Google to reportedly launch Play Store in China next year

Reuters is reporting that Google is planning to launch a Chinese version of its Play Store sometime in 2016. Sources cited by the publication say that the launch could happen between February and early summer next year.

As per the report, it would be a completely localized product featuring local payments options including Alipay and WeChat Payment, with no connection to any overseas version of Google Play whatsoever.

The groundwork for the launch is already in progress, the report notes, adding that a successful launch would pave way for other Google products and services in the Asian country.

Of course, the Mountain View, California based company will have to comply with Chinese government's laws related to data storage and content filtering if it is to go ahead with the launch. So, if the report turns out to be true, it would be an important development given that the search giant pulled out of China five years ago in part over concerns about government surveillance.

Via