Conversations makes F-Droid its primary distribution channel
The developer says grant funding has reduced his reliance on Google Play sales, as he cites review delays and removals in shifting the Android messaging app to free distribution.
Conversations, an open-source federated messaging app for Android, is now free, with F-Droid its primary distribution channel, according to its developer. The change marks a shift away from the paid Google Play version, which had provided regular income.
The developer says Google Play update reviews have been delayed and the app has been removed from the store twice. He reports waiting 14 days for an update review when he published his account on 26 September, and says he has struggled to resolve issues with Google.
He also argues that review delays can affect security updates as well as new features. Those criticisms reflect the developer’s account; the source material does not independently verify them.
Conversations’ developer says grants have become a larger part of his income over time and that funding is secured through 2029. Google takes a 15 per cent cut of his app sales, he says, and Play Store revenue had been a steady source of income.
The app has been available through F-Droid, but the developer says he previously did not promote the free option because he wanted users to choose the paid version. He now says the F-Droid APK is reproducibly built and signed with his personal key.
