TECHNOLOGY
Google will be partnering with developers to explore different implementations of user-choice billing, starting with Spotify.
Tech giant Google has announced a pilot programme to test third-party billing systems in Android and across its wider ecosystem.
The programme will allow a small number of participating developers to offer an additional billing option next to Google Play’s billing system and is designed to help it explore ways to offer this choice to users while maintaining its ability to invest in the ecosystem.
"We think that users should continue to have the choice to use Play’s billing system when they install an app from Google Play," Sameer Samat, Vice President, Product Management said in a blogpost.
"We also think it is critical that alternative billing systems meet similarly high safety standards in protecting users’ personal data and sensitive financial information," it added.
The company said it will be partnering with developers to explore different implementations of user-choice billing, starting with Spotify.
"As one of the world’s largest subscription developers with a global footprint and integrations across a wide range of device form factors, they are a natural first partner," the company said.
"Together, we will work to innovate in how consumers make in-app purchases, deliver engaging experiences across multiple devices, and bring more consumers to the Android platform," it added.
Meanwhile, the New Delhi-based Alliance of Digital India Foundation (ADIF) called Google’s "user choice billing" announcement for "select" developers a clear admission of guilt and an illusion of choice tactic. It has called for an extension of the March 30 deadline to all developers.
"We, at ADIF, believe that Google’s move to allow select app developers to offer other payment methods -- instead of mandatorily enforcing Google Play Billing -- is a clear admission of guilt that the existing policy is unfair and discriminatory," ADIF said in a statement.
"User choice billing should be made a rule for all developers and not an exception for a select company. Extending this to only a few companies without much clarity on the terms and commission rates reeks of preferential treatment -- again unfair and discriminatory."
ADIF said that with the deadline barely a week away, this announcement seems like headline management and yet another distract and deflect tactic.
"Backlash from Indian developers and intervention by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) forced Google to extend the Play Billing deadline to October in India," the foundation said.
"However, for the rest of the world, come March 30, developers will have to pay high commissions and mandatorily use the Google Billing System. It’s about time Google’s high-handedness is put to an end," it added.
Also, READ: Google’s Android app to let you delete last 15 minutes of search history - Know how
Mukesh Ambani's wife Nita Ambani makes passionate pitch for Olympics 2036, says 'India will...'
Did Virat Kohli get special food delivery amid BCCI's 'no personal chef' rule? Report claims...
Gautam Adani's BIG move in space sector, Adani-backed firm among three finalists in India's...
New India Co-op Bank: RBI uncovers massive fraud of Rs 122 crore; know what’s the case
Shakira hospitalised due to abdominal pain, apologises to fans for cancelling Peru concert
South Korean actress Kim Sae-ron of A Brand New Life fame found dead at 24
'Life-threatening cold' ALERT in US as Polar Vortex, snow, floods grip America: What does that mean?
Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi, who is better? 66 per cent of former footballers believe...
Champions Trophy 2025: No Indian flag in Lahore Stadium sparks controversy ahead of tournament
After strong tremors in Delhi-NCR, 4.0 magnitude earthquake jolts Bihar's Siwan
Delhi-NCR earthquake: Netizens react with hilarious memes amid 4.0 magnitude tremors, check here
BAFTA: Payal Kapdia's All We Imagine As Light faces another disappointment, films loses to...
Student paraglides to college after getting late for exam, netizens react, watch viral video
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu issues BIG warning to Hamas: 'Gates of hell will...'
Delhi-NCR Earthquake Today: Tremors of magnitude 4 jolt Delhi and adjoining areas
This film has broken world box office records, not Hollywood, Bollywood but...
Meet Satyam Pandey who got high-paying job offer, not from IIM, NIT, IIIT, his annual salary is…
Gurgaon couple reunites with lost dog after three-month search in Agra
Meet man, IIT graduate, who topped UPSC exam in third attempt, he is from...
Noida authority takes BIG action against promoters of 2 housing projects, as realty firm fails to...
WPL 2025: Ashleigh Gardner, Deandra Dottin star as Gujarat Giants beat UP Warriorz by 6 wickets
This city is the coldest, darkest and most polluted in the world, tourists are banned here due to...
New Fastag rules from today: Users may incur additional charges if...; check details
Inside Kareena Kapoor, Saif Ali Khan's son Jeh's mario-themed birthday bash, watch
Meet Indian genius, who got high-paying job offer, not from IIT, IIM, his annual salary is Rs…
Shoaib Ibrahim gifts new house to his mother-in-law, Dipika Kakar's mother gets emotional
Deepika Padukone joins Kartik Aaryan, Anil Kapoor, Jackie Shroff at Mumbai event; see viral photos
Man wanted in Canada's biggest gold heist found living in THIS Indian city, he is...
'Free Samay Raina': Badshah shouts at his concert in Gujarat
Amitabh Bachchan's son-in-law Nikhil Nanda faces legal trouble, FIR filed against businessman for...
'Rohit Sharma or Virat Kohli...': R Ashwin lambasts 'superstar culture' in Indian cricket
Bombay HC to hear PIL on Sushant Singh Rajput's death, actor's father says...
Ajay Devgn's absence from Kajol's Valentine's Day post sparks speculation: 'Kalesh chal raha hai'
Anil Ambani-led company's loss widens to Rs 3298 crore in just...; its business is...
Premanand Maharaj's morning yatra set to resume after..., it was stopped because...
Champions Trophy 2025: Gautam Gambhir, Ajit Agarkar clash over Shreyas Iyer's position in team
239 composite liquor shops to be opened in..., booze business ramps up in...
Mukesh Ambani may lose the position of Asia's richest after Reliance loses...in just...days
Elon Musk-led DOGE halts Rs 175 crore election funding for India due to...
Malaika Arora shares her Paneer Thecha recipe, here's how you can make it
Mahakumbh viral girl Monalisa steps into 5-star hotel for lunch for first time, see viral post
Meet CID-fame actor, who once did a show for Rs 20, lost his wife due to...now earns...
Vinod Kambli makes surprising move, former Indian cricketer decides to donate...
Sachin Tendulkar breaking heart on V Day with Anjali in tow is oddly satisfying, watch viral video
Ekta Kapoor to face police probe, Mumbai court orders inquiry for...
Lahori Zeera makers likely to get Rs 450 crore as fundraising from Motilal Oswal among others
'You're pregnant': Ileana D'Cruz expecting second child with Michael Dolan!
Akshay Kumar touches Amitabh Bachchan's feet at ISPL2 finale, their association goes back to...
Who is Lalit Modi’s new Valentine? All about Rima Bouri, IPL founder’s new girlfriend
India's big 'treasure' is hidden here, once THIS work is done country will earn Rs...