Will Paytm’s ‘Mini’ comeback give a major blow to Google?
2 min read
The Noida-based e-commerce payment system, Paytm, announced the launch of its Android Mini App Store. Paytm’s big move is said to be a retort to its temporary removal by Google. The payment unicorn stated that the Mini apps are custom-built mobile websites giving users an app-like experience without the hassle of downloading them. This saves up on the customers’ data and memory. Boon for the Mini apps is free of charge service of listing and distribution of the apps. The decision of the fintech start-up aims to forward the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission. Founder & CEO of Paytm, Vijay Sharma, proudly stated the launch of the Mini App Store would empower the youth of the country to leverage the reach of the platform and build innovative services.
The reason behind the brainchild:
Paytm envisions offering a digital infrastructure that would help Indian app developers and businesses alike. Low-cost, quick-to-build mini-apps, can be built using simple HTML and JavaScript technologies. India’s most popular platform for money transfer visualizes to keep the digital consumer spending within the country. Paytm is also in talks to conduct a conference on 8th October 2020 to make aspiring and potential developers understand how the Google Play Store alternative works.
Beneficiaries:
There are 300 apps that have been listed on the Mini App. A few of them are Domino’s, NetMeds, Decathlon, Ola, Rapido, FreshMenu, NoBroker, etc.
It is expected to materialize as a big boon for local businesses and start-ups who are not keen to shell out a fortune on big and complex apps.
These apps can induce savings by way of averting a 30% cut on the in-app purchases to Google.
Modes of payment:
The Indian payment platform provides multiple options for payments. Paytm wallet, Paytm Payments Bank account & UPI (at zero charges).
However, using credit cards and other instruments would attract a 2% charge. Paytm Mini App Store offers a host of other perks. Unique marketing tools are provided to developers to engage customers and broaden the user-base. The app store has been running in beta with select users. It has witnessed more than 12 million visits in September.
It will be interesting to see how Google reacts to Paytm’s bold move.
Do you think Paytm’s ‘Mini’ will enjoy its ‘Play’ with Google?
