Google Play

Google Play is a platform for the purchase of music and movie files, e-books, games and apps that can be used with a web browser and mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. The system is being developed by Google Inc.

Development of Google Play

The platform was launched in October 2008 under the name "Android Market". In March 2012, the company renamed the market Google Play. At the same time, the Google services Music, Movies and Books were integrated. This has expanded the previous range of applications to include music, movies and books.

In August 2013, the Google Play Store was able to offer more than one million apps for the first time.By May 2013, more than 48 million downloads had already been processed via Google Play and the Android Market.

Functions of Google Play

The Google Play software is mainly used on smartphones and tablets with Android operating system, but is also available on normal computers. This platform enables users to purchase, download, install and automatically update apps free of charge. Most of the available apps are programmed by third parties. Via Google Play Movies, users can buy or rent movies, either in SD or HD quality.

Google Books provides millions of books digitized and free of charge. You can also download paid e-books via the service. With Google Play Music, users have a helpful music manager that can store up to 20,000 songs. Through the connection to the Google Play Store, the collection can be continuously expanded. Google Play Games allows players to share their scores between Android and Apple devices, as well as web-based applications, and share them through the Google Plus profile.

Paying in Google Play

For a long time, it was only possible to pay by credit card in the Google Play Store via the Google Wallet. Later, payment could be made via T-Mobile, Vodafone and o2. In addition, you can use a Google Play Gift Card to pay for it.

Advantages of Google Play

Google Play has a number of advantages for the user:

• More than one million available apps
• Easy administration of apps via the available web content
• Create wish lists possible
• Refunds for wrong purchases
• Testing of submitted applications for malware

Criticism of Google Play

Google Play also comes under constant criticism. The lack of content verification allows for more diverse apps on the market, but there are also a lot of apps that are only partially functional or offer limited added value. Many users also find the fact that the user requires a Google Account to use the Google Play Store inconvenient. In addition, the platform can install or delete applications on the user’s device without prior consultation with the user.

Google Play for Developers

If a developer wants to offer an app via Google Play, they must first register for a registration fee of 25 US dollars. Before a submitted app is unlocked, the identity of the developer is checked and the software is checked for malware. Google Play retains 30 percent of the sales proceeds (transaction fee).

Significance for Search Engine Optimization

In order to ensure that published apps appear as high as possible in Google Play's search results, optimization measures can be taken here in the same way as in the search engine. Relevant are among others:

• Search engine friendly app names
• Optimization of the app description
• Installing a video preview
• Integration of social media and rating buttons
• Offering versions optimized for smartphones and tablets
• Link to the app with speaking Anchor tags