Breaking Up with Google Play: Why Conversations Is Now Free

Conversations, an open-source instant messaging client for Android, evolved from a personal project to a sustainable business venture. Since its inception in 2014, the app has been Daniel Gultsch's primary source of income. Initially, Conversations attracted paid development work from companies seeking specific features, as well as server setup and consulting services.

Grants and funding opportunities also contributed to the revenue stream. Paid downloads on the Google Play Store were a consistent source of income, consistently covering Gultsch's rent expenses. However, Gultsch's relationship with Google was strained due to frequent app rejection, removals, and a lack of responsive customer support.

The review process for app updates from Google has been consistently poor, causing delays in crucial security updates. The 15% revenue cut from Google Play Store sales further exacerbated Gultsch's feelings, with the cost of maintaining the app being higher than his internet or notebook expenses. As his income sources shifted towards grants and funding opportunities, Conversations was made available for free on F-Droid.

Gultsch's decision to make the app free on F-Droid marks the end of his economic dependence on Google Play Store.