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It seems adding a notice about in-app purchases for apps that have them isn’t enough — Google’s looking to give you even more information about in-app purchase prices before you download it. The company has recently confirmed via the Google Play developers’ back end that an upcoming update to Google Play will show price ranges for games and apps with in-app purchases. The change will go into effect starting September 30th, according to Google.
For instance, A game with an item for as low as $1 and an item as high as $99 would show you $1 – $99. You don’t get the specifics of everything in between, but it should give you a pretty good idea of what to expect ahead of the download.
This comes at a time where in-app purchases have been the source of much controversy. Earlier this year, Apple was forced to pay a settlement for folks who claimed it was too easy to purchase in-app content (with many claiming their kids were purchasing that content without authorization or permission).
Google was eventually forced to do the same. The incidents have caused Apple and Google to update their digital marketplaces with proper notices, frequent prompts for passwords and other changes that will ensure no one can “accidentally” purchase anything. This is yet another step to make sure people know what they’re getting into before they download an app, even if that app’s initial download is free of charge. We’ll be on the lookout for the change at some point next week.
This is fantastic and will be extremely helpful! Google isn’t perfect but they always seem to lead the pack, even with simplistic additions such as this.
I think society has taught us over the years that you can put warnings, flashing lights, and sirens anywhere but it really won’t prevent people from doing something unwise. At what point does Google’s responsibility end, and the users responsibility, (For themselves and their kids!) kick in? Some, (I), would say the moment you buy the $600 phone and activate it on the $79/mo service that you pay with using your own credit card.
Thank you!! So much of this is user-error. I mean, you were able to turn on a password before purchase for quite some time. You were even able to add a pin to prevent purchases at a time.
People don’t want to take the time to learn things. They want everything given to them. At this point, I think Google has done enough. There’s no way you can “accidentally” have a child purchase something they shouldn’t have. But people are cheap and try to find a way to get a quick buck. Smh
No need. Just being notified that there are IAPs is enough warning to notify me I don’t have to waste my time.
Truth!
With games, maybe. But a lot of apps make good use of IAP to unlock further functionality.
I want a setting on my profile to “never” show me apps with in-app purchases. I don’t care about the money part so much as I care about fair competition. How do I know I really advanced past Tom if he can pay for advancement?
Those games just plain suck.
Not everybody cares what Tom is doing.
True, and that is why you don’t have to use the Google Play Games app.