Paid Android apps available from next week, says Google

The rumours were almost right: Google has started accepting submissions of paid apps and games from developers, initially in the US and UK.

"Initially, priced applications will be available to end users in the US starting mid next week," says an email from Google's Eric Chu to developers.

"We will add end user support for additional countries in the coming months. We will also enable developers in Germany, Austria, Netherlands, France, and Spain to offer priced applications later this quarter."

Users will pay for the premium games and apps using the Google Checkout payment system. Developers are free to set whatever prices they want for their games.

Chu's email also confirms that Android Market will launch for free apps in Australia on February 15th, followed by Singapore.

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