Tech Payments Digest: App Store Battles and Biometric Transactions

The digital payments landscape is seeing significant developments, particularly concerning app store policies and the introduction of new payment technologies. In a recent court order, Google has been given one week to improve the ease with which users can install third-party app stores on Google Play, addressing "anticompetitive" practices. This follows a broader legal dispute involving Epic Games, which has also seen Apple proposing a structure to collect fees on purchases made outside its in-app system, a move Epic argues is excessive.

Meanwhile, biometric payment technology is making inroads into Australian retail. A company is pushing for customers to pay using facial or palm-vein scans, aiming to expedite transactions. This innovation, marketed as a convenient alternative to traditional payment methods, suggests a future where identity verification and payment are seamlessly integrated into everyday shopping experiences.