As an independent Android developer, I have the same feelings towards Google Play.
There have been many things about Play that devs have repeatedly brought up, but Google does not take action. For example, iOS has "Promo Codes" but not Play.
Another is not being able to migrate a paid app to IAP (In App Purchase) without pissing everyone off (the linkage is lost between what the customer already paid for and the new IAPs).
Not to mention the algorithmic jail you wind up in if you ever inadvertently get caught tripping some automated alarm in the googleplex.
I wish there was some strong alternative by now, whether Ubuntu Touch or Windows Phone. We need more options.
Well you wouldn't need a promo code for a free app, so that doesn't really solve the problem. Also, you can give out promo codes over the internet, but I wouldn't just install any .apk someone sent me.
There have been many things about Play that devs have repeatedly brought up, but Google does not take action. For example, iOS has "Promo Codes" but not Play.
Another is not being able to migrate a paid app to IAP (In App Purchase) without pissing everyone off (the linkage is lost between what the customer already paid for and the new IAPs).
Not to mention the algorithmic jail you wind up in if you ever inadvertently get caught tripping some automated alarm in the googleplex.
I wish there was some strong alternative by now, whether Ubuntu Touch or Windows Phone. We need more options.