Wish We Could Sample Apps before buying [ Edited ]

[catarific]

When I buy an app, especially a new one with no review yet, it is really like Russian roulette - whether the app is any good or not.  In most cases, I usually wait for a review - but this last go round I saw something that looked to0 good to be true....

The 5-in-1  Dictionary Bundle located here:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1110110727?ean=2940043894335

The overview boasts:

- Works without Wi-Fi! Includes 5 searchable dictionaries that you can use to search words anywhere!
-Standard dictionary
 -Theaurus (includes synonyms and antonyms!)
 -Acronym dictionary
 -Legal Terms dictionary
 -Business Terms dictionary
 -With even more to be added!
 *If a word is missing, you can send us an email! We'll update our dictionaries as much as possible!

I thought wow - this is great and for only $.99 - but let me tell you - this app is so bad - that even the simple words are not included in the dictionary.

When I tried the thesausus for simple words - that was blank as well.  The word might be there but the similar meanings - not there.

I wish someone at B&N tested these apps before approving them for sale - I cannot believe anyone tested this app - because even the simpliest word - such as needy was not included.  It might have been added now since I sent an email asking why this word was not included.  Afterward, I tested other words and many did not make the dictionary or the thesaurus as well.

Had I been able to test this app prior - I would have saved myself the trouble of downloading and letting it install.  I know - what do you expect for $.99 - which is very true - but why offer an app that undoubtedly will make the purchaser sorry he purchased this app??

If we were allowed to sample an app the same way we can sample a book prior to purchasing - wouldn't that make for better and happier customer relations?

[Schwa]

Looks like something B&N has been adding in recently.  It probably requires the developers to opt into offering a free trial, but apparently it is possible.

Examples (look under the Buy Now button, and it is an extra purchase button on the Nook Shop):

Virtual City (any of the G5 games it seems)

Line Bot

Of course that is not a lot of examples.  But I've only seen these recently and maybe we can expect more soon?

[catarific]

Maybe we will see more developers willing to offer a trial of their apps.  Very discerning of you - I never came across where a sample was offered until you pointed those two out!

[GDJ]

I haven't bought many apps, probably less than 10.  Half of them were worthless and are no longer on my device.  If they had actually cost anything I'd be trying to get a refund.  There are several problems with the app store and apps in general.  Poor descriptions.  Lack of proper instructions.  Developers that don't return queries.  The reviews are often absent any real value.  I find it difficult to search the app store and the catagories are often quite arbitrary.  I don't blame B&N entirely for this, the whole appstore idea seems geared toward allowing slipshod work to be sold.

I guess I shouldn't be too surprised, some of the stock apps that came with the Nook are rather lacking. (Photo gallery, Contacts....)

Sampling apps would be a great idea.

[5ivedom]

Firstly, please try out our free Slideshows App - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/slideshows-wallpaper-slideshows-5ivedom/1106028612?ean=2940043858696

It might suit your needs better.

Secondly, what type of apps are you interested in? It'd be good to get some ideas. We make both productivity apps and games and it's always good to get ideas for new apps.

[TnTexas]

GDJ:  the whole appstore idea seems geared toward allowing slipshod work to be sold.

See this is what leaves me scratching my head, because supposedly one of the reasons B&N's app store has grown so slowly is because they are curating them to keep that from happening.

[moogs]

Why would b & n be concerned about anything besides that the app opens, responds to input, doesn't crash or freeze the device and closes properly. Whether it is useful would be up to the purchaser and beyond b & n's call. By the way, there is no shortage of crappy apps on apple, amazon and google that also charge 99 or more.

[sueott]

Good idea. I've downloaded a few apps that did not match their descriptions and were useless and/or not fun.

[sueott]

Oh yes, instructions. I have a few apps that MIGHT be worthwhile, but I can't figure out how to use them. Sometimes the software company's website is helpful, sometimes not.

[tarzanphan]

I'd recommend looking at other apps by the same developer if there are not any reviews already listed.  You can usually get a good idea if they make solid apps and are listening to their end users by previous releases.  That being said, I have learned to not trust any blatantly negative reviews if most reviews are positive because there are people out there trying to pull down good apps with stupid reviews.

[Iffy]

I have the free app slide show and wall paper 2940043858696 which does NOT work. It was suggest by a BN tech to replace the slide show in my pictures which is built into my Nook Color which will not work on ANY Nook Color. I Wish BN would provide working products before fhey produce new models.

[catarific]

I think now it is the other way around too.  I have seen some really great reviews - bought the product and found out afterward that the app does not work properly.  I was easily convinced by the ratings - sometimes it works but not always.

[5ivedom]

Hi Iffy,

you wrote:

*****

I have the free app slide show and wall paper 2940043858696 which does NOT work.

*****

This is one of our apps. Could you please let me know what doesn't work about it. We tested it pretty comprehensively and it's downloaded by hundreds of people every day. It's working for them. So perhaps I can help you figure out how to make it work for you.

Also, what were you expecting from it. I know some people get thrown off by the fact that it's a Wallpaper Slideshows and Slideshows App where you have to supply your own photos. It only creates a slideshow out of YOUR photos. There are no photos included.