Russians with Android devices are set to get an alternative to the Google Play Store on May 9 so they can start buying apps again.
With the sanctions against Russia hitting just about every sector (and forcing Russia to consider software piracy), anyone with an Android device in the country is unable to use Google Play to purchase apps anymore. This is because Google suspended all payment services earlier this month. As Reuters reports, this has spurred the development of an alternative.
The new store will be called NashStore, which translates as "OurStore" in English. It's the work of a Russian organization called Digital Platforms, and is set to launch on May 9. In Russia, May 9 is a holiday known as Victory Day which commemorates the surrender of the German Reich in 1945.
When asked why NashStore was being created, Vladimir Zykov, director of projects at Digital Platforms explained, "Unfortunately, Russians can no longer normally use Google Play to buy apps and developers have lost their source of income."
One key feature of NashStore will be its compatibility with Russian Mir bank cards, which should allow local developers to start earning money selling their apps again. However, where they are allowed to sell those apps will be extremely limited for the foreseeable future.