Google will reward certain developers with a higher sales cut
Play Media Experience Program aims to bring Android media apps to TVs, cars and smartwatches
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Although there are now 3bn smartphones running its mobileoperating system,Googlewants developers to get theirAndroid appsonto even more devices which is why the company has announced its newPlay Media Experience Program.
In addition to smartphones and tablets, smartwatches, TVs and even cars now run Android though most developers have focused their efforts on creating apps forAndroid smartphones.
This could soon change as Google plans to offer an incentive in the form of a 15 percent service fee (as opposed toGoogle Play’s normal30 percent fee) to developers in an effort to “invest in best-in-class media experiences across devices” according to anew postin the Android Developers Blog.
VP of Play Partnerships at Google, Purnima Kochikar explained in her post that the company wants to bring apps offering video, audio and books to more Android-powered devices.
To be eligible for a service fee of 15 percent, video apps will require integrations with Android TV, Google TV and Google Cast, audio apps will need to work across Wear OS, Android Auto, Android TV and Google Cast and reading apps will need to be optimized for tablets and integrate with Google’s newEntertainment Space.
Play Media Experience Program
Developers that want to participate in the Play Media Experience Program will need to fill out aGoogle Formto be considered for the program. However,the formalso provides additional information on the criteria that must be met to be eligible.
Interested developers will first need to have an app with over 100,000 monthly active installs on Google Play and the app will also need to offer a high quality user experience with a high Google Play rating. Additionally, their developer account must be in good standing to be eligible.
Are you a pro? Subscribe to our newsletter
Sign up to the TechRadar Pro newsletter to get all the top news, opinion, features and guidance your business needs to succeed!
If Google wants high-quality apps on even more devices running Android, then offering developers a higher sales cut is the right kind of incentive to encourage them to do so.
We’ll likely hear more regarding the Play Media Experience Program once developers accepted to the program begin offering their apps on WearOS, Android Auto, Android TV and Google Cast in addition to Android smartphones and tablets.
ViaArs Technica
After working with the TechRadar Pro team for the last several years, Anthony is now the security and networking editor at Tom’s Guide where he covers everything from data breaches and ransomware gangs to the best way to cover your whole home or business with Wi-Fi. When not writing, you can find him tinkering with PCs and game consoles, managing cables and upgrading his smart home.
Adobe’s decision to eliminate perpetual licensing for its Elements software has stirred controversy among consumers
VIPRE Security Group says its new endpoint protection tools can stamp out even the latest cybersecurity threats
Sonos Arc Ultra review: the best one-box Dolby Atmos soundbar for the price, with one grating flaw
