Microsoft Store version now paid to support development

[stofftreiber]

Just was trying to download the Program from Microsoft Store....and it's not free anymore.
You have to pay UDS 9,99
Thats very new....is that the future???

https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9n24f8zbjmt1?hl=de-DE&gl=GL

[Hofknecht]

Hello @stofftreiber , Hello Community of SystemTrayMenu,

thank you for your message. I understand it can feel surprising to see a price in the Microsoft Store and I want to share openly why I made this decision.

I have been working on this project for more than eight years. In that time I have given it all my energy, next to a full time job and raising two children. It has been a huge part of my life, something I care about deeply and something that I have always wanted to share with others.

At the same time I have fallen into very heavy financial problems. Sponsorships hardly cover anything and for me this was not an easy step to take. Deciding to put a price on the Store version was really difficult, but I need to find a way to support myself and slowly get out of this situation, while still continuing the work on the project I love so much.

The version in the Microsoft Store for 9.99 is not about blocking people. It is about giving those who want the convenience of automatic updates and one click install a way to support me directly. Everywhere else it is still available for free.

This project means everything to me and I truly want to keep it alive. Every bit of support means a lot to me, whether it is through buying the Store version, sponsoring, contributing, or simply using it. Thank you from my heart ❤️

[GeorgAubele]

@stofftreiber
and @ALL:
Your work deserves credit and money, especially when you have financial problems!
One way - to circumvent M$, which takes its share from these 9,99 $ - is to donate via PayPal!
We should boost it also in the MS Store by giving 5 stars!

[sigma415]

Does this also mean, that updates will only be available via (paid) Microsoft Store version ?
I'm wondering because the last Github version here is 1.3.5.0 from September 2023 (>2 years old now).
Or will there be no more updates ?