Google has blocked access to paid Android applications to the very people who most likely would have vested interest in accessing them: developers using the officially-sanctioned unlocked G1. Google released the Developer version of the G1 back in December 2008, priced at $399, making it available to anybody willing to pay the $25 developers’ registration fee.
As well as being SIM unlocked, the Developer G1 is also hardware unlocked, giving access to the root folders usually off-limits to consumer G1 handsets. That’s where the paid-apps issue comes in: such applications are saved to a private folder on the G1, inaccessible to regular owners but not to developers, rather than encrypted with any sort of DRM. That would allow users to copy the files and store them elsewhere, take advantage of the 24hr refund policy in the Android Market, and then replace the files from the backup to use the software again. Google’s preventative stance appears to be based on the possibility that the Developer G1 could be used to spread pirated copies of paid-apps.
Bizarrely, though, it means that developers behind paid-apps are unable to even see their own software in the Market. Meanwhile, unofficially unlocked T-Mobile G1 handsets are capable both of browsing paid-apps and accessing their supposedly-private files. Google is yet to officially comment on the situation, aside from confirming that the change in policy was a recent one.
People that want to pirate are going to pirate anyway. How long til someone buys the app on a "approved" phone and then just posts the app for people with "unapproved" phones to download and put on their phone? How does the market do anything to protect the file in this case?
Just let go! People will pay for the apps that they want and will not pay for the apps that are overpriced and undervalued. It's so stupid to think that people are going to be tricked into buying crap apps just because they have closed the market off.
So, even free apps that were once available previously are no more visible to ADP1 (dev phone) users since recent changes.
Google certainly needs a much better way to 'copy protect'. Developers who have spent $25 + $399 + $tax (+$shipping +$duty) must not be given such a low priority though the t-mob g1 users certainly out number them. Such a policy would only prevent the growth of genuine developers base.
6 months later, their "solution" was to just "hide" them elsewhere in the file system with no additional security? That was the best they could come up with???
6 months later, their "solution" was to just "hide" them elsewhere in the file system with no additional security? That was the best they could come up with???
Not knowing who's controlling this (G or TMo), and other issues that are ongoing (such as my stereo BT), is anyone else coming close to throwing in the towel?
I have been faithful to HTC and TMo since buying the original Pocket PC in 1999 or 2000 and have NEVER been so disappointed, both with lack of what should be considered "standard" features for the type of phone our G1s were promoted as, as well as lack of response.
I still don't know why I should have to invest $50+ for a fugly extended battery & cover to do everything I bought this phone to do. Not asking for days treking in the outback. Just web, text and a few calls during the day!
Add to that that some reps provide unlock codes and some don't (my 3rd call did the trick for me), I hate to say it but I'm losing faith in TMo. And my love for Google is being severly tested if they can't protect their rep in whatever agreement they have with Tmo.
Okay, rant's over; falling off my soapbox, but this developer "lockout" issue just pushed me over the edge (no, not the network
I will say that the unsuspecting, no-harm-intending dev phone buyers that ARE getting screwed on this deal should consider calling Google or putting their phone up on EBay to try to swap it out for a regular G1.
Simply stated, it's a Dev phone, not intended for regular users. There was risk in the purchase and now that risk has shown it's ugly face. There are plenty of developers who'd like to own a Dev phone.
The only DRM that works is the Steam model. Android already requires a username to use the OS, so just tie the app down to that username, which is tied to checkout. It's not so hard.
....if your name oisnt on the damn list or you havent autorized someone on the list to use the app then you cant install it
....if your name oisnt on the damn list or you havent autorized someone on the list to use the app then you cant install it
What's even more amazing is that another company has their own version of the Market, complete with licensing. Google could have simply adopted that for use in their own Market.
Out of curiosity, has anyone purchased items from AndAppStore.com? Does anyone even have the client installed?
What's even more amazing is that another company has their own version of the Market, complete with licensing. Google could have simply adopted that for use in their own Market.
Out of curiosity, has anyone purchased items from AndAppStore.com? Does anyone even have the client installed?
umm that crap is a waste of money anyways...Id spend 200 to 300 on a netbook before I waste money on that mess...haha Im sure they could figure out another method for the 100 people who will prolly buy it, but Im sure this is a temporary block while they figure something out...
I doubt they would block them forever that is plain stupid
I got mine from a website. thecellphonecompany.com or something like that.
any way to check on the phone?
Mine is unlocked though.
Does anyone else think this sucks? I just bought a Dev phone. In fact I haven't even received it yet. Im sure there weren't many paid apps that I would be interested in, but this is just plain goofy. However, I will say that I undertand why they are doing it. Im as hard nosed as the next guy about piracy, but this just doesn't make sense to me...
Do you think it will stick?
http://androidcommunity.com/forums/f...-access-13638/
(Filler Filler)
They'll probably take it off once they figure out how to implement DRM into the apps. Which I don't want.
it does suck, and it won't stick they just have to figure out a better protection for apps. but who knows when that will be.
it does suck, and it won't stick they just have to figure out a better protection for apps. but who knows when that will be.
Post your complaints in the thread that has already been created to cover this exact issue.
The news article is a link to the post in the forums, when you click on add a comment it takes you to the forum post.
please post in the proper thread next time and please USE the search feature before posting a topic that maybe have been posted already.
Thank you.
Yes they were directly linked to the forum post here when they were reading the main page new report about it.
*Long Answer*
Ok, lets say the OP is reading the main page (like he/she was) and finds an article they want to comment on. They browse to the bottom of the article (Or read it to the end) and then they press add a comment. Androidcommunity.com does not have a comment system setup on the main page that is separate from the forum, so the OP would be brought to the forum post that matches the main page post.
You will notice the comments in the forum are shown on the main page and the OP could have had his thoughts/comments/suggestions listed there for the whole world to see.
In my opinion there was no need to create a new forum post as this one has a harder to find title that has nothing to do with the situation.
The only DRM that works is the Steam model. Android already requires a username to use the OS, so just tie the app down to that username, which is tied to checkout. It's not so hard.
Does anyone else think this sucks? I just bought a Dev phone. In fact I haven't even received it yet. Im sure there weren't many paid apps that I would be interested in, but this is just plain goofy. However, I will say that I undertand why they are doing it. Im as hard nosed as the next guy about piracy, but this just doesn't make sense to me...
Do you think it will stick?
Or is there another difference between the dev phone and a rooted g1?
But hey, that's just me.
And to for Google to think that keeping the ADP phones from getting paid apps is a way to fight piracy is just dumb. For the most part ADP owners are the same group of people that hacked Android in no time flat. And the same people that are moving Google's open source application forward.
they seem to only check for firmware type.
at least thats my understanding.
they seem to only check for firmware type.
at least thats my understanding.