Google stated on Wednesday that it would test allowing Android developers to use their own billing systems in their apps, the first step toward changing the app economy dramatically. However, Epic Games, which has long advocated for the liberalization of app markets and sued Google when the search giant withdrew Fortnite from Google Play due to its inclusion of direct payments, is still not satisfied. It intends to continue lobbying for a more diverse app market, according to a statement.
Developers will be allowed to offer a paying alternative in addition to the normal Google Play system under Google’s new trial program. However, Spotify is presently the only developer known to be a part of the initiative, and it is unknown who else may be involved or when it will become more generally available.
Companies like Epic and Spotify have protested Apple and Google’s app store regulations, including what they allege are excessive royalties, for years. However, even as Google is easing its stance on alternate charging systems, it still sounds like Google will collect some form of commission from Spotify as part of the test.
