Anyone that has an Android device is sure to have heard of, or used Astro File Manager. I know every new ROM I flash, Astro is the first application I install. Just in case you have been living under a rock, Astro File Manager is the #1 file management application on the Android market. It’s a lot more than file management though. Not only can you cut, copy and paste files wherever you need into your SD card or the phones file system, you can also manage and back up your applications using the the built in task manager.
The application itself has been free ever since I can remember. To top that off, it has also been AdFree. Until recently, that is. The most recent update is still free of course but now has running ads at the bottom. It’s of course to help support the dev’s and their hard work and dedication to Astro. The choice to start using ads are not going over so well with the users however.
I’m wondering if the choice to go to ads was because the dev wants to keep it free or if it’s because the dev is in one of the many countries where paid apps can’t be sold. I’m quite confident it’s to keep the app free as the dev states  “We have added adds to help support development costs and keep ASTRO free.â€
Personally, ads in applications don’t bother me. I use Mobile Buzz constantly and it has had ads since it was launched. I’m all for whatever a developer can do to make a little money from their work with out forcing me to buy it. Looking at comments though, a lot of people aren’t as easy going as I am.
What are your thoughts on the update? Also, what are your thoughts on ads in general in applications? Are you more willing to see and ignore ads then to pay for an application?
Source: AndroidPolice and The Android Market
