TECH CRUNCH – Google has filed a new motion to the court in its antitrust battle with Epic Games and Match Group, where it claims that Match Group owes additional fees beyond the $40M that had been previously set aside in escrow. Those funds are Google's cut of Match's in-app payments on Google Play that Match argues are "illegal under federal and state law" – something the court case will decide. By Google's calculations, the new figure should total ~$84M instead, based on Match's public earnings. The escrow account was one of a handful of concessions from Google to get Match to drop a temporary restraining order it filed after first suing Google, accusing the tech giant of wielding unfair monopoly power in its Google Play Store. Google also committed to not rejecting or deleting Match-owned dating apps from the Play Store for providing alternative payment options. As part of this agreement, Match was to place up to $40M in the escrow account in lieu of paying fees directly to Google for the in-app payments that take place outside of Google Play's own payment system while the courts decide whether or not the commissions Google charges app developers on in-app purchases are legal.
Category: Outlets – Tech Crunch
Tinder Trials AI Features
TECH CRUNCH – Tinder is trialling an AI feature that chooses the best photos to represent a user in their dating profile. Match Group CEO, Bernard Kim, explained that AI can help users build more accurate profiles efficiently. The company is also testing other AI capabilities, such as content surfacing, and potentially using generative AI to assist users in writing their bio. However, they remain aware of the need to balance this with maintaining authenticity and addressing ethical and privacy concerns. This comes as part of a broader trend, with various dating apps integrating AI to improve user experience, from chat features to dating advice tools.
Tinder to Launch a ‘High-end’ Membership This Fall
TECH CRUNCH – Tinder is planning to launch a new premium membership, called "Tinder Vault", and a product refresh designed for Gen Z users. The premium membership will cost $500 per month and offer additional benefits beyond the existing offerings, making it an exclusive experience. This move was inspired by the acquisition of the high-end dating app, The League. Additionally, Tinder's product refresh will feature prompts, quizzes, conversation starters, and AI algorithms to improve user experiences.
Bumble BFF Is Officially a Separate App
Match Launches New Live in-app Event Called ’72 Hours’
TECH CRUNCH – Match.com is introducing a time-sensitive feature called "72 Hours" to foster more meaningful connections among its users. The feature, available weekly, allows users to message potential matches for three days before the conversation vanishes. During the designated time frame, members can select nearby profiles on a map and start conversations in hopes of making weekend plans with the other person before time runs out. Initially available in New York, the feature will gradually roll out nationwide. The idea behind "72 Hours" is to combat conversations that never move beyond the app and eventually die out.
Teaser’s AI Dating App Turns User Into a Chatbot
TECH 
CRUNCH – Teaser AI is a new dating app developed by the team behind Dispo, a photo-sharing app. The app allows users to chat with AI versions of potential matches before swiping right or left. The AI tries to imitate users' personalities based on their answers to personality questions and their chat interactions. The goal is to provide an icebreaker for conversations and facilitate in-person meetings. The app limits AI conversations to five back-and-forth messages and prevents unsavory or overly intimate interactions. Teaser focuses on anti-ghosting and encourages users to have meaningful conversations. The app also offers a subscription option with additional features. While the concept is intriguing, some users may find the AI conversations less engaging over time. The app is still new, and user behavior may evolve.
Match Group Debuts Archer, a New Face-first Gay Dating App for Men
TECH CRUNCH – Match Group is introducing Archer, a new gay dating app specifically designed for gay, bi, and queer men. Unlike other hookup apps, Archer combines dating app features with social media elements to encourage deeper self-expression. It will launch in New York in June, followed by LA, Washington DC, and a nationwide rollout within a year. The app emphasizes safety by requiring users to display profile photos with faces and employing AI to auto-blur potential nudity in chats.
Tinder Will Remove Social Handles From Profiles
TECH CRUNCH – Tinder is updating its community guidelines in a bid to keep the dating app safe and respectful. As part of the updates, Tinder will automatically remove social handles from bios and discourage users from posting private conversations with their matches on other platforms. In addition, Tinder is making it clear that an account should be for a single person, and that users in poly and open relationships should create separate accounts for each partner.
Match Says It’s ‘Very Possible’ Apple-Epic Ruling Could Result in App Store Fee Relief
TECH CRUNCH – Match Group believes that the recent Apple-Epic Games antitrust appeals ruling may result in fee relief for developers on the App Store. Match Group's President and CFO, Gary Swidler, pointed to various battles Apple has been facing, including the recent antitrust investigation in the U.K. and the E.U.'s Digital Markets Act, which will impact App Store fees. Swidler suggested that Apple would have to decide whether it wanted to rethink its policies on a global basis or continue to set specific rules for each region. Match expects to see some sort of decision related to these questions over the next 12 months.
Google Tests New Play Store Ad Slot
TECH CRUNCH – Google is testing a new advertising slot on the Play Store. The new ad slot, similar to one Apple introduced two years ago, appears when Android users access the Play Store's search menu. While the slot previously contained personalized app suggestions, it now includes labeled ads. The tests have been observed in several global markets, indicating a broader testing phase. Google's move could boost its revenue from Play Store ads, especially considering recent concessions on Play Store commissions due to regulatory pressures. Although Google has not disclosed the size of its Play Store Ads business, it's expected to be substantial, given the platform's estimated revenue of $48B in 2021.
