Google is accepting applications for a new programme for media app developers that allows them to keep more of their earnings by paying a lower 15% commission to Google in exchange for supporting specified platforms and features.
Google is positioning the Play Media Experience Program as the global expansion of a programme that was previously invite-only, though it doesn't appear to have mentioned it before today. It's also an admission that the company had already been cutting deals with some developers behind the scenes; Google is positioning it as the global expansion of a programme that was previously invite-only.
If it seems similar, you're probably thinking of Amazon's evasion of Apple's App Store tax. Despite never mentioning it publicly, Apple also explained that it has a "established" programme for premium video apps. However, there are some major differences in Google's architecture, such as how it appears to be structured to encourage developers to support several Google platforms.
While Google claims it isn't requiring developers to support Google TV, Wear OS, Android Auto, and other similar platforms, it does ask them to support the following features and platforms when it makes sense.
Video: Developers for living room-first video services are encouraged to build apps for Android TV, Google TV, and Google Cast, with “cross device playback” and sign-in integrations.
Audio: Developers for premium music and audio content via subscriptions are encouraged to build apps for Wear OS, Android Auto, Android TV, and Google Cast.
Books: Developers offering premium books, audiobooks, and comics should make tablet and foldable device optimizations, integrate with Entertainment Space, and for audiobook services, build apps for Wear OS and Android Auto.
On its website, Google also lists precise eligibility requirements that may disqualify many smaller developers, such as having over 100,000 monthly active instals and a high Play Store rating. Moreover, despite what Google told us, certain of its platforms are publicly listed as "necessary integrations," and Google still has the final say on which companies are permitted.
It's unclear whether these apps will be able to get around Google's in-app pricing system, like Apple's does. If you offer digital items, Google set a deadline of September 30th, 2021 for all developers to adopt Google in-app purchases. Netflix and Spotify, according to reports, had already been ejected.
