Google Inc. has been pushing applications and mobile game developers to use its payment service, Google Wallet, as the Internet search giant tries to emulate the financial success of Apple Inc’s iOS platform.
Developers, Executives and Investors in mobile gaming and payment sectors claimed that Google warned several developers in recent months that if they continued to use other payment methods, their apps would be removed from Android Market, now known as Google Play.
Hugo Troche, Chief Executive, Appsperse said, "Although this move by Google might seem high-handed, it reduces the friction for purchases inside Android apps and therefore makes users more valuable."
A Google spokesman declined to comment.
Si Shen, Founder & Chief Executive, Papaya said, "They told people that if they used other payment services they would be breaking the terms of use. Whether it’s right or wrong, we have to follow the rules. Papaya placed social games on Android more than two years ago. At that time, the search company’s payment service - now known as Google Wallet - was not available for Android app payments.
She said, "Papaya used PayPal, owned by eBay Inc, and Zong, a mobile payments company that has since been acquired by eBay. Papaya has now dropped PayPal and Zong in favor of Google Wallet for in-app billing. If we had a choice, the freedom to choose which billing service, then that’s even better. But if we have to follow the rules, we will. I want to maintain a very good relationship with Google. We are very collaborative. It’s very important to the business."
