Developers Can Now Issue Free "Promotional" Copies of iPhone Apps

[MacRumors]

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/12/02/developers-can-now-issue-free-promotional-copies-of-iphone-apps/)

Apple has finally started allowing developers to issue free promotional copies of their iPhone applications. Once an application has been accepted to the App Store by Apple, developers can issue up to 50 promotional codes for their application. The codes allow the recipient to download a full copy of the application for free. Codes can only be presently used in the U.S. iTunes Stores by using the "Redeem" link in the App Store.

http://images.macrumors.com/article/2008/12/02/175833-thank_425.png

As an example, Smudge Apps sent us a promotional copy of Jam: Vol 1 [App Store (http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=297285194&mt=8)]. Codes can be issued for existing applications and the 50 code limit is reset for each new version of an application.

In the past, it has been difficult for developers to provide review or promotional copies, instead having to reply on Ad-hoc distributions.

Article Link: Developers Can Now Issue Free "Promotional" Copies of iPhone Apps (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/12/02/developers-can-now-issue-free-promotional-copies-of-iphone-apps/)

[P-Worm]

This is great, but I still think that there needs to be a way to make demo versions of applications. There are plenty of the more expensive apps that I would consider if I was able to try them beforehand. I'm not willing to drop $10-$20 on something that might be a buggy joke.

P-Worm

[TJunkers]

That's awesome new!

Now, anyone who wants me to test there app and give them an honest opinion I am open for promo codes :p

[Sky Blue]

Cool!

50 seems a little small though.

[amac4me]

This will further drive apps and the App Store.

[Mykbibby]

This is great idea, allow bloggers and media groups to test apps for free.

[Kilamite]

This is great, but I still think that there needs to be a way to make demo versions of applications. There are plenty of the more expensive apps that I would consider if I was able to try them beforehand. I'm not willing to drop $10-$20 on something that might be a buggy joke.

P-Worm

The ability to get a live try/demo out of the app in iTunes would be cool - use the iPhone simulator within iTunes to try out stuff and see if you like.

[pismodude2]

Sweet! This Is Awesome! I Know About It Right Now!! 5:21 Pm!

[mogzieee]

Urgh, why does the US get all the good stuff first? What about all us poor UK sods?

[Kilamite]

Urgh, why does the US get all the good stuff first? What about all us poor UK sods?

Majority of review sites (best ones) are based in the States.

I can't imagine if anyone would care about a wee Scot's opinion on a game!

[rikers_mailbox]

coming soon ... gifting iPhone apps to friends.

[jasonbrennan]

Majority of review sites (best ones) are based in the States.

I can't imagine if anyone would care about a wee Scot's opinion on a game!
Xenophobe. Believe it or not, Americans are not the only people whose opinions matter.

Reviews are relative to their respective region (Canadian reviews show in Canadian iTunes).

[Kilamite]

Xenophobe. Believe it or not, Americans are not the only people whose opinions matter.

Reviews are relative to their respective region (Canadian reviews show in Canadian iTunes).

I said the sites are based in America. Didn't say the reviewers were all American ;)

[funnyent]

awesome! I hope i can get some free apps! :)

[rockosmodurnlif]

Complaint: Increase 50 to 100.

Praise: Maybe this will result in a removal of all those cluttersome "lite" apps.

Question: Do these full versions ever expire?

[ghall]

NICE!! This is perfect! Ad Hoc is kind of a pain. :p

[iChan]

Complaint: Increase 50 to 100.

Praise: Maybe this will result in a removal of all those cluttersome "lite" apps.

Question: Do these full versions ever expire?

it seems to me you may be missing the point of all this...

why would offering developers the opportunity to distribute 50 promo codes alleviate the need for "lite" apps?

[bridgeyman]

YES! I have been waiting for this for a while now. I was hoping for unlimited codes, but I guess if the 50 is reset for each version then that is okay.

[Telp]

NICE!! This is perfect! Ad Hoc is kind of a pain. :p

Was it really?

[Zincous]

So this is on top of the 100 ad hoc?

So now developers can essentially post out 150 for free?

[jacobweber]

God, does every Apple policy regarding the iPhone have to be so heavy-handed? Why 50? Why is this limitation necessary? Why can't they just let developers make the decisions for themselves?

[Zincous]

And how big does an update have to be? Couldn't a developer "update" their app to 1.0.1 basically and just say its a "bug fix", but not really change anything and now they get 50 more? For essentially the same app.

[razorianfly]

This needed to be done, and this sure will make acquiring review copies much easier now.
Bring on the promo codes.

R-Fly

[bindle]

Great news. We've already updated our app description/site to allow reviewers to request promo codes. Ad hoc was such a pain.

[jasonbrennan]

And how big does an update have to be? Couldn't a developer "update" their app to 1.0.1 basically and just say its a "bug fix", but not really change anything and now they get 50 more? For essentially the same app.

The update still has to be reviewed by Apple. I'm sure you could sneak it by a few times, but eventually they would probably catch on.

[raps27]

hey any deva want to send me copies of their games, cuz I've been a beta tester b4 and can give good reviews if needed:)

[firewood]

So this is on top of the 100 ad hoc?

So now developers can essentially post out 150 for free?

The 100 is the number of unique devices (which can all get eaten up if 50 users each upgrade or replace a device) for all your apps. If you have 10 apps in development, that could end up being as little as 5 or 10 beta testers plus reviewers per app. The 50 is the number of users (who might have many more than 1 device) per app. If you have 10 apps in the store, they could get spread around to as many as 500 different people using promotional copies.

.

[sgntscrawn]

Xenophobe. Believe it or not, Americans are not the only people whose opinions matter.

Reviews are relative to their respective region (Canadian reviews show in Canadian iTunes).

Hehehe... how can he be a xenophobe in that sense? He's from Scotland!

And I'm afraid to say, as much as I appreciate Apple products, they still seem suspect to the mentality that North America is the only continent in the world.

[rockosmodurnlif]

it seems to me you may be missing the point of all this...

why would offering developers the opportunity to distribute 50 promo codes alleviate the need for "lite" apps?
Aren't the lite apps for evaluation purposes? Try this free lite app and then buy the full version right?

[Stella]

Developers should be able to distribute their apps as they see fit.

[arn]

ah. what's interesting is that this might end up just being a way for developers to pad their reviews with 50 positive reviews.

a way around the must-buy to review policy

arn

[razorianfly]

ah. what's interesting is that this might end up just being a way for developers to pad their reviews with 50 positive reviews.

a way around the must-buy to review policy

arn

Ahh, yeah, that's an interesting outlook on the new service.
I can't complain though, I too just received a promo copy of Jam: Vol 1 from Smudge Apps! :cool:

R-Fly

[kmcrawford]

This makes total sense. Currently if you want your app reviewed by any of the top review sites, you either have to gift them $1 on the iTunes or provision their iPhone or iPod Touch (ad-hoc method) to install your application on their device. (a very manual process).

[kmcrawford]

Developers should be able to distribute their apps as they see fit.

They can, using the Ad-hoc method.

[louden]

Bravo, old sport, Bravo...

[Shasterball]

This should definitely help promote some apps. I'm sure the developers are happy.

[Stella]

They can, using the Ad-hoc method.

Thats limited though... and you have to pay Apple $99.

[detz]

As a developer here are my thoughts...in case anyone cares. :p

First, they expire after four weeks so they are not "freebies" but more for reviews only. As a developer this is great but I only see it good for reviews...testing would be for before it hits the store and this still has to be AdHoc.

Why 50? Why not, do you really think each version needs 50 people to download and try it(Review it)? I doubt it, I think they are being generous for the high end apps.

Developers can't charge for them...and this is another reason they only offer 50 and they expire. If they didn't then every developer would sell X versions of their website and Apple would loose their cut...not a very good business move. ;)

Why US only? Apple is based out of the US, it's easier to do all the legal stuff here first so if they are testing something or slowly releasing stuff it's easier for them to do it here than anywhere else. Plus the majority of the developers and downloads come from the States so why not start off in the largest market?

[detz]

Get them while they're HOT!!! Figured I would test it out... ;)

3EYLRT49EYTF
L7FH4WFKF9TR
USED
WFXH7RKF3TRH
USED

Please post if you're used one so others don't bother, they are for my iOwn app.

[detz]

Hmm, I'm confused now. I think the codes expire and not the app...the damn Apple team did a number of the wording.

[arn]

Hmm, I'm confused now. I think the codes expire and not the app...the damn Apple team did a number of the wording.

ya, my understanding is that the code is good for one use. then it's no longer good. the app otherwise seems to act like one you've bought for the person who used the code.

arn

[B1gMac]

I used one: 4XNXM6NYMHHE


Thanks!

[admanimal]

ya, my understanding is that the code is good for one use. then it's no longer good. the app otherwise seems to act like one you've bought for the person who used the code.

arn

Correct- the code expires, not the app itself.

[dvkid]

Used this one:

F74M63PMATJR

Thanks!

Really easy to use. And no mention of the app expiring in the process.

[Vagcmyevad]

Get them while they're HOT!!! Figured I would test it out... ;)

3EYLRT49EYTF
L7FH4WFKF9TR
USED
WFXH7RKF3TRH
USED

Please post if you're used one so others don't bother, they are for my iOwn app.

Just used: WFXH7RKF3TRH

Thanks!

[razorianfly]

Get them while they're HOT!!! Figured I would test it out... ;)

3EYLRT49EYTF
L7FH4WFKF9TR
USED
WFXH7RKF3TRH
USED

Please post if you're used one so others don't bother, they are for my iOwn app.

Just used L7FH4WFKF9TR.

Thanks!! :cool:

R-Fly

[akac]

Here are 5 codes for Note2Self:
46K4T9TEWXNL
6K3WAT3AL3LH
FWJ4939FK6H4
FJNYL6WY6JNE
EEHX7NR4HNYH

Just post if you use it. And any reviewers are welcome to other ones by asking us.

[razorianfly]

Here are 5 codes for Note2Self:
46K4T9TEWXNL
6K3WAT3AL3LH
FWJ4939FK6H4
FJNYL6WY6JNE
EEHX7NR4HNYH

Just post if you use it. And any reviewers are welcome to other ones by asking us.

Just used 6K3WAT3AL3LH. Thanks!
You'll be glad to know I'm an app reviewer. :cool:

R-Fly

[NewSc2]

Here are 5 codes for Note2Self:
46K4T9TEWXNL
6K3WAT3AL3LH
FWJ4939FK6H4
FJNYL6WY6JNE
EEHX7NR4HNYH

Just post if you use it. And any reviewers are welcome to other ones by asking us.

Used EEHX7NR4HNYH. Thanks!

Unfortunately I redeemed it on my Mac Pro, which I haven't set up with my iPhone (my Macbook Pro syncs the iPhone). Guess I'll have to figure out how to move apps cross computers or authorize both computers for my phone?

[iFerd]

So where and when does one enter the code?

[razorianfly]

So where and when does one enter the code?

Right Now > US iTunes Store > Redeem (right) > Enter Code > App Downloads instantly.

R-Fly

[mrat93]

Here are 5 codes for Note2Self:
46K4T9TEWXNL
6K3WAT3AL3LH
FWJ4939FK6H4
FJNYL6WY6JNE
EEHX7NR4HNYH

Just post if you use it. And any reviewers are welcome to other ones by asking us.

FJNYL6WY6JNE USED
Thanks!

[gloubibou]

Private comments very welcome as I am currently working on a major update: more currencies, more accurate rates, faster updates, re-designed UI, ...

KPPNA3TLNWM7
AE6AJLKAJK9F
49LMA477H6YM
T9RT93FEL73L
XL9N47HN3HM7
7WFFAYH7EKJ4
7LXLFHTHTW3A
EAKNMT6LHTPR
RT3HXH9JWWJK
MH9646NLY9KX

[theBB]

And how big does an update have to be? Couldn't a developer "update" their app to 1.0.1 basically and just say its a "bug fix", but not really change anything and now they get 50 more? For essentially the same app.
Why would a developer go through that much trouble to give away its own product?

[gloubibou]

Enjoy!

N.B: Please refer to the known issues in the product description. This will be addressed by a free update within the next couple of days.

JTHXKHMHAPTA
WWXM7MPEJA4T
Y69HA9TJLMH4
K7XH9HLLLEAY
LJ6WJLL7AMHJ
MJ9JY7K3RTPF
EMJFHWYAYL7J
NMKXFWP39T7X
3PYYRKWTXRMR
TTPY6MA94A7K
P4XPHL7WK3XP
T9M73MNTX6AH
J479ALTKALL7
4H4WPPHJL7JA
JWYNL6HTX4PE
3AKEHH47LXAL
L9NL9TNAFYFM
7P6MRKJPLFKF
L3WWXNYEAW36
L9JRMJT9EPAL

[gloubibou]

Enjoy ACTSudoku for FREE!

J7XFJJJF497K
FXF96RKPHKEM
LYL7FEK7LHHA
WYJJAWP9XKP4
HY36KMKP3WWJ
JE4HE3NRL7WW
9X3TH6NE6TKH
TFEAAPNE3KW6
YFJW6K7339XH
JWFX6Y9LP69H

[hayduke]

This is great, but I still think that there needs to be a way to make demo versions of applications. There are plenty of the more expensive apps that I would consider if I was able to try them beforehand. I'm not willing to drop $10-$20 on something that might be a buggy joke.

P-Worm

Now hear that!

[bki122689]

Now hear that!

yeah like a 15 minute demo of the real thing then it disables

[MacToddB]

This is great! I was debating how to get review copies out to bloggers and press without gifting $1 each (losing $0.30 each time). Not a big deal, but I was a little troubled about the ethics of paying reviewers.

Anyway, my app is being reviewed by Apple and I'll post again when it's live.

[bridgeyman]

What about updates? There are 50 codes for each version, so that makes me think maybe the code is tied to the version, and updates would not be free. I hope they are, because this sounds like a good way to give away copies of my app to friends and such to try out.

[mythikalazn]

"Sensi Dial"
--------------------
4YJ69JE7XH36
36AEX4K7WH97
KMK67Y4E964M
H3E3RXFL3AL3
HRXHXLYR6N3M

I would appreciate your review...

[RedGreen]

"Sensi Dial"
--------------------
4YJ69JE7XH36
36AEX4K7WH97
KMK67Y4E964M
H3E3RXFL3AL3
HRXHXLYR6N3M

I would appreciate your review...

Used the first one: 4YJ69JE7XH36

Thanks, I'll be sure to leave a review on the app store.

Edit:
Enjoy ACTSudoku for FREE!

J7XFJJJF497K
FXF96RKPHKEM
LYL7FEK7LHHA
WYJJAWP9XKP4
HY36KMKP3WWJ
JE4HE3NRL7WW
9X3TH6NE6TKH
TFEAAPNE3KW6
YFJW6K7339XH
JWFX6Y9LP69H
I used the first code: J7XFJJJF497K

Thanks! I'll leave a review.

[rdbell]

The following codes will get you a free copy of PickupLines (http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=288820098&mt=8) from the AppStore:

J43W9N6K39N9
AK679M4X36JK
MEFF3J3RH4KT
ELFJRPPN969R
FL6ENKW49P6Y
E7NLAALKKTY6
TJ6EE9WLJ93M

Download link: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=288820098&mt=8


Reviews are appreciated. :)

[RedGreen]

The following codes will get you a free copy of PickupLines (http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=288820098&mt=8) from the AppStore:

J43W9N6K39N9
AK679M4X36JK
MEFF3J3RH4KT
ELFJRPPN969R
FL6ENKW49P6Y
E7NLAALKKTY6
TJ6EE9WLJ93M

Download link: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=288820098&mt=8


Reviews are appreciated. :)

I used the first one: J43W9N6K39N9

I'll play around and then leave you a review. Thanks!

[Maxington]

This should help the development and review process go a little smoother.

[tomozj]

And I'm afraid to say, as much as I appreciate Apple products, they still seem suspect to the mentality that North America is the only continent in the world.

I disagree. It could simply be a phased rollout starting in the US to try and catch any bugs before it goes worldwide, or haven't implemented such features so that it works across multiple stores. Other than that I don't see a reason why they wouldn't make it an international service so I guess we'll just have to wait a little while. :cool:

[bki122689]

I disagree. It could simply be a phased rollout starting in the US to try and catch any bugs before it goes worldwide, or haven't implemented such features so that it works across multiple stores. Other than that I don't see a reason why they wouldn't make it an international service so I guess we'll just have to wait a little while. :cool:

the apple care in australia you have to send the computer yourself out of your own expenses. friend told me on this forum

[superstrikertwo]

The following codes will get you a free copy of PickupLines (http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=288820098&mt=8) from the AppStore:

J43W9N6K39N9
AK679M4X36JK
MEFF3J3RH4KT
ELFJRPPN969R
FL6ENKW49P6Y
E7NLAALKKTY6
TJ6EE9WLJ93M

Download link: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=288820098&mt=8


Reviews are appreciated. :)

Used FL6ENKW49P6Y

[koobcamuk]

The app store is really great.

[Lictor]

The ability to get a live try/demo out of the app in iTunes would be cool - use the iPhone simulator within iTunes to try out stuff and see if you like.

That would be limited, since the simulator cannot work outside of MacOSX... To have it work on Windows, you would have to port the MacOSX API to Windows...

Besides, there are quite a few applications where the simulator wouldn't work. It wouldn't work very well with games. It wouldn't work with applications that use the Location API.

[Snips]

ya, my understanding is that the code is good for one use. then it's no longer good. the app otherwise seems to act like one you've bought for the person who used the code.

arn

Good point Arn.

It also further feeds the perception that Apps should be free. A couple of weeks ago I sensed a ground swell amongst developers that prices need to be raised to realistic levels in order to sustain development of quality apps, but that hasn't really materialised.

As a UK based developer, it's also going to be that much harder to get noticed as I'll be competing with US-based developers who can give out copies much easier than I can. Hopefully that will be fixed soon, at least to allow non-US developers to generate promo codes, even if they can only be redeemed in US.

So, a good move in principle, but with some refinement required.

[rhyx]

Used the first one: 4YJ69JE7XH36

Thanks, I'll be sure to leave a review on the app store.

Edit:

I used the first code: J7XFJJJF497K

Thanks! I'll leave a review.

All have been used just FYI.

[bridgeyman]

Let's try this out. Here are ten codes for Lumen 2.3!

4MYHJAWXFE9R
J7EYJ3Y69LHJ
W4N94LRAK4M6
TEHYTT33WL6F
JNWRTEJ9NWLW
6FE36P94XRRT
3LJK9TM7ETAE
4EM3E9L6H4LE
HW9JYY7WFLEK
FNRR76K3Y7AE


Also, as I read the contract that I had to agree to for the codes, I noticed something funny on there.

"If a Holder’s order exceeds the amount available on the Custom Codes, Holder must establish an iTunes Store Purchaser account and pay for the balance with a credit card."

Apparently, if you want more than 50 you can buy them. This is a lot better than buying gift cards for reviewers. My game is only $1.99, but I have to get a $5 gift card to send reviewers.

[razorianfly]

Let's try this out. Here are ten codes for Lumen 2.3!

4MYHJAWXFE9R
J7EYJ3Y69LHJ
W4N94LRAK4M6
TEHYTT33WL6F
JNWRTEJ9NWLW
6FE36P94XRRT
3LJK9TM7ETAE
4EM3E9L6H4LE
HW9JYY7WFLEK
FNRR76K3Y7AE


Also, as I read the contract that I had to agree to for the codes, I noticed something funny on there.

"If a Holder’s order exceeds the amount available on the Custom Codes, Holder must establish an iTunes Store Purchaser account and pay for the balance with a credit card."

Apparently, if you want more than 50 you can buy them. This is a lot better than buying gift cards for reviewers. My game is only $1.99, but I have to get a $5 gift card to send reviewers.

Used JNWRTEJ9NWLW. Thanks Bridger!
I'll be reviewing Lumen at 2.3 shortly.

R-Fly

[RTiii320]

....time to befriend some developers

[PowerFullMac]

This is great, but I still think that there needs to be a way to make demo versions of applications. There are plenty of the more expensive apps that I would consider if I was able to try them beforehand. I'm not willing to drop $10-$20 on something that might be a buggy joke.

P-Worm

People can make demo versions, its just not built into the App Store, the developers have to make the demos themselves. I have been a few trials in the App Store.

[gloubibou]

Let's try this out. Here are ten codes for Lumen 2.3!

4MYHJAWXFE9R
J7EYJ3Y69LHJ
W4N94LRAK4M6
TEHYTT33WL6F
JNWRTEJ9NWLW
6FE36P94XRRT
3LJK9TM7ETAE
4EM3E9L6H4LE
HW9JYY7WFLEK
FNRR76K3Y7AE


Used 6FE36P94XRRT
Will post review

[rockosmodurnlif]

So do I get codes if I promise to leave favorable reviews?

[QuarterSwede]

4MYHJAWXFE9R
J7EYJ3Y69LHJ
W4N94LRAK4M6
TEHYTT33WL6F
JNWRTEJ9NWLW
6FE36P94XRRT
3LJK9TM7ETAE
4EM3E9L6H4LE
HW9JYY7WFLEK
FNRR76K3Y7AE

Used HW9JYY7WFLEK. Thanks a ton!

[mdwsta4]

great idea, but 50 seems a bit low. why not offer expiration apps instead? after X amount of days or X amount of uses it deletes itself. like others have said, i'd be willing to pay for some apps, but i want to test them first. being the first 50 of someone to discover an app seems nearly impossible to do.

[iFerd]

Let's try this out. Here are ten codes for Lumen 2.3!

4MYHJAWXFE9R
J7EYJ3Y69LHJ
W4N94LRAK4M6
TEHYTT33WL6F
JNWRTEJ9NWLW
6FE36P94XRRT
3LJK9TM7ETAE
4EM3E9L6H4LE
HW9JYY7WFLEK
FNRR76K3Y7AE
Just used W4N94LRAK4M6

Thanks for the opportunity!

[PM-3PM]

Hi everyone,

I just released my kids game, Henry & Hailey's Preschool Pals - Kids Mix & Match.

Please test it our and leave a review for me. I designed it for my son and his little friends.

Thanks!


Preston


Henry & Hailey's Preschool Pals - Redeem codes


9ET44NJAYJJF
LNFL3F6AYKKN
3FA6HEPEMPYY
HNPWJAPTHNF4
Y33PT9EFEK4N
MYPN399MYFW6
YWPEHLLPJNM3
FXAALL4AHL74
H3XMLNKWYH36
97EKW6WRW79E
L66TLTNJTMXL
3JAPWTHRFN33
LTN747MR67F9
XW9NW67JKKNR
R7YTTPNMMR93

[broncopde]

Let's try this out. Here are ten codes for Lumen 2.3!

4MYHJAWXFE9R
J7EYJ3Y69LHJ
W4N94LRAK4M6
TEHYTT33WL6F
JNWRTEJ9NWLW
6FE36P94XRRT
3LJK9TM7ETAE
4EM3E9L6H4LE
HW9JYY7WFLEK
FNRR76K3Y7AE


Also, as I read the contract that I had to agree to for the codes, I noticed something funny on there.

"If a Holder’s order exceeds the amount available on the Custom Codes, Holder must establish an iTunes Store Purchaser account and pay for the balance with a credit card."

Apparently, if you want more than 50 you can buy them. This is a lot better than buying gift cards for reviewers. My game is only $1.99, but I have to get a $5 gift card to send reviewers.

Used 3LJK9TM7ETAE
I'll leave a review after using it a bit. Thanks.

[shigzeo]

demo versions would be great for sure. it has gotten expensive reviewing apps but some developers have given us promotions to redeem which is a lifesaver to say the least.

[twoodcc]

i think this is great for the app store, and should help get more apps on there

[mozmac]

This is a good start, but we still need to be able to give out demo copies. Giving away free copies helps generate good reviews; however, many people still want to try out the application themselves before plunking down money. Good reviews aren't enough for more expensive applications.

[bridgeyman]

This is a good start, but we still need to be able to give out demo copies. Giving away free copies helps generate good reviews; however, many people still want to try out the application themselves before plunking down money. Good reviews aren't enough for more expensive applications.

At first, I thought applying Apple's time-bombed DRM (like their rentals) on applications would be a good idea, but now I am not so sure. Most good games have a Lite version for free that lets you try out the application for free. Although it is a little more difficult for the developer, it gives a us a lot more flexibility. For example, I didn't want my application to expire after a certain amount of time. Lumen's main feature is the number of puzzles available, so for the lite version I offered a limited number of puzzles. Also, I did not include the puzzle editor, because the lite version gets over 10x more downloads. Supporting that many puzzle submissions would be a nightmare. I get enough "test" puzzles with only a few pieces on the board that I have to sort through.

Also, when I got my lite version out my sales went up. I think developers will soon realize this, and all serious apps will have a lite version, just like how most desktop apps have a trial version of some sort.

[mdwsta4]

crap! bought note2self before seeing the process on how to redeem a code. i thought it would prompt you to enter a code once you hit buy!! and of course now all the free codes have been used.

[Egomaniac]

What the heck, ten free copies of my tank combat game iShoot:

66R9P6ENMTNL
HYY3EKLXWEAM
RMJK6RWW34JM
MF97MYXLMJJ7
A6KRL49P3LHP
KFM7JRKMPXXF
TLT39L7ETRYE
P4KJM4Y97F7X
HTMYRL94HF3W
NYTR9NE6KYXR

[Zincous]

What the heck, ten free copies of my tank combat game iShoot:

66R9P6ENMTNL
HYY3EKLXWEAM
RMJK6RWW34JM
MF97MYXLMJJ7
A6KRL49P3LHP
KFM7JRKMPXXF
TLT39L7ETRYE
P4KJM4Y97F7X
HTMYRL94HF3W
NYTR9NE6KYXR

Thanks! I used the one on the bottom: NYTR9NE6KYXR

Review coming soon

[razorianfly]

What the heck, ten free copies of my tank combat game iShoot:

66R9P6ENMTNL
HYY3EKLXWEAM
RMJK6RWW34JM
MF97MYXLMJJ7
A6KRL49P3LHP
KFM7JRKMPXXF
TLT39L7ETRYE
P4KJM4Y97F7X
HTMYRL94HF3W
NYTR9NE6KYXR

Thanks! - Used HYY3EKLXWEAM. Expect a review shortly.

R-Fly

[jclardy]

What the heck, ten free copies of my tank combat game iShoot:

66R9P6ENMTNL
HYY3EKLXWEAM
RMJK6RWW34JM
MF97MYXLMJJ7
A6KRL49P3LHP
KFM7JRKMPXXF
TLT39L7ETRYE
P4KJM4Y97F7X
HTMYRL94HF3W
NYTR9NE6KYXR
Used the code HTMYRL94HF3W, I'm about to try it out. Thanks!

[Telp]

What the heck, ten free copies of my tank combat game iShoot:

66R9P6ENMTNL
HYY3EKLXWEAM
RMJK6RWW34JM
MF97MYXLMJJ7
A6KRL49P3LHP
KFM7JRKMPXXF
TLT39L7ETRYE
P4KJM4Y97F7X
HTMYRL94HF3W
NYTR9NE6KYXR

Used P4KJM4Y97F7X. Thank you very much.

[iFerd]

What the heck, ten free copies of my tank combat game iShoot:

66R9P6ENMTNL
HYY3EKLXWEAM
RMJK6RWW34JM
MF97MYXLMJJ7
A6KRL49P3LHP
KFM7JRKMPXXF
TLT39L7ETRYE
P4KJM4Y97F7X
HTMYRL94HF3W
NYTR9NE6KYXR

Just used TLT39L7ETRYE

[PM-3PM]

I used code - 66R9P6ENMTNL


Thanks. I will post a review after playing your "iShoot" game.


Preston

[macnews]

Hi everyone,

I just released my kids game, Henry & Hailey's Preschool Pals - Kids Mix & Match.

Please test it our and leave a review for me. I designed it for my son and his little friends.

Thanks!


Preston


Henry & Hailey's Preschool Pals - Redeem codes


9ET44NJAYJJF
LNFL3F6AYKKN
3FA6HEPEMPYY
HNPWJAPTHNF4
Y33PT9EFEK4N
MYPN399MYFW6
YWPEHLLPJNM3
FXAALL4AHL74
H3XMLNKWYH36
97EKW6WRW79E
L66TLTNJTMXL
3JAPWTHRFN33
LTN747MR67F9
XW9NW67JKKNR
R7YTTPNMMR93

Just used R7YTTPNMMR93

Will have my kids test it out tonight.

[macnews]

What the heck, ten free copies of my tank combat game iShoot:

66R9P6ENMTNL
HYY3EKLXWEAM
RMJK6RWW34JM
MF97MYXLMJJ7
A6KRL49P3LHP
KFM7JRKMPXXF
TLT39L7ETRYE
P4KJM4Y97F7X
HTMYRL94HF3W
NYTR9NE6KYXR

Just used A6KRL49P3LHP

Well that is two free apps for me, will test both and write reviews.

You know, this seems like a good system - first blush impressions. The two apps I am testing I never would have tried if I had to pay and certainly feel more is needed. I rely on the reviews to tell me if the app is decent so I hope this helps the developers.

[DavidReeves]

Hi all,

First, to everyone contributing to the groups here: This is by far the most comprehensive collection of "coming soon" mac spaces on the web. Keep it up!

Second, I just released my first iPhone App which was conceived at a dinner conversation with my sister and niece: ("Olivia! Be good! Santa is watching you.")

I have 50 codes available for release and would appreciate honest feedback on the application. Although I certainly wouldn't limit the free code distribution, it's really intended for adults that have children. I've found that my niece LOVES to sit at the table and sneak "Mommy's" phone to give herself "Nice" points. (Which I tried to explain don't really count since she's giving them to herself but, it's difficult to reason with a 4 year old. Haha!)

So anyway, please contact me if you're interested in testing out "Santa-Meter". Please note that version 1.1 is currently under review by Apple that fixes an issue with using images from your photo albums and adds sound effects, so you might want to wait until the update is available to download.

Merry Christmas,
David Reeves
Developer
Santa Meter
davidreevesatl@me.com
Please mention "macrumors" on the code request.

[razorianfly]

If anyone is interested, and in association with Cobra Mobile,
I am giving away one free copy of Mouse About, exclusively, here (http://www.razorianfly.com/2008/contest-01-win-an-exclusive-copy-of-mouse-about/).

R-Fly

[MacToddB]

While supplies last... Email support@NoTieSW.com mentioning this post and get a free promo code for our new app, 100sounds! Visit www.100sounds.com for info on the app, which just came out this week!

This is great! I was debating how to get review copies out to bloggers and press without gifting $1 each (losing $0.30 each time). Not a big deal, but I was a little troubled about the ethics of paying reviewers.

Anyway, my app is being reviewed by Apple and I'll post again when it's live.

[maclover001]

Can the promo codes play doom?

[DigitalMonkey]

Does the code work for apps that are no in the iTunes store yet? Mine doesn't go live until Tuesday, but I want to give review copies to the press.