The app programmer knew from the start that that his app was freeware. It is not fair, IMO, to add a time bomb into his software in order to try and blackmail the Mobius developer to pay him. If he has decided to stop development due to costs incurred, then that's fair enough and understandable, but to add code into his software to render it useless on current android versions/devices is not something I agree with. On top of that, he has now started posting incorrect and untrue information about the Mobius.
It's not the first time he stopped his programs. He did this with his Java versions for the Mac and the PC a few years ago...
Even if I were angry with the developer (which I'm not ) it would never enter my mind to deprive thousands of current users of a useful working tool. This is not my understanding of writing freeware designed to help others.
Iso, your argument is pretty lopsided (understandably) so I'll give the other side.
"The app programmer knew from the start that that his app was freeware" - Irrelevant? Has he ever charged for it? No. Did he ever consider charging for it? No. Did it have adverts? No. So I'm not sure why you are stating this, it seems you are confusing freeware with him wanting to be re-imbursed for the cost and time he put it...that does not affect him offering it for free I think that's just called decency.
"It is not fair, IMO, to add a time bomb into his software in order to try and blackmail the Mobius developer to pay him."
1) I think its damn fair.
2) He can do what he wants, as you state it's his software, his time, and his freeware.
3) Why should he create an app, get no money for it, lose a lot of money, then leave the app and leave a chance for him to get drawn back in and not only that but the Mobius team still get the benefit of the app?
"If he has decided to stop development due to costs incurred, then that's fair enough and understandable" - He did, he quite clearly states that IS and the ONLY reason he stopped development.
"On top of that, he has now started posting incorrect and untrue information about the Mobius." - Prove it. Go on. Prove it. You can say oh Tom Frank said this...oh Tom said this...oh the developer is this...but where is your proof...at the same time where is his proof....but until I see proof from either side I'll assume you are both lying.
"Even if I were angry with the developer (which I'm not
) it would never enter my mind to deprive thousands of current users of a useful working tool. This is not my understanding of writing freeware designed to help others." - fair play, however, as far as I'm aware Therau is not you? I'm glad you won't but stop making him seem like a prat simply because he's fed up of being exploited whilst someone gets all the spoils.
Now please before you say: Me and Tom give up our free time and we get nothing...let me say this in advance.
1) Tom Frank is either the owner/tester of the camera (depending on who's side you are on) - so he either makes the money or has no overheads...except posting to support messages.
2) Being a programmer (limited I might add) computer software requires less hardware upgrades and when it comes to upgrades it is easier to upgrade (take out ram, change graphic cards etc) so overheads are limited again.
Therau however for Android would have to keep up, and sadly phones are upgradeable...considering the latest Samsung Edge costs £500 that adds up very quickly.
My point is this...people are pissed because they are used to having something for free and now they don't have it when in fact they have no right to complain...literally none. He has received no money for it, no compensation...no anything so why does anyone have a right to complain...I've BOUGHT apps before that have suddenly been removed....yet this is an app for free. If the developer is serious and actually cares about the users and what they want they'll stump up the small amount of money needed.
Just my 2cents but I think it's horrible how he has/and is being attacked.
Dan