With in-app purchases already included with the Android SDK, it's just a matter of time until Google turns on the system that developers hope - and pray - will make Android games and apps much easier to monetise.
The news on the ground is the switch will be thrown sometime during the next couple of weeks; early March at the latest.
Purchases go live
Of course, many developers have already implemented micro-transactions within their games, and hence can release their content, or update existing games, as soon as Google gives the signal.
As well as smartphones, IAP will provide new business models for the many Android-based tablets set to be launch in the first half of 2011.
But it's not just Android developers who are looking to unlock the power of freemium games and virtual goods. Microsoft is also known to be working on its IAP system for Windows Phone 7, although that's expected to occur on a later timescale.
News
Contributing Editor
A Pocket Gamer co-founder, Jon is Contributing Editor at PG.biz which means he acts like a slightly confused uncle who's forgotten where he's left his glasses. As well as letters and cameras, he likes imaginary numbers and legumes.
Related Articles
Top Stories
Feature
Apr 25th, 2024
"Gaming in MENA is just starting. Investment will bring more attention to the region and create more opportunities"
Feature
Apr 24th, 2024
48 top mobile games in soft launch: Squad Busters, CSR 3, Plants vs. Zombies 3, LEGO Hill Climb Adventures, and more
Events
Esports Future Summit | Middle East | Apr 27th |
Dubai GameExpo Summit 2024 | Middle East | May 1st |
The MENA Games Industry Awards 2024 | Middle East | May 2nd |
GameDev Atlantic 2024 | May 4th | |
Mobidictum Meetup Berlin May 2024 | Europe | May 7th |
Mobidictum Meetup Tallinn May 2024 | Europe | May 21st |
Israel Mobile Summit 2024 | Middle East | Jun 6th |
DevGAMM Vilnius 2024 | Europe | Jun 14th |
Popular Stories
News
Apr 23rd, 2024
Supercell’s Squad Busters soft launches today with over 100,000 Google Play downloads
Feature
Apr 24th, 2024