We heard a lot of news at today's event at Google, and one thing many have been waiting for is in-app purchases. These will allow for things like buying songs, upgrading to premium versions of apps, add extra levels or content, and provide a way to use virtual currency.
Disney Mobile showed off several things today, including in-app purchasing to buy a song for their upcoming Tap Tap Revenge for Android application, and it looks to be integrated really well and should provide a seamless way for end users to enhance their applications, as well as provide developers with a way to generate more income. We all know that happy, well fed developers make for a robust Marketplace and happy users, so we can't wait to see it!
Reader comments
In-app purchasing comes to Android apps
Seems to me that the Amazon Kindle app had in-app purchases for quite a while now. Purchases went direct to Amazon, and Google wasn't involved.
I sure hope Google doesn't try the money grab that Apple is now pulling for in-app purchases by demanding vendors use the Google solution instead of their own.
You've made a distinction without a difference.
How is buying yet another book to use with the Kindle app different than buying yet another level to use with a game app?
I don't need an account with the game maker is the only difference I see, which matters more to the game maker (less infrastructure) than to me. But this makes for more Ca-Ching-ware. Suck you for free or cheap, then start charging for levels. Back in the day, would you have bought Doom / Quake if sold on this model?
I don't need an account with a developer either and won't be paying for any game "levels". Trusting Google checkout was a stretch for me. I'm not trusting some developer with any of my banking or personal information. No thanks. Google Checkout had better not be removed as an option.
Tap Tap revenge is a game my kids love on the ipod touch and they love it. Its nice to see some more high profile games coming to Android. Im glad for developers in app purchasing is coming as it does encourage more development in the platform.
I expect a lot more "free" games with in-app unlocks or micro transactions.
In app purchasing? YAY!! NOT. No thanks. Google checkout works fine for me. I hope they don't remove that option any time soon.
Well that sucks.