Google announces “Half the fee if WearOS and Android Auto are integrated” program

In order to promote the development of WearOS, an operating system for smartwatches, and Android Auto, a navigation app, Google has launched Play Media Experience, a developer program that reduces Google Store fees from 30% to 15% when new Android apps and WearOS are integrated. Started the Play Media Experience Program.

Both Android Google Play and iOS App Store set a 30% fee. There are criticisms that such fees are too high. In response to these demands, Google announced a strategy to cut fees charged to less than $1 million in annual revenue to 15% in March 2021.

This strategy targets apps with less than $1 million in revenue, which account for 99% of the App Store. The newly announced program mainly targets popular apps with more than $1 million in sales. Qualification requirements include 100,000 or more app installations per month on Google Play.

If you look at the specific qualification requirements, it mainly provides paid video, audio or text content, and has more than 100,000 app installations per month on Google Play. It must provide a high-quality user experience, have a high Google Play rating, have a good developer account, and integrate specific Google platforms and APIs depending on the type of media content. In addition, separate requirements are added for each category such as video, audio, and books.

First, in the case of video applications, the content is to provide mainly living room video programs such as movies and TV programs, sports broadcasts, and news broadcasts. The required integration features are Android TV and Google TV, and cross-device playback or login integration with the Cast platform. User benefits include smart recommendations that make it easy to find content, and ease of sign-in.

Next, the audio application provides flat-rate premium music audio content, and platform integration is Wear OS and Android Auto, Android TV and Google Cast platform integration. The user benefit is cross-device content discovery and continuous viewing.

The book application provides premium books, audiobooks and comics, and the platform integration is an entertainment space optimized for tablets and smartphones, and Android Auto integration with WearOS for audiobook apps. User benefits are improved reading experience and improved content discovery and re-engagement in entertainment spaces.

App developers who meet the above requirements can apply for a fee reduction on the forum. After the application is passed, not only will the fee be reduced, but you will also receive benefits such as discovery and improved participation. Related information can be found here.