Database Develop

How's it legal?

I have seen people post on here comments that something is warez and warez is not tolerated on this site. For example, the maps needed for TomTom. So my question as mentioned in the title, how's it legal to rip roms from other devices and modify them to work on all devices? Or if it is not legal, why is it tolerated where warez is not?
Thanks

Yeah, there's a line there somewhere. I think.

Just depends if the moderators are interested in the software or not.......

atilt said:
I have seen people post on here comments that something is warez and warez is not tolerated on this site. For example, the maps needed for TomTom. So my question as mentioned in the title, how's it legal to rip roms from other devices and modify them to work on all devices? Or if it is not legal, why is it tolerated where warez is not?
Thanks
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AFAIK there is a kind of morality behind it - if you can buy the software, and you are using it for free, its considered Warez.
If you cant buy the software then its considered that you are not taking food from anyone's mouth, and its tolerated.
Of course you could say you are reducing the competitive advantage of the other devices e.g. taking Omnia's widgets and moving it to a HTC Touch Diamond, and thats when things get messy, but I think this is generally how its seen and how it works.
Surur

If it's HTC software and you're using it for an HTC phone, it's asssumed that it's licensed for use on your device and acceptable. A bit of a stretch, but HTC has never, to my knowledge, requested that files be removed from XDA-Devs servers, so there seems to be tacit permission or simply active non-enforcement.
Same for AT&T appz &c if it's an AT&T phone or you're using their service, I suppose (likewise for other carriers and their apps).
If a software being distributed is a redistribution of a freeware (which should have allowed for redistribution in the freeware license), it's acceptable. As well, sharewares should not come preregistered or with serials or any means to circumvent proper registration and doing so or requesting such things gets posts deleted and accounts banned.
So that applies to non-OS/OEM/Carrier apps distributed in ROMs.
Because of various reasons (e.g. the fact that WinMo never really took off as much as Bill & Co. would have liked, and because OEMs and carriers don't want to spend money to license and prepare distributions of the WinMo OS thereby making customers less likely to invest in soon-to-be-obsolete devices, and I like to think a bit of respect for the hackers who manage to port and distro better ROMs than the carriers and OEMs), Bill & Co have decided not to send their anti-piracy witch hunters after WinMo ROMs. It is actively NOT enforced. (Different meaning from 'not actively enforced' and that's intentional.)
Because of the greyness in this area you will notice that no MS products are hosted on XDA-Dev servers.
However, to allay any fears on your part, if your OEM or carrier has provided version n of an OS, or released a free upgrade, or you have paid for a ROm upgrade for your phone's model, your hardware is licensed to use that version.
So, if you are truly worried about breaching laws that aren't, in fact, being enforced, do not upgrade to an OS version not distributed by your carrier/OEM or that has not been licensed as free.
I personally think that while the developer of WinMo turns one eye blind to these activities, the porting of WinMo versions to different hardwares is something they keep their other eye on closely as it's to their advantage and an area of activity and innovation that they probably exploit. Because they aren't stupid.
Does that make things clearer for anyone?
P.S.
I should disclose that I am not, in fact, qualified as a legal counsellor or a lawyer. I only play one on TV.
;-)

IIRC, the thought is "If the software is offered already in the shipped ROM, it's paid for and OK. As long as that ROM is ported in whole to another device." I believe the mods look down upon pulling 3rd party software from ROM's to use in another ROM that the software was not originally offered.
I believe that's the general consensus, though I may be wrong.

from legal stand point. nothing that is done here is considered as stealing. Consider this , you use linux an open source format. you can modify to accomdate your needs. which these tools are suppled from the linux distributer. Or it is like adding speakers and a good radio to your new car how ever you want to look at it.

atilt said:
I have seen people post on here comments that something is warez and warez is not tolerated on this site. For example, the maps needed for TomTom. So my question as mentioned in the title, how's it legal to rip roms from other devices and modify them to work on all devices? Or if it is not legal, why is it tolerated where warez is not?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if the software can be ripped out of a stock rom from AT&T, etc, then it can be shared here. If it is software you must buy, like the maps for tomtom, then you cannot post them here. You can rip the tomtom software from an AT&T rom, so it's posted here. You must buy the maps, so they're not. Does that help a little?

91004 said:
Just depends if the moderators are interested in the software or not.......
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it's really unfortunate that this is your first post. Not a good tone to start with.

scotchua said:
it's really unfortunate that this is your first post. Not a good tone to start with.
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hello, just my opinion scotchua, but when it first read 91004 post and then the "smile" or grin posted, it made me laugh. had he not posted a "smile" or had he instead used this symbol "" ie sarcastic, then i think it would have been inappropriate. again just my opionion and i do value all the time you have invested here at XDA-Developers,
@91004 , welcome to XDA-Developers, this place is addicting and it rocks
thanks
Lupe

scotchua said:
it's really unfortunate that this is your first post. Not a good tone to start with.
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First;
That was my first POST on here, not my first in life..... I'm not going to argue your point, other to state that I disagree with your position. I just happen to be a lurker more than anything else. I'm not here to start trouble and after being in the computer engineering field for 27 years I think I know a thing or two....
I was making a joke.... (See the Smiley faces?) Get it now?
Thank You Very Much

by owning a device that the ROM's are compatible with, you've already paid a license fee to M$ in a sense.
So, Downloading updated/patched/ported versions of the same product is allowed -- you already have a license.
If you post GameShoe#124 - well... everyone here is not ensured to have a license for the game. If the game is not a trial/freeware program, or otherwise checking to ensure you paid for the license to use it (such as a key).. then you're distributing content that is not owned or licensed & available to you.

BBM-Lee said:
by owning a device that the ROM's are compatible with, you've already paid a license fee to M$ in a sense.
So, Downloading updated/patched/ported versions of the same product is allowed -- you already have a license.
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Well, here's something to think about then: I could get a number of WM 6.1 ROMs as an upgrade to my WM 6 Kaiser but checking HTC's official site, there are no upgrades offered for my IMEI #. If we go strictly by the rules, the availability of WM 6.1 for me could be considered warez. On the other hand, tolerating this kind of relatively harmless behavior would certainly boost an OS's popularity.
In fact, one of the main reasons for my choosing HTC WM was the availability of these great number of ROMs, migrating from UIQ3.
There is a fine line, my definition would be: as long as the specific post does not have a negative financial impact on sales, it should be allowed.

91004 said:
First;
That was my first POST on here, not my first in life..... I'm not going to argue your point, other to state that I disagree with your position. I just happen to be a lurker more than anything else. I'm not here to start trouble and after being in the computer engineering field for 27 years I think I know a thing or two....
I was making a joke.... (See the Smiley faces?) Get it now?
Thank You Very Much
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My point is simply that it was unfortunate that your first post is to get a dig in on the moderators' objectivity. When you know how much people complain about them and to them for doing a mostly thankless job, which they get no compensation for i might add, you'll understand why I don't think those type of comments are funny. I definitely understand that not all jokes are taken in the light in which they were intended; however, some jokes are best left unsaid. I certainly won't hold it against you as, just like you, i'm merely sharing my opinion.

BBM-Lee said:
by owning a device that the ROM's are compatible with, you've already paid a license fee to M$ in a sense.
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No, you haven't. The device was licensed for use with the M$ product by the OEM. That license is restricted to a specific version, or versions on specific hardware
When the OEM or Carrier licenses an OS or an OS update that they are allowed to distribute, there is still an End User Licensing Agreement, and people have to read them to know what is allowed.
When one of our amazing XDA chefs cooks up a ROM or a new OS or a significant OS update and you install it on a device for which distribution was not licensed, this is warez. Read the EULA if in doubt.
Again, that's why XDA doesn't actually host those ROMs. Maybe official ROMs, but not hacked/ported ROMs.
However, it is currently an M$ policy to not enforce what is essentially warez distribution of the Win-Mobile OS. So I wouldn't worry about getting arrested or sued for installing one of these ROMs.
If M$ does decide to enforce, they don't go after the end users but the people distributing. So, end users, relax.
If you feel ethically bound to comply with EULAs and copyright laws, then you need to not use cooked ROMs that your device isn't licensed for or that the EULA doesn't permit you to use.
If you feel that laws that aren't enforced, or are unenforceable, are non-effective or lapsed, then you should do as your conscience directs you to do and be sure to stand up for yourself in court if lleh freezes over and M$ decides to enforce (and please do blog about it, I'll paypal you $5 bucks for your defence fund).
If you're a red-blooded rum-sodden pirate, you should say "Aaargh!" and do what you're going to do because you'd do it anyway.
Just please respect XDA Dev's policies whatever you choose to do and don't mess up a good thing.
BTW:
There is a policy listed in the site Rules or FAQ, so just read that and if you don't like it, don't leave angry, but please leave.
If you don't understand legal aspects and want to ask about it, PM the mods or admins and ask respectfully.
You can even PM me, but I cannot speak for XDA, I can only explain some legal basics and even then, my knowledge is based more in constitutional and criminal law.
I do think that threads like these call attention to the topic and it's best not to stir the pot, or rock the boat (pick your own metaphor of choice) and call the wrong kind of attention to the issues.
I'd like to see this thread closed down.

Exitao said:
...snip...
... don't leave angry, but please leave.
...snip...
I'd like to see this thread closed down.
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HEY! That's my line.
Your Wish Is Granted.
Thread Closed The Answer Has been given in this thread.
@91004, Honestly I laughed at your joke too.

I'll close the thread then
Dave

DaveShaw said:
I'll close the thread then
Dave
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D'oh! Message to the Kids: Don't drink and Moderate.

Copyright infringment all over the market

I am not a lawyer and I don't know too much about this... but isn't it illegal to sell apps such as sound boards and pictures that are copyrighted on the market or anywhere for that matter if they don't have the rights from the owners?
I am seeing a bunch of apps on the market with icons from other copyrighted pictures and apps such as soundboards that use copyrighted content. Doesn't it make it illegal for the devs to sell them w / out copyrights?
P.S im not complaining just inquiring.

mmafighter077 said:
I am not a lawyer and I don't know too much about this... but isn't it illegal to sell apps such as sound boards and pictures that are copyrighted on the market or anywhere for that matter if they don't have the rights from the owners?
I am seeing a bunch of apps on the market with icons from other copyrighted pictures and apps such as soundboards that use copyrighted content. Doesn't it make it illegal for the devs to sell them w / out copyrights?
P.S im not complaining just inquiring.
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It probably is illegal, but until someone claims copyright, no one will do anything.

Karolis said:
It probably is illegal, but until someone claims copyright, no one will do anything.
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Well, it would be a good way to clean up the market wouldn't it? =P

amgupt01 said:
Well, it would be a good way to clean up the market wouldn't it? =P
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Yes, but I don't think if anyone but the copyright holder will complain, Google will do anything.

Well, you could always mark the app as innappropriate and email the dev and stuff...

yea the sound boards are copyright infringement but the themes aren't. the themes use pictures you can find through google and most people dont care about it. You then have the sound boards that use trademark words and catchphrases. selling these would probably be considered illegal just like bootlegging. They take a sound thats supposed to be approved to be sold and sells it without the consent of the people or companies behind it.
If you complain about the paid ones then they'll be taken down along with the free ones because the companies will want to be compensated for the use of their property even in a free way.

whoops double post lol

wizern23 said:
yea the sound boards are copyright infringement but the themes aren't. the themes use pictures you can find through google and most people dont care about it. You then have the sound boards that use trademark words and catchphrases. selling these would probably be considered illegal just like bootlegging. They take a sound thats supposed to be approved to be sold and sells it without the consent of the people or companies behind it.
If you complain about the paid ones then they'll be taken down along with the free ones because the companies will want to be compensated for the use of their property even in a free way.
Click to expand...
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Just because you can find an image through Google or find it on a message board, or hanging on a wall in a mall does NOT mean you have any rights to it.
The second point to your argument is right though. Most people won't really care to pursue it.
Now, the things that piss me off are people posting things such as books (military guides for one) and CHARGING for it. It's not their book and if I recall correctly from way back in 1997 when I was in basic training, not supposed to be for the general public.

I've wondered about this as well.
My limited knowledge says that as long as they are using public domain images from the net without any posted copyright notices and they are free on the Market, then they are probably OK.
Those who are selling apps that use copyrighted material are opening themselves up for prosecution.
Now some apps that are for sale.....say Doom for example. You buy the Android port, but you download the proprietary doom.wad file separately after purchase. Now the gray area here is that the Doom app actually is setup to go ahead and download it for you right out of the box. But I think it's using the shareware version, so it's probably OK.
Ditto for MAME....you download the emulator....how and where you obtain the ROMs are your business. Many of the original copyright owners are no longer legal entities anymore, and others that *are* still around have graciously donated their ROMs legally. But there are still plenty of illegal ROMs floating around. I suspect it's just a drop in the bucket compared to music/movie illegal sharing.

In all actuality, as long as the material (photos, music, and video) are public domain you can use them and even charge for them. For instance look at things like South Park and Family Guy. These shows use a lot of copyrighted material as parodies, they pay little to no royalities on these materials. And you might think these TV shows are free to watch, but think where they started... on a paid cable network.

1) Images, sound clips, video, etc. available on the internet are NOT PUBLIC DOMAIN unless noted as such. Do we get away with a lot? Yes... However, it doesn't mean that if someone wanted to pursue the matter, they wouldn't win.
2) It's copyrighted, no such thing as copywritten.
3) The sound clips and video you see on TV are either paid for or they use the "celebrity likeness" legalities which if deemed necessary, we can go into further.

I don't think anyone ever said that things on the net are public domain. And not all parodies are paid for. It all depends on the situation.

neoobs said:
I don't think anyone ever said that things on the net are public domain. And not all parodies are paid for. It all depends on the situation.
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I suppose you have completed law school as well. There are a lot of semantics on this topic.
Long story short, I take offense to people charging for information that isn't public domain (such as field manuals for soldiers).

neoobs said:
For instance look at things like South Park and Family Guy. These shows use a lot of copyrighted material as parodies, they pay little to no royalities on these materials.
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WTF are you talking about? Unless you work in finance for the companies that produce South Park or Family guy you have NO IDEA what they do or don't pay for.

Someone in another forum made a good point. Sometimes the devs are selling the time and coding that allows the app or game to be used on the android. The actual app/ game is not what they are selling.
But I see where that can be a fine line to the owners of the apps. If I made a paid app for the pc and someone ported it to android and are making money off of it and not giving me royalties I would be upset. Even if he was selling his time and his coding. Its my app.

mmafighter077 said:
Someone in another forum made a good point. Sometimes the devs are selling the time and coding that allows the app or game to be used on the android. The actual app/ game is not what they are selling.
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I don't see how that's a good point. If you photocopy a book or copy a CD, you can't sell "your time" that you took to make it. Otherwise people selling copies of DVDs on the street would never get busted. That has to be the most retarded argument I have heard thus far.

momentarylapseofreason said:
I don't see how that's a good point. If you photocopy a book or copy a CD, you can't sell "your time" that you took to make it. Otherwise people selling copies of DVDs on the street would never get busted. That has to be the most retarded argument I have heard thus far.
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Are you serious?
Making a copy and making a code are two totally different things. I am not saying it is right sell the code for someone elses ported app but to compare simply making a copy to creating a code is like apples and oranges.
Making a photocopy is simply duplicating.... Creating a code so that an app can work for different platform takes time and effort. Its like taking someones invention and enhancing it.
I am also not saying this is legally correct. Its just a good point.

You have to realize that in the instance of a sound board, the copyright holders have no reason to complain especially if it's free.
We are basically looking at free publicity and distribution of the material in a non-profitable manner, meaning, the infringer isn't making money selling the copyrighted works- so why would the owners have a gripe about it?
Now if there were full episodes, or these were being sold, I'm sure they may stand up and say something.
Basically- it appears that it is, in fact, copyright infringement- but there is little to zero reason to file a complaint about it by the copyright holder, why complain about hundreds of thousands of people enjoying your work and all the free publicity with zero negative side effects?

mmafighter077 said:
Are you serious?
Making a copy and making a code are two totally different things. I am not saying it is right sell the code for someone elses ported app but to compare simply making a copy to creating a code is like apples and oranges.
Making a photocopy is simply duplicating.... Creating a code so that an app can work for different platform takes time and effort. Its like taking someones invention and enhancing it.
I am also not saying this is legally correct. Its just a good point.
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If there is one thing that I learned in my copyright law class, it's that you can be a stupid infringer. Meaning, just because something took more time and effort, and you get no profit from it, doesn't mean you aren't an infringer all the same- just a stupid one.

vr24 said:
If there is one thing that I learned in my copyright law class, it's that you can be a stupid infringer. Meaning, just because something took more time and effort, and you get no profit from it, doesn't mean you aren't an infringer all the same- just a stupid one.
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Stupid infringer or not, some of this stuff gets a bit ridiculous. I just found this app, Flash Keyboard, doing pretty much whatever they can to get installs. I've seen fake wallpapers (text bubbles like raindrops), video of a virtual keyboard (not available), and today a post using the images of Snoopy, Mickey & Minnie, and Hello Kitty.
(note: could not provide links, as I'm a new user, but they can be found with a simple facebook search)

[APP] Space Weight

Space Weight, well as I am sure you're hurrying to rush to your favorite distant destination in the solar system, which is why this little auto-instant converter from LBS to Planet weight is of the utmost important thing to you.
With the help of Sir Issac Newton, your long-awaited dream is for WP7 Mango (work good on NoDo too).

You can now download Space Weight in the Marketplace, visit at: http://windowsphone.com/s?appid=8e386384-f33e-4b79-9749-2c4719e0ce0a.

*Sigh, some apps really need the touch of a graphics guy.

Lumic said:
*Sigh, some apps really need the touch of a graphics guy.
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Absolutely do but unfortunately Artists don't do free work. They don't realize if we don't get paid, hard for us to pay upfront for something a profit will never be rendered or even on soon to be paid apps, can't always pay upfront, which is why my kickstarter has a few big apps but need funding to hire artists/org for characters for games.
So, Photoshop tutorials and not following them and mixing is unfortunately how a lot of my Gfx are made. We have gfx artists that do our clients websites but to have side work, gets pricy. ;/

I'm probably going to look into doing something during the holidays break, I've never had Photoshop lessons but I can do basic graphics. If I get the motivation, I probably wouldn't mind thinking up a redesign for this app.

Lumic said:
I'm probably going to look into doing something during the holidays break, I've never had Photoshop lessons but I can do basic graphics. If I get the motivation, I probably wouldn't mind thinking up a redesign for this app.
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Anything you can come up with, would be greatly appreciated. Always nice to see what others would like things to be . You will of course be credited on anything provided and happy to share AD commission which is like pennies but they supposedly eventually add up, which I have yet to see but happy to share .

App Help

Hey everybody,
Well i don't know if its the right place to post my problem but i need someone to help me.
I rooted my Z1 successfully and installed mod edit ( am sure that all knows what mod edit is) after installation i get an error msg saying plz reinstall/update ur google play. I have the latest version of google play how should i update it..
Even when i need to purchase any coins or gold from any game i get no connection..
Can anyone plz help me.
Thanks inadvance
Sent from my C6903 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

I don't want to smart guy here but I'll show you one post from web.
Yes, it's for Apple and iTunes but the punch line is same...
the cost could be something more than money. The way I understand it, the hack in question uses a proxy, requires you to install a bogus certificate, and change DNS settings. That allows the transaction to be intercepted before it reaches iTunes, and that's what lets it cheat developers out of payment. It's also what could let the hacker collect all your information instead.
And that's dangerous.
There's a reason good guy hackers like the iPhone and Chronic dev team urge people not to steal apps -- it hurts everyone. A hack designed expressly to steal in-app purchases, by definition, isn't run by a good guy. The hacker in question is also asking for donations -- for money in exchange for helping you cheat developers out of the money they worked hard for and earned.
As proofs of concept, as a way to discover vulnerabilities that get passed on to Apple so they can be fixed, hacking and hackers can be extremely beneficial to hardening security and making all of our iPhones and iPads safer to use.
This isn't that.
This is stealing, and while it will certainly cost developers money, it could cost you a lot more. Worse than that, it's the perfect way to trick people into giving you access to their devices and credentials. Maybe this particular hacker isn't interested in abusing that, but how do we know? How do we know no one else will use the same hack to steal device and transaction information?
The easiest way to steak anything from anyone is to ask them for it.
No way in hell am I trusting anyone to essentially man-in-the-middle my iTunes connections, and no way in someplace even darker and hotter am I helping them do it.
Cry FUD if you want, but for me, saving $0.99 on Smurfberries isn't worth exposing my data or account.
This is stealing mate and it's not cool, we are all working to develop something for you all.
Someone have to ask for money someone don't but either way - it's not cool...
Especially on XDA...
Moderators will close this thread...
Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk

Warez is strictly prohibited from XDA, be it discussions, asking for help and certainly posting it here.
6. Do not post warez.
If a piece of software requires you to pay to use it, then pay for it. We do not accept warez and nor do we permit any member to request, promote or describe ways in which warez, cracks, serial codes or other means of avoiding payment, can be obtained. This is a site of developers, i.e. the sort of people who create such software. When you cheat a software developer, you cheat us as a community.
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Thread closed

[APP] Substratum patched for not requiring TouchWiz addon

This does not work anymore! The substratum team patched the template so there's no possible way to circumvent this anymore. Any requests to pm me or email me will be met with extreme annoyance and anger. It does not work, it will not work, and no I won't make an exception for you!

I was curious about this myself. Who does the $2 go to and why did they have a monopoly on it?

Interceptor777 said:
You may be able to do this legally, but it's kind of a **** move since it's those devs work and you're giving it away for free which ofc you're allowed to but it's just kind of a **** move.
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I agree, but at the same time, I don't have more to say

I love You!
I hate that annoying pop-up so much. You can't even use half working legacy mode for free anymore . And I wanted to buy that sungstratum addon but I couldn't use my paypal with my google play account and ugh. Thanks a lot!

Great work
Unfortunately I already paid for it haha
Substratum is great don't get me wrong but I don't see why Samsung users got the charge? Especially when it's a lot more limited for us. That doesn't make sense to me.
I did question it this was my reply
Edit: sorry for the DPI :laugh:

NEW RELEASE: Mod edit: link removed
Since Sub's dev said this, I had to patch again to make it look like it has TouchWiz addon installed
Now it looks like this:

The app always shows me an error when i try to apply any layer from any theme.
Even Substratum StatusBar Icons for Samsung from XDA.
I've unistalled the 2$ addon and official substratum.
LOGCHAR:
APK could not be signed
Thanks for your work.

_moelle said:
what kinda dumb question is that? that money goes straight to the substratum team, that people who spent a lot of time and work on that theme engine. what do u expect who would get the money of it? its as legit as charging money for a simple theme. why do they have the monopoly of it? maybe because no one else was able to bring up a working theme engine just as feature-rich and system-compatible as substratum is. go ahead, create your own engine and make it even better as subs, then there is no monopoly any more. but in the mean time value developers work! we should be glad to have such a great project like substratum. u guys are just hurting yourself. - what do u guess will happen if everyone would act in such a ungrateful way as u guys just did? passion get lost, people stop developing great projects and we all end on unthemed, stock ui using, aweful looking smartphones. - da **** is going on ya minds? not just pirating that addon ....no u just even create a thread here on xda to spread your cancer....i feel sorry for everyone who uses that much energy just to avoid to pay two ****ing bucks....you guys seem to have a tough life.
this is clear sharing of warez and was already flagged and forwarded by me.
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You just don't understand what warez is then. This is a fork of the get that is published under the gpl3. And is part of open source projects. The issue is that if you have any manufacture but Samsung the app is free. Making it a paid add-on should be a violation on xda itself as it's against the policy. Furthermore it drives down theme purchases as well when you have to purchase the key just to test themes. In app donations vs forced purchase is a better route.
Even making themes for subs is harder because you would have to invest in their app now to contribute to the theme library, but we all are entitled to opinions.
I guess if subs didn't want their work to be forked they would build closed source and become proprietary, I mean he was a contributor to the project itself as well btw so I guess that becomes irrelevant now ey? Oh well..
I support the maintiaing of free open source projects, ask for donations and in app purchases for pro features etc, remove nag messages etc. This was the only way I would support any app imo.

Team DevDigitel said:
You just don't understand what warez is then. This is a fork of the get that is published under the gpl3. And is part of open source projects. The issue is that if you have any manufacture but Samsung the app is free. Making it a paid add-on should be a violation on xda itself as it's against the policy. Furthermore it drives down theme purchases as well when you have to purchase the key just to test themes. In app donations vs forced purchase is a better route.
Even making themes for subs is harder because you would have to invest in their app now to contribute to the theme library, but we all are entitled to opinions.
I guess if subs didn't want their work to be forked they would build closed source and become proprietary, I mean he was a contributor to the project itself as well btw so I guess that becomes irrelevant now ey? Oh well..
I support the maintiaing of free open source projects, ask for donations and in app purchases for pro features etc, remove nag messages etc. This was the only way I would support any app imo.
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Completely agree!!
Thank you for your input

it is a little unfair for the 2.00 Samsung only charge but I'm told its a lot more time and work the theme the Samsung skins. not sure if that's true but if it is indeed a fact, i understand the extra charge for Samsung only. i paid the 2.00 because for its worth it due to the lack of mods you can do on a newer Samsung device. yes we have root but the cons outweigh the pros for me anymore to do root. Not trying to start a war and I'm not against this thread or anything, just saying we don't know the reasoning behind the 2 dollar charge

black96ss said:
it is a little unfair for the 2.00 Samsung only charge but I'm told its a lot more time and work the theme the Samsung skins. not sure if that's true but
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Pretty much all of the samsung substratum themes are paid for, The 2 .00 addon charge will NOT go to these people adding Samsung support to there themes, it will go to Substratum devs, the ones that give it to everyone else for free just not to Samsung users
IMO the only reason for this secondary app is to charge people for an app they made the mistake of making free and open source. As you can see it works fine without it.

already paid
it was silly of them to require that other app even though i'm rooted

this doesnt work
it always shows errors in installtion themes.

So sad a dev can't make a little money from his hard work because entitled butt hurt children disagree. I have many free things on xda and charge for my themes. I work hard on getting it updated yet it gets patched free too I feel it's stealing from developers hard work. You don't want to use it..root and use custom Rom. Get a phone that can. Be a team player but that's just me.
DJ
Team BlackOut

djdarkknight96 said:
So sad a dev can't make a little money from his hard work because entitled butt hurt children disagree. I have many free things on xda and charge for my themes. I work hard on getting it updated yet it gets patched free too I feel it's stealing from developers hard work. You don't want to use it..root and use custom Rom. Get a phone that can. Be a team player but that's just me.
DJ
Team BlackOut
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dude it's required even though you are rooted. why i was forced to buy it
i bought many substratum themes. all the good ones are bought, it's not like i couldn't pirate them i chose not to
why are you talking out of your b....

TheUndertaker21 said:
dude it's required even though you are rooted. why i was forced to buy it
i bought many substratum themes. all the good ones are bought, it's not like i couldn't pirate them i chose not to
why are you talking out of your b....
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Stealing is never justified no matter how you think it is. You're a thief! HANDS DOWN!

USA-RedDragon said:
So, everybody who wants to use substratum on touchwiz is required to buy an addon from the google play store for two dollars. I don't like that. The themers don't benefit from it, nor was samsung support a huge problem to get going. I patched out the requirement for it, and am uploading the apk for it.
Now before people get all up in arms about this, I'm legally able to do this. The code is released under GNU GPLv3, and I can make modifications all I'd like as long as I share the source. (Here, for reference)
You'll need to uninstall the default substratum app and replace it with mine, other than that, it's the same app. As Substratum updates, I will too.
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People like u are the reason open source development isn't as popular it should be; do something unique and u get your work stolen with a technicality. You're not doing this for yourself but you're actively trying hurt the only "livelihood" of Substratum developers because you're used to stealing software, movies, MP3s and stuff, am I right?
U have 700-800$ phone, and complain for a full theme engine for 2$.

It's one thing to take GPL-licensed work and remove the requirement for the add-on app. It's entirely another to make it look like it's an "official" release so as to try and get support from the substratum team, when they specifically said they won't support modified builds.
Thread closed.
Please do not contact the OP regarding the patched version, as he will not be distributing it.