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Paid Version of AIM for iPhone Now Available for $2.99

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Original poster
Apr 12, 2001
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Last week, we reported on an update to AOL's AIM for iPhone, which brings several new features to the instant messaging application. At press time, only an ad-supported, free version [App Store] was available, although an ad-free, paid version was promised to be working its way through Apple's App Store approval process.

AOL has informed us that the paid version [App Store] is now available with a price tag of $2.99. Other than the removal of ads and a purple icon (versus a red icon for the free version), the paid version offers the same features present in the free version.

Article Link: Paid Version of AIM for iPhone Now Available for $2.99
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2009/03/04/paid-version-of-aim-for-iphone-now-available-for-2-99/
This is all pretty lame. I think Apple should implement a system where you can choose "Skip" instead of install so the app update will go away. Instead we are forced into something new, like ads. A prime example of people not wanting to update is Ambiance, which just released a free legacy version to pacify customers who hated 2.0. Sure, you could just not update, but then it's always there, with the badge icon, and you can't use the update all button.

As a side note, what's up with the fake app updates? My badge icon fluctuates between 4-15 apps throughout the day, and when I go to see what they are, there is a list of apps that I've already installed. It's only done this for the past few days, but it won't stop!!
 
macduke said:
This is all pretty lame. I think Apple should implement a system where you can choose "Skip" instead of install so the app update will go away. Instead we are forced into something new, like ads. A prime example of people not wanting to update is Ambiance, which just released a free legacy version to pacify customers who hated 2.0. Sure, you could just not update, but then it's always there, with the badge icon, and you can't use the update all button.

As a side note, what's up with the fake app updates? My badge icon fluctuates between 4-15 apps throughout the day, and when I go to see what they are, there is a list of apps that I've already installed. It's only done this for the past few days, but it won't stop!!
Click to expand...

The ads aren't bad at all, I really don't mind them. They go away pretty fast and the new features are worth the ads.
 
Apple needs to implement new policy in the app store, where if there are ads in the app, it is automatically rejected.

There should be no ads in the apps, only on web site.
 
alchemistmuffin said:
Apple needs to implement new policy in the app store, where if there are ads in the app, it is automatically rejected.

There should be no ads in the apps, only on web site.
Click to expand...

mmmmm, i tend to disagree. while the ads are annoying, they do allow apps to be available for free or subsidized cost. if the app is worth it, people will still use it regardless of ads. just an example of what little free market apple does allow within the app store that works.
 
alchemistmuffin said:
Apple needs to implement new policy in the app store, where if there are ads in the app, it is automatically rejected.

There should be no ads in the apps, only on web site.
Click to expand...

So, should every developer in the App Store distribute their hard work for free (with no ads) out of the goodness of their hearts, and forego the whole eating and shelter thing?
 
macduke said:
This is all pretty lame. I think Apple should implement a system where you can choose "Skip" instead of install so the app update will go away. Instead we are forced into something new, like ads. A prime example of people not wanting to update is Ambiance, which just released a free legacy version to pacify customers who hated 2.0. Sure, you could just not update, but then it's always there, with the badge icon, and you can't use the update all button.

As a side note, what's up with the fake app updates? My badge icon fluctuates between 4-15 apps throughout the day, and when I go to see what they are, there is a list of apps that I've already installed. It's only done this for the past few days, but it won't stop!!
Click to expand...

I have the same problem with the fake updates. When I search again I'm getting even more fake updates! And sometimes, after three or four times, I'm getting the message that everything is "up to date"? Weird :confused:

The "Skip" option would be great. Just like in OS X for desktops. Meanwhile I backup every major iPhone app update (by dragging them out of the trash or with time machine). This way I can reïnstall the app when they suddenly adding stupid "ads" :mad:...

Greetz
 
What a waste. Everyone go buy beejive. It has a better GUI and more fuctionality. Sure it's pricey, but it's on sale this week for 9.99 (vs the 15.99 original). It's worth the money.

Screw the capitalist pigs at AOL.
 
Dokter_Mac said:
I have the same problem with the fake updates. When I search again I'm getting even more fake updates! And sometimes, after three or four times, I'm getting the message that everything is "up to date"? Weird :confused:

The "Skip" option would be great. Just like in OS X for desktops. Meanwhile I backup every major iPhone app update (by dragging them out of the trash or with time machine). This way I can reïnstall the app when they suddenly adding stupid "ads" :mad:...

Greetz
Click to expand...

I'm having the same problem, I figured it was just my phone though. Earlier today, I closed and re-opened the App Store like 5 times in a row, and the updates listed were different everytime, and the "updates" were mostly older versions that what I had installed! WTF!:confused:
 
alchemistmuffin said:
Apple needs to implement new policy in the app store, where if there are ads in the app, it is automatically rejected.

There should be no ads in the apps, only on web site.
Click to expand...

Good grief.
:rolleyes:


I think apple should implement a pony pixie giving policy instead so the devs can pay for their bills with pony pixie dust....
 
$2.99 to remove an ad that goes away in 10 seconds and the color purple? AOL, I offer you the 1 finger salute, and not my thumb. :)
 
Tanj said:
What a waste. Everyone go buy beejive. It has a better GUI and more fuctionality. Sure it's pricey, but it's on sale this week for 9.99 (vs the 15.99 original). It's worth the money.

Screw the capitalist pigs at AOL.
Click to expand...

what makes beejive better? (just curious)
 
Jeremy1026 said:
So, should every developer in the App Store distribute their hard work for free (with no ads) out of the goodness of their hearts, and forego the whole eating and shelter thing?
Click to expand...


Appeal to emotion and thus an invalid argument. Give me a valuable app and I'll throw the dev $$$ by the fistfull. I fail to see how ads generate that much revenue. If an app has ads...ANY ads...neither the dev nor the ad companies will get a penny from me and, more importantly, I'll never recommend the app to anyone. It's bad enough that the Web has become polluted with obnoxious ads (there's no other kind) but I refuse to tolerate it on my personal iPhone.
 
Tofaha said:
what makes beejive better? (just curious)
Click to expand...

Toggle auto correct/auto capitalization off.
Landscape mode
Gchat, Yahoo chat, myspace, AIM, and ICQ support
Customizable IM sounds
Two different buddy list orientation option.
Linking Message accounts to Contacts in your phone book
Changing Chat background.
Changing incoming/outgoing chat bubble color.
FILE TRANSFERS

Why don't you just look it up in the app store?
 
Tanj said:
What a waste. Everyone go buy beejive. It has a better GUI and more fuctionality. Sure it's pricey, but it's on sale this week for 9.99 (vs the 15.99 original). It's worth the money.

Screw the capitalist pigs at AOL.
Click to expand...
Screw the capitalist pigs .. but go buy BeeJive instead of use the free AIM?

Y'know what, BeeJive should be free. Aren't they just piggybacking on networks built by AOL, Yahoo!, etc.? Why do they get to profit?
 
Tanj said:
What a waste. Everyone go buy beejive. It has a better GUI and more fuctionality. Sure it's pricey, but it's on sale this week for 9.99 (vs the 15.99 original). It's worth the money.

Screw the capitalist pigs at AOL.
Click to expand...

What is capitalistic about AOL ONLY charging $2.99 for the ad free version?
Since Beejive costs $9.99, wouldn't that make them capitalistic pigs as well?
 
hexonxonx said:
Probably because there was no BUZZ about nimbuzz like there was about AIM and Beejive. I already have AIM and Beejive, don't need anything else.
Click to expand...

true .. I replaced Aim with it to integrate my other chats and it´s for free ... so before spending 10 Dollar on an app i would recommend trying the free alternative... beejive is probably better but i don´t chat a lot on my phone so I´d never spend that much money
 
Beejive didn't introduce a standard application for months before adding ads to the standard version, calling it free, and making you pay to get them removed.

Beyond that, the placement of the ads diminish the functionality of the application. Worst of all the uninformed public will fund AOLs endeavors because "it's only 2.99$" But when everyone does it they make big bucks. It's a collective action problem.

At least support a software company that gives you substantially more functionality than the others AND one that has integrity.
 
Palringo FTW!

Palringo is a free IM client I use for my AIM, MSN, Yahoo & Facebook chatting. They have both a desktop and a iPhone app. Although at home on my Mac I use Adium. Is BeejiveIM that much of a better app than Palringo?
 
rockosmodurnlif said:
Screw the capitalist pigs .. but go buy BeeJive instead of use the free AIM?

Y'know what, BeeJive should be free. Aren't they just piggybacking on networks built by AOL, Yahoo!, etc.? Why do they get to profit?
Click to expand...

As opposed to saying screw the liberal fascist pigs who want to steal other people's money and give it to another group. Typical liberal pig, always having their hand out. :p

I'm sorry but you don't have a right to having an IM app. Get over it!!!
 
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