A new version of Action Launcher is on the way, but this one will come at a cost even for existing owners of the app. Developer Chris Lacy announced on Google+ that Action Launcher 3 will be released as a “paid upgrade.” The new version includes Material Design and existing features are being revamped. Everything has been redone specifically for the update.
People that already paid for Action Launcher are a bit angry that Lacy is charging for Action launcher 3. He understands this, but did take the time to explain his decision:
Action Launcher 3 isn’t a “app X gets an update for Material Design” release. In fact, it’s not an update at all. It’s an entirely new version. It is a total re-imagining. It is both a complete re-design and a complete re-write. Every feature from Action Launcher 2 that has been brought over has been rethought and polished. It has a headline feature new not just for Action Launcher, but all launchers. It is the culmination of many months of effort.
There should be no reason to get angry over a paid upgrade. For many developers, releasing apps is more than just something to do with spare time and make extra money. Developers make a living off of their apps. So at some point money has to be made beyond the initial install/purchase. Lacy, like many other developers, is asking for a nominal amount of money for a premium product. It’s not like Action Launcher is limited, buggy, or useless. The app is good as is and the upgrade will make it even better; however, additional funds are necessary to get there.
And these are the ways in which you can choose to move forward with Action Launcher:
1). On release day (TBC), the existing Action Launcher Play Store entry (com.actionlauncher.playstore) will be upgraded to the new app, Action Launcher 3.
2). Also on this day, I will re-release Action Launcher 2 as a new app in the Play Store (com.actionlauncher.holoedition.playstore). This app will be the exact same version of Action Launcher 2 as is currently in the Play Store today.
3). Action Launcher Pro will only work with Action Launcher 2. People who bought Action Launcher Pro previously can still use all the functionality they paid for. You just have to install a different app to access it.
Source: +Chris Lacy
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