New 'licensing service' replacing existing copy protection method in Android Market

Copy protection has always been a concern in the Android Market, primarily because applications can be sideloaded onto phones without a root or other modification from the end user. In a brief announcement made today, Eric Chu has made clear that a new method for protecting the work of paid app creators will be implemented long-term, with the plan being to "replace the current Android Market copy-protection mechanism over the next few months." This new "licensing service" is available now for those that want in, providing developers with a secure mechanism that can ping a Market License Server upon launch in order to see if a particular app was indeed purchased legitimately. It's hard to say how exactly this will affect usability (specifically in offline scenarios), but it's certainly an interesting twist to the whole situation. Expect to hear lots of growling on both sides as more and more apps opt to take advantage.

[Thanks, Jonathan]

[iPhone 4 Posted Jul 28th 2010 2:04PM]

First. Sorry...

[Apple Google Microsoft Posted Jul 28th 2010 2:06PM]

@iPhone 4

Hmm, I read about this a few days ago...is it just me or has this site got really boring recently?

:s

[Dante of the Inferno Posted Jul 28th 2010 2:06PM]

@iPhone 4

Gazing at the greener grass from the walled garden, I see.

[technospaz Posted Jul 28th 2010 2:08PM]

@iPhone 4 I'm too late! Just after I went to all the trouble of creating an account so I could be first.

[ChazClout Posted Jul 28th 2010 2:08PM]

@iPhone 4
Just stop spamming it that way.

Steve.
Sent from my iPhone

[tipton Posted Jul 28th 2010 2:15PM]

when it comes to piracy google just doesn't seem to care. there are tons of apps in the marketplace that are really shady - ringtones where bands see no money, applications with direct download of nes roms, wallpapers for sports teams, etc. its in some ways cool but in some ways cheapens things for real developers. then again, i shouldn't be surprised as google turns a blind eye to piracy in everything in controls.

[ChazClout Posted Jul 28th 2010 2:26PM]

@tipton
This very article goes against your theory. Google have in the past withdrawn apps from the market http://bit.ly/9uYaDe and these new measures add an extra level of security to developers.

The copyrighted material you mention could also be removed with the right kind of complaint.

[spielnicht Posted Jul 28th 2010 2:36PM]

@angelusp

Hummmm, the far west??? As oppose to the close west???

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IEaX4ApC_EU

[EMoSLO Posted Jul 28th 2010 3:10PM]

@Apple Google Microsoft

I couldn't agree more. When I first came here, I saw people complaining left and right about an Apple bias here at Engadget. But I just ignored them telling myself they were fanboys of Google/Microsoft/whatever. Having been here for awhile, I now see what everyone complains about. Not only does Engadget give 4 or 5 posts to Apple news compared to only 1 or 2 for similar Google/Microsoft news, they consistently lag in non-Apple news. Like you said, this article was posted almost 2 days ago on other sites, but it's just now hitting Engadget. Hmm, I wonder why?

I know, I know. "You don't have to click on/read the Apple posts." Those people are right. And I don't. I was only reinforcing Engadget's pro-Apple stance by giving them pageviews. I now skip every Apple post unless it's truly newsworthy.

All of this to say is that I've been reading Engadget for almost a year now, and I'm seriously thinking of deleting them from my Google Reader subscriptions. Which would be sad, as I enjoy the other content they write. Whatever their motivations, you can't deny that Engadget gives Apple more coverage than they deserve. It gets old. Fast.

[Blaque14K Posted Jul 28th 2010 3:49PM]

@EMoSLO Well I now call them Enapplet. Yes the non Apple news does come very late but some so much as sneezing on an iPhone is breaking news and posted immediately. If you want to know the latest on Apple this is the place to be. It hasnt done much to bring me any other new news in the feed reader. I only basically keep it around to read comments to get a feel for what average folk are saying in the tech world.

[IEngadget Posted Jul 28th 2010 4:13PM]

@EMoSLO
FYI: You wont be missed. Toodles.

[vqro Posted Jul 28th 2010 5:19PM]

@Blaque14K you whiners are so annoying. get the hell out of engadget already! good riddance to all the whiners.

[Crazysamz Posted Jul 28th 2010 2:06PM]

I just read an article on digg about this, and from what I read, it looks like all protected apps won't run on rooted phones.

If this is true, not only is my Evo going to be fucked, but there will be a huge backlash from the Android community.

[Crazysamz Posted Jul 28th 2010 2:07PM]

@Crazysamz
Here's the article:
http://techcrunch.com/2010/07/27/android-takes-a-new-approach-to-fighting-piracy-with-licensing-service/

and the quote:
"A limitation of copy protection is that applications using it can be installed only on compatible devices that provide a secure internal storage environment. For example, a copy-protected application cannot be downloaded from Market to a device that provides root access"

[Chip Posted Jul 28th 2010 2:14PM]

@Crazysamz
I'm rooted, and I'm not the least bit worried. There will be a workaround before this stuff even gets pushed. DRM always fails.

[kilbasar Posted Jul 28th 2010 2:14PM]

@Crazysamz Methinks you're completely reading that wrong.

That paragraph is talking about the CURRENT situation. Which is true; a copy-protected app downloaded to a root device is by definition no longer copy-protected. And yes, Google already tries to limit the Market app from being installed on non-authorized (read: rooted) handsets, to avoid that. They just do a very bad job at it.

The next paragraph makes it clear that the new licensing REMOVES that limitation. Since the app would phone home to check licensing, it can be installed on ANY device, because you don't have to worry about whether it's rooted or not:

"With Android Market licensing, you can move to a license-based model in which access is not bound to the characteristics of the host device, but to your publisher account on Android Market and the licensing policy that you define. Your application can be installed and controlled on any compatible device on any storage, including SD card."

So basically:
"Copy protection" = current app protection
"Licensing" = new app protection

[Tes Posted Jul 28th 2010 2:16PM]

@Crazysamz

I guarantee that will not be the product Google ships. First, how would devs test their own apps on their own rooted dev phones? Google gave the option to "flip the switch" on their N1s so I can't then see them implementing copy protection that takes the arbitrary step of locking out rooted phones.

[Crazysamz Posted Jul 28th 2010 2:19PM]

@kilbasar ahh I see now, I thought we would be screwed if we had rooted phones, but I now see what's going on.

and Tes, that's exactly what I was thinking, because I know on the nexus one you just choose to root in the settings, I heard about that.

[fourthletter Posted Jul 28th 2010 2:38PM]

@Crazysamz

My install of Screebl Pro has been doing this already, and I'm using a rooted Hero running Froyd (2.2)
It does it every time I launch it (which is rarely to change a setting) this is probably what the article is talking about, it will just recheck every time because your device is no longer "secure".

[Crazysamz Posted Jul 28th 2010 2:41PM]

@fourthletter so then wouldn't that affect the n1 as well? If anyone with an N1 is here, get screebl (it's a decent app, I had it on my hero when I had a hero, keeps your screen on when you're actually using the phone, and turns it off when the phone isn't at the right angle for use)

Because that doesn't make sense with the N1 being the dev phone with root built in

[fourthletter Posted Jul 28th 2010 2:45PM]

@Crazysamz
I have no idea if it will effect the N1, I'm just sharing some experience here. I'm assuming the legit root on a developer phone is seen differently by Google's servers than a hacked root on a consumer model.
But thats just a hunch I have no interest in an argument.

[Crazysamz Posted Jul 28th 2010 2:47PM]

@fourthletter
I don't want to argue lol just want to find out how this whole copy protection works

[Mike10010100 Posted Jul 28th 2010 2:48PM]

@fourthletter

How's the Hero with Froyo? I've been too chicken myself to install it... >.>'

[tricheboars Posted Jul 28th 2010 3:57PM]

@Crazysamz

DRM has never stopped me from doing whatever the hell i want. There is always a way.

[maxxorz Posted Jul 29th 2010 12:03PM]

@Crazysamz
"There will be a huge backlash from the community."
Why would Google care? They don't want you to root your phones in the first place. So, if making it so apps won't run on rooted phones stops people from rooting their phones, and makes Google more money (Better App Protection -> Better Apps -> Better Sales -> Bigger Cut), then I'm sure they're all for it.

Remember. Google is still a corporation, first and foremost. They are out to make money. If they happen to do some good while they're at it, then whoo-hoo.

[ChazClout Posted Jul 28th 2010 2:06PM]

As all my android apps are legit, I am ok.

[DaHarder Posted Jul 28th 2010 2:06PM]

As an avid supporter of the Android Market, I say do whatever it takes to keeps these developers happy, and compensated for their excellent efforts.

[atlharry Posted Jul 28th 2010 3:42PM]

@DaHarder Agreed. The only thing i don't want is the app to lag when first started. Sort of like the old Google Voice when trying to make a call. The phone had to reach out to the GV servers before connecting so the call connection lagged a few seconds (at minimum) before starting. Also, they mentioned this in the article, but what about offline mode?

[Saad Posted Jul 28th 2010 2:07PM]

Since we are talking about Android Marketplace here I would like to say that my experience with this market has been worse than walking barefoot on a road from New York to Florida covered with acid-dipped shattered glass.

This is one thing that no one has done better or even close to what Apple did with their App Store.

I'm sorry, but even though I love Android and happy to have the Galaxy S, I honestly miss Apple's App Store and how smooth buying apps were. :(

[BrookLynnsFinest Posted Jul 28th 2010 2:17PM]

@Saad

Even though you're an Apple Hater what exactly was so bad about your experience with the Android Marketplace.

As someone with family members on Sprint (1 of which will be getting the Epic 4G) I really need to know what they're getting into and if it will truly provide them with a decent experience...since they can't get the iPhone 4.

[Saad Posted Jul 28th 2010 2:20PM]

@BrookLynnsFinest

I lost you at "Hater".

[fpad77 Posted Jul 28th 2010 2:21PM]

@Saad How is it not smooth. You choose an application. pick purchase, your card will authorise and it'll auto install. Wait till you get 2.2 on there as well, you'll have your update all and move to sd.

And BrooklynsFinest, bugger off.

[BrookLynnsFinest Posted Jul 28th 2010 2:27PM]

@Saad

Then that's your problem. You didn't lose me. You just lost the capability of answering a question...

Aside from having less apps, lower quality versions of some apps, and a rather bad search system I don't know much else about it. Was hoping you could clarify. But if not it's not a huge deal.

[fpad77 Posted Jul 28th 2010 2:31PM]

@BrookLynnsFinest Well hears what you do.

Step 1: Pull your head out of your own arse.

Step 2: Wean yourself of Apple's teat.

Step 3: Step away from you computer for the first time in 15 years.

Step 4: Go into the great outdoors.

Step 5: Go into a phone shop (no not an Apple one)

Step 6: Try one. Or more specifically, try one without having already made your mind up and show the slightest drip of objectiveness.

[EggoEspada Posted Jul 28th 2010 2:33PM]

@Saad It it makes you feel better, Google has been getting serious by deleting all inappropriate and spam apps. Also, creating a common UI for consistency in apps.Should attract more better developers and better apps. I don't have problems with apps though, its gaming I have a problem with..

[labrat Posted Jul 28th 2010 2:39PM]

@Saad Wow, that bad?
It freaking let's you download apps, how bad can it be, seriously...

With upcoming Web interface with push to phone, it will be more advanced the Apple Appstore in a few ways.

IMO, like everything iPhone vs Android, both do something better then the other and that's a fact

[fourthletter Posted Jul 28th 2010 2:42PM]

@BrookLynnsFinest

Yes you must be right how on earth could someone like Google design a good search function for the market ?

People wouldn't downrank you if managed to talk to them like fellow humans instead of minions.@sshole.

[Mike10010100 Posted Jul 28th 2010 2:46PM]

@BrookLynnsFinest

I've honestly never had a problem with it. I would like to hear about Saad's issues as well.

I've found many free high-quality apps, and the search isn't bad, the browsing of apps is. For that, I go to one of many online directories, browse, and then search for it on my phone (or with QR code). Google needs to fix the browsing capabilities.

[BrookLynnsFinest Posted Jul 28th 2010 2:47PM]

@fourthletter

And what makes you think that I CARE what you or the other Apple Haters think of me?

What makes you think that I care whether my post is downranked or not? It's just NOT that serious folks. You guys say to take a chill pill yet you guys get so emotionally involved in these petty popularity contests. Does that "+" and "-" really define your day? Does pressing it really give you that shot of adrenaline that you need to get thru the work day? Or is it enough to get your excited so you perform?

[Saad Posted Jul 28th 2010 2:52PM]

Here are my problems guys (and I'm comparing to Apple's Apply Store):

1. Slow in general: Going from one page to another is a low experiance.

2. Lack of quality apps.

3. The whole phone almost freezes when downloading and installing any app.

4. Lots of crappy apps (sexy girls and the likes)

5. Updating is a pain: I can only update one app at a time and I go through point 3 again and again.

6. Uninstalling apps is not friendly or easy.

7. There is no way to sync my apps in case of a restore.

8. Apps don't have a unified look or even feel.

I don't know if these are common problems but I've tried all methods to better the experiance with no success.

[Mike10010100 Posted Jul 28th 2010 3:02PM]

@BrookLynnsFinest

No. But it should give you the hint to STFU. Especially after being banned repeatedly.

@Saad
"1. Slow in general: Going from one page to another is a low experiance."
Are you sure that isn't your phone? What type of phone do you have? Running 2.2? I know that my Hero isn't the smoothest thing in the world, but, again, it's a Hero.

"2. Lack of quality apps."
I've found many quality apps. Advanced Task Killer, Astro File Manager, ColorNote, Compass, DailyStrip, Engadget, Finance, Goggles, Google Sky Map, Google Translate, Linpack for Android, Metal Detector (not flashy but is fun and does what it says), Pandora (THERE'S a high-quality app), Shazam, Skyfire, Speed Test, Sprint Navigation, Swiftkey, Swype, Weather Channel, Urbanspoon, Voice Recorder, and Wifi Analyzer

"3. The whole phone almost freezes when downloading and installing any app."
Again, which phone do you have and which version? My hero jitters a little bit.

"4. Lots of crappy apps (sexy girls and the likes)"
Yep. That's the downside to a less-restrictive app store, but the upside outweighs the downside.

"5. Updating is a pain: I can only update one app at a time and I go through point 3 again and again."
That's true. There should be an "update all" button. But unlike the iPhone, one app doesn't install and download at the same time. Multiple apps can be downloaded/installed at the same time, but they require clicking through all the menus. Also, the process allows the app to show an updated list of warnings/ permissions, allowing the user further control.

"6. Uninstalling apps is not friendly or easy."
Uninstaller makes things nice. Either that or Market, Downloads, click on app, Uninstall. It's pretty simple. Not as simple as the iPhone, I'll grant you. But it's not like you have to jump through any hoops.

"7. There is no way to sync my apps in case of a restore."
True. However, the LIST of apps does sync from restore. The first time you open the market after a restore, all your apps will be there, and you just reinstall them.

"8. Apps don't have a unified look or even feel."
True, hopefully 3.0 will fix this.

"I don't know if these are common problems but I've tried all methods to better the experiance with no success."
Hopefully my explanations will help :)

[ChazClout Posted Jul 28th 2010 3:09PM]

@Saad I'll answer as many as I can for you.

1. Slow in general: Going from one page to another is a low experiance.
- It does seem slow sometimes for me too.
2. Lack of quality apps.
- What sort of apps are you after? Try http://www.appbrain.com/ (Appbrain) and it will suggest apps that you might like.
3. The whole phone almost freezes when downloading and installing any app.
- Doesn't seem to be an issue on my N1 with FroYo. Hopefully a firmware update will fix that.
4. Lots of crappy apps (sexy girls and the likes)
- Appbrain mentioned earlier may help you with that one.
5. Updating is a pain: I can only update one app at a time and I go through point 3 again and again.
- Fixed in FroYo. HURRY UP HTC! 2.2 for Evo plz.
6. Uninstalling apps is not friendly or easy.
- Look for an uninstaller app on the market or uninstall via Settings > Applications > Manage Applications. Far faster than uninstalling from the market.
7. There is no way to sync my apps in case of a restore.
You shouldn't need to. Once restored, fire up android market and go to the downloads tab. Your apps should be there! :D
8. Apps don't have a unified look or even feel.
I can't really fix that one. :(

Hope some of this helps!

[Saad Posted Jul 28th 2010 3:18PM]

@Mike10010100 @ChazClout

Thank you guys for the input.

Mike10010100, I already have almost all the apps you mentioned, and I really love them, but I still want more productive apps rather than utilities. I also need a real navigation app since I live in the UAE and Google wouldn't allow me to use their Navigation software. I have the Galaxy S with Éclair 2.1

ChazClout, I have tried the Appbrain app and although it is slow a little the recommendation system is quite useful.

I hope Froyo fixes these issues and add more, I really love Android but some things need to really be polished.

[Awall1987 Posted Jul 28th 2010 3:19PM]

@fpad77 Lol @ arse. Fucking frenchies

[Danation Posted Jul 28th 2010 3:19PM]

@Saad

1. I think that's phone specific. I haven't had that experience.

2. I guess that's a matter of opinion, but I've personally found many useful apps

3. Also phone specific and I haven't noticed it. I would have your phone looked at. My horribly slow Cliq doesn't lag on download.

4. I agree with that.

5. I also agree with that.

6. True, but if you want an easier way, there are plenty of apps that make it easier

7. Froyo solves that by allowing storage on SD

8. Yes... thankfully. In the end, it comes down to preference. But I'm not a fan of "cookie cutter" apps.

Anyway, really, it's just a matter of preference.

[fpad77 Posted Jul 28th 2010 3:28PM]

@Awall1987 Frenchies?

[chasing statues Posted Jul 28th 2010 3:54PM]

@Saad

For the navigation issue, use the modified google maps app. There's a tech blog called JKK Mobile: Go there and search for google navigation (or similar)

Hope it helps (:

[One Love Posted Jul 28th 2010 2:08PM]

I didn't know there was an android piracy problem.

[rmbrown09 Posted Jul 28th 2010 2:10PM]

Is this theoretically possible?? (Someday)
1. Android is open source right, you can run it on anything, kinda like Windows...??
2. You can partition a phone HD just like a computers?
3. That guy already ported somehow, android to run on an iphone yes?
4. SO, you could dual boot iOS and Android??
5. Turn your phone on and have the ability to choose the OS?

[samsoniteace Posted Jul 28th 2010 2:21PM]

@rmbrown09
Yes but think abt it...
You need bootloader as well as all drivers and more space for the extra OS.
Not trying to troll but if you r running froyo y in gods green earth would u want iOS 4?