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Friday, March 28, 2014

Google bans erotic apps from the Play Store according to new developer policies




Phandroid





Google bans erotic apps from the Play Store according to new developer policies



sexy girl apps Google Play


Call it a crack down, or just a little spring cleaning, but in an effort to keep the Play Store safe for users of all ages, Google is giving Android developers a heads up about some new changes arriving in their Google Play Developer Program policies.


The changes (which Google sent to developers via email) may sound small, but should have a big impact on many of the apps you come across on Google Play. Google’s always had a strong stance against sexually explicit material in the Play Store (it’s strictly prohibited), but today Google is stretching their definition to include even “erotic” content. You know those “Sexy Babes Wallpaper” apps always topping the free charts? Guess they’ll have to find a new home in the Amazon Appstore because Google ain’t having it.


Besides the banning of smut, Google is also introducing an entirely new policy they’re calling “App Promotion.” Here’s the new policy as found on the policies page:



App Promotion

Apps published on Google Play may not directly or indirectly engage in or benefit from the following behavior:



  • Promotion via deceptive ads on websites, apps or other properties, including simulated system, service, or app notifications or alerts.

  • Promotion or install tactics which cause redirection to Google Play or the download of the app without informed user action.

  • Unsolicited promotion via SMS services.


It is your responsibility to ensure that no ad network or affiliate uses such methods to direct users to pages that make your app available for download.


According to this new policy addition, if you’re a developer and your app shows up in a sketchy ad — no matter if it’s your fault or your ad network’s — your app could find itself removed from Google Play. Harsh? A little bit. But it seems Google’s finally had enough, and they’re now trying to clean up the Play Store’s image of being a safe haven for spam, spyware, or other junk.


In regard to in-app purchases, we recently saw the new badge (right below the app’s title) disclosing when an app contains in-app purchases. Google is taking it one step further by requiring that developers disclose in their Play Store listing when a particular feature (multiplayer for instance) requires an in-app purchase. Nice.


There’s also a lot of new stuff in there regarding ads and some new additions to their spyware section that addresses surveillance and tracking apps. Google warns that any new apps published to the Play Store after today will be immediately subject to these new policy changes, with apps already on Google Play having 15 days to comply with the update or face removal.


If you’re a developer looking for more information, you can view the Google Play Developer Program Policies page here.











ICYMI: HTC One M8, Office for iPad, Google on Windows Phone & more



The tech world was set ablaze this week by a ton of interesting happenings, the biggest of which was the launch of the all new HTC One M8 in New York City. There were a ton more, though, so let’s dive right into a convenient recap in case you missed any of it!


HTC One M8 launch


htc one m8 hands-on 2


This device debuted to mixed feelings by the Phandroid faithful, but the HTC One M8 is still one of the hottest devices we’ll see this year. It improves on the original HTC One in many ways, including a beefy Snapdragon 801 processor, a 5-inch 1080p display, louder BoomSound speakers and a secondary rear camera that gives you some interesting post-snap focus features. Missed any of our live on-scene coverage? Here’s a quick rundown of everything for your perusal:



And with the device in not only our hands, but everyone else’s at this point, there’s sure to be more to follow.


Amazon event next week


Amazon has an event going down next week, and they’ve already revealed it’s all about video. Recent rumors say we could be seeing some sort of multimedia set-top box or an HDMI dongle that can plug into the back of your TV like a Chromecast would.


amazon event


We imagine the main focus would be to allow you to watch your Amazon Instant Video content on the big screen, and perhaps give you access to other third-party services such as Netflix and Hulu. Amazon could also be looking to prep some gaming features, with rumors swirling that the online retailer has been looking to dabble in the interactive entertainment arena.


The 30-day Android Fitness Challenge!


fitness challenge featured


It’s Spring time, folks, and we’re sure a lot of people are looking to get fit after some winter hibernation. That’s why we thought you might enjoy a nice 30-day fitness challenge where we attempt to discover the best Android apps that can help you lose weight. We invite you guys to join in on the fun and suggest some great apps of your own!


Other big Android stories on Phandroid


There was much more going on this week around the Android world. Here’s but a small taste of some of the most interesting stories you might have missed this week:



Be sure to check out all of those great stories and more right here on Phandroid.com!


Elsewhere in mobile news…









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