The VLC Spam App Saga Continues on Windows 8.1

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BoraMurdar

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Microsoft has pledged to pay much more attention to the apps published in the Windows Store, but it turns out that the Redmond tech giant is actually approving quite a lot useless items that do nothing more than to steal users’ money.

The VLC saga is clearly the best example, as some third-party developers are trying to capitalize on the growing popularity of the famous media player by creating fake apps listed for download in the Windows Store.

Since an official VLC port is yet to arrive on Windows 8.1, users might be tricked into believing that they are downloading the real app, so when they are required to pay for a license, they do it without thinking too much about it.

At least five such apps arrived in the Store in the last few days and Microsoft is yet to remove yet at the time of writing this article, not to mention that they shouldn’t be listed for download in the first place.

Here’s what the description of an app called “VLC* New 8.1 Player” reads:

“VLC* New 8.1 Player Simple, fast and powerful media player.Plays everything: Files, Discs, Devices .The player supports many audio and video file formats. Designed for windows 8 with appbar support. Effective Player with Elegant design.Enjoy your movies with VLC* New 8.1 Player.”

Another app, created by the same developer called “SCP” has been indexed by the Windows Store a couple of days ago and comes with the following description:

“VLC* Play For Windows*8.1 if you are looking for a VLC* Play with powerful function, simple interface and excellent features. VLC* Play For Windows*8.1 is particularly designed for you to enjoy HD movies, video.”

In most cases, these apps cost at least a few apps and do not come with a trial version, asking people to pay for a license before downloading them.

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Ink

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The best way is to write about it, so consumers are aware and should avoid these dodgy people who post these fake VLC apps.

If I'm not mistaken, you have to pay a small fee to upload and host an app to the Windows Store.
 

BoraMurdar

Community Manager
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Verified
Staff Member
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Aug 30, 2012
6,598
The best way is to write about it, so consumers are aware and should avoid these dodgy people who post these fake VLC apps.

If I'm not mistaken, you have to pay a small fee to upload and host an app to the Windows Store.
I think there are other ways to post an app to Microsoft, like having a DreamSpark account and go to developer section for XBOX and Apps. Microsoft should pay more attention what's on theirs Store...
 
D

Deleted member 178

1- Micro$oft like dollars
2- Windows store earns dollars
3- customers have issues because of questionable apps
4- Micro$oft will replies:

Don't Worry ! we will release a patch ! (Micro$oft's moto since...ever)

thanks :D
 
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Littlebits

Retired Staff
May 3, 2011
3,893
Awhile back I posted a thread about these fake VLC apps, now it is finally making the news.
Never buy apps that don't allow you to try for free, that is the first sign that it is a scam.

Thanks. :D
 
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