of devs to make money either by selling their apps, or by having ads IN the app.

I have many free apps with ads in the app, which doesn't bother me. I have also purchased apps, some of them after trying the free version.

The thing you devs don't seem to consider is that your app might not bug people... "Hey, it's just one ad in your notification tray", but if many devs start doing this, the tray will be full of ads!

NO WAY.

You can see what happened to APNDroid, it can happen to you too.

APNdroid is suspended on the Android Market - Martin Adamek

AirPush Sends Ads to Your Notification Pane (And Why I Think It’s Horrible)

Airpush happy to support developers who deceive their users (xpost from /r/technology) : Android

I, as a developer, HATE the idea of AirPush. Lets make a list of apps that use it. : Android



I have started a thread in the Developers sub-forum telling them how I feel about AirPush. If you are against AirPush, take a moment to pop over and let them know.

AirPush - A note to Devs

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Last edited by mjschmidt; May 2nd, 2011 at 07:48 AM.

mdram

adblock FTW

sardonycus

Moonbeam development has about a dozen apps in the market that uses airpush. What is it like working with AirPush as a developer? - Quora

UncleMike

Regardless of what developers think, or what AirPush says, if users dislike the concept enough to remove the "offending" apps, nobody will be making money with AirPush.

cds0699

This, I will not have any ap that uses "AirPush" on my phone, period (and I actually do buy paid apps in the Android Market).

chrlswltrs

You can use this app from airpush to not get the ads in your notification bar and still use apps that opt in to airpush:

https://market.android.com/details?id=com.airpush.optout&feature=search_resul t

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Last edited by chrlswltrs; June 15th, 2011 at 07:45 PM. Reason: corrected link

cds0699

Hey man, you accidentally linked people to the demo of the airpush notification (its an app that shows you how airpush works).

This is what you meant to link: https://market.android.com/details?id=com.airpush.optout&feature=more_from_de veloper

AndroidSPCS

Also from another user:
I would boycott any developer who uses Air Push ads. I don't care how great the app is.

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chrlswltrs

Sorry about that, thanks for catching it. I'm on my phone now, but I'll fix my link as soon as I get to a computer.

Edit: got it fixed to the proper link

Last edited by chrlswltrs; June 15th, 2011 at 07:46 PM.

reinbeau

I too would boycott any developer who used this - I pay for apps. Always. If there's a donate version, I pay for it. I will not be subjected to ads on my phone....I don't do ads period, on any platform, if I can block them. If they want to pay part of my cell phone bill then maybe I'll consider it, until then, sorry Charlie!

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Did you read the first post in the thread?

ninja_reject

An app from the developer responsible for airpush? No thank you. I don't have any offending apps, but I downloaded the airpush detector, just in case.

daveybaby

There is no way on earth i would ever accept this from an app - it would be an instant uninstall.

I have no problem with developers using in-app ads (although i can't stand them, and will prefer to pay for an app without ads than have a free app with ads), but bombarding me with ads outside the app itself is beyond the pale.

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chrlswltrs

I also always by apps, and if there is no paid version, I use AdBlock anyways, I can't stand ads. At least there is an app to permanently opt out of these SPAM notifications!!

coeyv

So I have downloaded the airpush detector, which comes up with nothing. I am getting airpush ads though. I have opted out using their app, but then deleted the app, and the ads are still there. So I guess I have to either delete all my apps or keep their damn app? I'm very frustrated with this, as I've wasted several hours with it. I agree that it's just going to push people away from the platform. I've tried to find a list of offending apps, but can't seem to find one. I've read something saying airpush claims that the user will only get one ad a day, but i just got three. I feel like throwing this phone through a Verizon store window.

chrlswltrs

Are the airplay developers on here? I can't think of anyone else who would actually answer yes to the poll...

Harry2

This is may be an other kind of AirPush named LeadBolt.
Apps with this kind of addons push spam on the notification bar

'AirPush Detector' finds AirPush addons but not LeadBolt's.
The app 'Addons Detector' lists all addons on the phone.
When AirPush or LeadBolt is on the (very long) list of apps for an app then this app is a source of notifications bar spamming.

Uninstall the so listed app and you'll get rid of this spam
But don't forget to write an review in Market before you uninstall!

For more info you'd search in this forum for LeadBolt.

Harry

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Last edited by Harry2; October 31st, 2011 at 03:37 AM.

Umito

As one of the devs of Addon Detector. Please let us know if our app doesn't detect one of the push notification ad addons of the spamming app. Next update will allow filtering just for these kind of addons. Until that one is released, check for Leadbolt and Airpush.

Let us know if you get spammed by apps that don't list one of those!

Stormray

Ive noticed a correlation between no longer getting ads and rooting on my old device. Once I rooted it, the ads stopped.

This is the equivalent of adware on a PC if you ask me... And I suggest you do what you can to rid of it.

Snowman269

I would actually leave the Android system if Google adopted this as an ad technique. That's how serious I am about NO ads in my notification tray.

Stuntman

The poll needs a 4th option called, "Hell no!!!"

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jerofld

While I would never tolerate a notification ad on my device, I can understand where some people might be more inclined to use it if in app ads interfered with app usage. Perhaps a toggle between airpush and in app ads would be a great compromise

Green1

Absolute worst idea ever!

Ads in an app are one thing, but what gives any developer the right to install ads when their app isn't even running!

Addon detector found me my culprit. I recommend NOBODY ever use "Canada Traffic Cameras" again.

Last edited by Green1; November 24th, 2011 at 06:17 PM.

UssjTrunks

+1

mjschmidt

Here is an app for detecting AirPush-enabled apps: https://market.android.com/details?id=com.brosmike.airpushdetector&hl=en

I have started a thread here to generate a list of AirPush apps: List of Apps using AirPush

It turns out that not only do they push ads to your notification tray, they can also place shortcuts on your screen!!!

Airpush - Developers

LucyCaboosey

I have deleted several apps that were guilty of air push adverts. Adverts within apps I can handle but I don't want icons in my notification bar. Let alone notifications for dating apps! This does raise some eyebrows with my poor boyfriend when he sees I'm being advertised dating agencies on my phone!

zuben el genub

Apps that don't use push also need to vet the damn ads. I've seen the same for dating services, plus some religious ones. Accidently fatfingering one of those ads could be a problem if the ad has the same privileges as the app like access to your contact list.

bigdrew

I think the Android Market TOS should forbid this practice based on devaluation of the Android brand. If developers want to incorporate notification-based ads, then they can publish elsewhere--just keep it out of the official marketplace.

Cryssie

I answered no.
Apps who push adds into my notification bar would be uninstalled immediately.
My problem with this is not the ads persé. I have no problems with some advertising in a good free app. It is the fact that airpush comes out of the app and basicly hijacks your phone. I feel it is violating to have an app change your possession.

alostpacket

Sadly I fear this will become an arms race as ads on the web have.

And ultimately we may end up with a new "notification" permission, which would really be kinda sad.

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Stuntman

I recently installed NFL Pro 2012. It pushes ads to my notification bar. I'm contemplating removing it as I don't play the game very often as of late because I've been rather busy as of late. I'll see if I want to continue playing it on a regular basis. If not, I'll uninstall it.

Update: got fed up with notifications. Uninstalled it just now.

Last edited by Stuntman; December 25th, 2011 at 07:41 PM.

Stuntman

Well, at least the notifications I get from NFL Pro 2012 are obviously from that app. I know which app to remove in order to get rid of those annoying notifications.

ByQ

I published in android market app that can block airpush ads.

You can download it from market: https://market.android.com/details?id=pl.byq.airblocker

Only for rooted devices.

If it works correct please rate app.

Thanks

Kie

I'm with the overwhelming majority of No! More ads sounds like a push (no pun intended) in the wrong direction! We're supposed to be inventing new ways of selling products to customers, no throwing as many boring ads as possible at them.

Sounds like a good app, ByQ. I'll put it on my 'to download' list if ever I get airpush crap.

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primetech

Airpush doesn't just send ads though, they also send malware. There are often things made to trick you into thinking you have messages, or need to update something, when often you will get billed for touching these things.

Airpush also cares more about keeping developers from getting in trouble with their users than they do about providing good ads.

So no, Airpush is not a good ad choice. It's not even a legitimate one.

Unforgiven

I'm ok with ads in apps that don't interfere with using the app (e.g. unobtrusively placed in the app or pop ups between actions) and give me the option of going ad free. I do use ad block, but would support an app specific variety as some apps supported by ads don't provide enough utility for me to purchase them so I would like to support them thrugh ads. The notification bar however, is off limits to me. I decide what can put something there and is not for adverts. This is non negotiable for me.

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Mayhem

I can't recall the name of the app that spammed my notification bar, but it did so despite the fact that adblock was running.

I could look and see if I can find it in my reviews, but I make no promises.

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chrlswltrs

I use Adblock also, but I also always buy an app if given the option.

Had the same thing happen to me, I gave the app a 1 star review and emailed the dev. He emailed me an ad free apk and I believe he has since released a paid ad free version. I did not buy that app or use the ad free one he sent me as a matter of principle. And developer that wants to use airpush will never get 1 penny from me!!

Seb79

Hello,

I'm a french android dev.
I've got an app that comes in 2 ways:
- a free one with ads IN the app (only banners) that could be removed by purchasing the ad-free in-app option directly IN the app.
- a paid one that is the same than the free one without the ads (for people that have no access to in-app purchase).

Lot of users ask me to do a widget to display directly the infos on the home instead of having to launch the app. I'm ok with that but then if they do not start the app anymore, the ads won't display anymore and no more revenue !

So, I was thinking to add a widget to my app and then when the user choose to install the widget and so can view the app infos directly through the widget, he'll receive notifications ads (only for users that didn't purchase ad-free option).
If he removes the widget, he won't get anymore notifications ads and stil can use the app normally.

What do you think about that? Which better solutions could you propose?

Thanks.

chrlswltrs

My recommended solution would be to make the widget part of the ad free version. Free app = no widget. That is much more reasonable than ever putting apps in the notification bar!

Unforgiven

First of all, nice approach asking here first.

I see your conundrum, as this is the first justifiable reason I have seen. I am not a developer so I am not sure what options you have with regard to notifying the user. Here are my thoughts as a user.

Make sure that you are able to only activate AirPush in the widget (this is where my lack of dev skills leaves me short). Even if your intent is noble, if it isn't technically possible to prevent AirPush when the user isn't using the widget, you may alienate your users that you have already.

Make sure the user knows that you are using AirPush. Put that early on in your app description and basically tell the story you did in this post. I think users are more upset when they have to hunt around for the offending app. I also don't know what you can do for notification that activating the widget activates this feature, probably something on the widget configuration screen, but if you could do a popup when the widget loads informing the user, it may be helpful.

I think most users want to support developers and many would understand. I just think you need to disclose, disclose, disclose. I use free apps with well placed ads and where my desire for the app is sufficient enough to justify the price, I'll buy it. If I have downloaded a free app and before I even get to try it out I have AirPush ads that I don't know about, its gone and I am not getting anything from that dev again.

BTW, I feel this same level of disclosure should be used for apps that support in app purchases (especially games) as my 4yr old has zapped me before and I didn't know it was even an option. I would have disabled it had I known, but nowhere in the app description or in the app itself could I find any disclosure.

Anyway, just my two cents

mjschmidt

I should think that this thread demonstrates just how much hatred there is for pushing ads to the notification bar. Keep in mine, for each person who takes the time to complain, there are many more who agree, but don't say anything.

The solution seems to be a simple one. Either; a) release the widget as a free stand-alone app WITH the push ads, BUT with a warning in the description that they are in use; and/or b) have a PAID version of the widget that doesn't serve ads.

One alternative I've seen for free widgets is that the ads are shown when the user goes in to the widget settings.

mjschmidt

New article on Phandroid about new app from Lookout that detects/identifies apps pushing ads to the notification tray.

Find those pesky Ad-pushing apps with Lookout

pinappu

Ads in notification area.......what a horrible thing.

Mayhem

It tells me that Mobo Video Player uses it.

Lookout's detector tells me that Screenshot 2.1 does.

I've not seen air push ads since uninstalling the app that initially did.

I really need to see if I can find what program that was. Anyone know if its possible to find your reviews specifically?

Concat

Pretty terrible to start advertising in a core function of the phone. Next step is for apps to start fake-calling you and leaving messages or texts for ads.

If an app doesn't explicitly state its ads will appear in the notification area, it's malware.

chrlswltrs

IMO even if it states it, it is still malware!

Concat

Hehe, yeah I don't like it either way, but at least if you read the release notes and it says it supports Air Push you can move on...

Not knowing where the ads are coming from is just plain dirty.

Check out the Reddit thread ---> Airpush happy to support developers who deceive their users (xpost from /r/technology) : Android

There's a chat log from a customer service rep at Air Push, and she seems to support the idea that end-users shouldn't necessarily know what app is pushing the notifications.

I get that developers are their customers, and not the end-users, but hiding this information definitely constitutes malware.

I can see some legitimate uses for Air Push, such as ad-supported widgets, but it should be something the end-users are made aware of prior to installing. Otherwise it's practically a trojan.

And yeah, if this becomes the norm for ad-supported apps, then Google is seriously devaluing it's own product by allowing it.

chrlswltrs

if this were to somehow become the norm as much as I like Android I think I would jump ship to another OS! I think there is way too much backlash for this to ever really take off though.

Seb79

Hello everybody,

Sorry for the late reply... too much busy...

And big thank you all for your responses!
That's confirm my thoughts.

I wanted to get your opinion on other thing too even if I guess it ;-)

It exists another indirect way of making money. Some networks pay a fee for each installation of the app. The network SDK install 2 or 3 shortcuts on the Home that redirects to a web search engine.

So, no ads and the user can delete those shortcuts.

So, is it worse, better or the same than notif. ads?

Thanks.
Seb.

Harry2

Maybe some Japanese will jump the ship ...
http://m.engadget.com/default/article.do?artUrl=http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/23/kddi-putting-ads-in-the-notification-bar-on-android-phones/&category=classic&postPage=1

Harry