When was the last time anyone in today's world who identifies as “Gen-Z” went to the library for research purposes? Whenever we need to know anything out of curiosity, for a project, or even want to win a bet, our immediate instinct is to use Google. So much so that “Google it” has now become a phrase used in daily life. Each one of us is eternally grateful to Larry Page and Sergey Brin every single day. This generation is not cut out to sit in the library for hours to look for information for a school project. Now, a platform that is so widely used by all must be making revenue in some manner, considering they are a well-established company with over 150k employees and will only keep growing. Like any other online platform, their primary source of income is through advertisements. If you try googling anything right now, there is a high chance that the first few websites that appear are paying to be there. Another source of income is through the Google Play Store. This is the application via which most Android users download pretty much any app onto their phone. When an app is launched on the Play Store, it must pay a $25 (Rs. 2000) fee.
Additionally, Google also demands 30% of the revenue from the app. This is a rather significant amount, especially for someone who is just getting started. This 30% is deducted from every single sale that occurs via your app. Even Netflix diverts you to their website to forego paying this considerable sum to Google. This seems deeply unfair, but Google is almost a monopoly at this point, and they know their worth very well.
This is precisely where our good old friend PhonePe steps in this time, not in the form of a QR code at your local supermarket. They have developed an app called Indus, which overcomes the drawbacks of Google Play Store. This app promises not to charge any fee on in-app purchases as well as allowing you to launch your app here for free for a whole year. PhonePe recognizes that the crowd may not be ready to switch due to Google's reputation, even if they are empathetic about the huge fee that app owners must pay. They plan to conquer this obstacle by partnering with phone manufacturers to make Indus a pre-downloaded app on Android phones. This is a somewhat aspirational plan, but it is in the best interest of both app developers and consumers, which is why it is currently in the works.
The Indus Appstore has garnered significant traction, amassing over one lakh downloads within three days of its debut. This accomplishment resonates amidst the prevailing era of prospering startups, wherein endeavors thrive, each aspiring to assert its distinct offering in the global arena. In response to this flourishing landscape, the Indus Appstore has instituted an exclusive platform called "Launch Pad" tailored to nurture startups and facilitate the introduction of novel applications. This dedicated space is poised to expand visibility and enhance search engine optimization for emerging applications, fostering a favorable environment for their growth. In addition to providing a platform for debutant applications, the Indus Appstore offers many invaluable resources to empower developers to unlock their full potential. This includes real-time analytics, comprehensive industry insights, and meticulous competitor analysis, all geared towards equipping developers with the requisite tools to thrive in the dynamic app ecosystem. The auspicious inauguration of this initiative by the Honorable Minister of Information Technology and Telecommunications, Ashwini Vaishnaw, on the 21st of February 2024, underscores an optimistic outlook towards the future trajectory of Indus.
Indeed, the launch of the Indus Appstore marks the inaugural stride in India's trajectory towards realizing its complete potential in this domain. It symbolizes our steadfast commitment to fostering indigenous innovation and advancing the 'Make in India' aspirations.
Picture Credits - https://images.app.goo.gl/KCeJws41ijbGfC1E9
Comments