Google will now let you share apps and content with your family
Google Family Library will do what the name suggests, letting you share Google Play purchases with up to five family members.
Google already had a system in place for sharing Google Play Music accounts, with its $17.99/month Google Play Music family plan, but it’s today expanding that concept into the other content areas it sells through Google Play. Google Family Library will cover apps, games, movies, TV shows and books with up to five additional nominated "family" members.
Unlike the music plans, Google Family Library doesn’t incur any additional cost; you simply have to sign up and nominate your family members with a central payment credit card. Other family members can elect to pay for purchases with additional payment methods. Children (or presumably irresponsible adults) can also be set as requiring permission for app purchases, so your bank account isn’t drained buying excessive quantities of virtual Pokéballs.
There are a few limitations to keep in mind, however. Family Library doesn’t extend to movie rentals, or any music or newsstand purchases. Books can be added, but not any public domain works or personal documents. The rights for certain other material may be restricted, in which case the Family Library icon -- a heart within a house -- won’t be present. Family members can’t be members of multiple Family Library groups, and they have to provide their own Google account credentials. Family Library members also have to be over 13 years of age.
Family Library will roll out to Australia over the next couple of days according to Google.
Image: Shutterstock
