Those who are close to their family members know that sharing is caring. Now, Google is bringing this idea to its Play Store in order to allow families to share apps and various content across devices.
Previously announced back in March, Google finally announced the official launch of its Family Library program.
Much like Apple's Family Sharing plan, which has been around since 2014, Google Family Library allows families to share their Google Play Store purchases across their devices. The program lets family members share apps, games, movies, TV shows or books that were purchased with up to six different family members' accounts across multiple devices.
There are several reasons why families will love this new program.
First of all, Google Play Family Library is completely free. It costs nothing to start viewing other family members' content, which ultimately comes down to households saving money on the amount of purchases they make on their devices.
For example, if a parent allows their child to purchase a new mobile game for the month they wanted, that title can now be shared among their siblings. If someone purchases content to watch episodes of season 6 of Game of Thrones or Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, or a new book to read while traveling like Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, all six family members can view the content at their own time.
This means each individual family member doesn't have to rack up their credit cards, and instead be entertained by apps, games and video content that was already purchased by one of the family members.
After setting up Family Library, the main account holder will enter in the credit card information they want to use for all family purchases. Adults will then have to first approve purchases younger members attempt to make. There is also the option for other members to make purchases using their own credit card or a gift card — perfect for teens whose parents say no or other adults in the family who don't want to abuse one credit card multiple times.
Another reason to love the Family Library sharing feature from Google Play is that the purchased content can be viewed across multiple devices — and we aren't just talking about Android smartphones and tablets. Users will be able to also access the titles on laptops via the web, Android and some other smart TVs, and even iOS devices.
When using Family Library, the user can also decide to share items with the entire family, select members or keep content to themselves by toggling to enable or disable the sharing feature. This is beneficial for parents who don't want their kids having access to adult shows or music and parents who don't need children's content cluttering their mobile devices.
Google Play Family Sharing, at its core, is a lot like its family sharing plan for Google Play Music, although this program is completely independent. However, Google announced its music streaming service family plan is expanding to now be available in Ireland, Italy, Mexico and New Zealand. Users in these areas can now sign up for the plan on the web or their Android devices, which allows up to six family members to stream music for just $14.99. One subscription to the service costs $9.99.
Family Sharing from the Google Play Store will begin rolling out in the U.S., UK, Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico and New Zealand over the "next few days." Those interested can sign up here.
Source: Google
