Breaking Up with Google Play: Why Conversations Is Now Free

Conversations, an instant messaging client for Android, began as an open-source project developed by Daniel Gultsch in his student dormitory in January 2014. Initially, Gultsch sought to address his own needs and began using the client as the primary means of communicating with his friends. However, he later recognized the potential to turn his project into a business, even if it was an unusual approach in 2014.

Over the years, Conversations has provided Gultsch with a sustainable income, with various sources of revenue shifting as his priorities changed. In the beginning, paid development for companies using Conversions contributed significantly to the income. Later on, grants and funding opportunities, such as those from NLnet and the European Commission, became more important.

The Play Store revenue has also been a steady source of income, covering his rent. Despite the challenges Gultsch faced with Google, including rejected app updates and lengthy review times, he remained economically dependent on Google Play Store revenue.

In recent years, Gultsch has shifted away from Google Play Store revenue, as he no longer needs it to sustain his business. He has become more reliant on grants and funding opportunities. Conversations is now available for free on F-Droid, which has become the primary distribution method. Gultsch expresses his frustration with Google, describing their relationship as toxic and emphasizes that he is done with them.