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A group of open source Android apps without ads or unnecessary permissions

simplemobiletools.com

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101–110 of 173 posts

Re: A group of open source Android apps without ads or unnecessary permissions

#101

Post by todorov84 »

I don't trust this developer.

For the last two years or so they tried to retire "Simple Gallery" (which already had no ads or extra permissions required) and move people to its paid version by releasing updates with nag screens and fewer and fewer functions (edit: removals).

Every single time someone complained in a review, they would reply a canned answer: "Hey, there are many improvements in the Pro app version, it is definitely worth upgrading".

I have no issue paying for apps I like, but sorry, I won't reward scummy behaviour.

Re: A group of open source Android apps without ads or unnecessary permissions

#102

Post by mort96 »

Aachen wrote: post #77
jqpabc123 wrote: post #10

I have used some of these on and off. In general, they are simple and functional and seem to be well made and privacy respecting ... but they are only "free" if you don't mind the nag screen and the orange theme which can only be changed in the purchased version. What I don't like about purchased apps is the fact that you have to pay again for every upgrade. And I have to pay twice since I use 2 phones --- one privat…

> they are only "free" if you don't mind the nag screen and the orange theme which can only be changed in the purchased version Wow, add a gimmick as a little perk to those who donate without actually impairing functionality for free users and next thing people will comment on how annoying it is that the color orange can't be changed. I've never before heard someone complain that a color can't be changed in an app, i…

I don't think they're actually complaining that the color can't be changed. I think they're complaining that there's functionality which can only be obtained through paying; that functionality could be totally meaningless and it'd still cause complaints.

Personally, I agree with you; adding unnecessary customization options which are only available to pro features is one of the least unethical ways of making money for software.

Re: A group of open source Android apps without ads or unnecessary permissions

#103

Post by Aachen »

kortilla wrote: post #100
Aachen wrote: post #69

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Use the older version you liked then? I somehow feel a sense of entitlement here. Changing a pricing model for new releases has nothing to do with planned obsolescence; planned obsolescence is making something bad so that you have to buy it new sooner. You got it free. The whole concept also isn't a software thing: one can limit a license duration but software doesn't wear and break prematurely. A date-based kill swi…

When software auto updates that’s effectively what happened here.

There's no downgrade option on Google Play Store?

Re: A group of open source Android apps without ads or unnecessary permissions

#104

Post by jqpabc123 »

josephcsible wrote: post #89
jqpabc123 wrote: post #80

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Read carefully --- I never said that I did.

If you don't use Google Play and didn't pay for the apps, then why are you complaining? You can just use the ones from F-Droid, which will give you all of the functionality and no nags for free.

Wonder how I got nag screens? Must have been my mistake.

Re: A group of open source Android apps without ads or unnecessary permissions

#106

Post by lkxijlewlf »

glook wrote: post #42

I am a heavy user of f-droid and avoid these 'Simple' apps. The high level of nag is not just annoying but borders on begging. Having pro versions where you can change colors defeats the idea of open source. I hate bringing the negative energy, but there is a treasure of apps available with f-droid other than these. I am glad they have their own website and wish they just went and did their own thing there.

I use the calendar (installed from f-droid) and I don't recall being nagged. Haven't found an alternative calendar that I like better.

Re: A group of open source Android apps without ads or unnecessary permissions

#107

Post by notyourday »

rchaud wrote: post #76
notyourday wrote: post #54

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> I hate bringing the negative energy, but there is a treasure of apps available with f-droid other than these. That's the problem with OSS and F-droid in general. Tons of apps. Very few polished enough for use of general population. Simple is great. Simple Gallery Pro blows away every single gallery app on the market. A few minor bugs that the author(s) keep addressing. P.S. Developers of useful apps should be able…

We are past that point. The old complaint used to be that Android users don't want to pay, so iOS got all the cool apps that cost $2-$10 and Android got ad-ridden 'free' apps. Now everything is on a subscription basis, regardless of which OS you use. Even 'dumb' apps like music players and file managers, that don't require online access are being priced this way.

And Android apps still suck donkey balls as those who normally would pay for them say "Just use stuff form the F-droid. I kind of works, ignore non-polished interface"

Re: A group of open source Android apps without ads or unnecessary permissions

#108

Post by teawrecks »

josephcsible wrote: post #46
glook wrote: post #42

I am a heavy user of f-droid and avoid these 'Simple' apps. The high level of nag is not just annoying but borders on begging. Having pro versions where you can change colors defeats the idea of open source. I hate bringing the negative energy, but there is a treasure of apps available with f-droid other than these. I am glad they have their own website and wish they just went and did their own thing there.

Wait, are you saying even the F-Droid versions nag you? I've never seen that.

I use the calendar and gallery from f-droid. No nags here. Didn't even know that was a thing.

Re: A group of open source Android apps without ads or unnecessary permissions

#109

Post by notyourday »

cortesoft wrote: post #81
vorpalhex wrote: post #78

Earlier quoted context omitted.

If you want nice software, you should use your day job money and support the people who make it.

I contribute to open source by writing it and participating in the community, not by spending dollars.

Alas, neither my grocery store nor does my landlord care about nice feels. Hence I do HTTP 402 Pay me.

Re: A group of open source Android apps without ads or unnecessary permissions

#110

Post by phalangion »

mburee wrote: post #66
metalliqaz wrote: post #61

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I am an oss dev. I make a living at my day job.

Exactly, if you don't want to develop open source software, just don't do it

And if you don’t like how someone manages their open source software, don’t use it.
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