Snippet: ESPN Radio: What’s a Few More Bucks? ☇

I’m a fan of ESPN Radio, and its app, previously $2.99, was an iPhone-only app that wasn’t the prettiest, but featured access to the live stream, podcasts, and entire shows. The new app (4.0), which comes down the line as an update for existing users, is now universal (hooray) and has been redesigned. Streaming now requires a $4.99 in-app purchase, as well as making an ESPN account. Unfortunately, after August 1, the older version of the app (3.3) will cease to work, forcing people to update. To add insult to injury, the app isn’t even designed for the new iPad’s Retina Display.

I’m all for developers getting paid for what they do, but to actively shut down existing features that people have already paid for, and then ask for more money for a “better” experience is absurd. I understand with things like MLB’s At Bat app, where you pay for a year of the service, but I think a lot of people are going to be turned off by this update, which just comes across as slimy. I might get ESPN podcasts via Instacast, and streaming via TuneIn Radio.

People whine about the cost of a $5 app on a $500 device all the time, but in this case, it’s on principle.