Google is looking to follow in Apple's footsteps and simplify its app store—and that means pushing developers to change their payment systems. The search giant is calling on developers to drop PayPal and other methods in favor of Google Wallet. And, according to several developers, it's been telling them that if they don't comply, their apps will be dropped from Google Play—the service formerly known as Android Market, Reuters reports. That could pose a problem for some: Google takes a bigger cut of Wallet sales than other companies take from their payment systems.
But developers are hoping that any financial damage from Google Wallet will be counterbalanced by an increase in customer purchases. The one-size-fits-all payment system could encourage more sales, they say. "This is one of the things that has helped Apple succeed," says a games maker. "Every single developer is using the Apple payment system. Google sees the benefits that provides for the Apple platform and wants to create a similar system." (More Google stories.)