Finding Apps
Date:
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Categories:
[Tech]
Tags:
[Software]
I’m much more cautious than I used to be about the desktop and iPad apps that I use. Aside from whether an app has the features I am looking for, there are some other things I consider before deciding whether to purchase an app.
- Data collection. I prefer apps that do not collect any data. I’m OK with collecting anonymous diagnostics, although I find it hard to believe that this is a useful practice. I mostly avoid apps that collect more than diagnostics. I may make an exception if the data collected is fairly minimal and I don’t see other red flags.
- Privacy policy. I read the privacy policy, and I appreciate it when I find a policy that is sensible and rational. Something better than “we won’t sell or transfer your data, unless we change our mind”.
- Website. I have come across a few apps where the app support website is a Facebook page. That’s a major red flag. Even indie apps should have at least a little infrastructure behind them.
- Subscriptions. Immediately disqualifying. I don’t purchase subscription-based apps.
- Pay-to-play. I’m OK with a single payment to unlock a trial version. I’m OK with “basic” and “pro” versions, where there is a charge to unlock additional features. I don’t bother with apps with excessive add-ons, like a dozen different individually purchased features. Nor with games that sell supplies to help you progress.
- AI. “AI” is a marketing gimmick. It’s hard to avoid it completely anymore, but I prefer apps that don’t hype “AI-driven” features.
- Reputation. This can be hard to evaluate, but I try to research the developer or company behind the app before making a purchase. I prefer to support small companies and indie developers that have values that don’t conflict with mine. I avoid apps sold by what appear to be “aggregators”, companies that acquire apps to rebrand and resell.
- App Reviews. I don’t give the reviews a lot of weight but I do look them over, and occasionally find a useful review.