In-app purchases is one particularly lucrative business model when it comes to modern day smartphones and tablets. First of all, a product (most probably a game) will get you hooked on the premise of its gameplay, and before you know it, you have exhausted all options of moving to the next level simply because you do not want to add any more damage to your credit card. However, seeing the rest of the gaming community forge ahead in terms of upgrades due to their in-game purchases, you yield in the end. Younger children and teens tend to stumble in this aspect, resulting in purchases that would result in a bill shock at the end of the month for their parents. There is some light at the end of the tunnel however, as Google recently settled with the FTC while offering at least $19 million in refunds to the masses.
Basically, if you happen to be eligible to receive such a refund, you would have received information from Google, including the necessary instructions so that you are able to apply for a refund. Apple fans, don’t laugh at Google, as Cupertino had to settle for $32.5 million. Amazon decided to go against the grain and fight such a lawsuit, and it remains to be seen whether that will have a happy ending for Amazon or not. [Press Release]