It’s a really awesome OS, the UI is one of the slickest and most intuitive gesture based UIs I’ve ever used. But it’s so limited for apps etc. Damn shame, because I enjoyed every minute using it on my Xperia.
Jolla says the phone will sell for €299 (including a 1-year subscription license for Sailfish OS)
Emphasis mine. Mate, just what are you doing? A subscription license of a mobile OS? Wat? They could be working together with Purism, Pine64, PostMarketOS and other software+hardware groups trying to make linux phones popular, but instead they are making some proprietary stuff in their corner. Is it really that difficult to work with other people or what’s going on?
They are trying to make money to stay afloat. Postmarketos is a community project so it’s not comparable. And neither Purism nor Pine64 seem to be huge commercial successes just like Jolla, though they seem to be doing a bit better.
Wow, what will they think of next!? A subscription for air? For using my own toilet? I hope this company dies quickly…
I welcome competition in the space even if it is imperfect.
I always wondered how they stay afloat with their business model (50 €/$ upfront for lifelong updates ).
Now it looks like they can’t :(I dislike subscriptions as much as the next guy, but for jolla it seems like a good and honest business model. They don’t have an income stream via App store fees and they won’t sell your data. Keeping the regular security and updates coming constantly burns money that needs to come from somewhere.
I would be happier if I could just purchase update packages for an entire year.
Edit:
The comments under article link to the Q&A, looks like I was to pessimistic:
Copy&pasted for your convenience:
Q: Are you considering keeping one-time-fee (perpetual) Sailfish license available? A: Yes, we are and also based on the feedback it looks that we keep the option for a Sailfish OS (perpetual) license with fixed fee available for all supported device models. This will be offered next to the subscription model. Q: I get the point you want to charge a subscription but would rather pay it yearly, will that be possible? A: Yes, it will be. Q: Will Sailfish OS and AppSupport continue working if I end my subscription? A: Yes, we won’t be blocking the use. However, you would not receive releases, upgrades and new features. Q: Will the Free Trial version continue? Also for newer device models? A: Yes, we’re committed to continue offering the Free Trial license. Next additions to the Free Trial versions will be for Sony Xperia 10 IV and 10 V. Q: What’s the plan with Sony Xperia XA2, 10, 10 II and 10 III? A: They continue working as long as it’s technically feasible to support them. Hopefully we support them still years, like we’re used to, but eventually also those will deserve a retirement plan. Q: Does this affect someone who already has a phone and a license? Do I need to pay subscription in the new Jolla Community Phone/C2? A: The subscription model does not affect to one-time-fee (perpetual) licenses. The Jolla Community Phone comes with 12 months subscription included, after (and during) which you can freely choose whether to continue with the subscription model or pay a one-time-fee (perpetual) license. Q: Accessories, screen protectors, cases? A: Yes, we also like and need these indeed! Thanks to our partnership with Reeder this is now very feasible and relevant accessories will be added to the shop in due course - stay tuned!)Listen, if the phone itself can still run a custom Linux, then I’m all for it. Why? Because Microsoft needs some competition in this space, and my hatred for Microsoft dwarves any subscription fee. But, if they now lock it down like any Android handset, then fudge 'em.
