For how long do apps have to be supported?

[bstpierre]

Actually you can get a refund for an app, if you jump through the correct hoops. But at this point in time, I doubt Apple would think the app didn't work as advertised.

I was told by a developer (a while ago) that there wasn't a mechanism with Apple for getting a refund so he just sent me one out of his own pocket (for the full amount, not just his share) using PayPal.

I suspect the the source of the OP's ire is really about him finding this app really useful and it doesn't work not that he paid a few pounds for it and it doesn't work.

 

[Fantasy Guy]

To be honest I'm finding the whole tone of this thread fascinating.

I'm discussing how I've paid for something (regardless of it's monetary value) and am upset that, after a relatively short period of time and without warning, the product no longer works.

The rest of the MacRumors community's input is that I should think myself lucky it worked at all, remember that it 'only' cost a few pounds and to re-read the T&Cs and get over it. All of you seem to just roll over and accept 'the rules' without thinking about what is truly best for the consumer and for competition.

In my opinion, it is wrong that someone can sell something with absolutely no back-up or come-back and an argument like "What if they eliminated trains? Would you still expect the developer to support the app?" is simply ridiculous.

 

[dejo]

To be honest I'm finding the whole tone of this thread fascinating.

It certainly seems polarizing, eh?

I'm not going to try to get into an emotional argument or say "they're right and you're wrong". I just want to inject some, IMHO, calm logic into this. So, let me begin:

I'm discussing how I've paid for something (regardless of it's monetary value) and am upset that, after a relatively short period of time and without warning, the product no longer works.

I would hardly call two years a relatively short period of time in the world of mobile apps. But you're certainly entitled to your opinion.

The rest of the MacRumors community's input is that I should think myself lucky it worked at all, remember that it 'only' cost a few pounds and to re-read the T&Cs and get over it. All of you seem to just roll over and accept 'the rules' without thinking about what is truly best for the consumer and for competition.

The few posters that have responded to you to counter your argument hardly represent "the rest of the MacRumors community" or "all of you".

In my opinion, it is wrong that someone can sell something with absolutely no back-up or come-back and an argument like "What if they eliminated trains? Would you still expect the developer to support the app?" is simply ridiculous.

Is it wrong? Well, that's a gray area. But if you feel you've been mistreated there are consumer protection laws in your area that you should definitely look into and see if they provide you with any redress. As for the ridiculous argument, it's a bit extreme but so is how you've interpreted some of the counter-arguments in this thread. No one's told you to "get over it", for example. And the "Fantasy Guy" username does not help either.

 

[vettori]

To be honest I'm finding the whole tone of this thread fascinating.

I'm discussing how I've paid for something (regardless of it's monetary value) and am upset that, after a relatively short period of time and without warning, the product no longer works.

My suggestion are:
- don't trust someone that talks about "lifetime" on software (or hardware it's the same)
- if you don't want to risk the app cost, don't buy apps that clearly require external services to work, unless the app is from the service provider itself.

And a suggestion to developers:
- if your app require an external service you don't own, put a notice on the app description that the app may stop working at any time if the external service stops or changes significantly.

 

[Sun Baked]

Usually a developer will continue to support the OS it is released for, and update to cure problems Apple creates with their bug fixes.

Even Apple does this, but at some point developers stop supporting an old OS when a new one is released.

Some developers fix their apps and update them to work with a new OS, but at times a new OS will require a new app or paid upgrade to work with a new OS.

Since these have been typical developer support for apps for decades, I doubt complaining about a iOS developer to do and offer more support will help.

Problem with Apple is with the small developer base we had for years, we expected more. Now that iOS has given us a taste of developers coming and going quick like they have in the MS world -- for some it is shocking when a developer walks away.

 

[Lostanddamned]

I realise that the experience of being left less than the cost of a pint of beer out of pocket is distressing for you.

You used this this application for about two years ago, and it stopped working about two weeks ago. Call it 102 weeks of use.

I will presume that you used it twice every weekday, that comes to 1020 uses in the life of the application.

Each use of this app works out at around 0.254p a use.

What is the average saving of time you have achieved with this application? How much do you value an hour of your time at? Multiply the two figures. That is the average amount of money you can consider yourself to be saving when you use this app. If it is less than a quarter of a penny a time, then you either have self esteem issues or you live in some kind of paradise where the trains run precisely on time.

If you would prefer a cheaper method of obtaining train times, can I recommend the national rail enquiry website, picking up one of the free timetables or simply looking up when in a train station.

Just because your phone can do everything, it doesn't mean it has to.

Your over reliance on customer protection laws is distressing, is it really so important to fight for every second to claw back that minute amount of money?

 

[Fantasy Guy]

I realise that the experience of being left less than the cost of a pint of beer out of pocket is distressing for you.

You used this this application for about two years ago, and it stopped working about two weeks ago. Call it 102 weeks of use.

I will presume that you used it twice every weekday, that comes to 1020 uses in the life of the application.

Each use of this app works out at around 0.254p a use.

What is the average saving of time you have achieved with this application? How much do you value an hour of your time at? Multiply the two figures. That is the average amount of money you can consider yourself to be saving when you use this app. If it is less than a quarter of a penny a time, then you either have self esteem issues or you live in some kind of paradise where the trains run precisely on time.

If you would prefer a cheaper method of obtaining train times, can I recommend the national rail enquiry website, picking up one of the free timetables or simply looking up when in a train station.

Just because your phone can do everything, it doesn't mean it has to.

Your over reliance on customer protection laws is distressing, is it really so important to fight for every second to claw back that minute amount of money?

Yes, it is.

 

[pasipple]

Ridiculous.....

 

[Lostanddamned]

Yes, it is.

Ok, so - why not address the rest of the post this time, rather than just the final line. I have quoted for your ease:

I realise that the experience of being left less than the cost of a pint of beer out of pocket is distressing for you.

You used this this application for about two years ago, and it stopped working about two weeks ago. Call it 102 weeks of use.

I will presume that you used it twice every weekday, that comes to 1020 uses in the life of the application.

Each use of this app works out at around 0.254p a use.

What is the average saving of time you have achieved with this application? How much do you value an hour of your time at? Multiply the two figures. That is the average amount of money you can consider yourself to be saving when you use this app. If it is less than a quarter of a penny a time, then you either have self esteem issues or you live in some kind of paradise where the trains run precisely on time.

If you would prefer a cheaper method of obtaining train times, can I recommend the national rail enquiry website, picking up one of the free timetables or simply looking up when in a train station.

Just because your phone can do everything, it doesn't mean it has to.

 

[sharp65]

You used the app for years without error, I'm failing to see a reason why you should be entitled to a full refund because it's not working anymore. If you just purchased it maybe, even up to a month fine. But after years have passed I'm not seeing it.

 

[Lostanddamned]

Edited previous post to be less angry and instead to request a fair and rational answer.

 

[mad-dog-one]

I bought an app a couple of years ago called Trains which I rely on daily to get up-to-date train times.

But in the last couple of weeks it's stopped updating - the app no longer shows any train times, just a blank screen.

But there's no-one to contact, no support evident but surely they can't just stop supporting it? I paid good money for the app!

30/30 warranty; 30 ft or 30 seconds!

 

[diesel]

I bought an app a couple of years ago called Trains which I rely on daily to get up-to-date train times.

But in the last couple of weeks it's stopped updating - the app no longer shows any train times, just a blank screen.

But there's no-one to contact, no support evident but surely they can't just stop supporting it? I paid good money for the app!

I've read the thread and despite everyone's spot on advice as to how developers aren't required to support an app "forever", you still keep reposting your same complaints over and over again and even engage in "debate" over your situation. There is nothing to debate. You paid less than 3 pounds for an app a "couple" of years ago, which i figure is anywhere between 2-3 years.......and it worked during that time and now it doesn't. It's only 3 friggin pounds and you got a couple of years of life out of it. It doesn't work now, and as others have mentioned the developer is not required to provide support for an app for any specified period of time. By the way, 2 years is NOT a "short" period of time. you expresss fascination with the tone in this thread from others, but i think most everyone will agree with me, that the only fascinating thing is your tone. People have helped you with the advice you were seeking, but it seems like the only advice you wanted to hear was advice along the lines of how you got screwed and could somehow recoup your money. Either contact Apple to try and get your money back, which i doubt that you will or MOVE ON with your life. 3 pounds is not a big deal, and before you say it's not about the money but about the principle.............remember you DID NOT get ripped off.

 

[wvphysics]

I think the tone of many of the responders is trying to say that while of course it would be great to have software always work forever, it's typically not feasible. I think the other thing people are trying to say is that the amount of money is below their threshold of concern. For me, the satisfaction of getting a few bucks ( or quid) back is not worth the loss of time doing more productive tasks, enjoying time spent with friends/family etc.