Related
Hi guys
Can any 1 remember the cab file needed for speed camera detection in uk with tomtom 5.2
_^.^_
what software can i use on xda exec to alert me of cameras etc
_^.^_
go to www.pocketgpsworld.com or .co.uk ??? and follow the instructions to get the speed cam database installed and working with TOMTOM
Celtictiger said:
what software can i use on xda exec to alert me of cameras etc
_^.^_
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Click to collapse
A free download for TomTom; seems to work great- warns you (visual and audio) of speed limits, cameras or anything else (POIs) you wish to have warnings/alerts for.
http://checkpoint.oabsoftware.nl/index.php?MainURL=body-download.htm
i thought checkpoint was only for TT3 as in TT5 you can pretty much the same using POI, alright the warnings aint quite the same but its less overhead
Carnivor said:
i thought checkpoint was only for TT3 as in TT5 you can pretty much the same using POI, alright the warnings aint quite the same but its less overhead
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True about the overhead with using CheckPOInt, although the latest version is designed to run with TTN v5.
Does TomTom give an audible warning? I think this is the main reason for having CheckPOInt- not an important feature for for everyone I should imagine.
Tomtom 5 will give you 1 audio warning based on distance to the camera. Checkpoint will give you 2 audio warnings based on time to arrive at the camera. However you should set up Tomtom to display the visual warning and checkpoint to manage the audio warnings only or Tomtom will get slow screen refreshes. Personally I don't bother with Checkpoint as I don't see the value anymore, although I loved it for Tomtom 3.
I should also point out the the Pocketgps.co.uk will be charging for future updates to their database at £2 a time or £19 for a yearly subscription to their site. However it is an outstanding database and they do deserve to start charging, especially as they intend to plow the cash back into maintaining the database to an even higher standard.
just checked em, they're already charging, BUG**R!, i wanted one last update before it kicked in, ahh well off i go to find the wifes credit card :lol:
Carnivor said:
just checked em, they're already charging, BUG**R!, i wanted one last update before it kicked in, ahh well off i go to find the wifes credit card :lol:
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Aw c'mon £2 is all we're askin' (unless you've contributed prior to 1st Jan 06 or donated in the past via PayPal in which case you get Free lifetime subs.
griffog said:
Aw c'mon £2 is all we're askin' (unless you've contributed prior to 1st Jan 06 or donated in the past via PayPal in which case you get Free lifetime subs.
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Click to collapse
Wish you luck with your charging scheme. Personally, it put me right off your site...
Fair enough, it hasn't affacted the majority and the most of those who were eligible for free subs have applied and are sorted now.
If you realised how much work goes into it and the improvements we have deployed and have in the pipeline I'm sure you'd think different.
Did you ever contribute a location?
griffog said:
If you realised how much work goes into it and the improvements we have deployed and have in the pipeline I'm sure you'd think different.
Did you ever contribute a location?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All the locations I saw were already listed.
I'm probably more aware of the work involved than you presume. I have maintained and provided public information thru websites in the past. Please tell me, when you started the database did you do it as a personal project, a public service, or with the intention to profit one day?
Now that you have made the database a commercial enterprise are you now complying with the many legalities of running such an enterprise, including insurance against possible claims regarding what you are supplying? And if it's not a commercial enterprise then surely you are fund raising and the better way is to request funds, through advertising, or a premium product vs a basic one (perhaps like DVD Profiler)?
BTW, how does your subscription policy tie in with this statement on your website "It is the joint policy of both the UK Department for Transport and the police to make the locations of these cameras as well known as possible."?
As I said before, I wish you luck but I'm not impressed and will be seeking alternatives before "subscribing" to your site...
We've been a limited company for some time. When we started it was a hobby, but when it started requiring 30hrs a week each of input it outgrew that philosophy.
We're DPA registered, have PL insurance and have complied with all relevant legislation.
I wish you luck in your search.
griffog said:
We've been a limited company for some time. When we started it was a hobby, but when it started requiring 30hrs a week each of input it outgrew that philosophy.
We're DPA registered, have PL insurance and have complied with all relevant legislation.
I wish you luck in your search.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I appreciate your prompt reply to my questions but you seem to have overlooked answering this point I made:
"BTW, how does your subscription policy tie in with this statement on your website "It is the joint policy of both the UK Department for Transport and the police to make the locations of these cameras as well known as possible."?"
In my search I found another company offering a camera database. They seem to differ from yourselves in that they have a team driving around the country verifying camera locations and also email subscribers whenever the database is updated. Their link is http://www.trafcam.com/database.htm. Are these things which you intend to do also? Or will you continue to rely on user contributions and produce only monthly database updates?
It might persuade people to subscribe if you give them reasons to do so, explain the benefits, and tell us exactly what has changed that now warrents a subscription.
I don't see how our having a subscription service affects that policy? Despite the stated aim of the UK DoT you will quickly find that they make it far from easy, if they did then we would not have a service worth using. All the other systems that have succeeded are subscription based.
We are already implementing a verification process and are preparing to offer live updates rather than monthly incremental ones. Our ability to map Mobile haunts far surpasses that of any other commercial database thanks to the huge number of users and we are now using a scoring system that allows trusted users to have their reports added more quickly than those that require verification.
Trafcam does not integrate fully with nav systems unlike ours and their PocketPC offering at £79 is rather more expensive than ours at £19. We also offer lifetime membership to the first member who reports a previously unrecorded fixed camera (subject to verification).
We additionally offer a utility that integrates with TomTom on PocketPC and GO units to capture locations easily and submit them for verification.
griffog said:
I don't see how our having a subscription service affects that policy?
We are already implementing a verification process and are preparing to offer live updates rather than monthly incremental ones.
Trafcam does not integrate fully with nav systems unlike ours and their PocketPC offering at £79 is rather more expensive than ours at £19. We also offer lifetime membership to the first member who reports a previously unrecorded fixed camera (subject to verification).
We additionally offer a utility that integrates with TomTom on PocketPC and GO units to capture locations easily and submit them for verification.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All very good points. I'll address them below:
1. It removes a free source of information.
2. Surely the time to charge is AFTER you have implemented them?
3. Yes, more expensive but offering more NOW. Plus the charge is 49/yr after 1st year. £30 is for software (see below). Palm users pay less in the first year.
4. Trafcam does integrate with the mainstream satnav apps.
5. Trafcam software allows you to spot cameras even if not running navigation software such as tomtom.
6. The purpose of your utility is designed to your advantage.
JRH said:
1. It removes a free source of information.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Clearly, I am not arguing that.
2. Surely the time to charge is AFTER you have implemented them?
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Click to collapse
We are already implementing many, many more versions covering a multitude of nav systems is one.
3. Yes, more expensive but offering more NOW. Plus the charge is 49/yr after 1st year. £30 is for software (see below). Palm users pay less in the first year.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How does it offer more, we have greater coverage and our system allows the cameras to overlay on the map, Trafcam uses a background app that opos up over the navigation system when an alert is triggered, that's not the optimum solution.
4. Trafcam does integrate with the mainstream satnav apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Integrate no, works in conjunction with, yes.
5. Trafcam software allows you to spot cameras even if not running navigation software such as tomtom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because it's an entirely separate app, the vast majority want the data displayed on the map so they can see where the hazard is so run the navigation all the time.
6. The purpose of your utility is designed to your advantage.
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Click to collapse
Absolutely, but it makes the user experience better and if you spot a new canmera you can capture and report is far more easily and get the free sub as the reward.
If you prefer Trafcam then I'm glad you like it. I have no aspirations that we are the only solution available but for the majority of users ours is the better and the most popular by far.
At the moment i have no preference as I am still exploring alternatives. Trafcam was just one that came up on a search.
We could go on debating the pro's and con's of your offering for many posts to come, but I suspect with little to gain. I still maintain that you have brought in a charge very quickly, with no apparent improved benefits as yet, and that is not good for customers. I also think it would do wonders for your credibility with the public at large if you were to:
1. Remove the charge until such time as there are specific identifiable benefits.
2. Introduce a scheme of premium vs basic product charges.
3. Clearly promote what improvements are being made (or have, if that is the case).
4. Implement frequent database updates vs current monthly ones.
I'll leave it at that...
On the other side of the fence...
I have no problem at all paying £2 to PocketGPSWorld for their database. It's been the database of choice for many many months (years?) and if they need to start charging a nominal fee because of the overhead of providing it then that seems entirely justifiable to me.
JRH, if you want to spend at least double the price for the cheapest alternative then that's your prerogative. You can vote with your credit card and see how you get on.
I rarely download the DB myself -- my last update was about a year ago -- but if by contributing to the database I can earn a lifetime's free updates then I've got a financial incentive to help maintain the information. (I never have before.) If the quality of the database continues to improve because more people are contributing then we all win; the only decision we need to make is whether we contribute or pay.
Time will tell whether PGW have made the right or wrong decision for themselves, but I can't really see how any reasonable person can object to their plan. £2 is nothing these days. I'm surprised you're putting griffog under such pressure to justify himself, JRH!
PS. There's a list of db changes on the PGW homepage that were brought in with the new charging scheme. Do they not comprise 'specific identifiable benefits'?
I've used the data base while it was free and will continue to use it for the very modest £2 or £19 yearly not a problem. Just think if it saves you a speeding ticket then it's well worth it, not that you should be speeding anyway!
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
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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
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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
Sent from my Blade using Tapatalk
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have 4 apps and can hardly make $5 a month. Can you help me?
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)
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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.
In your opinion what has been better charging for apps or giving them for free with ad support? Also what kind of apps tend to do better with paid/ad based revenue?
Saw a few articles about that in the last few weeks. They talked about applications that have a free ad supported version and a paid ad free. The free version generates the most revenue. Paying seems a big threshold for some and is even impossible in a lot of countries.
Most banners are not intrusive in portrait mode but I do think they are mostly too large in landscape mode.
I do non-ad apps. The two that I have published are $1.00. Who can't afford a buck, really?
Perhaps having to sign-up for Google Checkout stops people from leaning towards the non-free apps.
Rootstonian said:
I do non-ad apps. The two that I have published are $1.00. Who can't afford a buck, really?
Perhaps having to sign-up for Google Checkout stops people from leaning towards the non-free apps.
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You would be surprised, ppl get defined all the time when trying to buy my app and its only 1.5 lol. Tho I guess there could be more reason why they are declined lol.
Sent from my Nexus One
If youre making a game... id say free version will make more money.
If its a utility... a paid version will make more money because the user wont have the app open for very long or use it very often
Lakers16 said:
If youre making a game... id say free version will make more money.
If its a utility... a paid version will make more money because the user wont have the app open for very long or use it very often
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According to google docs, the onBackPressed() simple calls finish(). So it would be the same.
Honestly this isnt making any sense, calling onBackPressed() *should* be teh same as pressing the back button, but its not...
Lakers16 said:
If youre making a game... id say free version will make more money.
If its a utility... a paid version will make more money because the user wont have the app open for very long or use it very often
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But if a user does not use it very often it is better to have an ad supported version as the user will not like to pay for it.
As a user, having to sign up for Google checkout did stop me from buying, but I got on it cause I figured out the can bill through my carrier.
But honestly, the thing that really keeps me from buying more apps - and specially games with downloadable content - is the 15 minute refund window.
Most of the times that is not enough for me to figure out if the app or game have this or that bug that could potentially turn me off.
Examples: I bought tapatalk, only to find out it FC on me frequently, at which point I am better off using g the free XDA app.
I also bought PSX4DROID only to find out later that it FC on my device when I change orientation - found out dropping the phone and loosing progress -
Lately I am opting for apps that have a free version or a fully functioning trial.
If I'm going to drop some cash then I want to make sure I'm getting something fully functional which will be supported by the dev.
Sent from my HTC Glacier using XDA App
I prefer ad supported apps over paid apps.
Two Reasons,
1) Ad Supported apps are free.
2) I'm only 13 (well almost 14 ) so I can't really pay for apps.
Not to mention a lot of people are broke.
It's all basic Economics (yes, I actually liked economics classes in college).
2 things: Supply and Demand and Economies of Scale
Which boils down to quality vs. quantity. Do you create and make that "KILLER APP" that sells 100,000 copies at a measly $1.00 each? Yeah, I would be happy.
Or do you create 100 "NICE TO HAVE APPS" and sell 1000 copies each at same price?
Still would be happy
I really still think the mobile app market (Android, Windows Mobile, iOS) are still in an infancy stage. Especially when it comes to corporate implementations; whether end-user or in-house.
Syn Ack said:
Not to mention a lot of people are broke.
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Broke? Explain to me how someone who has sh at least $50 phone eith the majority bring well over this can not afford $1-3 apps?
Do ad supported apps do better then paid? Generally yes, but its no2 bc ppl can't afford it. Fickle had create an environment where any person with a key board csen go out and make an app. Bc of this this the majority are free and crap.
Look at the iphone quality of apps, out far exceeds that of android by far. This had nothing to do eith number of users, but rather bc paid aps actually still on the iphone. Look at the best paid aps on android...less thrn 10k sales that's crap. A company can not operate on that number of sales.
Its all about mentality of the user and supply n demand...
Sent from my Nexus One
I prefer ad supported apps. That way, I can get the app for free, with no hassle on my end, but the dev is still making money. And when it's an app that I really like, I tend to just click the ads a bunch of times.