Google Play Pass Adds 37 More Apps to Monthly Subscription Service

By: Bryan Tropeano

When Google Play Pass launched in September, it was the company’s answer to a worldwide trend toward monthly subscription services. The $4.99-per-month service allows Android users access to a large number of apps without having to pay for them individually.

Of course, things wouldn’t be interesting without some conflict, and it just so happens Play Pass isn’t the only game in town. Apple announced its own plan, Apple Arcade, and launched in the same month as Google’s app subscription service.

Knowing that they’re going toe-to-toe with one of their fiercest competitors, Google has added 37 more apps and games to the 350+ already available with Play Pass. If they continue this trend of regularly expanding the number of apps available as part of the service, they can give Apple a run for their money.

The new additions include 9 apps and 28 games. Subscribers will now have access to convenient apps like Word Search, Podcast Republic, Sketchbook and Money Manager Expense & Budget. For the more light-hearted subscriber looking for some fun and entertainment, new games include Cut the Rope, Traffix, Jurassic World – Dinosaurs, Gem Miner 2 and Pinball Flipper Classic 11in1.

One of the criticisms lobbed at Play Pass when it launched was that it didn’t provide enough in the way of apps and games. 350 might seem like a lot, but when a good chunk of them are throwaways that you wouldn’t even download for free, it kind of undercuts the entire service.

By adding a number of apps just two months in, several of which are popular (Cut the Rope for example) it shows signs of building, and if they keep it up, they can prove to be a worthwhile service.

With a collection of over 400 apps and games now available as part of Play Pass, Apple Arcade is going to have to step up their game to stay in the running. Their resident app subscription service only boasts 100 titles.

Yes, they’ve got Sonic Racing, but still.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Bryan Tropeano is a senior producer and a regular reporter for NewsWatch.  He lives in Washington D.C. and loves all things Tech.