False advertising
Response from developer
Hello Mum2TwoDarlings, I'm sorry for any confusion you've experienced. I try to make it clear in the App Store description that a subscription is required for full access to the app's features. However, I understand this can still be surprising. To give users an opportunity to evaluate the app, there is the offer of a free trial if you are new. You have to subscribe but you can cancel before the trial period ends and you won't get charged. The app aims to provide specialised, premium weather data and tools for drone pilots. This requires ongoing maintenance and data fees, making a subscription necessary. Windsock has been serving the drone community for over 10+ years, and maintaining a sustainable business model is crucial to continue providing this service. Your feedback is important, and I'll see how I can make the requirement for a subscription even more transparent going forward. I apologise for any inconvenience you've experienced. Best regards, Richard
Useless unless have Paid Subscription!
Response from developer
Hello "TheTruth about this App", I'm sorry to hear that you're unhappy with the subscription-only model. However, I'd like to point out that the requirement for a subscription is clearly stated at the top of the App Store description to avoid any surprises. The app aims to provide specialised, premium weather data and tools for drone pilots, and this comes with associated monthly costs. That's why the app offers a free trial, so users can evaluate it before committing to a subscription. Windsock has been serving the drone community for over 10+ years, and it's important for us to maintain a sustainable business model. Your feedback is valuable, and I'll take it into consideration as we explore different levels of subscription options for the future. I want to assure you that the app is not intended to be a "scam." Considerable time and resources have gone into its development, from complex GPS satellite calculations to building a support website complete with video how-tos. I hope you find a solution that meets your needs. If you'd like to discuss a sustainable alternative business model, please feel free to reach out. Best regards, Richard
Forced to subscribed = deleted
There are many apps that give me what is in this app for free. I use AirMap and UAV forecast that do not charge for my needs. UAV includes 48 hours forecast for free with altitude winds and AirMap, you can file FAA flight plans. Since I am near Charlie airspace near KJAN, it is a godsend to have an app with this file flight plan feature.
Response from developer
Hi Allen, I am sorry you had a disappointing experience. The app is not free as I spent hundreds of hours working on it in my own time and the weather data is a premium service that has to be paid for somehow. Other apps usually have adverts which harvest your personal data to track you across apps and/or track which locations you add. This could be unacceptable for you depending on your operational needs. If anyone is willing to sponsor a free version however... I'm open to it but some customers do prefer to pay a monetary price rather than pay for it with their privacy. Windsock doesn't have ads. In fact it does not even have user accounts - you purchase via Apple using in-app purchases and I never even get your email address! I do recognise that the App Store description probably wasn't as clear as it could have been about being a subscription-only app but you do get a free trial to evaluate the app with. I've added a line at the top now to highlight that it is subscription-only. I'm glad you've found an app that works for you at least, stay safe and keep up the flying.
