Mobile: Amazon Disabled Convenient In-App Purchases For Nearly 100% of Mobile - Need To Find Alternative

Last month, Amazon became the proud owner of Comixology, a popular and likely the only source of mainstream comic books for the iPhone, iPad, and Android devices.  Didn't think much of it until today when the convenience of in-app purchases was stripped away in an update.


Why?

It's easy to understand why as Amazon is looking out for its bottom-line.  What's also obvious is that Amazon doesn't care about its customers in this regard.  Personally, I get both sides of why Amazon did this and why this move is very bad for loyal customers.

As someone who makes purchases from Comixology, I have to say that I'm looking to alternative apps or sites to make my purchases.  If there is one out there, please share and let us know.

I know that DC and Marvel both have their separate apps.  However, they are both powered by Comixology.  It's likely that only some sort of contractual agreement has made it impossible for Amazon to remove in-app purchases from those two apps.  It's also quite likely that Amazon's Comixology team just have not gotten around to it.

Again, dick-ish move but I understand why Amazon did it.  After all, it's stock has been tanking while costs are up and investor patience are at the end of the rope. Still, I think Amazon is a company I can do business with (I am a Prime member and make much purchases through Amazon).  But I've begun to look elsewhere as I think some of their practices are anti-competitive.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Economic Relief Tip (sort of): Codeweavers Free Software Tomorrow Only

Okay...this tip is kind of specific for certain mobile warriors.  Specifically, Mac and Linux users. Tomorrow only, Codeweaver will allow free downloads, one license per user to download one of their products. Crossover Mac - Allows Macs to run Windows applications without Windows Crossover Games - Allows Mac/Linux to run windows games without Windows Crossover Linux - Allows Linux machines to run Windows applications without Windows You get one download.  Mac or Linux.  I know what I'll be downloading and what I'll be using it for.  Here's a description of Codeweaver products . And here is the press release for tomorrow's deal.   You'll save about $40!  I will save $80 since I don't have to buy Parallels for my MacWind. Woohoo! Link:  more info at TUAW
Read more

With Cellular Apple Watch, It’s Okay To Leave the Phone At Home

Image
With my Apple Watch 6, I’ve finally ditched the iPhone and feel comfortable going out without it. Not just for a run but also on trips to the markets and running errands.  It is only a matter of time before more mobile users feel comfortable going about their life without the digital appendage knowing as the smartphone. And this could be a generational shift in mobile computing.  I still have an iPhone.  In fact, I am contemplating upgrading to the iPhone 12 mini. Green to be exact. So I’ll still be a mobile warrior in the traditional sense. But at times, It has dominated my time and feel the iPhone is an indispensable part of my life. People, isn’t.  It’s a tool. A bicycle for the mind as Steve Jobs so eloquently put it. There are times when it should not be without you.  Even now , your mind should be allowed to walk and find other ways of getting around. I’ve done that.  Perhaps I’m a product of my generation and was not born in the last twenty years so I still remember times when y
Read more

College Students: Laptop Purchased with 529 Plan

The 529 Plan is one of the better idea for those who can afford it.  It is a education savings account that allows parents and students to save and draw money out with incurring taxes.  Nevertheless, it's not a free for all.  We've learn financial advisors push it as a security against rising educational costs.  Laptops are often thrown in as a purchase that is allowable under 529. However, that is not necessary so, as Los Angeles Times reports .  What?  Not laptops?   Onxo only reported the necessity of Twenty-First Century students being trained to used laptops with Internet skills so how can laptops not be allowable under the 529 plan? In fact, should it not be mandatory? Okay, that is a bit extreme.  So, if you want to get yourself or your college bound student a laptop for use in school, what are you to do?  The codes of 529 specify "tuition, fees, books, supplies, and equipment required for the enrollment or attendance at school".   Unfortunately, laptops does
Read more