Google has announced at Google IO 2016 that they are bringing a new Family Library feature to the Google Play Store in July.
The Family Library feature on Google Play will allow you to share your purchases with members of your family, this will be default unless specific developers opt out of the program.
How Family Library Works
When the feature launched on the 2nd of July 2016, up to six people in the same family will be able to share their apps that they have purchased on Google Play. This means that if one family member buys an app, game, movie, TV show, or book, it can be shared with other family members without them having to purchase it again. This can lead to significant savings for families who frequently buy digital content.
The Family Library is designed to be user-friendly. Once a family group is set up, the family manager can add or remove members and manage payment methods. Each family member can choose which items they want to share and which they want to keep private. This flexibility ensures that personal purchases remain personal while shared content is easily accessible to all family members.
Developer Participation and Opt-Out
It will be interesting to see how many developers decide to opt out of this feature. While the default setting is for purchases to be shareable, developers have the option to exclude their apps from the Family Library. This could be due to various reasons, such as licensing agreements or concerns about revenue loss. However, many developers may see the benefit of increased exposure and potential new users through family sharing.
For developers who choose to participate, the Family Library could lead to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty. Families are more likely to purchase apps and content if they know it can be shared, potentially leading to higher overall sales. Additionally, developers can still monetize through in-app purchases and subscriptions, which are not shared through the Family Library.
Benefits and Potential Challenges
The introduction of the Family Library brings several benefits. For families, it means cost savings and convenience. Parents can buy educational apps for their children without having to purchase multiple copies. Similarly, a single purchase of a popular game can be enjoyed by all family members. This feature also promotes a sense of sharing and togetherness within the family unit.
However, there are potential challenges as well. One concern is the management of shared content. Families will need to ensure that shared content is appropriate for all members, especially younger children. Google Play provides parental controls and content filters to help manage this, but it requires active participation from parents.
Another challenge is the potential for reduced revenue for developers. If a significant number of developers opt out, it could limit the availability of shareable content, reducing the overall appeal of the Family Library. Google will need to balance the interests of developers and users to ensure the success of this feature.
The Family Library feature on Google Play is a promising addition that offers numerous benefits for families. It promotes sharing, saves money, and enhances the overall user experience. As the launch date approaches, it will be interesting to see how developers and users respond to this new feature. We will have more information closer to the launch in July.
Source Android Police
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