Database Users

A better Marketplace for all

For a long time now I have been wondering when Microsoft's Marketplace for mobile would be finished. Sadly after reading much of the material posted by developers I'm getting the idea the it might not catch on as well as Microsoft hoped. Paying $99 USD per app per year to publish a free app is insane. You would have to be a marketing genius to convince people to donate enough money to cover the cost for you. Other than the current special of 1-5 apps for $99 I don't see this as a viable way to spread freeware applications to the masses. So in turn I have been looking for a way to create a market where free apps can be published and download on a fast reliable server for FREE. I know there are already many apps that have this idea but my spin on it would be to allow apps to be sold as well. Using open source shopping carts like oscommerce would make this a possible idea. There would be no charge to the seller. The shop would be completely funded on donations. Luckily, I already have a host but I would need support from coders and developers to make this come true.
So far, I need someone to code a payment module to allow oscommerce to set each individual pay app to its respective developer's paypal account. So when you choose the app you want and continue to pay for it, the money will go directly to the developer. Like Microsoft, a simple little app or link in the program files can route people to the site so anyone can download and buy on the fly. Seems simple enough right? I have a test shop where I am trying to put up a live demo so that developers would be more inclined to publish their apps when they see my idea in action. I'm still not done with it as I also have another project that I am getting paid for. You will see the site go down and up a lot till I am comfortable with the layout and stability.
I really need some input on this. Do you think that this could actually work and would you support if it became a reality?

sure.... I will put my apps on the server if this becomes a reality
good work and I hope to see this soon!

I'm working with a site called freewarepocketpc.net right to write a client (currently for the freeware side) but also could contain the shareware/paid apps. Creating your own database AND program is not something that you can take on in your free time

joel2009 said:
I'm working with a site called freewarepocketpc.net right to write a client (currently for the freeware side) but also could contain the shareware/paid apps. Creating your own database AND program is not something that you can take on in your free time
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree. This would be difficult to do but im going to try and see this through.

Promote Android App

how to promote my android app for free???

I guess you can find many promotion methods after you install an app from Google Play.
Splash window,
Push notification,
App recommendation inside an app.
Corporate with other developers and promote apps for each other.
...
Well, at least the first three promotion methods can be found in most of the apps from Google Play.
But who knows more promotion methods?

You may install swably and share your apps in there, its community where dev and customer share thoughts about lots of app
Sent from my HTC Salsa C510e using Tapatalk 2

As previously stated, Swably is a free way to promote & share apps. That's probably your best bet.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda app-developers app

Post it here on XDA.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium

for everyone
Thanks

for you
ariser said:
I guess you can find many promotion methods after you install an app from Google Play.
Splash window,
Push notification,
App recommendation inside an app.
Corporate with other developers and promote apps for each other.
...
Well, at least the first three promotion methods can be found in most of the apps from Google Play.
But who knows more promotion methods?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks very much.

okmijnlp said:
As previously stated, Swably is a free way to promote & share apps. That's probably your best bet.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go.Bin said:
You may install swably and share your apps in there, its community where dev and customer share thoughts about lots of app
Sent from my HTC Salsa C510e using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This app on Google Play?
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=goofy2.swably
---------- Post added at 01:12 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:39 AM ----------
okmijnlp said:
As previously stated, Swably is a free way to promote & share apps. That's probably your best bet.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oops, after I install this app from Google Play, I'm stuck in the Connect through a network page, and it gives me three options: Facebook, Twitter, Google+. However, if I choose Facebook, it takes long time to load and then gives me the message of "Connect to...timed out".

ariser said:
This app on Google Play?
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=goofy2.swably
---------- Post added at 01:12 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:39 AM ----------
Oops, after I install this app from Google Play, I'm stuck in the Connect through a network page, and it gives me three options: Facebook, Twitter, Google+. However, if I choose Facebook, it takes long time to load and then gives me the message of "Connect to...timed out".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
can you access Facebook on your phone?

subscribe to getjar and publish your app. or publish your app on Amazon appstore....
OR
Go To This Site and Publish [media.droidtweak. com / android-app-marketing] (Copy and paste it remove spaces, m a new user so i cant post outsider links, m jus trying to help, sorry moderators)
OR
Before you make any sort of promotional effort, you need to do the following:
1) Make sure you have a good rating. Get 10 friends to give you 5-stars. Nobody wants to download an unrated app (or even one with less than 5 ratings).
2) Add a video on the app store. It doesn't need to be pro, just something that gives a good indication of what your app does.
3) Make sure your screenshots are good and your description is accurate. The first sentence is the most important for describing what the app does.
After it's on the store (free version):
1) Post in forums
2) Submit it to review websites
3) Write up a press release (catchy headline, what your app does, why is it better - have a good angle) and send it to every news / tech / related website you can find. Who knows, 1 or 2 websites out of the 100s might write something about you, which can get you 100s of downloads. It's worth the hours it takes to do this. Also, use some Mail Merge software to make it personal (as simple as "Hi [name]").
4) Find influential twitter users that you think would use your app. Send them a message - dont harass them though. Be sincere. If they like it and they haven't tweeted about it, ask them to.

sam shaikh said:
subscribe to getjar and publish your app. or publish your app on Amazon appstore....
OR
Go To This Site and Publish [media.droidtweak. com / android-app-marketing] (Copy and paste it remove spaces, m a new user so i cant post outsider links, m jus trying to help, sorry moderators)
OR
Before you make any sort of promotional effort, you need to do the following:
1) Make sure you have a good rating. Get 10 friends to give you 5-stars. Nobody wants to download an unrated app (or even one with less than 5 ratings).
2) Add a video on the app store. It doesn't need to be pro, just something that gives a good indication of what your app does.
3) Make sure your screenshots are good and your description is accurate. The first sentence is the most important for describing what the app does.
After it's on the store (free version):
1) Post in forums
2) Submit it to review websites
3) Write up a press release (catchy headline, what your app does, why is it better - have a good angle) and send it to every news / tech / related website you can find. Who knows, 1 or 2 websites out of the 100s might write something about you, which can get you 100s of downloads. It's worth the hours it takes to do this. Also, use some Mail Merge software to make it personal (as simple as "Hi [name]").
4) Find influential twitter users that you think would use your app. Send them a message - dont harass them though. Be sincere. If they like it and they haven't tweeted about it, ask them to.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
nice advices, but the first link goes to paid reviews

New android app - need exposure
Hi everyone,
I'm a noob here (hopefully I'm not violating any rules) and was hoping to post one of my android apps here to help it gain some traction. My 11 year old son worked with me on this app, I would just like to keep him motivated by seeing some success.
Lately with the way the android market has become saturated, it has been very tough to get your app discovered.
I only do this as a hobby on the side. I have only developed games, they are all pretty simple games, no 3D or anything like that.
I recently released a dice game app (variation of Yahtzee), That I think some people would like.
It has some online challenge features with scoreloop, and an extra game mode.
My downloads to date are pretty poor, and was hoping to gain some exposure.
here is the link on the google play store:
play.google.com/store/ apps/details?id=com.anndconsulting.yahtzeecrag
I have a free (ad supported) and paid version released.
developer ID is ANND Consulting Games
Thanks for the help
Please let me know , if there is a better way of doing this, and I apologize in advance if I have violated and rules here.

When I was trying different methods to promote my app, I kinda noted it down. Here is brief about what I did:
http://obscurant1st.biz/blog/how-to-promote-android-app/

1. Never use push notifications aka push it to people's notification centers. People will perceive it as spam, and never download it. Ever.
2. Contact several Android news sites, and tip them that your *special* app is available. With special, i mean, really special. Don't even do it if it's a fart app or a stupid and useless app. You don't deserve the attention.
3. XDA. Publish it in the app section. People will find it and download it. People will use it if it's any good, or people will complain if it's ****; and you'll deserve it.
Bottom line: Build it, and they will come. Exploit the system in a bad way and you'll go nowhere. Don't piss people off with annoying ads.

From my very recent experience, getting a review on a major website with tons of viewers will get you a ton of attention. Websites like android police and android central have a ton of views per day.
My usual promotions were to post on forums. If you were lucky and people paid attention to your app, they'd download it. The more downloads you get, the higher chances of it showing up on Top New apps or just Top Apps. Once you get on that list, its when the app will finally take off. Its took 2.5 weeks for my live wallpaper to get to top 10 new paid live wallpapers and top 10 new free live wallpaper. The Top Paid live wallpaper is easy to get on as only a few purchases will qualify the app.
Anyway, back to my point about the review. My app was doing ok and there was a consistent downloads per day then it started to decline a little. But all of a sudden, my google wallets account exploded with purchases and my free version with admob banners, the requests and impressions exploded. I was shocked and had no idea what was going on. Then, a quick google of my app, revealed that android police decided to give my app a review. i was shocked. I never asked them to review it, so it was pretty much free publicity. If you look at the little graph on the right side of my app, you'll see how it was starting to decline, then all of a sudden, it shot up.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.qk.batterycorelwfree
Here's the review on my app.
http://www.androidpolice.com/2013/0...e-way-to-track-your-lithium-ion-expenditures/
Main points:
1. Post on forums
2. Get a review done.
Side note, I've never seen a good app not get downloads. All good apps will get tons of downloads.

LordManhattan said:
3. XDA. Publish it in the app section.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I've published my app in the app section, People loved it and found it useful, I updated frequently, But The app went in the last pages which I think no one checks,

True is there any really good way to promote app for free?
UpGado said:
Well, I've published my app in the app section, People loved it and found it useful, I updated frequently, But The app went in the last pages which I think no one checks,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

chengsokdara said:
True is there any really good way to promote app for free?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are lots of ways. Requesting a review for your app is one of the easiest ways.
I have started a free review service, You could consider requesting a free review from me!
Also see this link from my signature with lots of tips to promote our apps for free!

I can help promoting yours apps on the biggest Polish Android forum.

qkhang said:
Then, a quick google of my app, revealed that android police decided to give my app a review. i was shocked. I never asked them to review it, so it was pretty much free publicity.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In other words: what you say about yourself, is advertising. What others say about you, it's public relations - much more effective way of promotion, but much much more complicated, too.

[Q] Can't post paid apps on Google Play, other ways to make a few dollars?

Hello, I was put in the situation of making an android app and posting it on my university's Google Play account as a project for a class. I thought it would be a good chance to make my own account and start making android apps.
I'm hoping to get some money out of making android apps so I can continue my studies in peace without having to get a job. My first idea was to put up a free version and a donate version of my app. Problem is, google play doesn't allow me to publish paid apps from my country.
I ended up using admob ads. I feel bad for the users, I know the ads are annoying. Besides, they don't bring much money, it's been two months and I didn't even make half what I paid to make the account.

way to difficult
I am also stuck with the same prob. may be we can sell our app to some publisher will have to google because few of my developers sold there apps from 200 to 1000 dollars

I was thinking maybe they could donate through paypal and have their email added to a list that the app checks and unlock some pro features with that. But I don't know how to automate this process and I don't think people are willing to wait until I check the donations and manually add them to the list.
I don't think I'd like to sell my app to publishers. I'm getting sentimental about it

[Q] Duplicate Apps

Like, I'm guessing, a lot of people, I tend to go a little 'app crazy' now and again and install apps based on reviews (here and on other forums) without fully educating myself on what they do. This even extends to paid-for apps (I'm looking at you my multitude of launchers) and to that end I have a lot of apps that I'm pretty sure do the same thing other apps on my phone already do. (quick example Springpad, Evernote & Google Keep)
My question is this, is there an easy way to compare my apps to see what duplicates what and which app actually does the deed better? I realize, yes of course just read up on all of them and then choose, which is likely what I'll end up doing but if there's a shortcut method then I'd love to know it.
Also, I wish we could 'sell' apps we purchased but no longer need due to newer versions of Android having these features built in.
All information and suggestions (even the smarta$$ ones lol) are appreciated.
Thanks in advance.

Selling apps would not work out that well. And I dont know of any shortcut. Maybe make a thread on the themes/apps or questions sec asking users about their favorite app that does X
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda premium

When you pay for an app you DON'T actually own it like you would own a car.
You purchase a license to USE the software.
Reselling the app is a violation of copyright law.
It's different if you have physical media.
You are allowed to sell the media as long as you delete the software from your system.

ObrienDave said:
When you pay for an app you DON'T actually own it like you would own a car.
You purchase a license to USE the software.
Reselling the app is a violation of copyright law.
It's different if you have physical media.
You are allowed to sell the media as long as you delete the software from your system.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I actually understand the laws associated with digital content, especially after the Bruce Willis/Apple fight over his iTunes catalog.
But it would be nice to give access to these paid apps to someone else since I'm no longer using them, I hate paying for something and then no longer needing it/being unable to get rid of it or give to someone who can use it.

gtuansdiamm said:
Selling apps would not work out that well. And I dont know of any shortcut. Maybe make a thread on the themes/apps or questions sec asking users about their favorite app that does X
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very good suggestion, thanks!

Your welcome
Glad I was of help
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda premium

To all Indie-developers - Google might require you to publish your real address

If you have a paid-app or an in-app-billing inside your app, you will have to put your real address to be publically shown on the Play Store .
Links about this :
http://www.xda-developers.com/andro...s-will-soon-have-to-provide-physical-address/
http://www.androidauthority.com/google-forcing-developers-to-publish-home-addresses-527772/
http://www.androidpolice.com/2014/0...es-to-have-an-address-on-file-in-google-play/
http://phandroid.com/2014/09/18/google-play-now-requires-devs-to-make-their-home-address-public/
http://www.androidheadlines.com/201...physical-address-file-paid-apps-apps-iap.html
http://androidandme.com/2014/09/new...es-app-developers-to-list-a-physical-address/
http://www.greenbot.com/article/2685242/android-developers-must-now-list-physical-address-in-play-store.html[/url]
http://www.pcworld.com/article/2685...-now-list-physical-address-in-play-store.html
I've also written 2 posts about it here and here.
Please try to make a difference and help fight against this decision.
You can do the next things:
1. Sign a petition, here and here
2. Share, star and comment on the above links, not only those that I've found, but also on other places.
Maybe, together we will show Google that it's a bad decision, and they will give a better alternative.

Signed both. I'm not a developer, but I think it's total crap that they'd force this on people.
Not good game Google. "Don't Be Evil"

Thanks I was hoping someone would start a forum regarding this
Thanks I was hoping someone would start a forum regarding this :
This is an awful direction for Google to take the only people this hurts are the very people that made Android what it is today The " Individual " APP Developers , if it wasn't for the hobbyist and enthusiast , you know The small " Individual " APP Developers early on Android probably wouldn't of made it past Version 1.5 , it was the APPS that these " Individual " APP Developers made that gave people a want to buy an Android device and has lead to Android being the APP ECO System it is today.
Hope Google comes to their senses. . .

I understand why (reduce malicious apps) but it will also pull good indie apps.
Guess donations packs should now be sold on dev's website, without the help of Googke Play Services DRM for piracy checking.
An alternative could be Amazon's app store, but I don't know if they are indie friendly.

Magissia said:
I understand why (reduce apps) but it will also pull good indie apps.
Guess donations packs should now be sold on dev's website, without the help of Googke Play Services DRM for piracy checking.
An alternative could be Amazon's app store, but I don't know if they are indie friendly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This won't have any affect on malicious apps, most malicious apps are free so won't be bound to the mandatory address requirement the ones that are not free will just convert to free.
And users need to take more realisability for the content they load on their device. Really in this day in age I can't believe people still install things with out researching first.
Sent from my XT907 using XDA Free mobile app

Shame on Google.
This actually won't prevent malicious apps to be published on the Play Store, malware are usually free apps.
Instead, this put indie develepers into a risky condition, mad people at the door, harassment, in the best case "just" privacy concerns.
I can't understand this stupid decision by Google, maybe it's because of the new refund policies, refund requests after the canonical 2 hours are hanled by them, in other words they have to put the money. Forcing people to publish free instead of paid apps will make them save some money.. maybe.
However, whatever the reason, it's time they stop to make the developers pay for THEIR mistakes and security holes!

Is there a way to make it a sticky on all of the Android sub-forums, or something?
Time is running short, and I really hope to make a difference here.
I don't care even if you modify my post or make a new one.

Magissia said:
I understand why (reduce malicious apps) but it will also pull good indie apps.
Guess donations packs should now be sold on dev's website, without the help of Googke Play Services DRM for piracy checking.
An alternative could be Amazon's app store, but I don't know if they are indie friendly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Speaking of donations, I've tried to suggest an alternative solution in case it won't work, as a second plan, here

AndroidDeveloperLB said:
Speaking of donations, I've tried to suggest an alternative solution in case it won't work, as a second plan, here
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hey, is the thing about entering addresses still going on? i havnt gotten a notification on my google developers console to give address

Sahaab said:
hey, is the thing about entering addresses still going on? i havnt gotten a notification on my google developers console to give address
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it is.
If you go there, and click on "Announcements" , you will see it.

AndroidDeveloperLB said:
Yes, it is.
If you go there, and click on "Announcements" , you will see it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks, found it
really dont want to add an address tho XD
---------- Post added at 09:26 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:22 PM ----------
AndroidDeveloperLB said:
Yes, it is.
If you go there, and click on "Announcements" , you will see it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lawl i dont know but i am now having trouble finding the place to put my address in XD

Sahaab said:
thanks, found it
really dont want to add an address tho XD
---------- Post added at 09:26 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:22 PM ----------
lawl i dont know but i am now having trouble finding the place to put my address in XD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They specifically say :
"
Add a physical contact address Beginning September 30, 2014, you need to add a physical address to your Settings page. After you've added an address, it will be available on your app's detail page to all users on Google Play. If your physical address changes, make sure to update your information on your Settings page.
If you have paid apps or apps with in-app purchases, it's mandatory to provide a physical address where you can be contacted, as you are the seller of that content, to comply with consumer protection laws. If you don't provide a physical address on your account, it may result in your apps being removed from the Play Store."
This means they want an address to be published for all.
In order to edit this setting, you have to go to "finance" and then to the merchant settings and then edit the address...

AndroidDeveloperLB said:
They specifically say :
"
Add a physical contact address Beginning September 30, 2014, you need to add a physical address to your Settings page. After you've added an address, it will be available on your app's detail page to all users on Google Play. If your physical address changes, make sure to update your information on your Settings page.
If you have paid apps or apps with in-app purchases, it's mandatory to provide a physical address where you can be contacted, as you are the seller of that content, to comply with consumer protection laws. If you don't provide a physical address on your account, it may result in your apps being removed from the Play Store."
This means they want an address to be published for all.
In order to edit this setting, you have to go to "finance" and then to the merchant settings and then edit the address...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes i read the announcement
trying to find the setting to add the address XD

Sahaab said:
yes i read the announcement
trying to find the setting to add the address XD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
attached a screenshot.

AndroidDeveloperLB said:
attached a screenshot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
oh okay, thanks

removed since reading the suggestion.

Don't like the change.
Maybe someone started moving their apps to another stores such as Amazon?
Or even focus on IOS and not to deploy on Android anymore.
Good job Google

Generic Field said:
Don't like the change.
Maybe someone started moving their apps to another stores such as Amazon?
Or even focus on IOS and not to deploy on Android anymore.
Good job Google
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good job, you forget IOS yearly fee.
If you can't afford a PO BOX or let's say any forwarding address yearly, can you afford IOS yearly service which is $99 / year ? Let alone you need mac OS to develop your application.
I rather to publish is in Amazon or just use any address which I have access to (maybe it is friend address or whatever) or you can use a "service" which help you to publish your app to market (but they will ask you: source code (as they will compile it by themselves), analyze your source code (make sure your code is safe), and get 20 - 25% from your revenue). If you insist to use a store: publish your application to windows phone (well good luck with visual studio license) store or incoming Tizen. IOS is not good idea if you cannot sell your apps (don't forget yearly $99).

ishengard said:
Good job, you forget IOS yearly fee.
If you can't afford a PO BOX or let's say any forwarding address yearly, can you afford IOS yearly service which is $99 / year ? Let alone you need mac OS to develop your application.
I rather to publish is in Amazon or just use any address which I have access to (maybe it is friend address or whatever) or you can use a "service" which help you to publish your app to market (but they will ask you: source code (as they will compile it by themselves), analyze your source code (make sure your code is safe), and get 20 - 25% from your revenue). If you insist to use a store: publish your application to windows phone (well good luck with visual studio license) store or incoming Tizen. IOS is not good idea if you cannot sell your apps (don't forget yearly $99).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, this is not the old good war between google fans and apple fans, the point is google is going to screw up everything.
I'm totally against apple and ios but, let's face these things about them:
- they ask you a per-year fee
- they verify your app and make sure it's safe for the users
- earnings on their store is four times than the play store
So, you pay a lot but you have a good change to get the money back and, above all, you're not asked to pay in terms of lack of PRIVACY and SAFETY.
What google is doing is crazy and unacceptable, everyone (not who actually buy on the play store, everyone!) will be allowed to see your personal info and home address and, btw, it's still not clear if a PO box is allowed.
I'm not a google soldier, i like google but i won't defend them when they become so greedy and unfair that even apple appears better.

ishengard said:
Good job, you forget IOS yearly fee.
If you can't afford a PO BOX or let's say any forwarding address yearly, can you afford IOS yearly service which is $99 / year ? Let alone you need mac OS to develop your application.
I rather to publish is in Amazon or just use any address which I have access to (maybe it is friend address or whatever) or you can use a "service" which help you to publish your app to market (but they will ask you: source code (as they will compile it by themselves), analyze your source code (make sure your code is safe), and get 20 - 25% from your revenue). If you insist to use a store: publish your application to windows phone (well good luck with visual studio license) store or incoming Tizen. IOS is not good idea if you cannot sell your apps (don't forget yearly $99).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Isn't Apple's share of revenues from the app the same as Google's - 30% ?
Anyway, I got a weird reply today from Google on their Google groups:
https://code.google.com/p/android-developer-preview/issues/detail?id=1340#c22
to comply with consumer protection laws in different jurisdictions, you may be required to provide certain business contact information, including email and/or business address. Please speak with your legal representative on the different types of information that can be used. As an example, for more information on the types of business contact information that can be used, the European Commission has provided official guidance that may be helpful.
ec.europa.euhttp://ec.europa.eu/justice/consumer-marketing/files/crd_guidance_en.pdf
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can I understand from it that an email is enough?
Also, how come I can't (as a user) see any app's address on the play store? Not even of Google's ?
Is it possible it's available only in certain countries? Maybe only in the EU ?