I was browsing some of the free apps on the Palm App Catalog (I’m not ready to make the plunge into purchasing any phone apps, yet), and I noticed that there were a lot of demos. Call ‘em “X Lite” or “X Free”, but that’s what they are, demos. They also all have different ways of limiting the functionality of the app. Some of them, I think, are better than others.
Limited Features
Unlimited usage, but there’s limitations on what you can do with the software. As long as the removed function isn’t key to the program, then this is a pretty good way of limiting the demo. I think, due to the downsides of the other two methods, this is likely one of the best ones there is.
Timed Trials
There are two varieties of a timed trial. The one that tends to be standard for computer programs is a number of days – 14 days to a month.Then there is what seems to be the standard for phone apps – a few minutes. The former, I’m okay with. The latter… I could do without. I don’t think you can get an idea of the application with such limited time using it. If there isn’t enough time for me to decide if I like the program, then I’m not going to buy it.
Number of Uses
Similar to the above strategy, this lets you open the program (for example) 15 times and do what you can with it. I don’t think this is as widespread as the other methods, but I’m alright with this one. In fact, it’s more useful to the consumer than the time-limited trial. The downside for the company is that if the person only needs to use it one, then they aren’t likely to purchase the product.
Any Combination
And of course, there are those that impose more than one of these restrictions. Like a limited number of uses over a short period of time, or restricted features for a limited number of uses. This is a Bad Idea. More restrictions equals more frustration for me, the consumer. Not a fan of this one. Although there is the exception of limited features with either of the other two, where you have access to the full program for a certain amount of time or number of uses, and then it gets restricted.
Outside of free, what do you think is the best way for someone to make a demo out of their product?
Definitely limited features. I would prefer that instead of a demo we just get a lite version, with somewhat full functionality as an app stand-alone (rather than crippleware) but with a much more robust pro version for purchase, but barring that, limited features works. Though I do hate things like “you can work with all the features, but you can’t save!” Which usually means I won’t bother to even try it out.
Timed trials and limited uses are, eloquently put, utter horseshit.
Eloquent indeed.
Lite versions are definitely my preference. I’m even okay with the occasional advertisement (which raises another demo – ad-supported – although that’s a bit different). Not being able to save and not being able to print falls under my definition of “key to the program”.