If you could sum up the decade in tech in one word, I’d probably choose ‘subscriptions’. While the internet has helped free up time and money for many in some ways, subscriptions are tech companies way of keeping you on the hook for longer, offering movies, television, games and music. But what started out as cost-effective way for consumers to consume entertainment has turned into an expensive, disorientating nightmare.
So naturally, Google wants in with its upcoming Play Pass.
Google has teased its Play Pass is on the way soon and if you’re not sure what that is, let us tell you a yarn.
It’s almost time ⏲️ Google Play Pass is coming soon. pic.twitter.com/vTbNmRehLm
— Google Play (@GooglePlay) September 9, 2019
Google Play Pass offers “access to hundreds of premium apps”, according to information sighted by Android Police. Google confirmed with Android Police the service was, indeed, in testing in July 2019.
[referenced url=”https://gizmodo.com.au/2019/08/google-is-testing-a-5-a-month-subscription-pass-for-play-store-apps-and-games-report/” thumb=”https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/t_ku-large/qe3rvbgo6zglijxhs2l8.jpg” title=”Report: Google Is Testing A $5-a-Month Subscription Pass For Play Store Apps And Games” excerpt=”It feels like a lifetime has passed since WWDC 2019 in early June, when Apple announced Apple Arcade, a monthly subscription service that gives users access to a curated list of games on the App Store. Now, while people continue to wait for Apple Arcade to go live later this spring, it seems Google is testing out something similar with its $5-a-month Google Play Pass.”]
For the monthly price of $US4.99 (no Australian pricing is available yet), the screenshots show, you’ll be able to access a catalogue of curated paid apps on the Google Play Store without ads. One example spotted was Stardew Valley, which usually retails for $12.99 on the store.
For anyone considering adding another subscription to their card, there’s no official word on a release other than ‘soon’. It’s possible it’ll be announced amidst all the Pixel 4 news but at this stage, it’s anyone’s guess.
It’s not the only one considering it. Apple plans to release its own version of the service, aptly titled Apple Arcade. Pricing and the exact release isn’t known, but more info is expected to be released during iPhone Day tomorrow morning Australian time.
Save our subscription-filled souls.