Google is opening up its Play Store a bit under pressure from smaller developers

Developers can contact users to offer subscriptions and products outside of the app. In addition, Google has provided $90 million in funding, which will be distributed among small creators.

After Apple, it’s Google’s turn to be forced to relinquish control of its app store. The publisher did not want to go to trial and made a deal with representatives of 48,000 small developers. They filed a class action against Google’s business practices related to the Play Store.
The deal, if upheld by the court, would require Google to pay $90 million between 2016 and 2021, distributed among developers who earned $2 million or less a year. Less than Apple, which paid $100 million in funding in August 2021. Note that Google has already offered to reduce its commission from 30% to 15% of the first million dollars a developer earns that year.

Creators can contact users

Google has promised to create a new section in its application store Indie Apps Corner and dedicated to startups and independent creators. After all, the publisher will clarify an important point in the distribution agreement for applications: developers can contact users through information obtained in the application, offer them subscriptions outside the application and cheaper prices. Or at another store.

The Mountain View company also publishes a transparency report every year on the operations of its Play Store, including statistics such as recalled plans and deleted accounts. Google is committed to continuing the policy implemented in Android 12, which allows the use of other app stores without compromising security.

Additionally, new laws are on the horizon to loosen restrictions on Google and Apple’s application stores. In the United States, the Open Application Markets Act requires users to download and install applications without visiting stores (Marginalization) In Europe, the Digital Markets Act (DMA) is expected to pave the way for app stores and alternative payment methods.

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