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Over the next two weeks, Google plans to roll out a new Android Market client to all devices running Android 1.6 or higher, which covers just about everyone. The update brings about a lot of groovy changes, such as a new carousel on the home and category screens, as well as one change that some will view as positively uncool.
"Since most users who request a refund do so within minutes of purchase, we will reduce the refund window on Market to 15 minutes," Google announced in a blog post. "This change will largely be transparent to buyers, but will help developers manage their businesses more effectively."
Android users have always had a full 24 hours to return an app for a full refund, so shortening the window to just 15 minutes is sure to tick some users off. At the same time, the grass isn't any greener on the Apple side, where iPhone/iPod touch users have to take a leap of faith that the app they're purchasing won't suck.
What do you think about this change? Will it affect your purchasing habits, or is this no big deal?
Comments are closed on this article
thunderclap82
December 13, 2010 at 11:31am
While 24 hours was too long, I do think 15 min. is too short. 30 - 60 min. would have been ideal. Or better yet why not let the developer decide? Require a minimum return of 30 min. but the developer can extend it if they so choose?
spoonard
December 13, 2010 at 10:21am
I don't think it's really gonna piss off anyone but app pirates.
deadsenator
December 13, 2010 at 2:48pm
....those the same pirates that don't pay for the software?
How exactly would they give a rip if they could not return it?
Caboose
December 13, 2010 at 3:56pm
Buy the app, copy the .apk file off their device, request a refund. Doesn't take very long to do at all.
I myself have purchased a few apps off the Market. I know that these devs work hard and deserve my money. Besides, $2 isn't much!
deadsenator
December 13, 2010 at 4:58pm
I don't have a Droid device, so I was not aware of the tactic.
