Google Unclogging the Play Store

Google is introducing several updates to its Play Store developer program policy -  including tightening restrictions on rip-off apps. Any apps with names or icons that are 'confusingly similar' to others on the service - the Instagrans and Angy Birds of this world - will be removed from the store.

Also among the changes were Apple-style restrictions on app purchases, making it impossible to charge for apps - or the majority of in-app purchases -using anything other than Google Play's own payment system.

Google also seems to be clamping down on dangerous products and practices that violate the Play Store's spam policy, and is also introducing a stringent new Ad Policy.

The changes were announced in an email to Android app developers.  "We are constantly striving to make Google Play a great community for developers and consumers," reads the email. "This requires us to update our policies when we launch new features, like subscription billing, and also when we see unhealthy behavior, like deceptive app names and spammy notifications."