App Store piracy is a problem for many developers. Apple is aware of this, and in the interest of their App Store and of the developers who release content for it, they are sending DMCA takedown notices to services like Apptrackr. Apptrackr, for those who don’t know, is a service that allows users to find cracked apps.
It’s reported that Apple has scraped links from Apptrackr and has been sending out “huge takedown notices.” However, Apptrackr is trying to avoid copyright issues by moving their servers outside of the US and avoid a direct links to content.
However, as Ars Technica points out, it’s debated to what level piracy affects developers. Some developers have discovered that their piracy rate is as high as 80 percent, and that could definitely add up to millions for some of those developers. The other side of the argument is that those purchases may not have been made anyway as most of those people were too cheap to buy it in the first place.
Of course, some argue that Apptrackr is meant more as a way for users to “try before they buy.” Perhaps it sounds noble enough, but we doubt that’s the intent most users have when they download a free app.
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“Of course, some argue that Apptrackr is meant more as a way for users to “try before they buy.” Perhaps it sounds noble enough, but we doubt that’s the intent most users have when they download a free app.”
It’s a shame you feel that way of the majority of readers on your site.. you can’t say something like that and not mean those who read here too.. you COULD have said “.. but of course we wouldn’t suspect ismashphone.com readers of being pirate thiefs..” but you didn’t so alas.. i am insulted.
the truth is i have used apptrackr and i really DO use it as a “try before i buy” option because the truth of the matter is there are a LOT of really crappy apps out there. i’m not going to spend even .01 on an app if its crap and never end up using it and neither should anyone else. i’d gladly spend my hard earned money on an app i’ve tried, unhindered by blocked options in a demo (if its even available which isn’t always the case) and like it. i’m willing to bet most people would agree with me on this. silly us. we like to know EXACTLY what it is we’re spending our money on, even if it IS .99 cents. because we know that’s not the point now is it? I recommend using apptrackr and the like if it helps curb the flybynight lamer app developers from tossing together stupid apps in hopes to make a quick buck times a million naive users.. looking on the appstore these days, goodness knows there’s a million stupid apps up there. it does however speak to the caliber of person that would use apptrackr etc. to rip off the hard works of upstanding developers out there.. that said.. TRY BEFORE YOU BUY – BUT IF YOU LIKE IT, PEOPLE – BUY IT! just my .02 worth.. free for you..