Provide a freemium model

[SailReal]

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• I have searched existing issues for duplicates
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Summary

Provide a freemium model as already implemented in the iOS app

Motivation

As with iOS, you should be able to try the app in a read-only mode before buying it

Considered Alternatives

No response

Anything else?

Technical details will follow, but what we would like to say already is: as with iOS, existing users who have previously purchased the app will of course still be able to use the full version without having to pay again.

[RichardEb]

Do you plan to release the Freemium version for Android too? What's the release date?

[tobihagemann]

Well, yes, that's exactly what the feature request says. There is no release date yet.

[riegeler]

@tobihagemann Would you keep an eye on a freemium - version for Android users? I'd be very happy if you continue the work on this version since it already exists for iOS users (unfair :-)) and I assume there are a lot more Android users worldwide to increase your publicity and which could also become paying users.

[Ironfist69]

Come on ! It's been a year now. Make a freemium android version!

[riegeler]

@tobihagemann Of course your work on the freemium android version wouldn't be directly paid. But aren't there a lot of android users worldwide who would give it a try and perhaps potentially become paid users? Would it be really a lot of work? I assume a simple write disable flag similar to iOS version is only little work and done quickly.
What must happen that one of you excellent programmers take some hours and finishes the freemium android version?

[Moonstone3010]

What must happen that one of you excellent programmers take some hours and finishes the freemium android version?

Ironically, you probably have to pay him :)

[tobihagemann]

We are working on it with high priority but Google Play is currently a blocker. We're in contact with Google because there is no way to transition a premium app "directly" to a freemium app (without "workarounds"). But they seem to be eager to provide a solution.

[Ironfist69]

We are working on it with high priority but Google Play is currently a blocker. We're in contact with Google because there is no way to transition a premium app "directly" to a freemium app (without "workarounds"). But they seem to be eager to provide a solution.

Then why not make it available on F-droid ?

[tobihagemann]

Hm, we haven't actually considered this yet. We usually work on features/functionalities that are then available for "all" users, especially within the same platform.

But that's actually not such a bad idea. We can transition the Google Play version to freemium at a later stage when we actually get the information on how to do that. Will discuss this with the team!

[riegeler]

@tobihagemann Great to hear that you capture and discuss this fantastic idea of @Ironfist69 to start with an easier to release freemium version at F-Droid and later on when figured out at Play store. I'd be glad to hear about this soon.

@Moonstone3010 That would be possible but why should I pay not only for me (15€) but for all the people in the world who would use it afterwards without paying anything? Why should I have mercy for all the other users? If this would be the only way I prefer a call for donations which is much more fair (and everyone only needs to pay a few cents...)