Rooted phones can get all apps (5 finger discount)

princem131 · #1 (**permalink**) 11-18-2009, 05:44 AM

So I will preface this with by saying I think it is wrong and cheats the developers and maybe even indirectly the end user if the developers cant make or feel that their profits maybe reduced. But....

I stumbled across a method to get all apps free if rooted while I was trying to learn how to remove apps. I was looking for a site with just a list of cmd prompts and found this. I have been able to confirm that it works. I had to try it just to see if it was really as simple as what I read. I honestly didnt believe it would work, I figured that Google would've found a way to block this by now.

With a rooted phone, a little knowledge of how to move stuff around and a little creativity you can get any app for free. I'm really surprised that Google doesn't have more in place to block this. I doubt you could get updates but still...

I have intentionally left out specifically how I did this because I am not encouraging people to do it, but I did want to discuss the fact that it can be done.I just cant believe this is something they would leave open like this. Is that so few consumers are rooted that they don't care or what?

**athlet1c** · #2 (**permalink**) 11-18-2009, 10:44 AM

That sounds interesting

arparent · #3 (**permalink**) 11-20-2009, 02:07 AM

Agree that it is wrong, and also surprised that Google hasn't stopped it. They're usually on top of things like that (when it comes to money that is).

**D/\SH** · #4 (**permalink**) 11-20-2009, 02:21 AM

you odnt even need to be rooted to do that.... all you need is the apk file which are floating around everywhere than just mount your device and click to install...

**athlet1c** · #5 (**permalink**) 11-20-2009, 02:33 AM

I think he meant right from the market though . Like Winmo had that exploit. I could be wrong and your right. If so yes you could always do so on that

princem131 · #6 (**permalink**) 11-20-2009, 06:37 AM

Yeah I was referring to apps in the market, I wasn't aware there were sites to download them from (though I am not surprised).

AcE XBOX · #7 (**permalink**) 11-20-2009, 06:57 AM

I did a quick google search and WOW!! That is stupid easy.

princem131 · #8 (**permalink**) 11-20-2009, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AcE XBOX

I did a quick google search and WOW!! That is stupid easy.

I know right? Hard to believe they're letting that float. I mean I found out about it accidentally lol.

jonnythan · #9 (**permalink**) 11-20-2009, 10:46 AM

There are a number of apps that require subscriptions or check that you've paid when they're started.

**dannzeman** · #10 (**permalink**) 11-20-2009, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonnythan

There are a number of apps that require subscriptions or check that you've paid when they're started.

There's not that many. The $30 Docs to Go app is easily available. Some GPS apps that store all the maps on your phone wait 10 days before they let you download all the maps.

When people do steal apps with this method they don't get the updates because they're not linked to the Market.