Instead of having lite flavours of paid apps to try, Apple should implement an App Store-wide, 24-hour trial mode. Right now, not all apps have free lite versions and some of those lite versions are feature limited. This is a problem, because it limits the user when they want to explore what’s in the marketplace.
How would it work?
1. The user would be able to download any application at no cost. It will always be the full app.
2. From the moment you start it up, the timer will start.
3. At the end of the trial period, a menu would appear asking the user to pay for the application.
4. If the user accepts, the application will remain in the device. If not, it would be automatically deleted.
This will also help the ratings of the apps: They could include the pay-through ratio in the algorithm to rate the apps, improving the ratings of applications that users choose to pay and keep.
Why is it good for (almost) everyone?
Consumers would be able to explore freely, as they won’t need the app to have a lite version in order to try it. This will also decrease the reliance on the App Store ratings and critiques, which are often dumb or could be skewed by artificial promotion. Is there any other better method to vote than with your dollars?
Developers will have the opportunity to show their full app to every consumer without having to maintain separate lite versions of their apps.
Apple will benefit from the consumer ability to explore any app, no matter if they have a lite version or not.
This trial mode could only hurt one kind of application: The stupid ones. Those farty silly apps that have such a limited use that after trying them for five minutes you will never open them again. But if the app is good, people will keep it and everyone will be happier than now.
Tim
Saturday, August 7, 2010 at 10:18 AMGreat idea actually, but I don’t see Apple trying anything that might make them less money, or make their users the priority.
Before anyone thinks I’m a hater, I’m actually more of a fanboy, with 2 ipods, an iphone and a mac.
Phil Campbell
Saturday, August 7, 2010 at 12:41 PMUm… so where do I find the “Try Before You Buy” tab?
Nick Chaplin
Saturday, August 7, 2010 at 4:06 PMsounds just like ALL the paid apps on android. 24 hours to refund if you dont like it.
Bryce
Saturday, August 7, 2010 at 8:41 PMThat’s a stupendously dumb idea. Some apps/games like Airport Mania or Hero of Sparta can be completed within a 24 hour window. I bought and played them, and they were great games, but I’ve never been compelled to play them again since. If there were such an option, I would have had the choice not to pay for it at all while getting to enjoy the whole program.
Peter
Sunday, August 8, 2010 at 11:04 AMA problem for games as some ppl can clock the game within 24hours.
Greg
Sunday, August 15, 2010 at 12:30 AMWhat Tim said. Android Market implementation of this is better, however (refund option available within 24 hour period regardless of whether you’ve opened the app again or not).