Google announced Wednesday that it would test allowing Android developers to use their own billing systems in their apps, the first step in what could lead to a dramatic reform of the app economy. Epic Games, which was a big believer in opening app marketplaces and sued Google after the search giant Fortnite from Google Play for recording instant payments, is still not satisfied. It plans to continue to advocate for an app ecosystem that offers more choices, according to a statement the company shared. The edge†
“Apple and Google continue to abuse their market power with policies that stifle innovation, inflate prices and limit consumer choice,” said Corie Wright, Epic’s VP of Public Policy, in the statement. “One deal doesn’t change the anticompetitive status quo. We will continue to fight for fair and open platforms for all developers and consumers and work with policymakers and regulators to hold these gatekeepers accountable for their anticompetitive behavior.”
Under Google’s new pilot, developers can offer a billing option in addition to the standard Google Play system. However, Spotify is currently the only known developer in the program and it’s unclear who else is participating or when it will be more widely available.
Epic is not part of the pilot, Epic spokesperson Elka told Looks The edge† She didn’t share whether Epic turned down an offer or just wasn’t asked to join. Rick VanMeter, a spokesperson for the Coalition for App Fairnessof which Epic and Spotify are members, will not confirm that The edge if its non-Spotify members have been contacted by Google.
For years, companies like Epic and Spotify have criticized Apple and Google’s app store policies, including what they believe are high costs. But even as Google relaxes its stance on alternative billing systems, it still sounds like Google will get some sort of commission from Spotify as part of the pilot.