AIVAnet

Google Play Store update adds finer security control for app purchases

14 March 2014 14:30

Making it smoother for you to buy up all the in-app items you need (or make it harder for your kids to do the same), Google’s latest update to the Play Store is adding a new “Require password” settings option, as well as a more eye-catching in-app purchase reminder when applicable apps are downloaded. These security changes might well be in response to a recently-filed class action lawsuit against Google Play, and the ability for children to really ring up those in-app purchases within a 30-minute window. In the company’s defense, however, the default setting requires users to input their password for every app and in-app item.

Apple recently added an in-app purchase ~~nag~~ warning inside its iOS 7.1 update, noting that once the password has been entered, users won’t have to reenter it for 15 minutes. Google’s store update also adds the ability to batch-install apps (ready for that upgrade), although it’s curiously dropped the batch-uninstall function. The fight against bloatware might take a little longer next time.

Filed under: Internet, Software, Mobile, Google