Google Boots Transdroid Torrent Manager From Android Market

Ernesto
June 26, 2011
102
Android,
transdroid
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Google has pulled one of the most popular torrent download managers from the Android Market because of policy violations. Before Google booted the application, Transdroid had been available for two years and amassed 400,000 users during that time. Thus far Google hasn’t specified what the exact nature of Transdoid’s violations are, but it’s not unlikely that they relate to copyright infringement.

For many Android users Transdroid is the perfect remote access app for managing their BitTorrent clients on the go. The app allows users to start and stop torrents, search torrent files and even use the barcode scanner to find matching torrent files.

Transdroid offered both a free and a paid version of the app, and judging from the 400,000 downloads people seemed to appreciate it. However, as of this week, Google decided that Transdroid is no longer eligible to be placed in the Android Market.

“I have just received an e-mail from Google that Transdroid, both the free and donate version, have been pulled form the Android Market. This is due to apparent violations in the content policies of publishing in the Android Market,” Transdroid’s developer announced.

transdroid Google’s notification wasn’t very clear on what the violations were, but considering the nature of the app it wouldn’t come as a surprise if they relate to copyright infringement.

According to the developer content policy apps should not be infringing copyrights in any way.

“Don’t infringe on the intellectual property rights of others, including patent, trademark, trade secret, copyright, and other proprietary rights. We will respond to clear notices of alleged copyright infringement,” the policy reads.

Although Transdroid itself isn’t infringing any copyrights, the screenshots on the app’s website do feature some copyrighted downloads which Google may see as a violation of the Android developer policy. As we highlighted previously, this is not a particularly wise thing to do.

Unlike Apple, Google is not banning everything BitTorrent related, but if developers showcase infringing uses they may see no other option that to take the app down. Even Cydia, the alternative market place for iPhone apps, is taking a harsh line on file-sharing software that ‘promote’ infringing uses.

For Transdroid, however, things aren’t completely over yet. The developer has asked Google to explain what he should change so the site can be added to the Android Market again. In the meantime the app and the source code are available as a direct download through the Transdroid website.

“Thanks to all Transdroid users for their support and enthusiasm. Let me be clear that I am happy to build a version for the Android Market that does satisfy their policies and can still help thousands of happy BitTorrent users around the world,” Transdroid’s developer says.

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Anonymous

He could still compile it to a APK and distribute that as well. This is one of the good features in android: you can side load apps outside the market, provided you got the APK on the SD Card.
- lee xgx
  
  i agree the web site should just be able to offer the direct download of the APK all you have to do is tick the unknown sources (that’s likely to be ticked anyway)
  - http://profiles.google.com/tmcarr89 Travis Carr
    
    You do realise that his website has the app available for download?
- http://www.xbomber.co.uk/ Crash
  
  Excellent, well done Google. Make a token effort to appease the media sharks while giving us an OS that multitasks, gives us a marketplace and lets us install our own apps.
  The app also benefits from extra publicity from the banning.
  A win-win situation.
blah blah blo

I have to say.. if DLs eventually get completely shut down, i will be turning my internet service off completely.. I pay about $60/month for internet, and should get to use it as i see fit.. If my ISP wants to share some of that to hollywood or whoever, that is up to them.. But i ll be damned if im gonna shell out that much money for internet and then pay for DLs on top of it.. Its like paying for a cheeseburger and then paying to eat it as well. Thanks but no thanks.. And to anyone who pays blizzard a monthly fee to play their games as well as for internet access, you are part of the problem. The more people that mindlessly follow along and dont flex their spending power, the more these companies will take advantage. It becomes the norm instead of the exception…
- Ugly American
  
  Seriously, and who the fvck needs broadband for e-mail or chat? There is only one reason why we pay so much for fast connections and every ISP knows it.
  
  If they keep playing these copywrong games, we may go back to dail-up – then they’ll see a REAL loss of revenue / jobs.
  - blah blah blo
    
    Agreed. I have 16mbps for what exactly? Derp.. lols :D
    
    What they really want is for us stubborn, significantly smarter people to ‘play along’, and continue to pay unreasonable prices for crap quality mp3s and movies… sorry no. I have a huge dvd collection.. and now im supposed to re-purchase them in high def, something that they already should ve been? Instead of downloading them at no cost to the manufacturers? They can eat large quantities of hairy scrote as far as all thats concerned…
    - http://www.xbomber.co.uk/ Crash
      
      Way I see it – by purchasing the DVD, you’ve purchased the right to own a copy of the film at home. If you want it in higher quality without costing them anything, go for it.
      I think you make a very good point there.
  - Neotoasty
    
    The only people who needs broadband for e-mail and chatting are obviously the old people. They’re using the wrong demographic when advertising internet speeds.
    - Ugly American
      
      “They’re using the wrong demographic when advertising internet speeds.”
      
      Exactly – I’ve been saying this for years. And I’m an old buzzard from the days of Windows 95 and AOL 2.0 hahaha… -l-
- Anonymous
  
  Damn straight! I just bought an expensive Binford bolt cutter that I plan on using to aquire some nice merchandise. If the current owners aren’t happy about that, they can complain to Binford.
  - Donotreply
    
    Copyright infringement and stealing are two separate things (it’s no mistake that the offence says “copyright infringement” on the law books).
    - blah blah blo
      
      You clearly missed the point.. If i take a picture of a painting, should law enforcement harass the camera manufacturer? Derp.
- Anonymous
  
  Damn straight! I just bought an expensive Binford bolt cutter that I plan on using to aquire some nice merchandise. If the current owners aren’t happy about that, they can complain to Binford.
- Anonymous
  
  Damn straight! I just bought an expensive Binford bolt cutter that I plan on using to aquire some nice merchandise. If the current owners aren’t happy about that, they can complain to Binford.
  - Anonymous
    
    is there an echo in here?
- Epo
  
  Are you suggesting you should be able to infringe copyright just because you’re already paying for something else?
  
  I support file sharing, it should be in no way limited by anyone, but what you’re saying is stupid and it makes all of us look bad.
  
  People who create digital content (movies, music, programs..) should get paid as well (those of which you enjoy the works of). And they shouldn’t be paid from my ISP subscription, I will decide who to give money to.
  Why is paying Blizzard wrong? (I’m assuming that’s the WOW makers or something.) If people like it they should pay for it. How else would Blizzard get money? Put yourself in the content creators’ shoes once.
  - blah blah blo
    
    No. No one deserves double or triple business for the same product. Your argument is invalid. You need no help to look bad.
    - blah blah blo
      
      You derp on many levels here.. If i pay Blizzard $60 for a game, after deciding the cost is worthwhile by DLing first of course, Then there is absolutely no reason to keep paying.. That right there is one of the biggest scams of the century, and has netted Blizzard hundreds of millions already.. Props for pulling a successful scam on so many morons, it was quite clever. But still a scam.. A game that you can never quite win, never reach the end, recurring monthly cost? brilliant, and stupid for all who participate.. EA has a similar franchise, top quality, with no recurring cost and is doing well with it, and with a clean conscious no less.
      
      “Are you suggesting you should be able to infringe copyright…” When you start a sentence like this, the ending is irrelevant. And the answer is ALWAYS YES!!! This is because current interpretation of copywrong is twisted and abused, perverting something designed to protect CULTURE, not PROFITS. Dont be naive.
    - blah blah blo
      
      That comment was for you EPO..
    - Anon
      
      You like, you pay.
      
      You don’t like, don’t pay.
      
      Nobody pays, price falls or product changes/disappears.
      
      This is capitalism.
      
      It’s not perfect, but it’s the system we’ve agreed on.
    - Epo
      
      @blah blah blo:
      
      Ok, so perhaps people paying Blizzard aren’t being smart, I won’t go into debates about that. I fully agree that people should mind what they pay for and always look for the best alternatives.
      
      This is the only thing I have a problem with:
      “But i ll be damned if im gonna shell out that much money for internet and then pay for DLs on top of it..”
      People making music/movies/programs don’t get any of that money you pay to the ISP. Creating content costs money. One day you could be selling some music or a program. Wouldn’t you like to get paid for it?
      (If I misunderstood you somehow correct me.)
  - blah blah blo
    
    No. No one deserves double or triple business for the same product. Your argument is invalid. You need no help to look bad.
- http://otester.myopenid.com/ PiRat
  
  Internet = Alternative media.
  
  That is one other vital use.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=550928890 Ravi Shankar

Ya, code it, compile it, make it free. Done.
- Anonymous
  
  Transdroid is Open Source (not sure if its “Free Software” – but is free as in beer, and is pretty libre too).
SomeAsian

Anyone else but me think that Hollywood and their lobbying efforts are the reason for the recent anti-trust investigation against Google? Maybe because Google isn’t playing ball and completely censoring their web searches. Just a thought.
- Ugly American
  
  I’ve had the same thought – though in the end, I don’t trust Google and I think they’ll cave in completely. It’s only a matter of time.
- Anonymous
  
  You’re not alone in that thought. Also, look at what Google did with Google Music Beta. They allow users to upload to the cloud. Something Amazon did. And the RIAA fought that as well. Google Music even gives you free music when you sign up (assuming you get the invite). I got about 20 songs free. It also took forever to get Netflix on Android devices because Hollywood wanted DRM restrictions, which made it onto a handful of devices. Also, as you pointed out, Google hasn’t played ball completely as far as censoring searches. Not to mention the hatred they received after Youtube won it’s legal battle against Viacom.
  
  All those things add up. Google’s pissed off plenty of people. Now they’re having to make ground by caving on a few minor things to get what their customers want. Movies and music onto their Android devices. Of course with the MPAA/RIAA there’s always a catch, you want our products legally you play by our rules. And of course they aren’t above using underhanded tactics to get their way. It’s possible that anti-trust investigation was instigated through their efforts. Of course that’s pure speculation, but I wouldn’t put it past them.
- Herbert
  
  i guess they have been put under pressure and prefer to go along rather than stand up for themselves and their customers, then try to set a precedent in court. they will regret it, just as the entertainment industries will eventually.
  - Anon
    
    The app violated pre-existing Terms and Conditions… that the devs knowingly agreed to.
    
    The app showed screenshots of illicit activity… that the devs knowingly created.
    
    The app is still available to everyone as a non-market apk and should be back in the Market shortly.
    
    I fail to see how this is a relevant part of the bigger war.
- Ven
  
  Nah – their dominance as a search engine and advertising company are the good reasons. Google got too powerful for a single entity, so the government steps in and alters the way they function.
  
  Same thing happened to Microsoft some years back.
SomeAsian

Anyone else but me think that Hollywood and their lobbying efforts are the reason for the recent anti-trust investigation against Google? Maybe because Google isn’t playing ball and completely censoring their web searches. Just a thought.
Yormama

The MPAA, The RIAA, HOLLYWOOD. They run the US government.

Google knows who the power players are, and how dare they think differently from the crap influencing our Government and the crap thats running our Government.
- Ugly American
  
  “The MPAA, The RIAA, HOLLYWOOD. They run the US government.”
  
  They ARE the US government – the entire thing is a $ham. Mainstream media / press decides who gets elected. Everything else is a show – a poorly written one and the “reporters” (actors) are full of $hit.
  - Nonviolentfemme
    
    The press get marching orders from above.. look to a higher level of the pyramid, such as the 13 families..
    - Ugly American
      
      The child(ren) of Roths – keeping it in the family. Like the Mafia(a)… ;-)
Anonymous

OK wow, looks to me like they might jsut be onto something dude.
http://www.real-privacy.no.tc
- Noone
  
  Spam is Obvious & PS the site looks crap, old & outdated the kind of spot I expect to see put up by scammers & malware distributors, not saying you are just saying it looks like that.
- Abc
  
  Flagged
- Xult
  
  FuxYoo.. Flagged
Guest

okay.. my current android phone will be the last android phone i will ever own.. I didn’t use that app, but i have no interest in being a customer of a company that censors like this.. good luck google.. may you squirm and perish under your impending antitrust lawsuit.. “do no evil” my ass
- None
  
  Because there is totally anywhere for you to go that doesn’t censor. Good luck with that.
- Anon
  
  Don’t be silly – Just check the box to “allow non-market-apps” and carry on.
  
  Google has BIG battles to fight and doesn’t need this one. Nobody is actually affected by this!
- Anonymous
  
  On this one, I’d have to agree with Anon. You can use these so-called ‘Black Market’ sources to get your app or any for that matter that don’t need to be through the official Market. Its there for a reason. Apple, on the other hand, don’t allow you to do this since they want you paying for everything at 150% of the cost. (exaggeration, but it gets the point across sometimes)
  - Anon
    
    Black Market? These are just apps that are not released via the official market. Google it, there’s lots of great (and totally legit for once) stuff out there for the finding :)
Abc

And can everyone please not feed the trolls this time, thanx
radioman

does everyone still loves android ? ;]
- Anonymous
  
  I still like the Android OS, its a nice OS with some good perks. You can use unofficial app sources, nothing stops you from doing that.
  - Anonymous
    
    Except when Android has some numbers in their app store that come close to iOS then bam something will stop us from doing just that.
    
    Google is not the Red Cross and they will do as they please when their marketplace can handle the damage of them hitting the ban button.
  - Anonymous
    
    Except when Android has some numbers in their app store that come close to iOS then bam something will stop us from doing just that.
    
    Google is not the Red Cross and they will do as they please when their marketplace can handle the damage of them hitting the ban button.
Guest

Same thing happened to SymTorrent on the OVI store, it was removed after two weeks due to “SymTorrent app enables the illegal distribution of music in the form of torrents”.
- Jimbo
  
  and companies conveniently ignore the fact that torrent can be used legitimately as well as illegally, simply because there is nothing better or quicker atm
  - Ven
    
    They don’t ignore it. Another thing Google doesn’t ignore is how hard the MPAA/RIAA has hammered the torrent community.
    
    This is a simple case of Google leaving a paper trail to make certain their business models aren’t shut down in a lawsuit.
    - Ugly American
      
      A preemptive strike, to be sure – still, I have little faith in the big G.
- Jimbo
  
  and companies conveniently ignore the fact that torrent can be used legitimately as well as illegally, simply because there is nothing better or quicker atm
Pingback: Google Boots Transdroid Torrent Manager From Android Market … | Android News Blog
anon

just a tip, dont make ss and screen casts with non legal torrents, use pioneer one and sita sings the blues and such, then they cant bitch over it.
Pingback: Google Boots Transdroid Torrent Manager From Android Market - Get Latest Information about Nook for Android, Android Handset and Application
Phil Landry

pfff.. Remotes… I use aDownloader to download stuff to my android! That mixed with University WiFi = cool!
http://www.facebook.com/orfetheo Orfeas Theofanis

lol@”The app allows users to start and stop torrents, search torrent files and even use the barcode scanner to find matching torrent files.”

Guy walks into a dvd store, chooses some movies, scans barcodes and walks out xD
- Ven
  
  I laughed too. That has got to be the single most controversial (if not outright illegal) tool I have ever seen come out of torrenting.
  - Anonymous
    
    I don’t find it so controversial. Perhaps because you can use that thing to scan apps on the market and get them. Not illegal. I know there’s websites that review apps or novels or things like that and because of Android place some kind of bar code thing at the end of the article. They’ll say look for this app/thing in the market or use your phone and scan this bar code type thing and it’ll spare you the search. Think this might be an offshoot of that. But don’t quote me on that. Either way, if it is it’s based off something that isn’t illegal. That barcode scanner has legitimate uses.
    - Ven
      
      No no, I know the scanner is useful. But in a world where torrent sites get shut down for linking to torrents hosted elsewhere, where admins are being sued for showing people how to circumvent DRM and download pirated material, this has got to be the easiest target I have seen anyone lay out there for the copyright hounds.
      
      I didn’t mean to imply that I considered it illegal. Illegal or not, they put a huge target on their back in doing this.
Anonymous

tinyurl.com/24n4nqb
Anonymous

tinyurl.com/24n4nqb
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robogo

This is wrong on so many levels. Wrong, wrong, wrong.

It’s like performing highly delicate brain surgery – with a fork and some rusty nails.
Pingback: Google Boots Transdroid Torrent Manager From Android Market … | WWW.ANDROIDWORLD.BIZ
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http://game-android.blogspot.com Androidmygame

could you please tell me how to upgrade my android. I buy it for 6 months and now I can’t install some application. My friend told me to upgrade it. Is it possible?
- Anonymous
  
  If by upgrade you mean “update” the OS, just hit up google. Type in “Evo root xda” and hit enter. That’ll take you to the Evo forum over on xda and you can find info on how to root it, how to update to a new rom (which may be the same version of Android as your current one, but customize or may be an even more up to date version of Android than what you have), etc. Maybe not Evo, but put the name of your phone. Or depending on what type of phone you have, just go over to the Cyanogenmod site. They have great guides for updating phones/tablets and CM7 totally rocks. By far my favorite go to ROM for most Android devices.
Pingback: Pulled from the Android Market, remains available » Transdroid
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mjw

Simply don’t use the Android Market!
You can get Transdroid and other Free Software tools from the F-Droid Repository.
http://f-droid.org/repository/
Anonymous

Does Android have a “Cydia” app store like jail broken iPhones?
real-privacy.no.tc
- Zig
  
  Android has MANY stores besides the Android Market – a quick Google search will reward you with answers…
- Abc
  
  Flagged again, you really need to stop this spamming
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http://modmyi.com/forums/iphone-4-new-skins-themes-launches/740147-neurotech-hd.html#post5637502 Jay

I use Vuze’s web-based mobile app and it works great (and has nothing to do with Google). With a little copy/paste action you can even start downloads remotely. You can’t go too in-depth, like managing file priority or tracker status, but the simplicity of it is perfect.
Pingback: Google elimina Transdroid de Market, el mayor gestor de torrents, por violación del copyright | Bitelia | Nueva Tecnología
Anonymous

tinyurl.com/24n4nqb
Pingback: Google Pulls Down Transdroid From Marketplace, Reasons Not Known | IsuperNews
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Anonymous

tinyurl.com/2df4ccp
Seederman

aaa
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Google Boots Transdroid Torrent Manager From Android Market

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