Google took the wraps off its new Play Pass subscription service, which is designed to challenge Apple’s recently launched Arcade by offering a bigger bundle of titles at the same price.
Rolling out to Android devices in the US this week, Play Pass includes access to more than 350 apps and games for $4.99 per month.
All Play Pass titles are offered without advertisements, the need for in-app purchases or upfront payments. Users will be able to browse apps and games in a new Play Pass tab in the Play Store.
Google noted the service includes a range of well- and lesser-known titles, spanning genres including puzzles, podcasts, child-friendly content and productivity apps. It said the mix aims to encourage users to explore experiences they might not otherwise.
The rollout follows a trial of the service in August [1] and comes days after Apple launched its Arcade subscription service [2] on 19 September.
Arcade offers access to more than 100 titles without ads or in-app purchases for $4.99 per month. Unlike Play Pass, Apple’s service is focused solely on gaming and requires ptitles to be made available exclusively to subscribers.
[1] https://www.mobileworldlive.com/featured-content/apps-home-banner/google-trials-app-subscription-service/[2] https://www.mobileworldlive.com/featured-content/home-banner/apple-goes-pro-with-iphone-11/
