Phone APPS - so is almost nobody buying?

alanwarwic · 10-10-2011, 21:53

My prediction of a £200 iPhone to maintain developer APP support was certainly wrong, at least for now.
This hints that APP spend on phones might be pitifully low.

Spent much on Android or IOS phone apps?

grumpyoldbat · 10-10-2011, 22:35

Yeah, I've bought apps on both iPhone and Android. I know plenty of people who buy apps. More on iPhone than Android as Android has a reputation for having loads of free stuff, but plenty of people who buy apps on both.

paulbrock · 10-10-2011, 23:42

I've spent very little, maybe 10 apps around a quid each, but then I am on the Android side of the fence, where we expect apps for free. (I've downloaded a further 150 or so free apps) The app market generally is huge though, the reason Apple are not dropping their prices is because they have plenty of devoted fans willing to pay the higher price.

Gormond · 10-10-2011, 23:48

Spend maybe £5 - £10 a month on iOS apps.

wilt · 10-10-2011, 23:57

I spend about a fiver a month on Android apps. Most people I know don't, though.

FlyinBrick · 11-10-2011, 00:52

Have never spent anything so far (wife has on her ipad). As has been said, Android has lots of free apps available, and those apps that I've looked at and thought of getting had mixed reviews so I never bothered.

ShaunIOW · 11-10-2011, 01:51

I don't have an iphone just a touch, and did have an android phone - I spent 59p on android apps, and have spent around £12 on Touch apps but thats over 12 months.

-GONZO- · 11-10-2011, 06:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by paulbrock

I've spent very little, maybe 10 apps around a quid each, but then I am on the Android side of the fence, where we expect apps for free. (I've downloaded a further 150 or so free apps) The app market generally is huge though, the reason Apple are not dropping their prices is because they have plenty of devoted fans willing to pay the higher price.

The vast majority of Apple Apps are 69p. There are of coarse plenty that are priced about £1, but I think there are more at 69p. There's also plenty of free apps too.
Mostly I use the free apps and then buy any games if I like them. There are free apps/games being made more available now that offer in game purchases which I use, but do prefer to avoid paying for in app purchases if I can.

DANCE OF DEATH · 11-10-2011, 07:05

On my iphone it has nothing, but free apps. I also have some free e-books on my phone as well which were all free.

dontpannic · 11-10-2011, 08:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by alanwarwic

My prediction of a £200 iPhone to maintain developer APP support was certainly wrong, at least for now.
This hints that APP spend on phones might be pitifully low.

Spent much on Android or IOS phone apps?

Why would the non-inclusion of a "cheap" iPhone directly correlate with "pitiful" app sales?

The iPhone isn't the only iOS device with access to the App Store, the iPod Touch does, as does the iPad, not to mention that the iPhone 3GS is now free on many phone contracts meaning that the phone is in the hands of more consumers/developers.

I still buy apps when I need to, and know of plenty others that do.

iceyc · 11-10-2011, 08:43

I will usually pirate a paid app to see if it's any good first. If it's rubbish or it's never updated, I won't pay for it. Apps like SwiftKey, WidgetLocker and PlayerPro have been worth every penny though.

Gormond · 11-10-2011, 09:01

Games are what my money tends to go on for the iPad and iPhone and they have a fantastic selection from big names such as EA, Konami, Activision, Namco, THQ...

Also have great small published games such as Jelly Defence which I recently purchased and others from ppl such as pop cap, bigfish, gamehouse, iWin, MumboJumbo.... The list just goes on and on.

A recent free game I got was tiger woods 2012 which is rather good for a hand held game.

Oddly enough my friends on iOS buy games often but the ones on android never spend a penny.

neo_wales · 11-10-2011, 09:06

I've always found free applications for my needs, that said my needs are few (Android user). I look upon my phone as just that, a phone.

Inkblot · 11-10-2011, 09:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by dontpannic

Why would the non-inclusion of a "cheap" iPhone directly correlate with "pitiful" app sales?

I don't think it would. Surely the app business model is based on low prices and high volumes so developers have to hope that their app sells enough units to make money with a very smal margin per unit. Users are willing to pay for apps because they are so cheap they can effectively throw them away if they don't like them, and the price of the iPhone does not change that.

david.boobis · 11-10-2011, 11:10

Some things that have no free alternative like WidgetLocker and Titanium Backup Pro I have had to pay for, some cool apps like Launcher7, ADW Launcher and UberMusic I have chosen to pay for, and the rest I've looked for free alternatives for. All in all I'd say I've spend no more than £25 on apps since I got my S2, but I don't regret any of those purchases.

frailfury · 11-10-2011, 13:08

I have started buying Apps on the Android store. 'Myplayer+' was a bargain at £2 - freeview on my phone which doesn't require flash. Streams channels like E4 and Film4 flawlessly with no stuttering. Best £2 I ever spent IMO.

Not sure about other apps. Bought Tune-in Radio Pro for 69p.

mmace · 11-10-2011, 13:47

I've been with Android since launch (G1) except for a small blip when I tried iPhone for a few months. I have spent a few hundred on apps but I'm spending less and less as I'm finding as I change ROMs and phones more often the developers are removing the apps I have bought from the market and putting updated ones on and expecting me to purchase what I already own again.
I've bought a few £10 apps and the most expensive is £27, numerous $5-7 apps and loads of $1-£1

Quote:

Originally Posted by frailfury

I have started buying Apps on the Android store. 'Myplayer+' was a bargain at £2 - freeview on my phone which doesn't require flash. Streams channels like E4 and Film4 flawlessly with no stuttering. Best £2 I ever spent IMO.

have you tried mobile TV Catchup? free website that requires no flash and no software but your stock browser

halfacrown · 11-10-2011, 14:07

I have WP7 and my son has Android, I've only bought a couple of apps and my son hasnt bought any, there are just so many excellent free apps available.

Haruhion · 11-10-2011, 19:16

I get bank charges for foreign transactions from Android Market that, so far I haven't been able to avoid. So I've only purchased from websites directly, and extremely rarely at that.

rovex33 · 11-10-2011, 20:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gormond

Games are what my money tends to go on for the iPad and iPhone and they have a fantastic selection from big names such as EA, Konami, Activision, Namco, THQ...

Also have great small published games such as Jelly Defence which I recently purchased and others from ppl such as pop cap, bigfish, gamehouse, iWin, MumboJumbo.... The list just goes on and on.

A recent free game I got was tiger woods 2012 which is rather good for a hand held game.

Oddly enough my friends on iOS buy games often but the ones on android never spend a penny.

Different market, i dont think games are such a priority for Android users, and we have more free games. We certainly have the hardware and games available, just not the desire.

As for the cheaper iPhone and app sales, well apps sales are fine, but Apple wont cheapen the iPhone. They dont do the 'lose on the hardware, gain on the software' model the console manufacturers use. That want it all.

frailfury · 11-10-2011, 20:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by mmace

I've been with Android since launch (G1) except for a small blip when I tried iPhone for a few months. I have spent a few hundred on apps but I'm spending less and less as I'm finding as I change ROMs and phones more often the developers are removing the apps I have bought from the market and putting updated ones on and expecting me to purchase what I already own again.
I've bought a few £10 apps and the most expensive is £27, numerous $5-7 apps and loads of $1-£1

have you tried mobile TV Catchup? free website that requires no flash and no software but your stock browser

My Optimus One doesn't support flash so I needed to buy this app.

What apps have you bought for all that money?!

johnathome · 11-10-2011, 20:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by frailfury

My Optimus One doesn't support flash so I needed to buy this app.

m.tvcatchup.com doesn't require flash to work, i used to use it when i had my N95

frailfury · 11-10-2011, 21:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnathome

m.tvcatchup.com doesn't require flash to work, i used to use it when i had my N95

You're right. I guess I did waste £2

grumpyoldbat · 11-10-2011, 23:06

Yeah tvcatchup works on the iPhone, and well all know that doesn't have Flash!

TheBigM · 11-10-2011, 23:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by alanwarwic

My prediction of a £200 iPhone to maintain developer APP support was certainly wrong, at least for now.
This hints that APP spend on phones might be pitifully low.

Spent much on Android or IOS phone apps?

How on earth do you maintain that twisted logic?

10-10-2011, 21:53	#1
alanwarwic Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: the wild world web Posts: 28,132	Phone APPS - so is almost nobody buying? My prediction of a £200 iPhone to maintain developer APP support was certainly wrong, at least for now. This hints that APP spend on phones might be pitifully low. Spent much on Android or IOS phone apps?

10-10-2011, 22:35	#2
grumpyoldbat Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 3,636	Yeah, I've bought apps on both iPhone and Android. I know plenty of people who buy apps. More on iPhone than Android as Android has a reputation for having loads of free stuff, but plenty of people who buy apps on both.

10-10-2011, 23:42	#3
paulbrock Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Wapping, London Posts: 16,222	I've spent very little, maybe 10 apps around a quid each, but then I am on the Android side of the fence, where we expect apps for free. (I've downloaded a further 150 or so free apps) The app market generally is huge though, the reason Apple are not dropping their prices is because they have plenty of devoted fans willing to pay the higher price.

10-10-2011, 23:48	#4
Gormond Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Scotland Posts: 15,714	Spend maybe £5 - £10 a month on iOS apps.

10-10-2011, 23:57	#5
wilt Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Potterspury Posts: 930	I spend about a fiver a month on Android apps. Most people I know don't, though.

11-10-2011, 00:52	#6
FlyinBrick Guest Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 1,475	Have never spent anything so far (wife has on her ipad). As has been said, Android has lots of free apps available, and those apps that I've looked at and thought of getting had mixed reviews so I never bothered.

11-10-2011, 01:51	#7
ShaunIOW Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Isle of Wight Posts: 7,828	I don't have an iphone just a touch, and did have an android phone - I spent 59p on android apps, and have spent around £12 on Touch apps but thats over 12 months.

11-10-2011, 06:55	#8
-GONZO- Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Kent Posts: 8,954	Quote: Originally Posted by paulbrock I've spent very little, maybe 10 apps around a quid each, but then I am on the Android side of the fence, where we expect apps for free. (I've downloaded a further 150 or so free apps) The app market generally is huge though, the reason Apple are not dropping their prices is because they have plenty of devoted fans willing to pay the higher price. The vast majority of Apple Apps are 69p. There are of coarse plenty that are priced about £1, but I think there are more at 69p. There's also plenty of free apps too. Mostly I use the free apps and then buy any games if I like them. There are free apps/games being made more available now that offer in game purchases which I use, but do prefer to avoid paying for in app purchases if I can.

11-10-2011, 07:05	#9
DANCE OF DEATH Guest Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 4,723	On my iphone it has nothing, but free apps. I also have some free e-books on my phone as well which were all free.

11-10-2011, 08:32	#10
dontpannic Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Orpington, Kent Posts: 2,344	Quote: Originally Posted by alanwarwic My prediction of a £200 iPhone to maintain developer APP support was certainly wrong, at least for now. This hints that APP spend on phones might be pitifully low. Spent much on Android or IOS phone apps? Why would the non-inclusion of a "cheap" iPhone directly correlate with "pitiful" app sales? The iPhone isn't the only iOS device with access to the App Store, the iPod Touch does, as does the iPad, not to mention that the iPhone 3GS is now free on many phone contracts meaning that the phone is in the hands of more consumers/developers. I still buy apps when I need to, and know of plenty others that do.

11-10-2011, 08:43	#11
iceyc Forum Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 968	I will usually pirate a paid app to see if it's any good first. If it's rubbish or it's never updated, I won't pay for it. Apps like SwiftKey, WidgetLocker and PlayerPro have been worth every penny though.

11-10-2011, 09:01	#12
Gormond Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Scotland Posts: 15,714	Games are what my money tends to go on for the iPad and iPhone and they have a fantastic selection from big names such as EA, Konami, Activision, Namco, THQ... Also have great small published games such as Jelly Defence which I recently purchased and others from ppl such as pop cap, bigfish, gamehouse, iWin, MumboJumbo.... The list just goes on and on. A recent free game I got was tiger woods 2012 which is rather good for a hand held game. Oddly enough my friends on iOS buy games often but the ones on android never spend a penny.

11-10-2011, 09:06	#13
neo_wales Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: South Wales/Gran Canaria Posts: 8,298	I've always found free applications for my needs, that said my needs are few (Android user). I look upon my phone as just that, a phone.

11-10-2011, 09:24	#14
Inkblot Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: West London Posts: 24,316	Quote: Originally Posted by dontpannic Why would the non-inclusion of a "cheap" iPhone directly correlate with "pitiful" app sales? I don't think it would. Surely the app business model is based on low prices and high volumes so developers have to hope that their app sells enough units to make money with a very smal margin per unit. Users are willing to pay for apps because they are so cheap they can effectively throw them away if they don't like them, and the price of the iPhone does not change that.

11-10-2011, 11:10	#15
david.boobis Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Posts: 376	Some things that have no free alternative like WidgetLocker and Titanium Backup Pro I have had to pay for, some cool apps like Launcher7, ADW Launcher and UberMusic I have chosen to pay for, and the rest I've looked for free alternatives for. All in all I'd say I've spend no more than £25 on apps since I got my S2, but I don't regret any of those purchases.

11-10-2011, 13:08	#16
frailfury Guest Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 6,966	I have started buying Apps on the Android store. 'Myplayer+' was a bargain at £2 - freeview on my phone which doesn't require flash. Streams channels like E4 and Film4 flawlessly with no stuttering. Best £2 I ever spent IMO. Not sure about other apps. Bought Tune-in Radio Pro for 69p.

11-10-2011, 13:47	#17
mmace Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Leeds Posts: 790	I've been with Android since launch (G1) except for a small blip when I tried iPhone for a few months. I have spent a few hundred on apps but I'm spending less and less as I'm finding as I change ROMs and phones more often the developers are removing the apps I have bought from the market and putting updated ones on and expecting me to purchase what I already own again. I've bought a few £10 apps and the most expensive is £27, numerous $5-7 apps and loads of $1-£1 Quote: Originally Posted by frailfury I have started buying Apps on the Android store. 'Myplayer+' was a bargain at £2 - freeview on my phone which doesn't require flash. Streams channels like E4 and Film4 flawlessly with no stuttering. Best £2 I ever spent IMO. have you tried mobile TV Catchup? free website that requires no flash and no software but your stock browser

11-10-2011, 14:07	#18
halfacrown Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Belfast, OWC Posts: 502	I have WP7 and my son has Android, I've only bought a couple of apps and my son hasnt bought any, there are just so many excellent free apps available.

11-10-2011, 19:16	#19
Haruhion Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Luton Posts: 1,752	I get bank charges for foreign transactions from Android Market that, so far I haven't been able to avoid. So I've only purchased from websites directly, and extremely rarely at that.

11-10-2011, 20:22	#20
rovex33 Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 42	Quote: Originally Posted by Gormond Games are what my money tends to go on for the iPad and iPhone and they have a fantastic selection from big names such as EA, Konami, Activision, Namco, THQ... Also have great small published games such as Jelly Defence which I recently purchased and others from ppl such as pop cap, bigfish, gamehouse, iWin, MumboJumbo.... The list just goes on and on. A recent free game I got was tiger woods 2012 which is rather good for a hand held game. Oddly enough my friends on iOS buy games often but the ones on android never spend a penny. Different market, i dont think games are such a priority for Android users, and we have more free games. We certainly have the hardware and games available, just not the desire. As for the cheaper iPhone and app sales, well apps sales are fine, but Apple wont cheapen the iPhone. They dont do the 'lose on the hardware, gain on the software' model the console manufacturers use. That want it all.

11-10-2011, 20:52	#21
frailfury Guest Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 6,966	Quote: Originally Posted by mmace I've been with Android since launch (G1) except for a small blip when I tried iPhone for a few months. I have spent a few hundred on apps but I'm spending less and less as I'm finding as I change ROMs and phones more often the developers are removing the apps I have bought from the market and putting updated ones on and expecting me to purchase what I already own again. I've bought a few £10 apps and the most expensive is £27, numerous $5-7 apps and loads of $1-£1 have you tried mobile TV Catchup? free website that requires no flash and no software but your stock browser My Optimus One doesn't support flash so I needed to buy this app. What apps have you bought for all that money?!

DS Forums

Phone APPS - so is almost nobody buying?

11-10-2011, 20:57	#22
johnathome Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Pompey Posts: 1,068	Quote: Originally Posted by frailfury My Optimus One doesn't support flash so I needed to buy this app. m.tvcatchup.com doesn't require flash to work, i used to use it when i had my N95

11-10-2011, 21:49	#23
frailfury Guest Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 6,966	Quote: Originally Posted by johnathome m.tvcatchup.com doesn't require flash to work, i used to use it when i had my N95 You're right. I guess I did waste £2

11-10-2011, 23:06	#24
grumpyoldbat Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 3,636	Yeah tvcatchup works on the iPhone, and well all know that doesn't have Flash!

11-10-2011, 23:15	#25
TheBigM Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: moon Posts: 12,983	Quote: Originally Posted by alanwarwic My prediction of a £200 iPhone to maintain developer APP support was certainly wrong, at least for now. This hints that APP spend on phones might be pitifully low. Spent much on Android or IOS phone apps? How on earth do you maintain that twisted logic?