Google announced on Wednesday that it will test allowing Android developers to use their own billing system in their apps. This is the first step that can lead to a dramatic restructuring of the app economy. However, it strongly supports opening the app marketplace, and Epic Games, which sued Google after the search giant removed Fortnite from Google Play to include direct payments, is still unsatisfied. According to a statement shared by the company with The Verge, it will continue to advocate an app ecosystem that offers more choices.
“Apple and Google continue to abuse market power with policies that curb innovation, raise prices and reduce consumer choice,” Epic’s vice president of public policy, Corey Wright, said in a statement. rice field. “One transaction does not change the anti-competitive situation. We continue to fight for a fair and open platform for all developers and consumers, working with policy makers and regulators. , Hold these gatekeepers responsible for anti-competitive behavior. “
Google’s new pilot will allow developers to offer billing options in addition to the standard Google Play system. However, Spotify is currently the only known developer of the program, and it’s unclear who else is involved and when it will become more widely available.
Epic is not part of the pilot
Epic is not part of the pilot, Epic spokesman Elka Looks told The Verge. She didn’t share whether Epic refused the offer or was simply not asked to participate. Rick Van Meter, a spokesman for Coalition for App Fairness, of which Epic and Spotify are members, didn’t check with The Verge when non-Spotify members were approached by Google.
Companies like Epic and Spotify have been criticizing Apple and Google’s app store policies for years. However, even if Google loosens its stance on alternative billing systems, it seems that Google will receive some fees from Spotify as part of its pilot.