Last week, Indians witnessed chaos between Paytm and Google when the latter took down the Paytm app from Google Play Store. With the Indian Premier League starting a few weeks back, many companies and their respective apps have unlocked new features and cricket-themed prizes. Paytm also launched such cricket-themed cashback for its customers which led Google to accuse it of sports betting. After the Paytm app was back again in the Play Store, the current CEO and co-founder of Paytm, Vijay Shekhar Sharma accused Google of being biased and it was just a move put resistance to Paytm’s new user growth.
Paytm has given Google a very bold comeback yesterday by launching its own Mini App Store. The company decided to open its app store to help and grow Indian developers giving them a lot of scopes to establish their business and grow. Vijay further said that they are proud to create such an amazing opportunity for every Indian developer. It will be a good experience for both the developers and Paytm users.
Paytm big move
Before last week, Google has accused Paytm a few times of sports betting and not going by the guidelines. But, after what happened the last time, Vijay has not taken the accusation lightly. Currently, the two companies are on a battlefield and yesterday Paytm played its big move. Paytm launched its Android mini app store for the Indian developers. In this time of such an economic crisis, every person should try and make the best of the time and try to stabilize the economy. Given that the new start-ups and small businesses are significant contributors to GDP, this is a well-played move indeed.
Advantages for the Indian developers
According to the company, these mini-apps can be made using HTML and JavaScript and run within two weeks only. Two developers can complete the integration of the web within a small period. The company also says that these apps will act more like websites for the time being and not full-fledged apps. The mini-apps will also help users save their memory and data as well. For the Paytm users, they don’t need to download an additional app to access these new mini-apps.
Regarding the payment options, the Paytm Wallet, Paytm Payments Bank, and UPI are already incorporated in the system. To use these payment systems, zero percent fees are charged which is a huge advantage for the developers. There is also an option for payment with a credit card, debit card, and net banking but a 2% along with GST will be added. Using this platform of Paytm’s the young developers can reach out to more people and also take the advantage of leveraging Paytm’s payment system.
Disappointed in Google’s action
It is clearly understood that even if Paytm wasn’t planning to launch its mini play store or maybe not anytime soon, Google triggered the decision. But, with the gambling policies enforced on the apps present in Google Play Store, many other companies are also disappointed with Google’s action. The new guidelines from Google have also resulted in withdrawing sport-based cashback offers from Zomato and Swiggy. India is a land of cricket lovers and this new offer brought in many fresh customers especially due to IPL. But, unfortunately, the offer has now been taken off the websites leading to a decrease in new users.
High potential success
It is time to focus on what the future awaits. The company expects the rolling out of the Paytm mini app store to be a big hit. Indian developers should see this as a humungous opportunity as it also falls under the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission drive. It would be a huge benefit for both the local business and the Indian economy if every small start-up goes digital. Moreover, Indians are also showing interesting in buying from local retailers thus supporting small businesses. Paytm already has around 300 mini-apps in the Paytm and soon the numbers will increase. Some of the apps include Ola, Rapido, Domino’s, NetMeds, etc.
Since this is a new feature rolled out by Paytm, it will hold a conference on 8th October 2020 to help understand the developers how this works. Now, let us just wait and watch how far it can give a tough competition to Google.
Annasha Dey is an NIT student, who apart from studying engineering is also a content writer. She has a great interest in photography, writing, reading novels, and travelling as well. She is a foodie who loves socializing and hanging out with her friends. She is also a trained Kathak dancer and a big fashion enthusiast. Dey also loves watching TV series, which includes F.R.I.E.N.D.S. and Big Bang Theory. To be a better writer she prefers to read more