14 DAY TRIAL // Samsung is getting ready to implement a new controversial policy on devices updated to Android Pie that would technically block users for running a free theme on their phones for more than 14 days.
In a notification that’s now displayed in the Samsung Themes store, the company warns that free themes can only be used for 14 days, after which phones are automatically restored to the stock visual style.
However, Samsung says it’ll let you know when this is about to happen, as you will receive a warning one day and 10 minutes before the free theme you are using is automatically disabled.
As for the reasons the South Korean firm thinks this is a good idea, Samsung explains in the notification that the whole approach is supposed to help contributors to the theme store.
In other words, Samsung hopes that by limiting the use of free themes, there are bigger chances you would switch to a paid one. Spending money on themes would eventually encourage more developers to create such content, in the end helping the store itself grow bigger.
Suggested themes
As a result, in addition to the warning that the free theme is about to expire, Samsung will also provide other suggested themes available for download, though it’s not clear if these are free or paid.
“We want to thank our users for your support and concern and also our designers for their efforts in registering the products. We ask for your understanding as we have changed the policy in order to help our designers continue to create high quality products and also to provide and satisfactory services for you,” the company says.
Needless to say, this change is very likely to be received with much criticism by Samsung users, but given that work on Android Pie has only recently started, it’s not impossible to see a change of mind from the South Korean firm.