Maybe the new opportunity announced by location-based analytics specialist Placed will generate the cash required to kickstart the sector.
Called Placed Affiliate, it enables developers to monetise location-based apps and games by getting users to complete market research for brands and retailers.
In the place to be
Placed's business model works as it creates analytics combining what mobile users are doing on-device with their real-world locations and movements.
It then uses this information to enable what it calls "actionable insights to businesses and developers".
This is particularly important for brands with physical locations such as retailers to better understand their customers and work out how to optimise online campaigns.
Ready for prime time
Placed Affiliate has been in beta for some time, racking up almost one billion locations during that period.
"To date, developers have faced limited options in monetising their apps, largely restricted to advertising, in-app purchases, or creating a paid version of their app," commented David Shim, Placed CEO.
"Placed Affiliate opens up a new channel of monetisation utilising the unique element of mobile - location. This incremental revenue helps developers focus on building the best apps, which ultimately benefits users."
Developers interested in the service or integrating the SDK can get more information here.
