Forced to buy a new smartphone after 7 years

[Paprika]

Bought my first smartphone Sony Experia Z5 back in 2016 (phone came out in late 2015), paid the full price $600+ without the plan, and used the 7-Eleven Speakout SIM card. Had no problems.

Today the Ticketmaster app forced me to make an update (I could no longer load the program properly with that stupid update program message popping up every time), and somehow on Google Play it said "Your device isn't compatible with this version"...tried everything including cleaning cache but nothing worked. Because I go to a lot of events, and most of them are mobile entry only, I really need access to the ticketmaster app. I ended up spending $480 on an iPhone 12 mini (refurbished) on Amazon, and since it is supported till 2027, I hope to get 4 years out of it, that's $120 a year, and $10 a month, plus about $90 a year for the 7-Eleven Speakout top up, so in total it's like $17 a month. I didn't fall for the data plan bullshit, yet I didn't expect such a major purchase at the end of the year...

The whole thing just feels like another software scam that forces people to buy a new phone when the old one works just fine...my company uses this software for manufacturing, they charge us thousands of dollars a year for software upgrade, and all they do is moving icons around.

 

[explorerzip]

Bought my first smartphone Sony Experia Z5 back in 2016 (phone came out in late 2015), paid the full price $600+ without the plan, and used the 7-Eleven Speakout SIM card. Had no problems.

Today the Ticketmaster app forced me to make an update (I could no longer load the program properly with that stupid update program message popping up every time), and somehow on Google Play it said "Your device isn't compatible with this version"...tried everything including cleaning cache but nothing worked. Because I go to a lot of events, and most of them are mobile entry only, I really need access to the ticketmaster app. I ended up spending $480 on an iPhone 12 mini (refurbished) on Amazon, and since it is supported till 2027, I hope to get 4 years out of it, that's $120 a year, and $10 a month, plus about $90 a year for the 7-Eleven Speakout top up, so in total it's like $17 a month. I didn't fall for the data plan bullshit, yet I didn't expect such a major purchase at the end of the year...

The whole thing just feels like another software scam that forces people to buy a new phone when the old one works just fine...my company uses this software for manufacturing, they charge us thousands of dollars a year for software upgrade, and all they do is moving icons around.

1. You don't "have to" use the TicketMaster, Cineplex, airlines, etc app. Buy your tickets on the web-site and then print them at home. Sure it's a bit more inconvenient, but you never have to worry about software problems, slow phone, dead battery, etc. with a paper ticket.

2. I get where you're coming from with the software scam part. On the other hand, is it reasonable for the developers of the TicketMaster or any app to keep supporting your Sony phone that is almost 9 years old?

3. Why do you even have a smartphone if you don't have a data plan?

4. What does your phone have to do with your company's software?

 

[glamphotographer]

Get the Samsung flagship phone, they give you 5 years of Android updates.

 

[Carvher]

I had a Sony phone too and loved it but 7 years is a helluva run.

 

[aghy0sa6x]

I switched from Galaxy S4 to Pixel 5 long time ago for similar reason. Some transit app I relied on stopped working because of the compatibility triangle between the phone, OS and apps. With the Pixel 5 at least you have the same phone, OS and browser maker. Troubleshooting has been a little better this way.

 

[Paprika]

1. You don't "have to" use the TicketMaster, Cineplex, airlines, etc app. Buy your tickets on the web-site and then print them at home. Sure it's a bit more inconvenient, but you never have to worry about software problems, slow phone, dead battery, etc. with a paper ticket.

2. I get where you're coming from with the software scam part. On the other hand, is it reasonable for the developers of the TicketMaster or any app to keep supporting your Sony phone that is almost 9 years old?

3. Why do you even have a smartphone if you don't have a data plan?

4. What does your phone have to do with your company's software?

1. For Cineplex, ticketweb, showclix etc, you can definitely print tickets, I do it all the time, in fact, I prefer having a physical copy. On the other hand, ticketmaster is a bitch, and most concerts hosted by them these days are mobile entry only, to get tickets without using phone, you have to go to will call, bring with you the order number, your id, and the credit card you used for purchase,and explain that you don't have a smart phone...and sometimes they'll charge you a few extra dollars just to fuck with you, is it worth the hustle to do this every time I attend an event? Probably not.

2. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. The old app was working just fine, why force me to update, no skip button, then say my device is not compatible. It's a dick move. The phone cost $600 and is in good condition, I'm a frugal person, and don't want to toss it out.

3. I use the chat apps on smart phone, and I have wifi at home and work, paying for data plan does not make sense, and I don't like giving away my location.

4. It's an analogy. Windows, Microsoft Office, Adobe or whatever crap that's in the "cloud", all these forced subscriptions are all scams.

 

[Paprika]

Get the Samsung flagship phone, they give you 5 years of Android updates.

They're a bit bulky for my liking, the compact iphone feels better in the pocket.

 

[explorerzip]

1. For Cineplex, ticketweb, showclix etc, you can definitely print tickets, I do it all the time, in fact, I prefer having a physical copy. On the other hand, ticketmaster is a bitch, and most concerts hosted by them these days are mobile entry only, to get tickets without using phone, you have to go to will call, bring with you the order number, your id, and the credit card you used for purchase,and explain that you don't have a smart phone...and sometimes they'll charge you a few extra dollars just to fuck with you, is it worth the hustle to do this every time I attend an event? Probably not.

2. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. The old app was working just fine, why force me to update, no skip button, then say my device is not compatible. It's a dick move. The phone cost $600 and is in good condition, I'm a frugal person, and don't want to toss it out.

3. I use the chat apps on smart phone, and I have wifi at home and work, paying for data plan does not make sense, and I don't like giving away my location.

4. It's an analogy. Windows, Microsoft Office, Adobe or whatever crap that's in the "cloud", all these forced subscriptions are all scams.

1. I believe TicketMaster charges people for "the priveledge" of printing tickets at home. On the other hand, would it not be better to eat the cost of at home printing vs going to will call, etc? You'd have to attend a lot of live events to come close to spend $600 in home printing fees even if you include the cost of ink, paper and the printer.

2. I agree in principle that if something isn't broke don't fix it. On the other hand, people's jobs depend on constantly changing software and you can't expect your phone's going to be supported forever. You've been using the TicketMaster app on your Sony phone for 7 years and that's hardly anything to complain about.

3. A smartphone without a data plan is effectively useless. You can't use chat apps, maps, email, or any app that requires internet access. You're already giving away your location whenever you connect to wifi regardless if it's at home or at work and definitely when you're on public wifi or using a friend's hot spot.

4. I agree about the Adobe apps because I have to use them all the time. On the other hand, there are free or cheap alternatives to Office and Adobe apps. LibreOffice is free and does 99% of what you need and can open and save Microsoft Office files. There's also Google Docs, Sheets, etc. There's the Affinity Suite that does most of what Creative Cloud does and Davinci Resolve for video editing. Granted, that you may be forced into Adobe apps if you need to work with other people. Adobe software used to be on a perpetual license aka fixed price, but it would cost thousands of dollars for each application. Today, it's about $80 per month for all the apps. Or you do what many people do and "borrow" those apps and pay nothing.

 

[explorerzip]

I switched from Galaxy S4 to Pixel 5 long time ago for similar reason. Some transit app I relied on stopped working because of the compatibility triangle between the phone, OS and apps. With the Pixel 5 at least you have the same phone, OS and browser maker. Troubleshooting has been a little better this way.

I've switched around Android phones. My first one was a Nexus running pure Android. Then went to a Sony Xperia something and then a LG G7. They were good phones overall, but I was always lagging behind on the latest Android version. So I went with a Pixel 7 Pro last year and I'll always get Google's feature updates before any other model. All other models LG (who is not in the smartphone business anymore), Samsung, Huawei, etc. all have their "skin" on top of Android that adds unnecessary and bloated features.

 

[HungSowel]

Recently my mom's phone died. I got her a refurbished Samsung A03 for like $130, it was the cheapest brand-name phone that is current and is compatible with freedom mobile. The phone is slow ass f*ck by my standards, but she is ok with it, all she uses it for is youtube and looking at grocery flyers.

 

[Paprika]

1. I believe TicketMaster charges people for "the priveledge" of printing tickets at home. On the other hand, would it not be better to eat the cost of at home printing vs going to will call, etc? You'd have to attend a lot of live events to come close to spend $600 in home printing fees even if you include the cost of ink, paper and the printer.

Unfortunately your knowledge of Ticketmaster is out of date. They started this "Mobile Only" thing a couple years ago during Covid. There is simply no option to print the ticket anymore for places like Budweiser Stage, Scotiabank Arena or History, even if you want to pay extra for "home delivery". On the web browser, the ticket page looks like this:

 

[explorerzip]

Unfortunately your knowledge of Ticketmaster is out of date. They started this "Mobile Only" thing a couple years ago during Covid. There is simply no option to print the ticket anymore for places like Budweiser Stage, Scotiabank Arena or History, even if you want to pay extra for "home delivery". On the web browser, the ticket page looks like this:

Ok, I didn't know they went exclusively with mobile only tickets. If there's a way to get a QR code anywhere on the website, then you can technically make a PDF of that screen and then print it. It's not hard, but that is a few extra steps. Then again, they likely won't accept a PDF print out.

 

[kyleb899]

Never had cellphone that last 7 years ,most was 3 years ,my current cellphone had since 2020 works still very good ,probably cellphone technology gotten more better now

 

[DesRicardo]

My iPhone SE from 2016 gets support updates.

I only use it as a back up though.

 

[stinkynuts]

I just updated from iPhone 8 to 12.

There were many minor issues that made it very unpleasant to use. The iPhone 12 is a huge upgrade, got it for 350 on ebay.

 

[aghy0sa6x]

On the other hand, there are free or cheap alternatives to Office and Adobe apps. LibreOffice is free and does 99% of what you need and can open and save Microsoft Office files. There's also Google Docs, Sheets, etc.

I just made a switch from Microsoft Office to LibreOffice this week. Feels good to finally cancel my subscription as I wasn't using email or cloud storage that was bundled with MSFT 365 or MSFT Basic.

 

[Butler1000]

Every three years or so I go to my provider and get a new one on a two year payment plan. No fuss, not a huge monthy cost and the phone does what I need it to do without hassle for the time I have it.

Considering its now an essential service, as well as one hell of a convenience (love googling reviews on odd shit while out shopping), I don't see the reason to skimp out. They save craploads of time, frustration and even money.

 

[Adamxx]

Why not use a screen shot of the ticket instead of printing.

Must admit I am not familiar with the TM process.

 

[escortsxxx]

1. You don't "have to" use the TicketMaster, Cineplex, airlines, etc app. Buy your tickets on the web-site and then print them at home. Sure it's a bit more inconvenient, but you never have to worry about software problems, slow phone, dead battery, etc. with a paper ticket.

2. I get where you're coming from with the software scam part. On the other hand, is it reasonable for the developers of the TicketMaster or any app to keep supporting your Sony phone that is almost 9 years old?

3. Why do you even have a smartphone if you don't have a data plan?

4. What does your phone have to do with your company's software?

From my understanding that's no longer true take a master is the only option in some cases.


However, Assuming you have a PC You can put Android emulator. 3 bucks a year?

Cloud services have to be made in illegal Or at least the right to buy option... Not rent And pretend to buy.

 

[explorerzip]

From my understanding that's no longer true take a master is the only option in some cases.


However, Assuming you have a PC You can put Android emulator. 3 bucks a year?

Cloud services have to be made in illegal Or at least the right to buy option... Not rent And pretend to buy.

Yes, I know that TicketMaster is the only option in the OP's specific case.

An Android emulator running on a laptop could work, but very inconvenient as he'd have to bring it with him to the show. That's an easy way to get a laptop stolen. I don't know what you mean by "3 bucks a year?"

Why should cloud subscription services need to made illegal? There are plenty of alternatives out there. You certainly sacrifice some convenience, but you still have options. The software as a service aka cloud service model does give you the benefit of always having the most up to date software.