Android paid apps finally available in SA

jwmevans said:
Hey guys. Can you see Google Mail or Google Maps in the Market? I'm in Botswana and we also now have access to paid apps, but some of the Google apps (and maybe some others, I don't know) still aren't available :-(
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Hey we don't even have the latest version of Google Earth! I had some problems a while ago, and I could bypass them with AppBrain's Fast Web Install. Google stopped AppBrain from allowing remote installs, though. Now, the only way I can update Google Earth is to use MarketEnabler. I found some old posts that complained, but no answer was forthcoming from Google. The situation might have changed recently, though.
 
Finally! Fully functioning Android app store for the win! Time to get my purchase on!
 
veethree said:
I understand it's the full market - including games etc - which isn't the situation with Apple's App Store. Anyone know why Google has got this right and Apple hasn't?
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I haven't found any 'paid-for' games yet. It's all the same free stuff we had before. I'm guessing the FPB strikes again...

EDIT: Oooh, wait, scratch that. There ARE paid-for games!!
 
veethree said:
I understand it's the full market - including games etc - which isn't the situation with Apple's App Store. Anyone know why Google has got this right and Apple hasn't?
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I suspect its because Google does not take any legal responsibility on what people publish and Apple does.

If a developer manually approves a game with FPB its totally legal to sell it. But in the same line I dont know how FPB handles the new html5 and flash games like say kongregate list of games or even the games now in the Chrome web store (Now has a free version of angry birds)

We will have to see how this one plays out.
 
Elimentals said:
I suspect its because Google does not take any legal responsibility on what people publish and Apple does.

If a developer manually approves a game with FPB its totally legal to sell it.
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So does this mean that there may be games in the store that have not been approved by the FPB and that this would make it illegal for them to be sold here, despite the fact that they are available for download?
 
veethree said:
So does this mean that there may be games in the store that have not been approved by the FPB and that this would make it illegal for them to be sold here, despite the fact that they are available for download?
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With my limited knowledge on the FPB rules I would say yes. But to give a proper answer would need a lawyer and the full set of the laws on this matter. So we will probably have to wait for it to play out in court. That might also be the reason Apple just avoids the issue and just go the simpler route.

I know there are games on iOS under entertainment that you can buy as well... so it becomes very murky waters.

If you read this interview I dont think FPB them self knows what is going on in the online world.
 
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Now that's going to be a fascinating little issue to watch. I can't imagine it would be reasonable to require that all the developers who sell apps in the market have a working knowledge of our law, especially when Google itself has told them they can sell apps here, nor would it be practical to go after the tens of thousands of consumers who will download the apps as soon as they see theyare available. Who will the FSB target? Google seems the logical choice, which is why (as you say) Aple may have decided to stay out of it.

Of course, if there are enough downloads within a short enough space of time, might this prompt a rethink on the part of the FPB?
 
veethree said:
Now that's going to be a fascinating little issue to watch. I can't imagine it would be reasonable to require that all the developers who sell apps in the market have a working knowledge of our law, especially when Google itself has told them they can sell apps here, nor would it be practical to go after the tens of thousands of consumers who will download the apps as soon as they see theyare available. Who will the FSB target? Google seems the logical choice, which is why (as you say) Aple may have decided to stay out of it.

Of course, if there are enough downloads within a short enough space of time, might this prompt a rethink on the part of the FPB?
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Oh I do think they will, maybe try their luck with the likes of Gameloft and EA 1st
 
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Elimentals said:
Oh I do think they will, maybe try their luck with the likes of Gameloft and EA 1st
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Follow the money, eh? Yes, perhaps they'll just choose whoever's pockets are the deepest. Watch this space!
 
Great, great news! Just a question though, if I buy an app, what happens when I change phones or my software is reloaded, is it still mine to download again without having to pay again?
 
Another interesting note on the market.

The top lists Using the browser, are localized, I dont know if its by search or actual installs but I do see a difference on my 2 accounts. Esp when looking at top Paid for applications.

Under SA account I only have half a page of apps, on my US account I have full pages and totally different apps listed.
 
McT said:
Great, great news! Just a question though, if I buy an app, what happens when I change phones or my software is reloaded, is it still mine to download again without having to pay again?
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Your app is linked to your account for life. you can even install it on 5 different android devices at the same time, as long as they use that Google account.

New phone just click on install/purchase again and it will install no charge.
 
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