Verizon Offered To Install Marketers' Apps Directly On Subscribers' Phones (adage.com)
According to a report on AdAge, Verizon Wireless is trying to add more bloatware to Android phones by installing apps from other companies in exchange for payment. From the report: The wireless carrier has offered to install big brands' apps on its subscribers' home screens, potentially delivering millions of downloads, according to agency executives who have considered making such deals for their clients. But that reach would come at a cost: Verizon was seeking between $1 and $2 for each device affected, executives said. Verizon started courting advertisers with app installations late last year, pitching retail and finance brands among others, agency executives said.
It has only offered the installations on Android phones, because Google's software is open for carriers to customize. Apple controls its platform more tightly. The proposed deals with brands ensure that their apps download to only new devices when consumers activate the phones and their software for the first time.
How many potential installs are they looking for? If i were a Verizon customer i'd consider paying at _least_ $10 extra to avoid having all the extra crap installed on my phone.
(Assuming of course that after paying the Danegeld the amortized cost would still be less than switching to a different phone on a different provider.)
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How much profit does Google make on each Android phone sold?
Probably less than Microsoft
“He’s not deformed, he’s just drunk!”
Found the M$ Shill....