Home Google Introduces One Pass, a Micropayment Service for Publishers

Google Introduces One Pass, a Micropayment Service for Publishers

Although there have been rumors of Google’s new micropayment system for publishers for some, the timing of this morning’s news couldn’t be better. Following Apple’s announcement yesterday that it was rolling out its new subscription service, a move that seems to have sparked debate, if not panic among publishers and developers, Google has responded today with a new option for publishers, one that seems to offer far better terms, control, and pricing.

Google has just introduced Google One Pass, a service that will let publishers set their own prices and terms for their online content.

According to the announcement, One Pass will allow publishers a range of options with which they can offer their content – via subscriptions, metered access, freemium models, coupon discounts, or even single article sales. Existing print subscribers can be given access to online material. “We take care of the rest,” says Google, including running the payments through Google Checkout.

Rather than the 30% cut that Apple will take with its new subscription plan, it appears as though Google is simply asking for the normal service charges associated with billing via Google Checkout (a 2% fee).

One Pass can be used for both Web and mobile content. So for readers, purchases via a One Pass publisher will give them the “buy once, read anywhere” – access to the material on all their devices via a single sign-on. (The devil is in the details, of course, as Google does say users can “access content on connected, browser-enabled devices and from mobile apps where the mobile OS terms permit publishers to access the web via the app for Google One Pass transaction or authentication services. Will that include iOS?)

Currently Google One Pass will be available for publishers in Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the U.K., and the U.S.

About ReadWrite’s Editorial Process

The ReadWrite Editorial policy involves closely monitoring the tech industry for major developments, new product launches, AI breakthroughs, video game releases and other newsworthy events. Editors assign relevant stories to staff writers or freelance contributors with expertise in each particular topic area. Before publication, articles go through a rigorous round of editing for accuracy, clarity, and to ensure adherence to ReadWrite's style guidelines.

Get the biggest tech headlines of the day delivered to your inbox

    By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy. Unsubscribe anytime.

    Tech News

    Explore the latest in tech with our Tech News. We cut through the noise for concise, relevant updates, keeping you informed about the rapidly evolving tech landscape with curated content that separates signal from noise.

    In-Depth Tech Stories

    Explore tech impact in In-Depth Stories. Narrative data journalism offers comprehensive analyses, revealing stories behind data. Understand industry trends for a deeper perspective on tech's intricate relationships with society.

    Expert Reviews

    Empower decisions with Expert Reviews, merging industry expertise and insightful analysis. Delve into tech intricacies, get the best deals, and stay ahead with our trustworthy guide to navigating the ever-changing tech market.