After Google’s Play Store policy changes, Amazon removes IAPs from its Kindle and Music apps for Android, and direct audiobook purchases from Audible on Android (Igor Bonifacic/Engadget)
If you want to make money from Amazon, it’s important to get the most from the platform. As Google’s Play Store policy changes are set to roll out, many indie app developers are worried about whether they’ll be able to continue selling apps in the Play Store. However, despite this, Amazon has made it clear that they won’t be taking down the “in-app purchase” option on Amazon’s Kindle app for Android, and that they won’t be removing the ability to purchase audiobooks directly from Audible on Android. This is a huge blow to developers using the Amazon store for revenue generation and could make it harder for small business owners to make money from Amazon.
What exactly does the new Google Play policy change mean?
After Google’s Play Store policy changes, Amazon removes IAPs from its Kindle and Music apps for Android, and direct audiobook purchases from Audible on Android. In March 2014, Google changed its policies for apps available through Google Play. One of the key changes includes a new requirement that developers must allow customers to install apps on multiple devices, even if they’re tied to different accounts on those devices. Previously, Google Play only allowed users to download apps to one device at a time. The company also announced that it will be removing all pre-installed apps from devices unless they’re critical to a user’s experience. Apps that are removed from Android devices are still available on Google Play. But they’ll no longer be pre-installed on devices unless they have specific uses.
Why After Google’s Play Store policy changes Amazon removes IAPs from its Kindle and Music apps for Android?
Since the Google Play Store’s new developer policies went into effect, Amazon’s Kindle App for Android has been experiencing some serious difficulties. In late February, Amazon removed the ability for developers to offer in-app purchases on Kindle and Fire devices, citing a change in Play Store guidelines. Now, Amazon only allows customers to access content in Kindle apps through the Amazon website. If you’ve purchased any Kindle content via your phone, that content is no longer available to you. After Google’s Play Store policy changes, Amazon removes IAPs from its Kindle and Music apps for Android, and direct audiobook purchases from Audible on Android.
Why After Google’s Play Store policy changes, Amazon directed audiobook purchases from Audible on Android?
For years, Amazon could add and remove in-app purchases (IAPs) from apps that use its Amazon Appstore, as well as block people from making purchases directly through the Android app. Starting Friday, March 17, the company made it possible to prevent users from buying digital content through the Kindle and Audible apps for Android, leaving Amazon-published audiobooks and Audible books only accessible through third-party stores. Amazon has been forced to remove IAPs from apps that previously used in-app purchase (IAP) services after Google announced the removal of third-party payment options for developers in its Play Store policy changes. IAPs are considered “pay-to-win” services for games because they offer players features or advantages only for paying money for them, rather than for playing the game itself.
Conclusion
In conclusion, after the announcement by Google last week, it’s no surprise that Amazon has made some changes to its policies for app developers. The news was leaked earlier this month that Amazon is developing its own Android store. We’ve heard rumors about Amazon possibly acquiring Netflix but with the current climate, it is looking like Amazon has big plans to compete with Google and Facebook in the digital content market. In response to Google’s new guidelines, Amazon made some adjustments to their IAPs, Kindle books, and Audible audiobooks so that developers could remove those items from their applications without being punished by the platform. After Google’s Play Store policy changes, Amazon removes IAPs from its Kindle and Music apps for Android and direct audiobook purchases from Audible on Android.
FAQs
1. Why does Google remove IAPs from the Play Store?
According to Google, they are removing IAPs from the Play Store because they want to provide a “clean” experience for users.
2. How much money does Amazon make off of the IAPs?
According to Amazon, they make $2 per download.
3. What about Audible?
Audible is a separate business, and it is not owned by Amazon.
4. Will I be able to buy audiobooks from Audible on my Kindle app?
If you have an Audible subscription, you will still be able to purchase audiobooks from Audible through your Kindle app.
