Picture: Joanna Nelius/Gizmodo
According to an Android Developers blog site released today, any developer with an app on Google Play that has to do some “technical work” to incorporate Googles billing system will have up until Sept 30, 2021 to comply. That indicates those developers can continue gathering direct payments from clients without having to give Google its 30% cut for the next year. That deadline will likely accompany the release of Android 12; Android 11 rolled out commonly previously this month. Android 12 will also make it simpler for developers to provide their apps on third-party app shops.
This brand-new policy belongs to a larger push on Googles part to make its Google Play policies clearer to designers, and to continue its assistance for developers who also want their apps on other stores throughout several platforms. The 1-year “leave prison totally free” card is actually for services with a main physical store who had to relocate to an all-digital platform to survive throughout the pandemic.
After some confusion– and after viewing Apple take heat over its iOS App Store policies– Google is clarifying how and when it prepares to take its cut of paid apps in the Google Play Store.
” We have heard feedback that our policy language might be more clear regarding which kinds of transactions need the use of Google Plays billing system, and that the present language was triggering confusion,” composed Google Vice President of Product Management Sameer Samat.
Google is now needing designers to use Google Plays billing system for apps and downloads if the system is already integrated in the app, and designers must use that system to charge for in-app features or services. There are a couple of exceptions to the rules, which enter into effect Jan. 20, consisting of payment for physical items and apps that make it possible for cash transfers, like Venmo.
G/O Media might get a commission
A designer does not have to use the Google Play Store to make an app readily available on Android. Samat pointed out that Fortnite is readily available on Android through Epics website or Samsungs Galaxy App store; Google eliminated Fortnite from its shop after Epic Games actively violated its policies. Samat also clarified that designers “can communicate with their customers directly about prices, offers, and alternative methods beyond their app by means of email or other channels.”
Basically, developers are enabled to tell their users about the other places they can download their app if they dont desire their information going through Googles billing system– a practice that Apple forbids per its App Store guidelines.
There is an argument to be made about the quantity that Google draws from designers, however at least Google offers a workaround. That may simply save the business from an antitrust judgment.
According to an Android Developers blog released today, any developer with an app on Google Play that has to do some “technical work” to incorporate Googles billing system will have up until Sept 30, 2021 to comply. That suggests those developers can continue collecting direct payments from clients without having to give Google its 30% cut for the next year. A designer does not have to use the Google Play Store to make an app available on Android. Samat pointed out that Fortnite is readily available on Android through Epics website or Samsungs Galaxy App shop; Google removed Fortnite from its store after Epic Games actively violated its policies.
Those choices include enabling users to set default messaging, keyboard, phone dialer, or other app from a developer of their choice.
” This openness implies that even if a developer and Google do not agree on service terms, the developer can still disperse on the Android platform,” he included.
While it looks like Google is becoming more like Apple by needing designers to charge their consumers utilizing Googles billing system, the business could not be more clear about continuing to support Androids open API platform.
” We think that designers ought to have an option in how they disperse their apps and that stores must compete for the consumers and the developers service,” Samat stated.
