Comparison between classic and new free

[Wobbly-1]

Can anyone explain why the new app won't allow access to caches with a difficulty above 1.5 and why it is impossible to create lists for off line use? If I was being cynical I would assume that it is just a way of forcing members to become premium members, which I think is wrong but would like to be convinced that this is not the case.

[+T.D.M.22]

It does allow access. You just have to be a premium member.

Honestly it probably is just so they can make money. No it is not wrong. It's a bussiness, providing a service you use. They need to make money somehow. It's also not affecting anyone's ability to play the game. The app is merely another perk to being a premium member. You are free to use any other app out there (some of which have permission from Groundspeak to use the api.) Heck, you don't even need to use any app.

 

So, no they're not doing anything wrong to us. (Now if they aren't providing a product that people like, it's wrong in the fact that a bad product isn't good for bussiness)

 

And no you are not the first to not like the new app, there are many threads with many more posts about it.

[Wobbly-1]

I agree that it's a business and indeed it is not essential to use the app. What I object to is the fact that the now classic app, which had to be paid for, has far more functionality than the new "free" app unless you become a premium member which I think is moving away from the original ethos of geocaching!! I don't recall, as a member, seeing any notification of this, in my opinion, retrograde change for members!!

[+Viajero Perdido]

You don't have to use the house-brand app. There are others, most (all?) without the 1.5 limitation for basic members.

https://www.geocaching.com/mobile/partners/

[rp_traveller]

It is unfortunate that this is the method that was selected to "run the business". My son (14) just received his first phone and was anxiously awaiting to download the Geochaching app which he has used for years on my phone to start geocaching on his own with his friends. By removing the ability to access the same caches as myself he feels it is unfair and I tend to agree. He was willing to pay for the app like I did but certainly cannot afford a monthly or annual subscription to gain the same information I have. I was actually going to upgrade myself to access the 'hidden' caches but now I'm not so sure. I would think that it would be important to get new and young users involved in geocaching whom most likely would migrate to the more advanced caches in time with the Premium Upgrade.

 

So in my opinion, they are doing something wrong.