Database Users

Worth writing a WinMo app for MobileMarketplace?

I have a couple of good ideas for some simple apps I'd like to write for WinMo..
But as I look at what I find on XDA, or 1800pocketpc.com , or other sites, most of the very good programs I see are written by people like me and released for free..
Will any of these currently available apps make it into the Mobile Marketplace?
Not that I think I'll become a millionaire, but I'd like to write them specifically for the Mobile Marketplace simply because I think more common people will find out about it and be able to easily purchase and install it.. It would be a simple (but very specific) sports-score-ticker type app for like $2..
All the apps I see on here and elsewere are great and well written, but hardly any of the common WinMo users know about them, or already have mortscript installed, etc..
Is it even worth writing an app for the Mobile Marketplace, or should I just do like everyone else and release it on here for free..?
-Matthew

I'd rather like it here for free, I won't get it if I gotta pay $2 bucks, and I'm sure many other ppl won't get it either.
With the Windows Marketplace, you also have to pay like $100 yourself just to put an app up there. Then you can only put like 5 apps total, or you have to pay more. Unless you think you're gonna get like hundreds of people buying it, and you wanna make some money, then go ahead and do the Marketplace.
I would just be kind and make it for free at XDA though, and then make a donation box.
Btw, I'm not gonna get ur app, I don't care about sports...but...make a PS3 Upcoming Games tracker, and I'll get it!

I think you should post it on both places on the marketplace and here because a ton of people know nothing about xda let alone freewarepocketpc.net or handango. But they will know about the marketplace because it will be more publisized.

can you release apps for free, and in the marketplace? that seems counter productive. that just lessens the chance of getting back the hundred bucks you gave to ms.

ou2mame said:
can you release apps for free, and in the marketplace? that seems counter productive. that just lessens the chance of getting back the hundred bucks you gave to ms.
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Well, it'd work, because as he said, not everyone knows about XDA. The power WM users get it for free, then, and the average user pays, lol.

That is one of the main diferences!, here at XDA we share it for just the pleassure and of course donations are always accepted! and members donate!
Just my opinion,

if you release a free app on Marketplace you still need to pay the $99 development fee (for the first 5 apps). The best course for a developer to balance the two worlds is likely to release some free apps here for the base and some paid apps in the MarketPlace because there are far more people that will be using the marketplace than visit any forums or blogs. It's just reality...or maybe you want to release one version for the MarketPlace and a similar version for free here so you can make a few dollars off of the mass markets and give back to the community here. Also, some developers (like Herm's Software) release some free apps and some paid apps. Obviously, the free apps are intended to show people the quality apps you are producing and introduce them to the paid apps so they will get some free benefits and you still get some perks.

Well. Many people will and wont buy it.
You need it to stand out from other apps like it. If it doesnt stand out, or is more expensive than another app like it, no one will get it. You need a good looking app, or an amazing new version of an old one for it to sell.
If I liked sports, and this app worked well / looked good, I would buy it.

Think about it like this... even with the large amount of people that have jailbroken iphones and are able to get apps for free, there is still a VERY large number of people that make a killing selling their apps in the app store. I remember seeing an article not too long ago about a guy that came up with some simple game and because almost an instant millionaire off of his app. I prefer free, but trust me there are plenty of people out there that WILL buy it if its a useful app. And with football season upon us I think a sports ticker may do better than you think it will.

brownhornet said:
Think about it like this... even with the large amount of people that have jailbroken iphones and are able to get apps for free, there is still a VERY large number of people that make a killing selling their apps in the app store. I remember seeing an article not too long ago about a guy that came up with some simple game and because almost an instant millionaire off of his app. I prefer free, but trust me there are plenty of people out there that WILL buy it if its a useful app. And with football season upon us I think a sports ticker may do better than you think it will.
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Yet, most iPhone users are dumb highschoolers (like my friends). They don't care to do advanced things, they just wanna buy dumb apps, like an app that makes a light-saber noise when waving the phone, LOL.
Windows Mobile, on the other hand, is directed toward the advanced user. We have been trained to search for our apps. We have been trained to replace the WinMo interface as much as possible. We have been trained to flash custom ROM's so we can get the latest and greatest.
WinMo users are more advanced, and they know better than to waste money on apps. We will probably look for alternatives to a paid app.
So, SOME people would pay for your app, but others would most likely be more practical. I haven't paid for an app, since, ever. I don't think I'll start now.
I could be wrong, but I think we could agree that dumb blondes don't go out buying WinMo phones
Now, if your app was something killer, and exclusive, then yes, I might end up paying. But a sports score tracker? I'll pass.

Paid Apps the main problem with Android

I am not a developer, but I was reading up on experiences that developers have with the Android Market.
Then I also came across a website that showed some statistics about paid apps and they were shocking. I can't remember the source right now, but it said that the Apple AppStore is a $200 million business per month, where the Android Market is only $5 millions per month. This is very discouraging for developers who are in it for money (usually companies who have the resources to create Games and more Complex Apps and have the ability to Partner with Services).
One developers said that he only got 23 downloads, in the first month. He mentioned then that over half of them used the 24 hour refund (could that be that those were leachers who downloaded the app and threw it on a P2P channel?), eventually he ended up with 11 sales. One guy sent him an email and said that $4.99 is too much to ask for, which I think is not unreasonable considering that there are many apps in the Apple AppStore that cost much more than that. Whether or not his app is useful or not to most users is sadly unknown by me. But looking at his perspective I think I would start developing apps for the iOS, who wouldn't that wants to make money?
The problem with these figures is that developers will eventually stop developing paid apps and the quality of the Android Market (from now on referred to Market) apps vs Apple AppStore (from now on referred to AppStore) apps will extremely decline. And there will be either many low rating apps in the Market or there will be an increase in the amount of Apps submitted the the Market.
We all want good Apps, Apple found out Apps are the number 1 reason a Plattform has success. Android has Google behind it which makes up for a good amount of Great apps and there are very good developers here that are not in it for the money, but eventually it all comes down to making money when it comes to professional businesses offering a product. Look at the games that are offered on the iOS platform vs Android, you can't tell me that an iPhone 3G or a 2nd Gen iPod has better graphics performance than some of the higher-end Android devices.
Also, are there too many free alternatives in the Android Market that the AppStore doesn't have? There are also many free apps in the AppStore.
What can be done about this? - Please post your ideas, since I am not a developer I am not the pro here when it comes to this issue I am asking for your opinion.
However, I am a business student so I have some insights of how companies will react to this as mentioned above.
The few ideas I have would be:
1. Google could increase the quality of design of the API and give different APIs to paid vs free Apps.
2. Sadly I have to mention it because of all the Leachers and then P2P distributors, remove the 24 hour refund policy.
3. Google to hire more developers in house who are paid and create free apps that can compete with the AppStore (which would cost Google a fortune). Maybe then charge a small amount for Google Voice to do some financial damage report.
4. Change the Markets way how people pay for apps? I noticed that in the past on my iPhone the decision to actually PAY for an app was much easier and faster for me, I didn't even bother to look for a free alternative.
5. Try to Market Android more towards people who are less geeks (who know where and how to find a free solution to the app they need), as in change the look of Android and make it much more simple for the average Joe day to day user (which I would hate because that means remove or hide many of the great features that make Android what I like so much about it and go back to a more primitive system like the iOS4). And tell hardware manufacturers to create more shiny phones.
--> Since most people who don't know how to get free alternatives, or who don't know and don't have the time to learn how to find free alternatives are people that are buying a product for the lifestyle and to show off (iPhone).
What are YOUR ideas to fix this issue? - Thank you for everyone posting solutions.

I don't think this is something we should worry about.
First, Android is open-source and many enthusiasts give their applications free of charge, which is not the case with Apple's closed OS. That is why about 65% of all apps in Market are free, and only 35% paid. In Appstore, about 70% are paid, only 30% free. Statistics: http://androidheadlines.com/2010/09/app-store-vs-android-market-how-much-is-paid-for.html.
Secondly, you'll find that Market currently supports purchases in only 13 markets while the App Store does so in 90. These numbers will change as time passes by and more markets will be included, but I'm sure that Android will always be a platform with much more free apps than iOS, and that's the beauty of Android.

As far as I'm aware the developers have a say regarding that 24 hour refund policy. An application can be made to be non-refundable if they choose to.

In comparing developers for iOS and Android, you have to also look at who they are individually. Sure, there are many apps developed across the board for all mobile devices, but I think the core of the Android Market are individuals who develop apps just for the sake of developing apps. They enjoy what they do and they would do it regardless of profit.
Of course you have a few that try to make money, but I believe they are the exception rather than the rule.
I mean no offense when I say this, but I believe that the iPhone attracts a very different type of user than Android does. Most people I personally know that use the iPhone do so more out of status and pretentiousness than its own usefulness. Many do not even know the majority of things they could do with the iPhone. Those I know who use Android use it because they root it and do their own modifications, overclocking, etc.
With this in mind, I believe that Android apps are generally created by a different kind of developer for a different kind of user.

shinji257 said:
As far as I'm aware the developers have a say regarding that 24 hour refund policy. An application can be made to be non-refundable if they choose to.
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We have absolutely no say in whether or not out apps are refunded. If I showed you the numbers of instant refunds you'd puke. And the OP states $200 million to $5 million which is ridiculously off. I believe Google just reported that they passed $1 billion in sales (profit) from the Android Market. Either way, it's way more than $5 million a month.
All that said I personally am happy with what I have been able to do with the Market. I expected a little better on my most recent app but it takes time for people to get word of a new app. That's pretty much the problem I've found. It's hard to get noticed. But I still think it's pretty good. There is a lot I absolutely hate about the Market and a bunch of things I like about it. I'd still rather develop for Android and ironically, none of the apps I have created would even work on iPhone. Two are root apps and one requires a modification of the browser which is not allowed on iPhone (for no apparent good reason, I might add).

I am glad to hear that this isn't as big of an issue as I read online, it would be sad to see a great plattform to be hurten, as you can see with the WebOS.
As for not getting recognized, a few tips I have about that is not to rely too much on people finding your app in the market, but rather advertise it yourself, use your facebook and twitter and even this forum (if the forum policy allow that, I am not sure on that again since I am not a developer). I love the QR codes, I actually see many of them in bathroom stalls and other places, and I always check on them since it's in my curiosity to find out where they get me.

I'm making an extra living off paid apps on the Marketplace.
Oh, and an extra living off free apps with Admob.
So now I'm making 3 livings worth. It's wonderful. I have no complaints.
I mean no offense when I say this, but I believe that the iPhone attracts a very different type of user than Android does. Most people I personally know that use the iPhone do so more out of status and pretentiousness than its own usefulness. Many do not even know the majority of things they could do with the iPhone. Those I know who use Android use it because they root it and do their own modifications, overclocking, etc.
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You're forgetting about Droid users. You'd be surprised how many people own an Android just for status and pretentiousness. It goes both ways. I even know a few people with Androids that don't even know that they have an Android.

1. Google could increase the quality of design of the API and give different APIs to paid vs free Apps.
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Wouldn't that mean closing the source? Or you think people will use opensource platform that only runs free apps over opensource platform that runs both?
I don't think I want closed source OS on my phone, if I did I'd probably use iPhone.
2. Sadly I have to mention it because of all the Leachers and then P2P distributors, remove the 24 hour refund policy.
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Pirates do buy software sometimes, how do you think it gets to P2P networks in the first place? One of them buys it, his friend cracks it and everyone else gets it 4free.
So it wouldn't solve anything, removing the refund would only make legit customers angry if the app doesn't work.
3. Google to hire more developers in house who are paid and create free apps that can compete with the AppStore (which would cost Google a fortune). Maybe then charge a small amount for Google Voice to do some financial damage report.
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I thought google did hire developers and they do create free apps. I don't think competing with appstore is their ultimate goal though, since appstore and iphoneos are completely closed.
Charging for services is something I agree with completely.
They should indeed make certain (not all) services cost money. But they should also keep the software free and open to ensure the quality.
4. Change the Markets way how people pay for apps? I noticed that in the past on my iPhone the decision to actually PAY for an app was much easier and faster for me, I didn't even bother to look for a free alternative.
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It was much easier and faster because apple paid someone to make it easier and faster.
I'm not so sure google is willing to invest money into closed source software, especially when you consider these 3 facts.
1. Closed source software has a limited amount of developers who are working to make it better, faster and more efficient.
2. More developers on a single project means more features, more bugfixes and faster development.
3. Opensource software in general is more secure because everyone can see the source code.
5. Try to Market Android more towards people who are less geeks (who know where and how to find a free solution to the app they need), as in change the look of Android and make it much more simple for the average Joe day to day user (which I would hate because that means remove or hide many of the great features that make Android what I like so much about it and go back to a more primitive system like the iOS4). And tell hardware manufacturers to create more shiny phones.
--> Since most people who don't know how to get free alternatives, or who don't know and don't have the time to learn how to find free alternatives are people that are buying a product for the lifestyle and to show off (iPhone).
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As I don't like being labeled, I think marketing should be focused on pushing Android for everyone, not just specific groups of people.
User knows what works best for him so let him decide what to buy. Wide selection of devices that share the base operating system is great, but user should decide what type of software he wants to use, not google nor apple.
User should also decide what type of service he wants to use and whether that service is free or paid.
Changing the look of Android to make it more simple is something I'd personally hate, but we should always have options.
It would be great to flash an extremely simple android OS for my grandmother's phone for example, while keeping my VNC and SSH on my own device.
Also, don't think there's much difference between android users and iphone users, they're just people anyway. And there's an equal amount of pirated iphone apps and android apps.
Only real difference is about the OS, where one offers you a choice and another forces you to pay and develops restrictions instead of new features.
What are YOUR ideas to fix this issue? - Thank you for everyone posting solutions.
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I don't think there is an issue, devs get paid from pushing ads, users are happy with a wide selection of apps. Some services are free some services cost money. Just my 2c

[Q] Do most Android users not download paid apps?

I'm working on a couple Android apps and haven't yet decided if I'd like to charge for some (something small like .99 or 1.99 USD), or make them free but have ads in them. I was leaning towards charging for them, but I noticed that Angry birds is a paid app on the iPhone, whereas the Android version is free and has ads. I thought this was interesting and I'm curious whether iPhone users are more interested in paid apps than Android users are. Anyone know anything about this?

They made Angry Birds available for free because they want everyone to play it, they are gonna make a paid-app later that removes the ads. I would gladly pay for that game even if I can get it for free.
So I actually don't think that iPhone users is more interesting in paid-apps than Android users.
Make one free app with ads and then have a paid-version that removes the adds, that way everyone can download and use it whether they are in a country with or without paid-apps. Or you can make a "premium" app that has more features than the free one. Just a couple of suggestions
When paid-apps wasn't available in Sweden, I got so frustrated on apps that were only available for paid-apps-countrys and had no free alternative with ads or less features and stuff.
Hope this helps.
EDIT:
And remember, if the apps are good quality they will probably sell, people don't want to pay for apps that look like crap and have no functionality. And also, have screenshots in Market because people want to be ale to check out how the apps looks and stuff before they make a purchase or download it

I used to try crippleware/nagware/adware on my PC and use a lot of it on my phone. I don't need a lot of apps so I don't buy many but I try hundreds.
Over the years, I have acquired lots of apps for my WinMo phone, many of which I still miss, INCLUDING A SIMPLE "PHONE TO OUTLOOK" APP! Make that app happen on Android and I will pay for it AND I won't mind iif you want to still collect ad revenue from it.

I bought all apps that were available as adware to remove the ads. Half my apps are paid apps. If the price is reasonable I have no problem paying for the app and supporting the developer.

I myself will only pay for what I feel are essential apps or if I feel the developer really just loves the community; I don't generally mind ads, but sometimes will be so annoyed i will buy the paid version.
Apps ive paid for up to this point:
Launcher Pro
Root Explorer
Rom Manager
Better Keyboard (Before i had swype)
Widget Locker
Set CPU
Chomp SMS (Really wish I didn't as the developer seems to be very confrontational with users)
I have donated to the following:
Smooth Calendar
Anderweb
and a few others ive sent a few dollars to for being supportive and not berrating their customers for not wanting to pay.

I do pay for apps if the price is reasonable . I think the most I have paid for an app is ~5 bucks

I've bought 3 apps for my phone so far. LauncherPro, BeautifulWidgets and SNesoid. Both Snesoid and LauncherPro have "trial" versions with limited functionality (but unlimited usage), whereas BW you just have to flat-out pay for.
I am definitely more inclined to purchase an app if I have chance to try it out first, if for no other reason than to make sure that it works correctly on my phone before I buy it, so having a locked-down version for free (and I mean, leave out some features for PRO users only), as well as maybe ads is probably a good move. that way you might get some money from ads in the free version, and a lump sum if the app is purchased.
Zeb

panguin said:
Right. Cause **** all those people who put in time and effort to make my phone do the things I want it to do, right? Bunch of no good leeching assholes. How DARE they try and collect recompense for all their hard work!
/s
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I agree 100%. I've paid for about 10 apps thus far and not just to remove ads, but to support the developer's efforts.

Yeah ive bought a lot of things, and like they are saying make a paid version and a trail to show people how it is if they like they will pay.

ya...i buy too.....
my phone
i`ve spend ~400€ on my phone and now spend more for apps?! no...not me!
one of the things who lead me to buy an android was the "open source thing".
i won`t ever buy an app for it!
allways search for a open source app that suits me instead of buying something.
ya, ya, ya...we must pay for all hard work and bla, bla, bla...so...by an WM or an iPhone
look at the example given. Angry Birds.
another? swype...allways beta
just my 5cents

i buy paid games and launcher pro plus as well ans a few other apps that are
payable and to all you people that say you support the xda but you have unpaid full app like pirating them you people suck. if you support something you shouldn't feel bad sending a few bucks to the dev.

rendeiro2005 said:
ya...i buy too.....
my phone
i`ve spend ~400€ on my phone and now spend more for apps?! no...not me!
one of the things who lead me to buy an android was the "open source thing".
i won`t ever buy an app for it!
allways search for a open source app that suits me instead of buying something.
ya, ya, ya...we must pay for all hard work and bla, bla, bla...so...by an WM or an iPhone
look at the example given. Angry Birds.
another? swype...allways beta
just my 5cents
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Click to collapse
And yet you have a 'Donate to me' button. Well no support for you I guess.
I will always pay for an app if it's something I need or want. I generally like to buy from apps made by devs not companies who charge outrageous amounts for something. Like Documents To Go, if I had the knowledge I'd make the exact same thing for free and I guarantee people would donate to support my effort instead of charging $16, $17, $25 for an app.
So far I've bought:
SetCPU (even though you can get it for free in the thread here)
Rom Manager
'File Copy'
SU File Explorer
Mini Info
Some LWP's
Some games
and about 7 or so other apps

For me it's simple - I will spend my money on a good, quality app. I've got quite a few apps, and I love the fact that Google's market gives you the 24 hour trial period - so how can you go wrong?

I've paid for a lot of apps. About 90% of them I don't even use anymore.
I wouldn't charge too much for it. That would only lead to people paying, copying the apk, then refunding... Sadly.

ante0 said:
I've paid for a lot of apps. About 90% of them I don't even use anymore.
I wouldn't charge too much for it. That would only lead to people paying, copying the apk, then refunding... Sadly.
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Wow, I had never thought of that before

JGeZau said:
Wow, I had never thought of that before
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Good thing though is that they don't get updates...
More and more apps use license check now though, forcing you to redownload the app (Which I have noticed everytime I restore apps using Titanium backup). Which in that case wouldn't be possible since you refunded it
Google should make some license check too, everytime you open up the market it should check for apps that need licenses (i.e. paid apps), if none is found it could force you to uninstall it and not let you use the market until you have done so.

I think most people on this site are more willing to pay for apps then if you looked at some other forums because this is a forum for developers and they know the hard work that goes into these products. I buy a lot of apps, most under $3.00, If I don't find an app I want then I buy a soda there's not much of a price difference and people buy sodas millions of times a day so I don't see why so many people are so hesitant to buy apps. I think there needs to be an Android gift card like an iTunes card but that's for a different thread.

ante0 said:
Good thing though is that they don't get updates...
More and more apps use license check now though, forcing you to redownload the app (Which I have noticed everytime I restore apps using Titanium backup). Which in that case wouldn't be possible since you refunded it
Google should make some license check too, everytime you open up the market it should check for apps that need licenses (i.e. paid apps), if none is found it could force you to uninstall it and not let you use the market until you have done so.
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Yeah, I imagined they wouldn't get updates, but I wouldn't do it, I support Android development

I have paid for three applications, because they were the single best applications that delivered the most functionality.

This post has got me wondering, what sort of money would you expect to get from adverts and if there was an ad blocker installed on the phone would you still get paid? In other words would you get paid for having the advert built in or just on a paid per click basis?
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App

How much does your android app make?

I have some ideas for a bunch of different apps but am trying to get a realistic feel for how much different kinds of apps make.
So please post:
Your App Name:
Short Description:
Monthy/Yearly/or Daily Revenue:
Is it Paid? FreeWithDonation? or FreeWithAdds?
Any other comments:

GingerEffect said:
I have some ideas for a bunch of different apps but am trying to get a realistic feel for how much different kinds of apps make.
So please post:
Your App Name:
Short Description:
Monthy/Yearly/or Daily Revenue:
Is it Paid? FreeWithDonation? or FreeWithAdds?
Any other comments:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We build apps for clients and this is what we normally tell the client: Unless your ideas are really really really good and you have a really really really good way to market it, most mobile applications will loose money (cost of each app is around 25-50k). They are there to expose your business normally. In terms of games, it's a whole different area. I heard that angry bird makes about a million dollars a month in ads alone.
If you are looking for paid app, no point releasing it for under $5.00 unless you are looking for donation amount. With the way android market is setup, out of 100 apps, only 50% will stick in terms of actual purchase. As for donation, don't even bother. Most people are users. They don't like to donate. Might as well make it as free with ads. (see above for potential revenue). But I can tell you up front that most ads driven apps do not come anywhere close.
I hope I am transparent enough for your question.

Since I am doing it in my spare time the cost of mobile app development will be time only. So just $20 a day would be amazing. I would likely make it free with adds.
I'd love to see how much your clients' apps make per month if you have that data.

Your App Name: Nudnik Calendar Notifications
Short Description: The very much needed repeating alarms (notifications) for stock calendar events.
Monthy/Yearly/or Daily Revenue: Monthly ~150 to 200 euros and growing...
Is it Paid? FreeWithDonation? or FreeWithAdds? PAID

Nice thread idea, I'm always interested to here development stories and info.

I'm just starting out and I'm deploying apps for the casual user....for now. It's a tough market, in my opinion, to write an app that the masses just can't live without and will pay $1.00 or $2.00 for and get you 10,000 downloads. Would be nice though
Now, what I want to target are companies, universities and business' that need a smartphone or iPad application. I think it's a young enough technology to get going.
For example: Auto Parts stores...app runs, put in car, year, make, model and you get back a list: "Electrical" "Brakes" "Engine", yada, yada. Much the way they look it up at the store. Find your part, pay for it and it's at the door when you walk in.
What you have to keep in mind is "why use the phone when I can use my computer or just call the business/store?" You have to take the particular business and app and target the mobile user. Still, a huge market exist out there (think GPS Campus Navigator for freshman college students ) Don't take it, I have it copyrighted LOL
Just like companies had to have a web site, I think most are going to want a mobile app. Or for the budding web designer, just a web site that's formatted for the smaller screens.

seraph1024 said:
We build apps for clients and this is what we normally tell the client: Unless your ideas are really really really good and you have a really really really good way to market it, most mobile applications will loose money (cost of each app is around 25-50k). They are there to expose your business normally. In terms of games, it's a whole different area. I heard that angry bird makes about a million dollars a month in ads alone.
If you are looking for paid app, no point releasing it for under $5.00 unless you are looking for donation amount. With the way android market is setup, out of 100 apps, only 50% will stick in terms of actual purchase. As for donation, don't even bother. Most people are users. They don't like to donate. Might as well make it as free with ads. (see above for potential revenue). But I can tell you up front that most ads driven apps do not come anywhere close.
I hope I am transparent enough for your question.
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Sorry, but that's rubbish.
I have 2 apps, one costing £2.00 (roughly $3.10) and the other costing £1.50 ($2.37) which make about £65 to £70 a week (that's about $102). That jumps to around £100-110 if i update them both.
If you have 3 or 4 good app ideas there no reason you couldn't live off the procedes.
Don't forget you could also offer 2 of the same app, one free with ads, the other paid with no ads to maximize your earnings.

Meltus said:
Sorry, but that's rubbish.
I have 2 apps, one costing £2.00 (roughly $3.10) and the other costing £1.50 ($2.37) which make about £65 to £70 a week (that's about $102). That jumps to around £100-110 if i update them both.
If you have 3 or 4 good app ideas there no reason you couldn't live off the procedes.
Don't forget you could also offer 2 of the same app, one free with ads, the other paid with no ads to maximize your earnings.
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Click to collapse
very nice but can you please answer the questions in the main subject

Meltus said:
Sorry, but that's rubbish.
I have 2 apps, one costing £2.00 (roughly $3.10) and the other costing £1.50 ($2.37) which make about £65 to £70 a week (that's about $102). That jumps to around £100-110 if i update them both.
If you have 3 or 4 good app ideas there no reason you couldn't live off the procedes.
Don't forget you could also offer 2 of the same app, one free with ads, the other paid with no ads to maximize your earnings.
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he did say that if you have a great idea .. you'll do find.. but his post was mostly about the majority of the apps

some bump love

Bumpy lumpy
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Meltus said:
Sorry, but that's rubbish.
I have 2 apps, one costing £2.00 (roughly $3.10) and the other costing £1.50 ($2.37) which make about £65 to £70 a week (that's about $102). That jumps to around £100-110 if i update them both.
If you have 3 or 4 good app ideas there no reason you couldn't live off the procedes.
Don't forget you could also offer 2 of the same app, one free with ads, the other paid with no ads to maximize your earnings.
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Click to collapse
I have 4 apps and can hardly make $5 a month. Can you help me?

How can free apps generate revenue without ads?

I've gotten the impression (maybe incorrectly) that a lot of the developers here are against ads in apps. I don't understand that, as I believe it to be the only way to generate revenue for free apps. Possibly, it's an issue of youth and it's naivete (the idea that everything is not about about money...ha ha ha). I don't mean that to sound offensive. I was once young too, but as you age and become responsible for more than a couch, a tv and pizza, you realize that money is what makes the world go round.
Anyway...Evernote...this a pretty major app (over 9 million users) with what I'm guessing are some actual employees that support it. That means they're not doing it "for fun," and probably require those pesky little paycheck thingies. It's free and it has no ads. How does it generate revenue?

How does it generate revenue?
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Donations of course!
But seriously, free apps generate revenue in several ways. Probably the biggest way is companion products or services. Evernote has a premium type subscription that is probably where the revenue comes from.
Even if the app and service is completely free, maybe they sell other products and the app is "Free Advertising" in that if that app is useful, other products by that company are useful and thus I'm going to buy them.
Finally, one of the newest ways that free apps are generating revenue is through in-app purchases. Look at Facebook apps for examples.
Either way, if your company is big enough, there is less of a need for ads in apps to generate funds. This forum is a group of hackers/enthusiasts/developers that for the most part do development in exchange for other people's hard work. Since we do a lot of free apps, we have the "right" to complain about ads in apps We put in the hard work and give our products away for free, and we survive, why can't everyone else!?
I kid of course.
Cheers

Any rooted user is going to be running adfree and droidwall, so looking beyond ads is probably a good idea.

joe_coolish said:
Donations of course!
But seriously, free apps generate revenue in several ways. Probably the biggest way is companion products or services. Evernote has a premium type subscription that is probably where the revenue comes from.
Even if the app and service is completely free, maybe they sell other products and the app is "Free Advertising" in that if that app is useful, other products by that company are useful and thus I'm going to buy them.
Finally, one of the newest ways that free apps are generating revenue is through in-app purchases. Look at Facebook apps for examples.
Either way, if your company is big enough, there is less of a need for ads in apps to generate funds. This forum is a group of hackers/enthusiasts/developers that for the most part do development in exchange for other people's hard work. Since we do a lot of free apps, we have the "right" to complain about ads in apps We put in the hard work and give our products away for free, and we survive, why can't everyone else!?
I kid of course.
Cheers
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obviously the right answer so donations or simply making it a paid app will cut the ads as people downloading from the server is costly.
Sent from my Arc using XDA premium App

DONATION! Haha. I always donate to those who created apps and make my life easier.
And also not to forgot those who created ROM and KERNAL.

It is a good point to say that some of the most successful and widespread programs and sites are not profitable nor nearing it. Skype loses money, but it's been bought at high sums already twice. Twitter hasn't ever broken even, but it keeps getting lots of funds.
Therefore, if you think you have a successful app in the oven, make it, make it real good, and funding will come later.

greydarrah said:
.. Possibly, it's an issue of youth and it's naivete (the idea that everything is not about about money...ha ha ha). I don't mean that to sound offensive. I was once young too, but as you age and become responsible for more than a couch, a tv and pizza, you realize that money is what makes the world go round....
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You don't need to be young or naive to write free software. It can be a hobby that you do in your spare time (rather than golfing or watching TV).
It can be more economical than other popular hobbies because it does not require major investment or expenditure.

I hope the free apps don't steal my credentials phone contacts or something serious and sell them to make revenue.
Sent from my LG-P500 using XDA Premium App

4silvertooth said:
I hope the free apps don't steal my credentials phone contacts or something serious and sell them to make revenue.
Sent from my LG-P500 using XDA Premium App
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LBE Privacy Guard makes sure that they don't. A prime example of a succesful free app without ads! AdFree is another fine example of an ad-free app that doesn't cost you a penny.
greydarrah said:
Possibly, it's an issue of youth and it's naivete (the idea that everything is not about about money...ha ha ha). I don't mean that to sound offensive. I was once young too, but as you age and become responsible for more than a couch, a tv and pizza, you realize that money is what makes the world go round.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How much money did you get for starting this thread or for writing your other 60 posts (as of today) on this forum? See, not everything is about money. Some people write apps for the same reason that you write forum posts.

rogier666 said:
LBE Privacy Guard makes sure that they don't. A prime example of a succesful free app without ads! AdFree is another fine example of an ad-free app that doesn't cost you a penny.
How much money did you get for starting this thread or for writing your other 60 posts (as of today) on this forum? See, not everything is about money. Some people write apps for the same reason that you write forum posts.
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Thanx for the lbe app.
Sent from my LG-P500 using XDA Premium App

BenKranged said:
Any rooted user is going to be running adfree and droidwall, so looking beyond ads is probably a good idea.
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Not any rooted user. Some of us understand that ads generate revenue for the developer so we don't block them.
As to the OP: some less reputable developers will also collect and sell user data for revenue.

The dominant ad business model is pay-per-click. Making money from pay-per-view ads is limited to a handfull of large companies.
With hundreds of thousands of apps the audience is so diluted that most ads mainly serve to annoy the users into paying to get rid of 'em.
Blocking banner ads is not really a problem. If a small percentage of users blocks them the revenue loss is close to zero. If a large percentage blocks them then developers will have to think of something else, just like web site builders had to think of something else when every browser came with a built-in popup blocker.
Popup blockers didn't kill the internet, and AdFree won't empty the app stores.

BenKranged said:
Any rooted user is going to be running adfree and droidwall, so looking beyond ads is probably a good idea.
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Unless you program the app to close if the user is using "ad-blocking" software, which is what i do.

And then the next generation of ad blockers will make your app believe that there's no ad blocker running.
And then the next generation of adware will try to fix this.
And then the next generation of ad blockers...

rogier666 said:
And then the next generation of ad blockers will make your app believe that there's no ad blocker running.
And then the next generation of adware will try to fix this.
And then the next generation of ad blockers...
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That's true, but I like competing those ad blockers.

Anyone here actually believe that just because you pay money for an app it will not steal your data or open a back door to your device?
Think again!
Even in the PC world, the biggest companies like Microsoft constantly spy on their users, with the official excuse of "fighting piracy".
So pleas don't assume that application price is any guarantee of security, or for that matter, quality.
Also, there are other types of very real and very useful gain to be maid from Free Software (I am reffuring to what people often call "open source", not apps that simply cost 0$).
One example is reputation. When software companies hire developers, they often ask for years of experience, so it is hard for someone fresh to get a job in the field, and even when they do, as all starting positions the pay is relatively low.
Open source projects however, can be worth much more on programmers resume, then simply claiming X years of work for a given company.
The reason is that such projects allow potential employers to evaluate the actual skill of the applicant by looking at his work.

^^^ That is very true.
I just got hired to work for a new startup company based solely on a couple of free Android apps that I made in my spare time.
I do have years of experience in non-android programming though, but still, without those two private projects I couldn't have found a paid-job in Android...