Google Play Family Library feature goes live (eg Photo apps)

If you are using Google Play Android apps, including the gazillion photo apps there, and you have multiple family members and/or your own multiple Google accounts, you may be able to share those apps with other family members and Google accounts with the new Google Play Family Library and not have to purchase them individually for each person/account.

What exactly qualifies is NOT straightforward. It depends on the type of content, when it was purchased, the wishes of the maker, and how it was purchased. You can de-tangle the mess by reading the Support page.

For apps, which includes the camera and photo apps, here’s an annotated screenshot of the relevant terms:

google_play_family

Music is not eligible because Google sells a separate Music Family plan with a reasonable price of $15/month for up to six people (it’s $10/mo for one person). Newsstand (eg magazine subscriptions verified through the publisher or purchased directly) are NOT eligible either. Books depend on the publisher’s wishes. Movie and TV purchases are good but not rentals. Your soul will definitely be shared with Google so it can sell you Adsense ads in the afterlife 😉