Database Users

[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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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

[Q] Paid vs Ads

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.

Amazon app store...say no

Sorry....but when it comes to DRM I just say No

Fine but that rules out Google's store as well.. or have you not tried to install a paid app from market manually on a phone without gapps?

tman7510 said:
Sorry....but when it comes to DRM I just say No
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I second this
I would also like to boycott houses, caves are enough
and as for electricity say no, Electricity kills!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Amazon are great , I have been using them since they were doing just books
back then their prices were great, and today their pricing is competitive on many items ( I'm not going to say they are the cheapest for everything )
DRM is not an issue with Android apps
I only have issues with DRM when it restricts compatibility, for instance music being restricted to a certain brand of player. with Android that won't happen Andriod apps will run on Android OS regardless of the hardware manufacture.

I'm not too keen on DRM either... but...
This is the way I look at the situation...
They are giving daily apps away for free...
If you want an app you have to pay for... buy it from the Android Market...
If you want a free app that normal is going to cost you... buy it from amazon.

COMPARISON: Purchasing Apps from Samsung Apps Store versus Android Market

Is it advisable to purchase any particular app from the Samsung App Store or should one buy it from the Android Market?
In my opinion, one should prefer to buy any particular app from the android market rather than Samsung Appstore which is yet to grow with even basic professional relevance!!!
I am saying this after I have had this experience...
Last week I bought SPLASHTOP REMOTE DESKTOP from Samsung App store on my Galaxy Note for about 0.99 USD. There were few noticeable differences:
First thing I immediately noticed was that the version I downloaded (1.6.0.5) was OLDER than the corresponding one available (1.6.5.6) on Android Market.
Still I preferred to buy the app from Samsung App store as it was much cheaper (0.99 USD) as compared to the one available on android market (USD 4.99).
Just two days after this I noticed the CERAMIC WHITE model of NOTE and of course could not resist the temptation of owning it, so gifted my (erstwhile) dark blue NOTE to my bro (after factory resetting it!!!, which my bro is now using with all his relevant google/samsung account credentials!!)
And this is where I learnt that because I "changed" my device, I can not REDOWNLOAD my "purchased" app from SAMSUNG APP STORE despite regitering with same Samsung Apps account!!. This is so very weird, as I have been seamlessly transitioning my all apps to my all new devices just by ensuring that I have the same google/android account registered on my new device.
I tried to restore my app through Kies, but in vain, then I tried to get in touch with customer support at Sumsung App Store and which is when I noticed that that they have a very LOUSY and LAME UI, that just leads no where.
Needless to mention, I purchased the app again, but this time from the android market. Although I had to shell out USD 4.99 (instead of 0.99), I find its worth it as now I have a app, that is LATEST VERSION (yes, in this example of splashtop, it has significant change of opting for custom resolution of native device), and that I will be able to use on as long as I want, even after I move over to any new device (of course there is nothing better than Galaxy Note as of now!!).
So in conclusion, Samsung App store SUCKS while Android Market is far much ahead. Thus in my opinion, assuming all fundamentals remain uniform, its better to purchase an APP from ANDROID MARKET rather that Samsung App Store!!!

Go on getjar.com and download the getjar app. Follow this link getjar.com/mobile/76092/splashtop-r...1exu1ijoujnhdvyb&c=byosqnnawl4xis5cC9&lang=en and you'll have it for free.
Personally I uninstall getjar afterwards as it is running as service in the background.
As these paid apps are offered for free they are not updated by the android market.
tap*talked via GT-N7000 (GB.XXLA4)

It is simple thing, Samsung application can be redownloaded to Samsung device only, (and it is even more strange when it not supports change of device.)
Android purchase will work with any Android device, if you change in future, as it is linked to your Gmail.
And thats Y i think, samsung store provides somwat cheaper thn Android Market. But in long term it cost more.

Very right dr.ketan, its indeed strange that it does not support device change too even if one changes to a different device of Samsung make!! And that's why I reiterate that although on one end they make superb devices as NOTE, on the other end soft serves like their app store, their kies... lack professional relevance
I wish Samsung guys are serious enough to listen to the forum members and take all this as feedback to improve their soft services with needful

"And this is where I learnt that because I "changed" my device, I can not REDOWNLOAD my "purchased" app from SAMSUNG APP STORE despite regitering with same Samsung Apps account!!"
For me, the solution to this is... If I buy something, I own it (which is why I don't buy apple). I can make a back up of CD's, DVD's etc.. that I have paid for. It is the same with apps. I don't care if I'm slated/criticised/abused, after I have bought an app I will find an apk on the net as a backup should I change my phone or flash it. or use 'app backup and restore'.
I have spent far too much time in the past with customer (don't)care trying to find out if they would let me redownload apps I have purchased when I change my phone..

If i purchase an App from Android Market.... And if i change my phone say after 2 years OR Hard Reset, will i still be able to download it to my new phone just by login into my google account? Also, for how long does the developer provide update once purchased an app...

craige said:
If i purchase an App from Android Market.... And if i change my phone say after 2 years OR Hard Reset, will i still be able to download it to my new phone just by login into my google account? Also, for how long does the developer provide update once purchased an app...
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As I have experienced, you may change or hard reset you device unlimited times and still you will continue to enjoy the benefits of being a licensed user of the app, and thus you will be able to download it unlimited times, as long as you continue to have android OS and the same GOOGLE account.
As far as developers support is concerned, I have no precise idea on this, although I feel the support depends on developers commitment to the product. May be I should add here that as I have seen in last 2 years (ever since I am using android) I have been getting updates to my older apps even now, if at all there is a newer version.

Even on the Android market you can have trouble if either google or the developer remove the paid app or release a different version then the old app you purchased is no longer there so if you change your device then you are stuffed and either have to purchase your asp again or you won't get it. For example see the dice player which had paid versions but google removed it and now only free advertisement supported version is available.see comments section for the asp where paid customers are cribbing that now they can't instal paid app on new phone.
Loads of other examples like train times UK app had free version two years ago without ads but later was removed and new paid version came up but when you get new phone then the old asp no longer existson the market.

If you were to spend 1000$ on marketing for your new app

Where and how will you spend them?
I recently launched my new app, and are receiving dozens of emails from review sites ive never heard of, claming they have hundred thousands of readers each month.
I paid 99$ for a featured review, and sent out a press release through PrMac/pc, so far nothing measurable.
So, what are the actions that REALLY works to get more downloads?
Care to colaborate on this subject?

appfactory said:
Where and how will you spend them?
I recently launched my new app, and are receiving dozens of emails from review sites ive never heard of, claming they have hundred thousands of readers each month.
I paid 99$ for a featured review, and sent out a press release through PrMac/pc, so far nothing measurable.
So, what are the actions that REALLY works to get more downloads?
Care to colaborate on this subject?
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I guess you're trying to promote paid android app... Is that right?

anuloid said:
I guess you're trying to promote paid android app... Is that right?
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Yes, thats correct, and its that sort of app that isnt suitable with ads all over, otherwise i would for sure have made a in app ad vers of it...

appfactory said:
Yes, thats correct, and its that sort of app that isnt suitable with ads all over, otherwise i would for sure have made a in app ad vers of it...
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Maybe it'd be prudent to have a free version, so you can measure the demand of your app, plus use some marketing strategies to promote your app, and after then ask money for the full version (maybe via free app). Having only one app in your account will probably make people think deeper before buying, let alone bugs that might be in the app itself.
If you sure you've developed a great bug-free app that is unique and will be of a great help for users, than you can invest in promotion of the app, but I must warn you that it's some kind of tricky thing and you may lose more money than till now.
Anyway for paid apps and monetization purposes iOS is better based upon my experience. Is your app available at iTunes?

anuloid said:
Maybe it'd be prudent to have a free version, so you can measure the demand of your app, plus use some marketing strategies to promote your app, and after then ask money for the full version (maybe via free app). Having only one app in your account will probably make people think deeper before buying, let alone bugs that might be in the app itself.
If you sure you've developed a great bug-free app that is unique and will be of a great help for users, than you can invest in promotion of the app, but I must warn you that it's some kind of tricky thing and you may lose more money than till now.
Anyway for paid apps and monetization purposes iOS is better based upon my experience. Is your app available at iTunes?
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Yes, ive been considering that myself, its amazing how cheap people are, even with "useful" apps for .99 bucks.
A bugfree app is essential free or paid, naturally... It has been going through extensive testing for 8 months, a new vers is currently in the que at Apple, but no crash bugs have been discovered so far, this vers only fixes a problem when words are split in two after a line shift, nothing else.
iOS is here, i have some promocodes if you would like to try it out
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/medicall-app/id878350761?ls=1&mt=8

appfactory said:
Yes, ive been considering that myself, its amazing how cheap people are, even with "useful" apps for .99 bucks.
A bugfree app is essential free or paid, naturally... It has been going through extensive testing for 8 months, a new vers is currently in the que at Apple, but no crash bugs have been discovered so far, this vers only fixes a problem when words are split in two after a line shift, nothing else.
iOS is here, i have some promocodes if you would like to try it out
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/medicall-app/id878350761?ls=1&mt=8
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Send via pm, will try.

So what are your stats so far as for download in the App Store and on Google Play ?