Database Users

Google hits Cyanogen with cease-and-desist letter

http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/24/google-hits-android-rom-modder-with-a-cease-and-desist-letter/
So this is interesting: apparently Google's hit the developer of the Cyanogen modded Android ROM with a cease-and-desist letter, asking him to stop distributing the closed-source Google apps like Gmail, Maps, and YouTube. What's a little strange is that Cyanogen is targeted at "Google Experience" devices like the G1 and myTouch, so it's not like Google is really protecting anything here -- leading us to wonder if they're just using the copyright argument to shut down a popular mod that's tempted over 30,000 users into rooting their phones.
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Click to collapse
I sure am dissapointed in google right now.

Is Google turning into Microsoft? WTF! Cyanogen has done nothing but help make a lot of people into Android fanatics. What happened to the idea behind open source? I for one am behind Cyanogen 100%, in any way I can help.

donepate said:
What happened to the idea behind open source?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the problem is that he is distributing closed source applications. ie. you tube, gmail etc.
if you read the story here... http://androidandme.com/2009/09/hacks/cyanogenmod-in-trouble/
it makes more sense.
[20:20] <cyanogen> no they are talking specifically about the closed-source google apps
[20:20] <cyanogen> and how i am not licensed to distribute them
[20:20] <cyanogen> my argument is that i only develop for google-experience devices which are already licensed for these apps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Is is just me or is http://www.cyanogenmod.com/ down?

And now his site is down
I hope he continues modding - he can always do it without the close source apps and leave it to us to acquire them on our own.

his site isn't down Ive been on it today. I think it's picking up publicity traffic now so its a bit slow. Hopes this gets sorted out.
Good for him. (the publicity traffic that is)

driskl said:
his site isn't down Ive been on it today. I think it's picking up publicity traffic now so its a bit slow. Hopes this gets sorted out.
Good for him. (the publicity traffic that is)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure enough, I can access it again.

All respect and support to Cyanogen.
If the issue is really about those proprietory apps, then I'd just remove them, and keep going!
Big props @Cyan

I was on his irc channel last night, and he was apparently already talking to people about substituting for open source apps....
Let`s hope so!!

I just downloaded Save Cyanogen from the market and signed a petition.

I'd just assume he replace the closed source apps with Open ones and drop Gmail all together, I don't have any much use or trust them anyway.
Go go gadget hotmail calendering, contacts

Stop knocking him and employe him!
Come on Google make use of the talents of some of these developers, personally I find his work more stable than my Vodafone rom

Official Google statement
Code:
http://bit.ly/1YFWlA

anyone know where I can download cyanogen?
http://www.cyanogenmod.com/downloads/stable-rom says not found.
never mind... found it with google

I just don't understand the main reason that google is going after cyanogen for. Currently right now there are the HTC devices and Google branded devices that can run this software. So while cyanogen himself don't have the license to distribute the software it is being installed on devices that would have the software on it anyway. I would also argue if this is the problem for Google they should provide a way for end users to download these needed applications directly without needing to go back to a main rom. Is the contacts sync which syncs to google proprietary? That would be something that really can't being taken out of the OS i don't think. I just believe that Google is being unreasonable and at the same time shooting themselves in the foot with this action.

ive read in a couple of places that this is the end of android. Thats the dumbest thing ive ever read. And ive read a lot of really dumb stuff

DMaverick50 said:
ive read in a couple of places that this is the end of android. Thats the dumbest thing ive ever read. And ive read a lot of really dumb stuff
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is dumb, its not great, but hardly the end. Just means its pushed underground, which doesn't help the devs, users or Google

Of course it's not the end of Android, but it surely will have a huge impact on the platform. Google just killed a great chunk of community and things will never be the same again.

It's probably Google's way of seeing what would happen if they pushed. Kind of a "test the waters" thing. Sad to see it go this way. I had high hopes for Android but all that glitters......

heres from the dream forum.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=4615831#post4615831

Suitable Finance App for Android UK

Guys,
I'm looking into getting an Android (HTC Desire looks like the best Android machine but oh would love to be able to get hold of the Evo or similar).
A couple of grey areas I need to sort out are:-
1. Rich Text Format read & write.
2. Finance software.
Reference the Finance software, can anyone point me to having a read on what would be considered a suitable application that can allow me to use the finance program similar to how Cash Organizer on Windows Mobile works.
i.e. Have an index of Accounts, Register, Projects, Planner, Budget, Reports.
Accounts would list all the accounts.
Register would list all transactions within a particular account.
Projects ~ as it says.
Planner would list all future transactions so you can see at a glance what is coming out and what account it is going to.
Budget ~ as it says.
Reports ~ as it says.
My Brother who has a Desire tried briefly MyMoney but he told me it's not powerful enough.... however, I'd like to hear more on this from other users.
These two items are at the moment stopping me changing from Windows Mobile to Android.
If anyone can help it would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
Beards

Anyone have any ideas??

Hi Beards
Currently I'm using Financisto. It has everything you mentioned except the planner part, which I miss too. But it links your money operations to location and you can see reports based on location. Check it out and tell me what you think. If you'll find a better app please let me know.
Mantas

mantasvarnagiris said:
Hi Beards
Currently I'm using Financisto. It has everything you mentioned except the planner part, which I miss too. But it links your money operations to location and you can see reports based on location. Check it out and tell me what you think. If you'll find a better app please let me know.
Mantas
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Many thanks Mantas for your contribution.
You mention there is no planner with this software. Unfortunately, this is one of the most important factors, as I need to be able to add all my monthly repeated outgoings so that the finance program will look at them on the specific date and automatically add the item to a named account.
At present all my testing has to be carried out on my Brother's Desire as I am still in the deciding factor on whether or not to ditch my Windows Mobile HD2 and move on up to Android.
Have you tried MyMoney or any other application.
I will however ask him to install Financisto and get him to show me what it can and can not achieve.
Thanks again.
Beards.

have you tried firewallet I installed it last night but not played with it yet.
Sent from my HTC Desire using the XDA mobile application powered by Tapatalk

madmossy said:
have you tried firewallet I installed it last night but not played with it yet.
Sent from my HTC Desire using the XDA mobile application powered by Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'de be interested to hear your comments ~ especially if it does what I am trying to replicate from Cash Organizer.
Does it offer a 'Planner' so you can plan your spending's in advance and see from a Tab what date a transaction would be due to be added?

Beards said:
I'de be interested to hear your comments ~ especially if it does what I am trying to replicate from Cash Organizer.
Does it offer a 'Planner' so you can plan your spending's in advance and see from a Tab what date a transaction would be due to be added?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've set mine up to include all my direct debits for the month and they are set to occur every month on the same date, if thats what your after.
There is a 30 day trial of it on the market place, search for Firewallet.

madmossy said:
I've set mine up to include all my direct debits for the month and they are set to occur every month on the same date, if thats what your after.
There is a 30 day trial of it on the market place, search for Firewallet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, a direct debit planner is ideal.
I'll get my brother to download and test it out for me.
Thanks.

also check out easymoney. that's what I'm currently using after trying out several other options. I'm probably not as much of a power user as you, but I think easymoney can do what you want.
best of luck, and if you do find something perfect I'd like to hear your thoughts.
Sent from my HTC Desire using the XDA mobile application powered by Tapatalk

When I switched from WM to Android this was also one of my constraints.
Used to work with SPB Finance for years. It never really updated but did a very good job (planner included).
I have now found a good replacement in ClearCheckbook.com.
Is actually better as they also have a website account which syncs nicely with the Desire.
If by planner you mean repeating transactions then yes it is available.
Also have a good customer service .... quick at replying
Only downside is you need to pay for a subscription ....

unclesomebody said:
also check out easymoney. that's what I'm currently using after trying out several other options. I'm probably not as much of a power user as you, but I think easymoney can do what you want.
best of luck, and if you do find something perfect I'd like to hear your thoughts.
Sent from my HTC Desire using the XDA mobile application powered by Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sjengie said:
When I switched from WM to Android this was also one of my constraints.
Used to work with SPB Finance for years. It never really updated but did a very good job (planner included).
I have now found a good replacement in ClearCheckbook.com.
Is actually better as they also have a website account which syncs nicely with the Desire.
If by planner you mean repeating transactions then yes it is available.
Also have a good customer service .... quick at replying
Only downside is you need to pay for a subscription ....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Many thanks for the additional Apps to try.
My Brother is popping round tonight with his Desire in order I can try out a few of these titles.
I'll certainly post back which I found most comfortable in using.

Well, thanks once again Guys for all your input.... It has been most welcome and truly appreciated.
I've 'briefly' tried all the Apps you can install and can see both positives & negatives on all but admit these are based solely on my own personal requirements as one App may well suit one user very well whereas with another user it limits the usefulness.
Financisto ~ I found limiting to my requirements.
I was surprised there is no recurring payments or split transaction to name but two.
It was easy to navigate and in no time I was up and running with several accounts.
Location was different and useful. Definitely see a use for this.
Firewallet ~ I found the Bill Reminder (Planner) but it was limiting in the choices given.
Again I could not see any way to split a transaction and worse I could not find a category list.... Please update me if I got that wrong as again I only managed to test it out briefly.
EasyMoney ~ was by far the most professional App, both in it's design and operation of use.
There is so much you can play with this App and love.
Granted I personally would like more control over say individual category expense lists (ability to see at a glance how much each category has spent over a period of time) but of the three I tried EasyMoney held me captive longer.
With more time it could well be my choice... Next step is to purchase an Android and investigate it further myself.
ClearCheckbook.com ~ being an online accounts manager looks promising purely for the fact I can manage the accounts either on the Laptop or on the Android.
I did not get a chance to try this out; namely due to the fact I first need to create an account with ClearCheckbook and then see exactly what is transferred to the Android device.
It is one which I will investigate after I purchase my Android Phone so again my thanks Sjengie in bringing it to my attention.
Once again thank you all.
Without your input I would not have covered the ground I wish to undertake prior to my Phone purchase.

Cheers for the quick review. I'm after a finance app so I'll give some of these a try.

hi beards et al
I'm very much in the same boat as you & it is great to see I'm not the only one in this dilemma.
I will try easymoney again as I did not find it to be that good when I first looked into this a few months back.
I installed firewallet & got a quick response to a query from the developer re importing data so will try playing a bit more with that. (he advised me to create the accounts I want with a zero initial balance and then import transactions for each account one at a time. will definitely make living year to date transactions easier although I guess I'll have to add in all the categories too).
if you guys could share your methods of migrating your data across into yr new apps & any other tips & tricks that would be great!
also if there are enough of us cdnt we try lobbying a developer to tweak their app to our requirements or even get a WinMo dev to release an Android version of their app?
regards
Ansi
Sent from my HTC Desire using the XDA mobile application powered by Tapatalk

Thanks for the feedback Beards. Hope you get your Desire soon...

I'm also a SPB finance user on WM and I haven't found anything yet that does nearly such a good job for me on Android, (I've tried all those listed here and more) But another one to try is "Loot" it is free, there is a "pro" bolt on that costs money and adds a few extra features, for me it is one of the closest to SPB finance but still not close enough!
I'm currently still using my Touch Diamond 2 winmo phone for finance tracking (you'd be astounded how long the battery lasts if you leave it permanently in flight mode btw!)
P.

popkid said:
I'm also a SPB finance user on WM and I haven't found anything yet that does nearly such a good job for me on Android, (I've tried all those listed here and more) But another one to try is "Loot" it is free, there is a "pro" bolt on that costs money and adds a few extra features, for me it is one of the closest to SPB finance but still not close enough!
I'm currently still using my Touch Diamond 2 winmo phone for finance tracking (you'd be astounded how long the battery lasts if you leave it permanently in flight mode btw!)
P.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks... I'll mention this one to my Brother.
I know what you mean in not finding that perfect title.
Maybe it's because we are so much used to the WM application that we can only see what that particular title can give us.
I've loved using Cash Organizer for many years and I know no matter which Android application I find and use it's not going to give me the same as CO.
Having said this, I am sure there will be areas in Android where I did not realize I needed which I'll find and love.
As such I'm going to go in openly and receptive, to look only for the good in the program.
If I can't find the good then there's no point in afterward searching for the bad....
Now I need to focus my attention on getting my Android phone.
It's going to be difficult as my HD2 has for the past 6 months (or so) given me great service and I've been happy with the WM software.
But as we know, it's no point staying with a 'safe' product, you have to look outside the box to better your aims.
HTC Desire or Samsung i9000 Galaxy S
Don't you just love technology.

I don't know anything about this software, I just read a blog post about it...
http://www.mint.com/
Apparently its something from the iPhone that has just been brought to Android.
EDIT: Hmm...just been reading through and everything seems to be in dollars and how it "connects securely to nearly all US banking financial institutions". Could just be an American app.
EDIT 2: Just found this...
Does Mint.com support international banks?
Not yet. Currently Mint only supports US-based financial institutions. We hope to support financial institutions based outside of the US in the future.
Shame, looks pretty good.

Raul Duke said:
I don't know anything about this software, I just read a blog post about it...
http://www.mint.com/
Apparently its something from the iPhone that has just been brought to Android.
EDIT: Hmm...just been reading through and everything seems to be in dollars and how it "connects securely to nearly all US banking financial institutions". Could just be an American app.
EDIT 2: Just found this...
Does Mint.com support international banks?
Not yet. Currently Mint only supports US-based financial institutions. We hope to support financial institutions based outside of the US in the future.
Shame, looks pretty good.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Many thanks for the info and edited updates.... appreciated.

Well I took the plunge and 'Pre-Ordered' my first Android.
After a lot of deliberation I altered my choice in getting the Desire to now opt for the soon to be released Samsung GT-i9000 Galaxy S.
The problem is I will have to wait until the end of the month when shipment is expected.
So, to all who participated I won't be able to make any follow-up on the software titles until after this date, sorry.
Beards

Blackberry Messenger (For Android)

.ducks/rolls. Hey - It's not nice to throw things.
Ok, I know it's been asked a million times, so before you cut my heart out and eat it with buttered toast, hear me out. I understand that pin messaging is on a closed network, I have searched the forums here, and numerous other places, and everyone agrees on the same thing.
Blackberry just released the 4.6 JDE publicly.
There is a website, Web2Pin, that provides free priority 1 messages to blackberries; and offers to design services around the BBM platform, but they charge an extraordinary amount of money and deal only with corporations.
My thoughts are that there has to be a secondary licensing system from blackberry, and that there has to be a way to design third party software, because it's obviously been done.
I'm not Java-wise, nor Android-wise, so my logic is most likely flawed, but I thought I'd put it out there and see what happens.

dismal moron said:
.ducks/rolls. Hey - It's not nice to throw things.
Ok, I know it's been asked a million times, so before you cut my heart out and eat it with buttered toast, hear me out. I understand that pin messaging is on a closed network, I have searched the forums here, and numerous other places, and everyone agrees on the same thing.
Blackberry just released the 4.6 JDE publicly.
There is a website, Web2Pin, that provides free priority 1 messages to blackberries; and offers to design services around the BBM platform, but they charge an extraordinary amount of money and deal only with corporations.
My thoughts are that there has to be a secondary licensing system from blackberry, and that there has to be a way to design third party software, because it's obviously been done.
I'm not Java-wise, nor Android-wise, so my logic is most likely flawed, but I thought I'd put it out there and see what happens.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm a long time blackberry user (since the 7100 series) I know this has been talked about several times...I know it has something to do with having a valid pin as thats how bbm communicates with the BIS servers. The program would have to clone a pin or something and be able to ping the server and get access I would think...BlackBerry development has reached several third parties but bbm is a core app and liscensed by RIM so I dont know if or how it could be done would be nice...The final insult to injury lol.

@Sunder74
That's what I had originally thought as well. But I also remember a few years ago when there was a little known, functioning application for WM5 that would do pin messaging (I had tested it while I was working Data Tech at a VZW Call Center).
There's also the up and coming Blackberry Application Suite. It currently only works with BES. I've a hunch that it's probably because they're going to sell pin numbers to corporations or bes server admins.
My other thought is, RIM would probably be more open to selling PIN licenses to individuals if there was a functional, stable piece of software (or base coding) for them to advertise alongside it.
Before the Blackberry App store, I remember going to a website that linked to a bunch of OTA installers grouped by category.
I don't just really want this to work. All the pieces seem to be there. Web2pin proves that the licenses can be purchased and used with bis, somehow. BBAS is about to roll out on WM. It's has to be possible.
I know! I'll sit down in my thinking chair and... Think. Think. Think.

I think the issue here is your all thinking inside the box. Android developers should design there own bbm styled app where android users would get AndroidPins and using the exact framework to create a competition and not a way to just communicate to bb people.
Android Messenger
ver 1.0
Android Pins: A9999-A999999999
Can send msgs threw data just like black berries
Would be free and you could make a donation or pay 1$ for the app
you register your number on the app and you recieve a android pin from the server
and basiclly figure out how to send pushes for when the person recieves and opens and responds to the message
the concept is there for android but i dont think people realize that black berry is like apple they try to close source there stuff which is ok but when android is open source you can litterally work on setting this app to work for communicating with apple iphones maybe blackberries too if you have the skill
just throwin around that idea

I do not know if you have ever noticed this, but bbm is RIM's largest ad campaign. There is very little chance that they would sell bbm PIN's.
Sent from my HTC Hero using XDA App

actually theres a app being developed for android its called Hello Messenger. Its already out for iOS and Blackberrys, it works just like bbm, with pin numbers and group chats. Follow them on twitter, @hellomessenger. Also theres a Android beta coming out soon, I signed up for it at http://hellomessenger.com/android/. Tell your friends.

Can't Google Talk be categorized here? Seeing as most Android users are using google accounts? Pingchat is coming to Android soon too http://pingchat.com/

thelamacmdr said:
Can't Google Talk be categorized here? Seeing as most Android users are using google accounts? Pingchat is coming to Android soon too http://pingchat.com/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its already out. Search in market

there's also whatsapp

im waiting for WhatsApp it is out for iOS, BBOS, they are developing it for Android 2.1+, WM and S60. It uses your mobile number as your pin so to speak.

Whatsapp is already there. I have it installed on my Desire. You download the app and they have to let you logging, because its a preview, but fully working.
Y will search for the link
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Sent vía XDA Tapatalk app

"We have authorized your phone to participate in our beta test. The url for installation is
http:// beta.whatsapp.com/WhatsApp.apk
As this is a very early beta, please let us know if you are able to install successfully Any questions or support go to [email protected] When sending us bugs, please use this route Chats > Menu Settings > About > Contact Us so that we may receive logs at the same time."
Send to them an e-mail saying that you have an android phone and that you want to test their soft and you will get an email similar to that one.
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Sent vía XDA Tapatalk app

I get a message saying you are not authorized in the beta. How do i get round that?

You have to send an email to the adress posted before. You have yo tell them that you want to try their soft as beta tester in your android phone.
After few hours/days you will get an email like the one i posted allowing you to use the soft.
I forgot yo say that You have to include in the email your full mobile number (with country code), the same that you use in the app. They use it to activate your app.

Me and my friends used blackberry messenger for the longest time. Mainly the groupchat feature because it was basically a live chat room for only your friends to share pics voice records and randomness. Unfortunately both pinchat and whatsapp do not supply a good group chat. pinchat does have a group chat but its garbage compared to the BBmsger group chat and whatsapp is just flawed. I am still in search for a good group chat program that is also cross platform. or at least on android.

Non-BB users underestimate how much people love BBM. If there's going to be a cross-platform alternative, it has to do everything that BBM does as close to the way BBM does it as possible. PingChat and WhatsApp come close, but they aren't going to win over BBM users with their subtle, but important deficiencies. I'm looking forwards to the Android release of Hello! to compare.
The biggest problem is that BBM comes installed on BlackBerry phones, and it's going to be VERY hard convincing BB users to install something else. Android and iPhone users are more happy to install new apps, but having everyone pick one app and stick with it is a challenge as well.

PrawnPoBoy said:
Non-BB users underestimate how much people love BBM. If there's going to be a cross-platform alternative, it has to do everything that BBM does as close to the way BBM does it as possible. PingChat and WhatsApp come close, but they aren't going to win over BBM users with their subtle, but important deficiencies. I'm looking forwards to the Android release of Hello! to compare.
The biggest problem is that BBM comes installed on BlackBerry phones, and it's going to be VERY hard convincing BB users to install something else. Android and iPhone users are more happy to install new apps, but having everyone pick one app and stick with it is a challenge as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why not try ICQ, throwing a homage to the original IM. Its got native clients for most, if not all platforms. Its even usually listed as a quick install link on BB. Facebook chat is integrated (on desktop and Android versions, don't knpw about Java/Symbian and iOS). You get a number for anti-spaming (like a PIN if you REALLY want to emulate BB).
Yes, some would say "just use X IM app then." But its the only one with native support other than fring. And I find fring clumsy, plus does not have a desktop version.
I have BBM on my work BB. And I know that its superior in a lot of ways, but willing to bet that the reason a lot of features aren't being duplicated are likely legal, not technical, reasons. So I think this is a viable option until whatsapp or others have the kinks worked out (have yet to have a successful convo in 2 days!). Maybe with enough interest they can get the things we want added.

there is app called crosstalk
but i don't know when they will release it
it's written in the official site it will com at the end of aug
but tell now nothing!!!
check this site for more info
http://www.blueplanetapps.com/products/CrossTalk.aspx

2 quick questions..
Why doesn't google talk use the new google push?(would save battery)
Also can't some one use the new push service google made to power a chat program?
http://code.google.com/apis/feed/push/
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App

? Hmm.. any one?
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App

Want to punch google's !#$ programmers

[rant]Really? Every single update to Google Voice it RESETS ALL SETTINGS???? REALLY?
WTF! [/rant]

Didn't happen to me...did you uninstall before installing?
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App

I don't think it's a programmer issue. Mine works fine after update with all my info still stored..

[IO]ERROR said:
I don't think it's a programmer issue. Mine works fine after update with all my info still stored..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Info is still stored but all preferences are gone (e.g. get stupid text notifications, etc)
Worked fine yesterday ... update last night ... settings reset this morning.

I think a bigger issue would be the lack of Google docs support, and the lack of uploading larger videos over 3G instead of WiFi only.

akusokuzan said:
I think a bigger issue would be the lack of Google docs support, and the lack of uploading larger videos over 3G instead of WiFi only.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True. But I am really sick and tired of all these promised "feature" that don't work at all or don't work properly.

nexusdue said:
True. But I am really sick and tired of all these promised "feature" that don't work at all or don't work properly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What other features don't work at all?

Multiple calendar sync is broken.
Contact data entry is extremely limited compared to the web ui.

I do like that I've made the switch to Android from winmo, but am missing a lot of features that I used to have. I was basically free to do anything, but feel so limited now to what Google is giving us. Hopefully this is resolved soon and we are able to get full functionality from our nexus one devices.

akusokuzan said:
I do like that I've made the switch to Android from winmo, but am missing a lot of features that I used to have. I was basically free to do anything, but feel so limited now to what Google is giving us. Hopefully this is resolved soon and we are able to get full functionality from our nexus one devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol.........................................................................................
google's android has been alive since oct 2008. 2 years.. that's it.
What did you come from? A WM phone? Windows Mobile has been around for 10 years.
p.s. just wikipedia'd android. it says android was initially "Released 9 February 2009" for consumer use

+1
My wife has a WM phone, and can't do ANYTHING with it, other than basic stuff like call and email, etc.
She wants my Nexus...
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App

stuff said:
lol.........................................................................................
google's android has been alive since oct 2008. 2 years.. that's it.
What did you come from? A WM phone? Windows Mobile has been around for 10 years.
p.s. just wikipedia'd android. it says android was initially "Released 9 February 2009" for consumer use
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Android has been through 6 MAJOR versions ... if they can't fix the basics, maybe they shouldn't be competing in the space.
Or maybe Google should stop that dumbass policy of only releasing BETA software. Others seem to be able to release software that works fine, admittedly with less features. Get the basics right and then add features one by one and make sure they all work before releasing them.

Punch them? You can't even see those ninjas!
Updated to the latest with no issue at all

This thread serves no real purpose other than trolling and possibly leading to flaming. Thread closed.

[Q] Request for feedback: increasing my app usage

Hi all,
As a new dev in the android ecosystem, I am looking for other devs feedback on the following.
I have an app with about a few thousands user base. Growing slightly, but also with a decreasing active ratio.
As my revenue is ads driven, I'd like to experiment a few tricks to encourage users to use the app more, without being too intrusive.
A few ideas:
- show a notification after a few days that the app hasn't been used, to encourage the user using it again.
- feature: user can share the app's install page with friends (stimulate organic growth), via a share intent.
-> Devs, any stories on trying something similar?
Any feedback appreciated.

I'm a new developer, old-time programmer. Put 2 apps out December 21, 2009 and I'm approaching a whopping 30 sales; be happy you have 1,000+ (or more)
Wish I could help with the question, but I'm not really sure how to expose apps to a wider audience. I've thought about porting to iPhone/iPad and Windows Mobile to expand my user base. But I'm still pretty new to Android development and want to get more into it before learning yet another programming language right now.
I've actually thought of going to local bars and trying to strike-up conversations with people using smartphones and showing them my apps. Maybe buy them a drink LOL.
I firmly believe that if you have a solid working app and one person uses it, they may tell 5 of their friends and maybe 2 of them will buy it and tell 5 more people of which 1 or 2 might but it. Pyramid type sales but it's slow moving.
What kind of bothers me is all the damn FREE apps out there; I think they should be segregated from the Google Market; I've yet to go to any type of Market and get something for free! LOL And I wonder about free apps sometimes. Take SMS pop-up or whatever it's called. It's a decent app...it's free. I saw it at "over 250,000 downloads". Well, why didn't they charge $1.00 or $0.50 for it (do the math, I'll take $125,000!!). Any possibility it's forwarding people's text messages? Just sayn'

adn37 said:
A few ideas:
- show a notification after a few days that the app hasn't been used, to encourage the user using it again.
- feature: user can share the app's install page with friends (stimulate organic growth), via a share intent.
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Your first option sounds REALLY annoying. Your second option sounds perfectly fine. See later on for further points on what might help.
Rootstonian said:
What kind of bothers me is all the damn FREE apps out there; I think they should be segregated from the Google Market; I've yet to go to any type of Market and get something for free! LOL And I wonder about free apps sometimes. Take SMS pop-up or whatever it's called. It's a decent app...it's free. I saw it at "over 250,000 downloads". Well, why didn't they charge $1.00 or $0.50 for it (do the math, I'll take $125,000!!). Any possibility it's forwarding people's text messages? Just sayn'
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Not everyone is in it for the money. Some people just maybe write something that is missing on the market but don't want to make money from it. It might be just their hobby. Not everyone needs to be capitalistic, trying to turn everything into revenue.
The Android market is a lot about freedom, and there is high competition between free and paid apps. If your sole intent is to make money on apps, you will probably better off trying to target iOS. The most recent news I have is that an average iOS user will spend 7 times as much money on apps than an Android user. I think this fact kind of speaks for itself.
However if you still want to stick by, here are a couple of things I would suggest:
Offer a (free) lite version of your application as this will give users the ability to see whether your app means business or not, and if they'll like it they might go further to go for the paid version.
Android market uses keyword searching (there's probably a better term), so make sure your description hits as many possible words that may be applicable to your product while not being too heavy to read.
Advertising... don't ask me where as I wouldn't be able to help much with that. But if you're in it to make money, you probably have a business model so you should have some capital too that you can put into advertising.
That's about all I guess.

@Rootstonian
I have apps on the market, and in the last 3 months have made over $1k off ads in my free version, while only making about $250 off of the full paid version.

Very good responses there This forum does have some very intelligent people on it!
I'm anti-adware unfortunately. If that hurts my sales, then so be it; I can live with that. I won't allow ads in my apps.
As far as free versions, I would have to write "crippled" versions of the programs to limit full functionality. Well, not going to do that either. And to be honest, who can't afford $1.00?
Actually, the 15 minute return policy has hurt me I think. Some apps just can't be reviewed in 15 minutes, to wit, my current (almost done) Spam Text Blocker. There is no way someone can evaluate that in 15 minutes, so I have to code some type of limit on how many rows can go into the spam database.
Anyways, I'm way off topic (as usual) and being negative which is usually something I don't do. And I must remember, my stuff has only been out ONE month.
I do use a Macbook Pro, and I have downloaded the iPhone SDK; maybe I should take a break from Android OS and port a couple of apps to iOS and see what they do.
P.S. A smart man doesn't limit his options. How does the apps with ads stuff work?

Just apply to admob, its easy. They give nicely detailed usage statistics too

hi all,
Thanks for the feedback.
On "tell a friend about this app" feature:
Your second option sounds perfectly fine. See later on for further points on what might help.
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I'll just stick with that, then. Any idea what's best to link to? A blog? Android market?
I'm still looking for an app that does it in a nice way, as a case study.
I'm a new developer, old-time programmer. Put 2 apps out December 21, 2009 and I'm approaching a whopping 30 sales; be happy you have 1,000+ (or more)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I feel you. Unfortunately, this is all about execution and idea potential. As coders, we are often thinking about code quality, this is only the 1st step.
On ads: at the end of the day, it might be a hobby to design apps, but fun decreases when it comes down to fixing bugs for the sake of it. Ihmo, a slight revenue is good, as it encourages devs to keep up enhancing their apps.
I'm anti-adware unfortunately. ... And to be honest, who can't afford $1.00?
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I'm not a big fan of ads neither. It's all about culture. On Android, people are reticent to pay.

Good points and well said Adn
I actually got into this starting with Google Market apps, but my true goal is to get into corporate mobile development. I feel this is a technology barely in it's infancy. Just as almost all business' needed a web page, I think the same will hold true for a mobile app.
I just put in my resume to a company looking for an iPhone developer (1 year contract), but they also wanted to talk to Android developers too (wish me luck LOL).
Now, I'm on the fence as to what platform to go with. I think with the iPhone AND iPad, that iOS is the way to go with regards to corporate coding; so I'm going to head in that direction for now.