The Google Play Store already warns you ahead of time if you’re about to download a “free” app that uses in-app purchases to generate revenue. However, it seems the company is about to take things a step further and actually detail the pricing of those in-app purchases in the Play Store.
Android Authority reports that as of September 30th, the company will be detailing prices of subscription and in-app purchases on an app’s listing within the Play Store. It doesn’t look like there will be specific figures, rather Google will post the price range of the in-app purchases.
Aside from calling out apps that require you to purchase add-ons to advance or make full use of their features, this upcoming change could go a long way towards ensuring great games that don’t exploit the in-app purchases model don’t scare people off because they’ve been labeled with ‘offers in-app purchases.’
Another potentially more damaging change for developers is a requirement that developers publish their street address for users to see. Android Authority says that this change will also be coming into play at the end of this month and will apply to all developers, even if they don’t have an office address and have to use their own home address.
“Beginning September 30, 2014, you need to add a physical address to your Settings page. After you’ve added an address, it will be available on your app’s detail page to all users on Google Play,” Google is quoted as saying. “If your physical address changes, make sure to update your information on your Settings page.”
Google goes on to say that this only applies to those with paid apps or apps that offer IAPs. In other words, if you’re an independent developer without a physical office address, you’ll have to make your home address available to the general public. If you don’t want to receive mail (or visits) from those downloading your app, you’ll have to make your app totally free. Bummer.
Google also just recently changed its refund policy to allow users more time to “return” an app they’ve paid for if they decide they’re not happy with their purchase. Previously, Google only offered a 15-minute window. Now, users can hit the refund button for up to two hours.
[source]Android Authority 1, 2[/source]
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