[android-developers] Re: App Add-on
First, let me point you at this RFE: http://www.google.com/support/forum/p/Android+Market/thread?fid=2d69022f36ab6f460004994e8be08b82hl=en I've noticed the LVL library has (and talks about) using a double license check. You could actually use this kind of pattern to add license levels to your app in the way your talking about doing. The consumers act of buying and installing would flag a feature in your db. I've also been considering another approach where your main app would look up features in a content provider. This has the advantage that if the enabling app was uninstalled, you would no longer be able to access the new features. Also, your users would not get duplicate icons in their launcher if you don't provide a main activity. - Brill Pappin On Jan 7, 1:55 pm, John Gaby jg...@gabysoft.com wrote: I have a game for which I would like to be able to sell add-on packs. I would prefer that there was some in-game way to make these purchases, but, alas, there does not appear to be any such mechanism. I am considering the idea of creating separate add-on apps which, when run, would add features to the game. I believe that I have seen this done by others. My question is, how do people deal with the refund process. I mean, the user will be able to purchase the add-on, run it, and then request a refund, which would result in them getting it for free. Has anyone else had experience with this model? Thanks -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Android Developers group. To post to this group, send email to android-developers@googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to android-developers+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/android-developers?hl=en
[android-developers] Re: App Add-on
Thanks for the input. Your solution would be nice IF Google would implement it. They could also implement an in-app purchase mechanism like Apple's, which works quite well. However, I wouldn't hold your breath waiting for either of those to happen. As for having a content provider keep track, there is no way to match purchases from the Market to user's devices. That means that the user would have to run the add-on app so that it could communicate with the server. This has the same problem that I am facing now, but also adds the requirement that the user have internet connectivity to run his app. On Jan 8, 1:29 am, Brill Pappin br...@pappin.ca wrote: First, let me point you at this RFE:http://www.google.com/support/forum/p/Android+Market/thread?fid=2d690... I've noticed the LVL library has (and talks about) using a double license check. You could actually use this kind of pattern to add license levels to your app in the way your talking about doing. The consumers act of buying and installing would flag a feature in your db. I've also been considering another approach where your main app would look up features in a content provider. This has the advantage that if the enabling app was uninstalled, you would no longer be able to access the new features. Also, your users would not get duplicate icons in their launcher if you don't provide a main activity. - Brill Pappin On Jan 7, 1:55 pm, John Gaby jg...@gabysoft.com wrote: I have a game for which I would like to be able to sell add-on packs. I would prefer that there was some in-game way to make these purchases, but, alas, there does not appear to be any such mechanism. I am considering the idea of creating separate add-on apps which, when run, would add features to the game. I believe that I have seen this done by others. My question is, how do people deal with the refund process. I mean, the user will be able to purchase the add-on, run it, and then request a refund, which would result in them getting it for free. Has anyone else had experience with this model? Thanks -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Android Developers group. To post to this group, send email to android-developers@googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to android-developers+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/android-developers?hl=en
[android-developers] Re: App Add-on
Yes, I would check for the existence of the add-on, however, it is likely that the user would like to get rid of it at some point so it does not clutter his desktop. It would be nice to allow for that. I have thought that I could check for its existence only for 24 hours, and then not check any more, but I would need to explain to the user that he need to leave the add-on installed for at least 24 hours. This seems quite messy to me. I was hoping that someone who has tried this could give me some feedback on their experience. Thanks On Jan 7, 10:59 am, TreKing treking...@gmail.com wrote: On Fri, Jan 7, 2011 at 12:55 PM, John Gaby jg...@gabysoft.com wrote: I mean, the user will be able to purchase the add-on, run it, and then request a refund, which would result in them getting it for free. Has anyone else had experience with this model? I have not, but presumably your main app would check for the existence of the add-on pack before running, or otherwise depend on it being installed, such that refunding (and uninstalling) would revert the added functionality. - TreKing http://sites.google.com/site/rezmobileapps/treking - Chicago transit tracking app for Android-powered devices -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Android Developers group. To post to this group, send email to android-developers@googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to android-developers+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/android-developers?hl=en
Re: [android-developers] Re: App Add-on
On Fri, Jan 7, 2011 at 1:06 PM, John Gaby jg...@gabysoft.com wrote: Yes, I would check for the existence of the add-on, however, it is likely that the user would like to get rid of it at some point so it does not clutter his desktop. It would be nice to allow for that. Just use the right intent filters so your add-ons don't show up in the launcher. You'll probably want it so it does open though (from the Market) so you can explain to the dumber user how it works in a dedicated Help activity. - TreKing http://sites.google.com/site/rezmobileapps/treking - Chicago transit tracking app for Android-powered devices -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Android Developers group. To post to this group, send email to android-developers@googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to android-developers+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/android-developers?hl=en
[android-developers] Re: App Add-on
Thanks for the reply. So, it is possible to setup the intent so the app does not appear on the desktop? If so, how does the user run it for the first time (to install the add-on)? I am fairly new to Android development and not that experienced with setting up intents, so any help in that direction would be most appreciated. Thanks. On Jan 7, 11:16 am, TreKing treking...@gmail.com wrote: On Fri, Jan 7, 2011 at 1:06 PM, John Gaby jg...@gabysoft.com wrote: Yes, I would check for the existence of the add-on, however, it is likely that the user would like to get rid of it at some point so it does not clutter his desktop. It would be nice to allow for that. Just use the right intent filters so your add-ons don't show up in the launcher. You'll probably want it so it does open though (from the Market) so you can explain to the dumber user how it works in a dedicated Help activity. - TreKing http://sites.google.com/site/rezmobileapps/treking - Chicago transit tracking app for Android-powered devices -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Android Developers group. To post to this group, send email to android-developers@googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to android-developers+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/android-developers?hl=en
Re: [android-developers] Re: App Add-on
On Fri, Jan 7, 2011 at 1:42 PM, John Gaby jg...@gabysoft.com wrote: So, it is possible to setup the intent so the app does not appear on the desktop? Let's clarify - on Android there's the HomeScreen (which more closely resembles a desktop) and a Launcher, where the apps are stored. The user controls the appearance of apps on the HomeScreen. Your manifest controls the appearance of icons in the Launcher. You would omit this: http://developer.android.com/reference/android/content/Intent.html#CATEGORY_LAUNCHER and include this: http://developer.android.com/reference/android/content/Intent.html#CATEGORY_BROWSABLE so the user can launch it from the Android Market (or, I would assume, other app-launching apps) If so, how does the user run it for the first time (to install the add-on)? Include the above category and they can open it from the Market, after installing. - TreKing http://sites.google.com/site/rezmobileapps/treking - Chicago transit tracking app for Android-powered devices -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Android Developers group. To post to this group, send email to android-developers@googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to android-developers+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/android-developers?hl=en
[android-developers] Re: App Add-on
Thanks for the links, they were most helpful. I worry, however, that if I remove it from the Launcher that the user may not understand why it is not there, and may not be able to figure out how to launch it. I don't suppose that there is any way to remove it from the launcher after it has been run? Has anyone used this model before? If so can you tell me what kind of problems with users you encountered? Thanks. On Jan 7, 11:48 am, TreKing treking...@gmail.com wrote: On Fri, Jan 7, 2011 at 1:42 PM, John Gaby jg...@gabysoft.com wrote: So, it is possible to setup the intent so the app does not appear on the desktop? Let's clarify - on Android there's the HomeScreen (which more closely resembles a desktop) and a Launcher, where the apps are stored. The user controls the appearance of apps on the HomeScreen. Your manifest controls the appearance of icons in the Launcher. You would omit this:http://developer.android.com/reference/android/content/Intent.html#CA... and include this:http://developer.android.com/reference/android/content/Intent.html#CA... so the user can launch it from the Android Market (or, I would assume, other app-launching apps) If so, how does the user run it for the first time (to install the add-on)? Include the above category and they can open it from the Market, after installing. - TreKing http://sites.google.com/site/rezmobileapps/treking - Chicago transit tracking app for Android-powered devices -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Android Developers group. To post to this group, send email to android-developers@googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to android-developers+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/android-developers?hl=en
Re: [android-developers] Re: App Add-on
On Fri, Jan 7, 2011 at 2:46 PM, John Gaby jg...@gabysoft.com wrote: I don't suppose that there is any way to remove it from the launcher after it has been run? Don't think so. But if it's launch-able from the Market, you can display an Activity that explains this from there. If the user can't find it in the launcher, that's probably where they'd check next, if for no other reason than to leave you a stupid comment. At that point, the can see the Open option from the Market. Honestly though, you're already heading down a user-experience nightmare path with this concept of add-on - seems like a simple concept but a lot of users simply won't get it. The ones that do will probably understand why it's missing. Good luck. - TreKing http://sites.google.com/site/rezmobileapps/treking - Chicago transit tracking app for Android-powered devices -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Android Developers group. To post to this group, send email to android-developers@googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to android-developers+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/android-developers?hl=en
[android-developers] Re: App Add-on
Honestly though, you're already heading down a user-experience nightmare path with this concept of add-on - seems like a simple concept but a lot of users simply won't get it. The ones that do will probably understand why it's missing. Good luck. I know. I really wish that Google had an in-app purchase mechanism like Apple (or would allow the use of 3rd party in-app purchasing like PayPal). Maybe I need to rethink this whole concept. Thanks much for your help! On Jan 7, 12:51 pm, TreKing treking...@gmail.com wrote: On Fri, Jan 7, 2011 at 2:46 PM, John Gaby jg...@gabysoft.com wrote: I don't suppose that there is any way to remove it from the launcher after it has been run? Don't think so. But if it's launch-able from the Market, you can display an Activity that explains this from there. If the user can't find it in the launcher, that's probably where they'd check next, if for no other reason than to leave you a stupid comment. At that point, the can see the Open option from the Market. Honestly though, you're already heading down a user-experience nightmare path with this concept of add-on - seems like a simple concept but a lot of users simply won't get it. The ones that do will probably understand why it's missing. Good luck. - TreKing http://sites.google.com/site/rezmobileapps/treking - Chicago transit tracking app for Android-powered devices -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Android Developers group. To post to this group, send email to android-developers@googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to android-developers+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/android-developers?hl=en
Re: [android-developers] Re: App Add-on
On Fri, Jan 7, 2011 at 3:22 PM, John Gaby jg...@gabysoft.com wrote: I know. I really wish that Google had an in-app purchase mechanism like Apple (or would allow the use of 3rd party in-app purchasing like PayPal). Maybe I need to rethink this whole concept. Take a look at this thread: http://www.google.com/support/forum/p/Android+Market/thread?tid=3c47284987b99696hl=en http://www.google.com/support/forum/p/Android+Market/thread?tid=3c47284987b99696hl=enShould be an interesting read if nothing else. - TreKing http://sites.google.com/site/rezmobileapps/treking - Chicago transit tracking app for Android-powered devices -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Android Developers group. To post to this group, send email to android-developers@googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to android-developers+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/android-developers?hl=en
[android-developers] Re: App Add-on
Thanks for the link, it really cleared things up (*NOT*). It was an interesting read, however. His situation is very similar to mine. I would like to sell 'virtual content' from within the game. The way Google is making me do it is absurd. On Jan 7, 1:35 pm, TreKing treking...@gmail.com wrote: On Fri, Jan 7, 2011 at 3:22 PM, John Gaby jg...@gabysoft.com wrote: I know. I really wish that Google had an in-app purchase mechanism like Apple (or would allow the use of 3rd party in-app purchasing like PayPal). Maybe I need to rethink this whole concept. Take a look at this thread:http://www.google.com/support/forum/p/Android+Market/thread?tid=3c472... http://www.google.com/support/forum/p/Android+Market/thread?tid=3c472...Should be an interesting read if nothing else. - TreKing http://sites.google.com/site/rezmobileapps/treking - Chicago transit tracking app for Android-powered devices -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Android Developers group. To post to this group, send email to android-developers@googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to android-developers+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/android-developers?hl=en
RE: [android-developers] Re: App Add-on
Have you considered some kind of webportal with the use of paypal and using the webview control? Then using an external SQL server to manage your subscription for the add ons? -Original Message- From: android-developers@googlegroups.com [mailto:android-develop...@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of John Gaby Sent: Friday, January 07, 2011 5:04 PM To: Android Developers Subject: [android-developers] Re: App Add-on Thanks for the link, it really cleared things up (*NOT*). It was an interesting read, however. His situation is very similar to mine. I would like to sell 'virtual content' from within the game. The way Google is making me do it is absurd. On Jan 7, 1:35 pm, TreKing treking...@gmail.com wrote: On Fri, Jan 7, 2011 at 3:22 PM, John Gaby jg...@gabysoft.com wrote: I know. I really wish that Google had an in-app purchase mechanism like Apple (or would allow the use of 3rd party in-app purchasing like PayPal). Maybe I need to rethink this whole concept. Take a look at this thread:http://www.google.com/support/forum/p/Android+Market/thread?tid=3c472 ... http://www.google.com/support/forum/p/Android+Market/thread?tid=3c472 ...Should be an interesting read if nothing else. -- --- TreKing http://sites.google.com/site/rezmobileapps/treking - Chicago transit tracking app for Android-powered devices -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Android Developers group. To post to this group, send email to android-developers@googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to android-developers+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/android-developers?hl=en -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Android Developers group. To post to this group, send email to android-developers@googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to android-developers+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/android-developers?hl=en
[android-developers] Re: App Add-on
Actually, there are a number of ways that I could provide and in-app purchase mechanism, but I am TRYING not to violate Google's TOS. They are making it really hard, though. On Jan 7, 2:30 pm, Tommy droi...@gmail.com wrote: Have you considered some kind of webportal with the use of paypal and using the webview control? Then using an external SQL server to manage your subscription for the add ons? -Original Message- From: android-developers@googlegroups.com [mailto:android-develop...@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of John Gaby Sent: Friday, January 07, 2011 5:04 PM To: Android Developers Subject: [android-developers] Re: App Add-on Thanks for the link, it really cleared things up (*NOT*). It was an interesting read, however. His situation is very similar to mine. I would like to sell 'virtual content' from within the game. The way Google is making me do it is absurd. On Jan 7, 1:35 pm, TreKing treking...@gmail.com wrote: On Fri, Jan 7, 2011 at 3:22 PM, John Gaby jg...@gabysoft.com wrote: I know. I really wish that Google had an in-app purchase mechanism like Apple (or would allow the use of 3rd party in-app purchasing like PayPal). Maybe I need to rethink this whole concept. Take a look at this thread:http://www.google.com/support/forum/p/Android+Market/thread?tid=3c472 ... http://www.google.com/support/forum/p/Android+Market/thread?tid=3c472 ...Should be an interesting read if nothing else. -- --- TreKing http://sites.google.com/site/rezmobileapps/treking - Chicago transit tracking app for Android-powered devices -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Android Developers group. To post to this group, send email to android-developers@googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to android-developers+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group athttp://groups.google.com/group/android-developers?hl=en -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups Android Developers group. To post to this group, send email to android-developers@googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to android-developers+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/android-developers?hl=en
