Developer finds way to use in-app purchases on Android

In-app purchases are looking like the next big revenue stream for mobile and smartphone gaming, with a huge number of iPhone developers testing the waters with level packs and DLC.

Google hasn't made any provision for such a function in its Android operating system, however, and has yet to announce any plans to make it possible.

Urbian, the developer of the free Android game Ringz, has found a way to implement micro-transactions on Android, according to Mobile-Ent.biz, providing extra levels for its puzzle game at $1.99 each.

In an effort to prevent these levels being shared, or copied and returned for a refund, the inventive developer has apparently secured the Ringz level packs, too, making for a new revenue stream that's likely to get other Android software companies very interested.

It might also prompt Google to make the function official, and level the playing field a little with iPhone and BlackBerry.