Red Sky Labs Muzio Player Premium post-purchase terms change
Red Sky Labs changed the Muzio Player android app to invalidate previously sold "lifetime" ad-free memberships, using a software update in January 2025 that forced users into a new subscription model.
Overview
Since at least May 2020, Red Sky Labs sold "Lifetime pro membership" packages for their Muzio Player app, advertising permanent removal of advertisements for a one-time payment. Through a January 2025 update, they retroactively invalidated these purchases by reintroducing advertisements to users and requiring a subscription for ad-free functionality.[1]
Details of the change
Prior to January 2025:
- A one-time purchase permanently removed ads
- The app worked offline with minimal internet requirements
- User data was stored locally with an optional cloud backup
- No subscription model was required
After the January 2025 update:
- Previously paid lifetime memberships were no longer honored[2]
- Multiple ads played before music playback[3]
- A forced-subscription model was introduced
- No refund options were available for previous purchasers
Consumer Impact
The change hurt users in many ways:
- Previous purchasers lost functionality they paid for
- Customer support emails about the change went unanswered[4]
- Users report getting advertisements even with active subscriptions[5]
- Playlists and user data affected by update[6]
Systemic nature: changing the terms of the sale
This shows a pattern of modern consumer exploitation through several issues:
- Using software updates to modify previously purchased features
- Converting one-time purchases into recurring subscriptions without customer consent
- No communication or recourse provided for affected customers
- Many users report identical issues across review platforms[7]
Note that Red Sky Labs has a pattern of anti-consumer behavior across their apps.
For example, they have a data transfer app (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mediamushroom.copymydata) which requires a pricey subscription despite this being a task that users are likely to only do once every few years at most when they upgrade phones. Complaints about the issues of that app are clearly visible in the user reviews of that app.
Additionally, they have a QR code app (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.appswing.qr.barcodescanner.barcodereader) which aggressively shows ads and at least according to some user reviews, will steal credit card information!
References
- ↑ Google Play Store, January 25, 2025, LACKY BRACKY review: "The ad removal used to be a one-time purchase, a too-high $10, but now it's an infinitely expensive subscription."
- ↑ Google Play Store, January 23, 2025, Robert Hawley review: "Used to love this music player. I used it every day for years. Free, simple, cool features, and most importantly: no obnoxious ads. Suddenly it started bombarding me with ads unless I pay."
- ↑ Google Play Store, January 25, 2025, Chris Wells review: "Three interruptions just to access my music - First, there's an ad to close, followed by another promotion for their offers, & yet another ad to close."
- ↑ Email documentation from affected customer to Muzio Player support: "Hello! I've been getting ads, Is this a bug? are others also experiencing this? I'm willing to provide app logs and my purchase receipt if this was a bug"
- ↑ Google Play Store, January 23, 2025, Kyle Sargent review: "Even when you spend money, you still get ads. You can't restore your account because the link does nothing."
- ↑ Google Play Store, January 23, 2025, Kyle Sargent review: "It erases playlists randomly. It plays ads with sound, over your music."
- ↑ Google Play Store, January 26, 2025, Jessie Jn Baptiste review: "As of 2025, ads appear when I open the app or try to go back to the app after having it open the background. At times, i need to exit the app to get back in without ads when I first open it."