Google Play is updating its technical quality requirements with a new Android vitals metric that tracks excessive partial wake lock usage. Developed with input from Samsung and refined using feedback from developers, the metric aims to help identify background behaviors that contribute to battery drain. It is now available to all developers following the completion of its beta phase. Continue reading “Google Play to flag apps with excessive wake locks and battery drain”
Epic Games and Google have jointly submitted a proposed modified injunction in the ongoing Epic v. Google litigation, aiming to expand developer choice, reduce Play Store fees, and open Android to third-party app stores and alternative payment options. Continue reading “Epic Games and Google file proposed injunction to settle U.S. antitrust dispute”
Google today announced major updates to Google Play, introducing new tools for gaming, personalization, and app discovery. Aurash Mahbod, Vice President and General Manager, Games on Google Play, detailed the changes in a blog post. Continue reading “Google Play gets You Tab, Play Games Sidekick overlay and more”
Google announced new security measures for Android app distribution, requiring developers to verify their identities for apps on devices with Google services. The update aims to protect users from malware, scams, and financial fraud while keeping Android open to alternative app stores and manual installations. Continue reading “Android app distribution to require verified developers from 2026”
The European Commission on Wednesday issued two sets of preliminary findings against Alphabet, Google’s parent company, for failing to comply with the Digital Markets Act (DMA). These findings focus on Google Search and Google Play, services where Alphabet is designated a gatekeeper under EU regulations. Continue reading “EU flags Google Search favoritism under DMA; Alphabet disputes allegations”
Google has taken strides to improve app support for tablets and large screens with the release of Android 14. The latest Android 14 beta 4 brings support for Pixel Tablets and Fold devices, and now, Google has introducesd a new Play Store specifically designed for larger screens. Continue reading “Google introduces new Play Store for large screens”
Today, Google announced that Purchase Requests on Google Play would be added as a new family payment option. Recently, Google Play got UPI Autopay for subscriptions in India. Continue reading “Google Play gets app Purchase Requests feature”
Today, Google announced that UPI Autopay will be available as a payment method for subscription-based purchases made through Google Play in India. Recently, Google Play Points, a rewards program, were introduced in India. Continue reading “Google Play gets UPI Autopay for subscriptions in India”
In May, Google announced the inclusion of a “Data Safety” section in the Play Store, which is currently being implemented. The updated section will be available in full in the next few weeks, with full developer adoption set for July. Continue reading “Google Play Store’s “Data Safety” section begins rolling out”
Google, in time for the holidays season, has announced that users can make charitable donations to inspiring nonprofits from the Google Play Store. If you’re in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Germany, Great Britain, France, Spain, Italy, Taiwan, and Indonesia, you’ll see this update over the next few days. Continue reading “Android users can now donate to charity through Google Play Store”
Back in 2017, Google introduced Google Play Install Referrer API
which allows ad attribution providers, publishers, and advertisers to determine which referrer was responsible for sending the user to Google Play for a given app install. Owing to the reports of questionable activity, Google began its own independent investigation on apps on Google Play that are accused of conducting app install attribution abuse by falsely claiming credit for newly installed apps to collect the download bounty from that app’s developer. Continue reading “Google removes two apps from PlayStore over app install attribution abuse”
Google Play is now five years old, and Google has shared the top 5 most popular games, apps and more in the U.S. since it launched Google Play on March 6, 2012. It also said that these are download only and doesn’t include pre-installed apps on Android devices.
Continue reading “Google Play celebrates its 5th birthday: Here are top 5 most installed apps and games”
Last week Paytm added the ability for Android users to buy Google Play recharge codes. Now, FreeCharge has rolled out the same feature for its mobile app and website.
Continue reading “Here’s how you can buy Google Play recharge codes from Paytm and FreeCharge”
Google Play had launched carrier billing for Idea customers in India in May last year. Now, it has expanded the service to Airtel as well as Vodafone. Carrier billing will now allow Airtel and Vodafone customers to pay for apps, games, and books on Google Play directly from their pre-paid or post-paid account. Continue reading “Google Play carrier billing officially launched for Airtel and Vodafone customers in India”
Google announced new features for Google Play Store developers at its Playtime developer event in San Francisco. The new features are focused on its subscription business.
Continue reading “Google Play Store to now offer introductory prices for subscription apps”
