Google seems to have closed the possibility of enrolling in the program for testing beta versions of some of its Android applications. The reason for this choice is not yet clear; but for a few days now the Mountain View giant no longer gives access to new users.
The change of course comes after updates for many apps; from Clock to Google News through Play Books, YouTube Music and YouTube TV. Those who tried to sign up (apps that include beta test programs allow you to do it directly from the Play Store) were forced to deal with the message that underlined: ” Unable to participate, the beta program is over “.
Nothing changes for those who have already signed up: they should regularly receive automatic updates on the beta versions, the development process of which has not been interrupted at all and, indeed, seems to be experiencing a moment of pause on the subject of updates and the introduction of new features.
Google apps beta program
Some users did complain about this issue when they decided to stop participating in the beta program; and can’t get new access when making the request to return to join it. It is not yet clear whether this is a precise strategic choice or a bug that will get a fix.
Gizchina News of the week
Recently, Google intensified restrictive measures applied to the Russian market in response to the conflict with Ukraine. Since May 5 the Mountain View company has ordered the stop of uploads and updates of paid apps published in the Play Store. The measure comes after the blocking of the purchase of apps, games, subscriptions and app content via Google Play.
The new measure therefore prevents end users from downloading paid apps; while developers can only publish and update free apps, no longer paid ones. In March, Google specified that access to apps and games already downloaded or purchased continued to be allowed; but in light of the new restrictions, the ability to download an app that the users own also seems to experience troubles.
The Company stresses that the situation is rapidly evolving; therefore developers should periodically consult the official support page; to determine if the conditions for the lifting of the restrictions exist. Meanwhile, he advises developers to take some measures in order not to excessively penalize end users; for example by postponing the renewal of subscriptions; up to the maximum term allowed by the Play Store rules (1 year); or, in the case of apps that provide a service of fundamental importance, deciding to make them free as long as the restrictions remain.
