Google has launched a service to make it easy for publishers to sell digital versions of newspapers and magazines, a day after Apple announced a controversial subscription plan for media sold through its application store.
Google said its new One Pass service allows publishers to sell content that consumers can view on Web sites as well as in specialized apps designed for smartphones and tablet PCs.
Publishers can charge for content in a variety of ways, including subscriptions, metered access, and sales of single articles, Google said in a post on its company blog today.
The service also lets publishers provide existing print subscribers with free or discounted access to digital content, Google said.
Yesterday, Apple introduced a long-awaited subscription plan for media companies that provide content in specialised apps for iPad and iPhone users.
The service allows Apple to keep 30 per cent of customer payments to any publisher with a presence in its App Store. The service also lets consumers decide how much personal data to supply publishers when they sign up for subscriptions. Analysts have said Apple's new plan risks angering content developers.
Google is expected to take a 10 per cent commission cut for its One Pass service. In its blog post, Google said the service lets publishers set their own prices and terms for their content.
Google said that One Pass is currently available for publishers in Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK and the US.
Reuters