All articles tagged with #google play
Google plans to replace its flat 30 percent Play Store fee with lower, decoupled rates and allow developers to use outside payment methods, with tiered cuts based on revenue and whether developers use Google Play Billing; changes will roll out in stages—with some regions by September and a global rollout by 2027—alongside programs like Games Level Up and Apps Experience to qualify for lower rates.
Google Play is offering a limited-time Play Points perk that can trim up to $60 off the Google TV Streamer (4K) bundle for eligible members, with Platinum level likely required for the full $60 and Gold level around $50. The discount is redeemed via the Play Points Perks page and valid through June 21, 2026, while supplies last.
During Google I/O 2026, Google unveiled AI Studio, a prompt-driven tool to build native Android apps with an embedded emulator and optional real-device testing, targeting personal-utility, hardware-enabled, and Gemini-powered experiences; apps created with AI Studio must still pass Google Play’s quality standards, and Google also released a 1.0 Android CLI and plans for Gemini-backed app recommendations and a Play Shorts feed for apps.
Trump Mobile’s CEO Pat O’Brien told USA Today that the Trump Phone (T1) will begin shipping to buyers this week and that all preorders will be fulfilled in the coming weeks, despite an 11-month delay since its announcement. The phone has FCC and PTCRB certifications and was added to Google Play’s device list, with a new promo video released amid viral reports of canceled preorders that lack verified evidence or numbers; The Verge has preorder units but no confirmed delivery yet.
Bloomberg reports that Apple and Google continue to host nudifying apps that can alter images to appear nude despite store rules; the Tech Transparency Project found 18 nudify-capable apps in the Apple App Store and 20 in Google Play, with 483 million downloads and $122 million in revenue. Apple has removed several identified apps and blocked related search terms after Bloomberg’s inquiry, while Google says it has suspended many apps for policy violations. Researchers warn that enforcement is uneven and that autocomplete can boost visibility. Regulators in the US and UK are moving to curb non-consensual sexual content.
Tech Transparency Project finds 18 nudify apps in Apple's App Store and 20 in Google Play—capable of nude transformations or pornographic deepfakes—with about 483 million downloads and $122 million in revenue; Apple says it removed several apps, Google suspended others, and both platforms say they enforce policies banning sexual content as enforcement continues.
Google has removed the visual novel Doki Doki Literature Club from the Play Store, citing violations of its terms of service related to sensitive themes. The game's creator Dan Salvato and publisher Serenity Forge say they are exploring options to reinstate the title on Android and are considering alternate distribution methods while continuing to advocate for DDLC on other platforms.
Google Play unveils a buy-once, play-anywhere option for select paid games, letting a single purchase unlock cross‑device play on mobile and PC with upcoming Game Trials and progress carryover.
Google and Epic have reached a global settlement ending their antitrust fight over the Play Store, with lower fees and permission for registered third-party app stores on Android. The deal outlines a new fee structure (5% Google billing fee plus 15% service fee for new installs, 20% for existing installs), 15% total for new app purchases, and 10% for subscriptions, and includes broader store access policy; rollout begins in the US/UK/Europe by mid-2027, Fortnite is expected back on the Play Store subject to court approval.
Google's March Pixel Drop brings practical travel-focused features: live location sharing in Google Messages via Find Hub; secure, expiring luggage-tracking links for airlines through Find Hub; Play Store now shows short app preview videos for quick demos; personalized Calling Cards in the Phone app; and kid-friendly games in Android Auto, all aimed at smoothing daily life and travel without a drastic UI overhaul.
Google Play will soon warn users about apps that excessively drain battery by holding wake locks, with new thresholds and developer tools, starting March 1, 2026.
Google Play has launched a new digital gift card shop, allowing users to send gift cards for various brands like Disney, Adidas, and AMC directly through the app, making gifting more convenient within the platform.
The author defends the right to install software on devices, criticizes Google's restrictions on sideloading via ADB, and discusses broader issues of software freedom, market practices, and the impact of subscription models and proprietary ecosystems. They emphasize that 'sideloading' is a standard, non-deviant activity, and express concern over Google's efforts to limit it, which could threaten user control and open source communities like F-Droid.
The US Supreme Court declined to block a court order requiring Google to change its app store practices, giving Google until October 22, 2025, to comply with rules allowing alternative payment methods and linking outside downloads, while it continues to appeal the case.
Google is introducing Gemini AI integration within a new in-game overlay for select mobile games, allowing players to ask for hints and receive tailored assistance without leaving the game. The feature, similar to Microsoft's Gaming Copilot, will also provide details about rewards and achievements, and is part of Google's broader effort to expand Google Play Games to PC and enhance the gaming experience on its platform.