In a move to challenge Google's dominance in India's app market, Walmart-owned fintech company PhonePe has launched the Indus Appstore. This Android-based store aims to offer users an alternative to Google's Play Store while also providing a more favorable environment for developers.
The Indus Appstore offers over 200,000 mobile applications and games in 12 Indian languages, meeting the diverse needs of India's large smartphone user base. Notable brands such as Microsoft, Amazon, and Meta have already listed their apps on the platform, indicating strong support from key players in the technology industry.
Introducing Indus Appstore
One of the Indus Appstore's main selling points is its developer-friendly terms. Developers will not be required to pay any application listing fees until April 2025, making it a low-cost way to reach a larger audience. Furthermore, developers are free to use any third-party payment gateway, giving them greater control over their revenue streams.
PhonePe's decision to waive developer fees and embrace third-party payment gateways is part of a larger trend of app developers opposing the perceived monopolistic practices of tech giants such as Google and Apple. PhonePe hopes to promote healthy competition in India's app ecosystem by providing an alternative platform with better terms.
"Indus Appstore challenges the status quo, ushering in an era of more healthy competition in the mobile app marketplace, which in turn should help create a more democratic and vibrant Indian digital ecosystem," Sameer Nigam, CEO and founder PhonePe, said in a statement.
However, Google apps are noticeably absent from the Indus Appstore, highlighting PhonePe's ongoing rivalry with the tech company. Despite this, PhonePe remains confident in its ability to attract users and developers, emphasizing the importance of giving consumers options and diversity in the app market.
"Indus Appstore embodies our commitment to building a truly inclusive digital ecosystem where every Indian user feels at home," the PhonePe CEO said.
In Other News
Meanwhile, in a separate but related development, Walmart has announced plans to buy Vizio, a leading smart TV manufacturer, for $2.3 billion. This strategic move aims to strengthen Walmart's media division and increase its presence in the rapidly evolving home entertainment sector.
Vizio's Smart TV operating system, SmartCast, and its advertising solutions business are expected to supplement Walmart's existing capabilities, allowing the retailer to provide innovative television and in-home entertainment experiences to its customers. Walmart also hopes to use Vizio's technology to create new opportunities for advertisers and drive revenue growth.
"We believe VIZIO's customer-centric operating system provides great viewing experiences at attractive price points. We also believe it enables a profitable advertising business that is rapidly scaling. ," said Seth Dallaire, executive vice president and chief revenue officer at Walmart U.S.
PhonePe's launch of the Indus Appstore and Walmart's acquisition of Vizio highlight the growing competitiveness of the tech and retail industries.
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