Probably the effect Fortnite has had some effect: this is perhaps the reason why Android 12 promises greater openness towards application stores other than the Play Store? Of course, this will not be the only reason but the bad story that saw protagonists Epic e Google had some resonance. For this reason Big G is already outlining the next directives and policies for developers, promising to make easier to use third-party app stores on the next version of the operating system. Next next, seeing that Android 11 still has to debut on our smartphones.
Google takes a step back: Android 12 will be more flexible in comparison with alternative stores, while always guaranteeing a certain security
In response to feedback from Android app developers, Google stated that:
... will make it even easier for people to use other app stores on their devices, taking care not to compromise the security measures that Android still has in place ...
But not all that glitters is gold. Perhaps the alternative stores will have an advantage but the applications on the stores owned by Google (such as Play Store) will continue with the same policy: applications will have to continue to pay 30% commission on payment. This is precisely the reason why Epic's controversy arises: the company has criticized the policy of Google (and Apple) for which users must be charged additional fees for subscriptions and digital content.
Of course, this cost the leading company in the gaming sector a huge ban, but it certainly resulted in a Domino effect such that Google is changing course. There are two main points that the coloso of Mountain View announced today:
- the installation of applications from third-party stores on Android 12. However, this means that the security level will increase and not of poco. In fact, we know that the security standards of the Play Store are already very high. We will therefore see on the one hand a greater amount of potentially installable applications, but on the other hand many applications blocked by protection filters;
- while i Third-party app developers will be able to choose the payment method that best suits their needs, developers who remain on the Play Store will continue to be “taxed” in equal measure. 30% commission remains. This means for example that 'Fortnite' can be installed without problems from the Epic store and then "skip" there Commission the 30%.
These are the two major changes, but not the only ones. Another very important point is the user-developer link. With the next version of Android it will be possible have direct communication between developers and users. The modalities have not been explained, but they will certainly be simplified compared to now.
These changes they will begin to apply from 30 September 2021.
Source | Google
Through | HDBlog
