Buzz Out Loud Lounge: $20 for iPod Touch Apps - Are you pissed?
It's not popular but it's standard practice with software
by geenosr - 1/18/08 8:46 PM In reply to: Isn't that technology??? by metrodcmikeI understand the unhappiness with iTouch consumers, and as a matter of fact I gasped when I watched the keynote on video feed when SJ said it would be $20 as an upgrade, but free for the iPhone. I thought about it later and I have changed my thoughts on the matter. #1--iApple is in buisness to make money--plain and simple. #2--if you look at any other company, when software upgrades are offered, they almost always come at a premium and customers are charged for them. #3--People seem most upset that the iPhone customers get this for "Free" while iTouch customers will pay for the upgrade if they want to have the extra features. All iPhone customers are paying a $20 extra fee monthly to AT&T/iApple, so the iPhone update isn't really "Free".
If you want the upgrades and you feel they are important---buy them. If you don't want the upgrades----don't. It is simple and all of you who are whining need to stop and take a look at good business models. Most of you support iApple with your money/purchases, and if you want them to stay ahead of the other companies, this shouldn't be an issue. My father always told me "there's never a free lunch---someone is always paying for it". Think about it.
Geenosr
Agreed, Geenosr - Software is not free either
by metrodcmike - 1/18/08 10:15 PM In reply to: It's not popular but it's standard practice with software by geenosrRather than whining, I was actually agreeing that Apple was within their rights to charge a fee and arguing that technology works like that - upgrades happen and lowered costs happen - and people should deal with it. I'd like the chance to upgrade, even for a fee, my software on the 5G video to coverflow and the other nice new tweeks that come on the classic, but that is not an option. So iTouch people should also be grateful upgrading is an option for them if they choose to.
I agree with your points. If the writers want to diss Mr. Jobs, they should also recognize that Mr. Gates is not known for giving away the latest version of his programs, like Windows or Office, even as an upgrade. I also know that people are not up in arms about paying $2-3 for ringtones or $5-10 for video games - all software upgrades or add-ons. While software upgrades can be highly profitable for companies, they are not completely without cost to develop, promote, and distribute...
No...
by Nicholas Buenk - 1/19/08 12:51 AM In reply to: Agreed, Geenosr - Software is not free either by metrodcmikeIt's ridiculous, this is stuff that existed on the iphone already, it's not like it costs anything extra to put it on a touch.
Just because it exists does not mean you have a right to it
by minimalist - 1/19/08 10:31 AM In reply to: No... by Nicholas BuenkIf I buy a bargain basement 300 dollar PC that doesn't come with lots of preinstalled apps and there is one that costs a hundred dollars more that comes with more apps should I be outraged if the company offers to sell me the apps for 20 dollars? Should I claim that PC manufacturer "owes" them to me simply because the CAN run on my machine? Or what if the PC company chooses to bundle the apps at a later date as a promotion or as a way to keep the price the same instead of lowering it? Do I have a right to claim that my 4 month old PC be updated (for free) to include whatever software bundles the manufacturer is now including?
The sense of entitlement being displayed on these boards about this issue is astounding (especially since we are talking about 20 f-r-e-a-k-i-n-g dollars for 5 small apps... less than a lot of shareware apps). If you buy a product you know what you are getting and you also know that sooner or later a better deal might come along or the product will go down in price. That is just the way business works.
(NT) It's a sense of being ripped off not entitlement
by Nicholas Buenk - 1/19/08 5:36 PM In reply to: Just because it exists does not mean you have a right to it by minimalistPeople are free to feel how they want.
by minimalist - 1/20/08 6:51 AM In reply to: (NT) It's a sense of being ripped off not entitlement by Nicholas BuenkBut making all this noise about a 20 dollar change in a product seems a waste of time to me.
If there was a 20 dollar change in the included software on the EEEPC or a bargain basement Dell laptop or just about any other device nobody would give a crap.
Sorry -wrong on that count.
by metrodcmike - 1/20/08 7:35 AM In reply to: No... by Nicholas BuenkIt did not exist on the iPhone already - it just was added for no upgrade charge. I know someone with an iPhone who just got the apps through the upgrade and is happy with them. As someone said, iPhone users are under two year contracts that Apple is getting some benefit from, so they are paying as well in that sense...
I'm not so smart
by WarpedOrb - 1/18/08 10:41 PM In reply to: It's not popular but it's standard practice with software by geenosrYou oh-so-mature and level-headed folks seem to only stand on a few firm spots of ground and don't address what doesn't aide your arguments.
Explain to me please (sincerely) how is it fine for iPod Touch customers of a mere 3 weeks later to get the apps for free? 3 weeks - don't give me crap about an iPod purchased for Christmas being in any way an older, different product. And from what I can see new Touches are not more expensive - seem to be cheaper. Hell, even Gates allowed people buying computers just as Vista was been released to get the upgrade from XP FOR FREE excluding shipping.
RE: It's not popular but it's standard practice with soft.
by dj_erik - 1/19/08 6:29 AM In reply to: It's not popular but it's standard practice with software by geenosrActually, I think you're a bit off there. Almost all software comes with free software revisions for minor version upgrades. I've never heard of Microsoft charging for service packs. Adobe doesn't charge for it's updates until the next major version. In Apple's case, when I upgraded from Aperature 1.0 to 1.5, I wasn't charged, and this had some major features added to the software. If you look closely, we are upgrading from 1.1.2 to 1.1.3, and the added (with software update) is being charged for. This isn't even a revision change. Since Apple isn't charging for the update on the new iPod Touch, the perceived cost of the update is nothing. If they had marketed the new iPod Touch as version 2.0 maybe this wouldn't have gone over so badly, but as it stands I feel we are entitled to receive the update free of charge.
Bad idea ...
by wayne forrest - 1/19/08 6:52 AM In reply to: $20 for iPod Touch Apps - Are you pissed? by jthrockI am continually impressed with the design of new products from apple. They are nailing it regularly. But I am also surprised by how many of these screw ups they make ...
We purchased an iPod Touch for my son. He might want one of the applications but not all of them. There is no way he will shell out $20 for a mapping application that will only work based on there being wifi close by.
And to include them with a new iPod Touch and to make them free for the iPhone. Just dumb.
Of Course I'm upset!
by peterlilly - 1/19/08 8:59 AM In reply to: $20 for iPod Touch Apps - Are you pissed? by jthrockI am a loyal apple user. I can barely begin to count the number of products I have purchased over the years. I, too, received my iTouch as a gift at Christmas and am now forced to pay $20 for something that I would get for free if I had waited one month. Apple DID NOT learn from the iPhone price reduction fiasco. I bought the upgrade and am patiently waiting for the ability to download games that don't require a wireless connection. I like its wireless capabilities, but realize it will only be a standard ipod when I'm not near my router. Oh well. When is a good time to buy an Apple product? Wait until after I buy it. Seems they will always improve something right after I purchase it!
Let Apple know what you think.
by M_collins - 1/19/08 9:12 AM In reply to: $20 for iPod Touch Apps - Are you pissed? by jthrockFor those of you who are outraged over Apple's greedy slap in the face to its early adopters of first generation products, and there are many of you, let them know. This is not about being cheap, it's about principle. It is outrageous that those who purchased early have to pay for something that others will get for free from now on. We're not talking about a new piece of hardware - we're talking about a download that should be free for anyone who owns an iPod touch.
You can leave Apple direct feedback here:
http://www.apple.com/feedback/ipodtouch.html
You can also sign these petitions:
http://www.petitiononline.com/freeappi/petition.html
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/ipod-touch-update-fee
If enough people make noise they might just go into damage control mode and do the right thing. Let others know...post the links everywhere you can think to.
Let Apple know...but ultimately vote with your money
by geenosr - 1/19/08 10:50 AM In reply to: Let Apple know what you think. by M_collinsI agree with the last post about letting Apple know how their customers feel. This played a big role in the rebates/store credit scenarios that took place with the iPhone price drop. I think all companies need to know what the 'pulse' of their customer base is running, however most of the complaints are about charging $20.00 for a software upgrade, not $200.00 with the iPhone. I read a post stating that for their use they wouldn't need all of the applications in the upgrade, so they wouldn't purchase it. Another post stated that the $20.00 was not in his budget, and would not buy it. All the petitions, e-mails, calls, will make some difference, but the $$ people spend will make the biggest impact. As I stated earlier, the iPhone upgrade is not "free" which most of the posters are missing. If Apple wasn't getting a monthly subsidy from AT&T, iPhone customers would also charged the same $20.00.
If you want it and can afford it......buy it
If you want it and can't afford it....don't
If you don't want it..................don't
How you vote with your money will make the most difference with Apple if you want to change their business practices.
Geenosr
Apple responds well to feedback usually
by Nicholas Buenk - 1/19/08 5:39 PM In reply to: Let Apple know...but ultimately vote with your money by geenosrIt's a company that know the value of loyal fans. 
No .... I am THRILLED
by Leighow - 1/19/08 11:00 AM In reply to: $20 for iPod Touch Apps - Are you pissed? by jthrockEarly adopters always "pay upfront".
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I love this device, and here in Canada the competition will not OK the iPhone's entry. Consequently, most Wi-fi in downtown Toronto cafe's is billed at about $10 per hour. Bell, Fido, Rogers, Telus, et al want "THEIR customers to send text" via their cell phones ! < Not so North Conway, New Hampshire. Bless that coffee shop and its Free Wi-Fi>
I love Google Mail (Gmail)
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I am using Gmail on my iPod Touch. Google (mobile or classic) does a wonderful job and I am looking forward to Google's Andriod. While I was just thrilled to install Gmail on my iPod; Apple's "Touch Mail" looks a bit more married to the Touch.
I had Problems with Classic Google Maps
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This is my fun toy. I could easily buy a Garmin Nuvi 350 but I love the fun of Google Maps . Also, when I watch documentaries from France I am sometimes lost -- geographically speaking! These days, I don't have to run to my desktop, I just turn on Google Maps on my iPod ! However, some Desktop Maps (e.g. Ottawa to Cape Hatteras routings) are too big for my Touch to process and the route cannot be saved for review "on the wi-fi-less road. I am hoping that "G-Maps-on-Touch" will be the solution.
Remaining Apps for $20
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The notes may be OK, the Weather may be OK if you can drill down to more details. Also 1.1.3 Safari allows some new "home page" bookmark features. Sounds good.
NOW -- if I could only access the iTunes Store and Spend my $20
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I have been trying for the past 3 days .. and,I do not really know if the $20 release is "here and now". I have never reached a BUY screen. Apple --> here's hoping.
I am thrilled with this device. It is the closest thing to Dick Tracy's watch that I can buy in Canada and perhaps the world. I am THRILLED. $20 is a drop in the bucket.
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