Google has finally taken its first steps towards reforming the Google Play Store after a US court ruled against it in an antitrust case brought by Epic Games. In a move that could potentially give developers more freedom to direct users away from the Play Store, Google has updated its support pages to confirm that it's complying with the court's order.
This change allows Play Store developers to use external payment platforms that bypass the store entirely, which could lead to lower prices as they wouldn't have to pay Google's commission of up to 30%. Developers will also be able to direct users to sources for app downloads and payment methods outside the Play Store.
However, it's worth noting that this change is only being instituted in the US version of the Play Store, which is all the US District Court can require. Google has stated that it's only doing what's required by the court, but it's also clear that they're not going quietly into the night. The company will attempt to overturn the original ruling, and if successful, could return everything to its original state.
In fact, Google has petitioned the US Supreme Court to hear its appeal in full, which could potentially save the company from implementing further changes mandated by the court. However, it's uncertain whether the high court will take up the case, and even if they do, arguments likely won't happen for at least a year.
In the meantime, Google has been working on other measures to maintain control over the Android app ecosystem. The company is allegedly developing a developer verification system that would force all developers, even those distributing outside the Play Store, to confirm their identities with Google and pay a processing fee. This system would also ensure that apps from unverified developers can't be installed on Google-certified Android devices.
The implications of these changes are still unclear, but one thing is certain: Google's fight against reforming the Play Store shows no signs of slowing down. As the company continues to try and overturn the original ruling, it remains to be seen whether they'll ultimately succeed in keeping their grip on the app ecosystem intact.
This change allows Play Store developers to use external payment platforms that bypass the store entirely, which could lead to lower prices as they wouldn't have to pay Google's commission of up to 30%. Developers will also be able to direct users to sources for app downloads and payment methods outside the Play Store.
However, it's worth noting that this change is only being instituted in the US version of the Play Store, which is all the US District Court can require. Google has stated that it's only doing what's required by the court, but it's also clear that they're not going quietly into the night. The company will attempt to overturn the original ruling, and if successful, could return everything to its original state.
In fact, Google has petitioned the US Supreme Court to hear its appeal in full, which could potentially save the company from implementing further changes mandated by the court. However, it's uncertain whether the high court will take up the case, and even if they do, arguments likely won't happen for at least a year.
In the meantime, Google has been working on other measures to maintain control over the Android app ecosystem. The company is allegedly developing a developer verification system that would force all developers, even those distributing outside the Play Store, to confirm their identities with Google and pay a processing fee. This system would also ensure that apps from unverified developers can't be installed on Google-certified Android devices.
The implications of these changes are still unclear, but one thing is certain: Google's fight against reforming the Play Store shows no signs of slowing down. As the company continues to try and overturn the original ruling, it remains to be seen whether they'll ultimately succeed in keeping their grip on the app ecosystem intact.
! finally, they can use external payment platforms and direct users away from the Play Store? that's like, huge for indie devs and all that 
. but at the same time, i'm lowkey worried about google's appeal 
. if they succeed in overturning the ruling, it's back to square one, you know? 
. it's like, all about giving devs more freedom to make their own choices and not having to deal with google's commission fees 
. I mean, 30% commission is a big deal for devs, especially smaller ones trying to make ends meet 
. It's about time Google started listening to its users, not just making bank from all those app sales 
. And what about those devs who rely on the store for discoverability? 
. One thing's for sure, though: Google's not gonna go down without a fight 
google's finally comin at them w/ more freedom 2 make their own deals & set prices as they want tho it's only in us 1st 
so other devs still got 2 deal w/ 30% commish 
.
.
. now we might see lower prices and more freedom for devs. fingers crossed it works out 
like what are they even afraid of? they know the court ruled against them 
. anyway, it'll be interesting to see how this all plays out... hopefully devs can finally get some more control over their own apps 
Remember when Apple's App Store was all anyone could talk about? Now Google's Play Store is getting a much-needed shake-up. It's crazy how one US court case can change the game like that. I mean, who would've thought we'd ever see developers being able to use external payment platforms without paying Google's commission?