Google opens Play Store to third party payment systems – starting with Spotify

Google has revealed a shift of policy that means it is inclined to allow third-party party payment systems access to its Play Store. The digital dominator announced a pilot in select countries that "will allow a small number of participating developers to offer an additional billing option next to Google Play's billing system …

[Pascal Monett]

"Google has revealed a shift of policy" . .

that means that it has finally understood that if it didn't allow 3rd-party payment systems it was in for global blizzard of lawsuits.

Good.

Too bad that it probably won't be bringing its sale share down to the 5% where it belongs. Yet.

[katrinab]

Re: "Google has revealed a shift of policy" . .

iZettle (PayPal) charges 2.5%. Square charges 1.9% for EU cards or 2.9% for non-EU cards.

[sabroni]

Ok google.

"When users choose Google Play, it's because they count on us to deliver a safe experience, and that includes in-app payment systems that protect users' data and financial information," the company stated.

Not really.

"When users choose Google Play, it's because it's the default and it's not easy to change." the company thought to itself while emitting the usual PR bullshit.

But even using the word "choose" in that sentence is a gross exaggeration. Doing the one thing you are allowed to do is not making a choice.

[Kevin Johnston]

Re: Ok google.

Came in here to say basically the same. There are basdically two options here, the Apple walled garden or the Google fenced playground and currently there is one payment method for each.

Your only choice is which device you want since that determines which garden you are playing in.

[teknopaul]

Now that alternative methods are available..

Google can you please stop that dark pattern where you have to cancel the add credit card screen to download any free app from the Play store.

[Anonymous Coward]

What do you want to bet?

That the end result is higher profits for Google, higher profits for Spotify, and higher costs for users?

[PriorKnowledge]

Maybe they’ll finally let us pay with BitTorrent?

‘cause the only crypto I want is that which prevents throttling!

[Anonymous Coward]

But Muuuuuuum, I don’t want to share my ball with the other guys!

Now Billy, what have I said about sharing?