Russian developers have developed an alternative to the Google Play Store and will launch it on May 9. The date is Russia"s Victory Day, a national holiday that celebrates the country"s victory in the second world war. The alternative store was developed after Google suspended all payment-based services in Russia earlier this month, asking developers to make critical apps free instead.
"Unfortunately, Russians can no longer normally use Google Play to buy apps, and developers have lost their source of income," said Vladimir Zykov, director of projects at Digital Platforms, an organization focused on digital development in a statement to Reuters. "This is why we have created a Russian app shop, NashStore," he added.
NashStore translates to "OurStore" in English. According to the developers, it will serve the Russian Android devices and will also be compatible with the Russian Mir bank cards.
On Victory Day, Russia traditionally holds a display of its military power with a parade that passes through Moscow"s Red Square. The event commemorates the anniversary of the Soviet Union"s victory over Nazi Germany in WWII.
Source: Reuters