Google Play is introducing a new feature that allows users to request someone else to pay for an app or in-app item. This feature creates a payment link that can be sent to a friend or family member via text message or email. This new button is currently rolling out in India, but it is unclear if it will be available in other markets.
During the Google I/O developer conference, Google unveiled several new features and tools for app developers, including the ability for users to ask someone else to pay for an app or in-app item. This feature aims to reduce the number of customers who abandon a purchase, but it may also present some challenges.
The Google Play app ecosystem offers millions of apps and games, both free and paid. App developers who distribute premium apps or apps with in-app purchases through Google Play are required to use Google Play’s billing library. Google takes a service fee of 15% for the first $1 million in earnings each year, and 30% thereafter.
By integrating version six or newer of the Play Billing Library, developers can enable the “ask someone else to pay for this item” button without additional work. This button generates a payment link that can be shared with someone else to complete a purchase on behalf of the user. This feature is designed to make it easy to gift or pay for items on behalf of a friend or relative.
In addition to the new payment feature, Google also announced changes such as allowing family managers to complete purchases for child accounts via web links on non-Android devices and increasing the Play Store’s app price limit. These changes aim to improve the overall user experience and make it easier for users to purchase and share apps.