Google Play is introducing a new feature that allows users to ask someone else to pay for an app or in-app item. This feature generates a payment link that users can share with a friend or family member, allowing them to complete the purchase on the user’s behalf. This new feature is currently rolling out in India, with no clear timeline for expansion to other markets.
At the recent Google I/O developer conference, Google announced several new features and tools for app developers, including the ability to request payment from another user for an app or in-app purchase. While this feature may help increase conversions by allowing users to easily request payment assistance, it may also present challenges for developers in managing such transactions.
Developers who distribute premium apps or apps with in-app purchases through Google Play are required to use the Google Play billing library. Google charges a service fee of 15% for the first $1 million in revenue earned by developers each year, increasing to 30% after surpassing the $1 million threshold. This revenue split benefits Google by providing access to billions of Android users worldwide, while also offering developers a platform to reach a wide audience.
The new “ask someone else to pay” button works seamlessly with the Play billing library, generating a payment link that users can send to others for completing a purchase. The recipient of the payment link is required to know the user’s email address and has 24 hours to complete the transaction before the link expires. This feature aims to simplify the process of sharing app purchases with friends or family outside of a user’s Google family group.
While the “ask someone else to pay” button is currently only available in India, Google has not disclosed plans for expanding it to other markets. The company also announced other billing-related changes, such as allowing family managers to complete child account purchases through non-Android devices and introducing new payment options for long-term subscriptions in select countries.
Overall, Google Play’s new feature aims to enhance the app purchasing experience by enabling users to easily request payment assistance from friends or family members. This feature could potentially increase app sales while providing users with a convenient way to share app purchases with others. With ongoing updates and improvements to the Play billing library, Google continues to support app developers in reaching and engaging with a global audience.
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https://www.androidauthority.com/google-play-ask-someone-else-to-buy-3446170/
