[mthoms]

Okay so it says "free" on the App Store. But the App store says there is $39.99 "Premium" version available.

I'm either an idiot or there is no obvious way to find out how the free version is crippled (without downloading and playing around with it). Nothing on the App store listing and nothing even on their website (!)

I'm so sick of these scummy tricks. Just be upfront with your value proposition and I'll either give you my money or I won't. Don't waste my time.

[api]

It's a trial that lets you install a number of OSes from pre-built images. It's $39 to unlock the ability to install from ISOs or import from Parallels, etc.

But I agree. Better to just charge for the damn thing.

[oddevan]

They have a version that is just $40 for the whole thing called "Veertu for Business". But on top of that, $40 is a lot to pay for an app sight unseen, so they wanted to have a way of offering a "free trial" or test mode for free. They are VERY upfront about what the whole price is, and it's not a hidden ongoing charge. This is the best use of in-app purchases IMO.

Though to be fair, I've got an iOS app with the exact same business model, so I'm biased. :)

[mthoms]

>They are VERY upfront about what the whole price is

You're kidding right? It doesn't mention the price anywhere on the site (but it does say "Download for free at the app store" front and center). In any other business that'd be considered a bait and switch.

There is a vague mention of the premium version in a single paragraph. Elsewhere they appear to go way out of their way not to mention it:

Developers can download various Linux distributions from Veertu Cloud Image Library and run VMs in few minutes, for no charge. Alternatively, they can also setup Windows VMs with ISO files. Windows 7 and higher version are supported. Users can also import existing VM images from VirtualBox, Fusion and Parallels.

That's weasel wording, plain and simple.

I agree though, it's better than a subscription pricing model. But to be honest I have no real quarrel with the model itself anyways - I just think they should be up front about the offer.

[marora]

The Native app is free and there is an IN-app purchase for $39.99. There is also a full $39.99 version available as well.

[mthoms]

I realize that. What I'm wondering is what you get for $39.99? Or put another way - how is the free version crippled?

There's nothing wrong with this business model by the way. It just want to know upfront what I'm getting (or not getting).

[oddevan]

The free version lets you download and install Linux ISOs from their library.

The paid version lets you use your own Linux/Windows ISO and/or import a VMWare/Parallels/VirtualBox VM.

This is basically how they can offer a "free trial" on the app store.