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Google officially launches in-app billing on Android Market

Set-up rolls out of testing

Google officially launches in-app billing on Android Market
As predicted only a matter of days ago, Google has officially launched its in-app billing set-up for Android Market.

The new framework, which the firm has talked up since the start of 2011, was opened up to developers last week to enable studios to both employ and test in-app purchases within their titles.

Said apps can now be published on Android Market, letting customers finally get to grips with virtual currencies and the like.

Playing with pay

"As an Android developer, you will now be able to publish apps that use in-app billing and your users can make purchases from within your apps," said Google's Eric Chu on the Android developers blog.

"In-app billing gives you more ways to monetise your apps with try-and-buy, virtual goods, upgrades, and other billing models."

Android's crack at the in-app billing whip comes just as Apple has tightened the rules employed in its own IAP set up, following complaints from customers that they were able to spend large amounts of money in-game without realising it.

Nonetheless, with the freemium model proving particularly popular with developers and consumers alike of late, in-app billing on Android Market is likely to be seen as another example of Google getting to grips with the changing nature of app retail.

[source: Google]

With a fine eye for detail, Keith Andrew is fuelled by strong coffee, Kylie Minogue and the shapely curve of a san serif font.