Google’s crackdown on in-app billing on Android has resulted in changes to quite a few apps. Now, the main Amazon Shopping app for Android has removed the ability to purchase digital content on Android.
As reported by BBC, the Amazon Shopping app for Android has removed the ability to purchase digital content with the app. Amazon directly confirmed that this change is due to Google Store policy, referring to Google’s crackdown on the use of Google Play billing in apps distributed through the Play Store, in turn charging a 30% cut of revenue over $1 million annually. Smaller developers only get a 15% cut.
This includes purchasing books for Kindle, which Amazon now tells users to do either through its website or through the Kindle app. The Kindle app still supports e-book purchases within the app, but it’s unclear why that app, in particular, is exempt from all of Google’s policies.
Digital movies and other content can still be streamed through the Amazon app, but cannot be purchased. However, the app is still fully able to purchase physical goods, complete with Amazon’s built-in billing tools. Amazon holds the same behavior in its iOS app, and Amazon said it “carefully considered” the change.
In recent weeks, the Barnes & Noble Nook app and Hulu have also removed in-app purchases and billing over Google’s crackdown.
More on Google Play:
- Hulu removes new sign-ups and free trials from its Android apps on phones and TVs
- Audible, Barnes & Noble Nook remove in-app purchases on Android over tightened Google rules
- Google requiring Android apps on the Play Store to use its IAP billing system next year
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