Google stamps down on pirated apps with new Android Market licensing service
Your Android app might be popular, but thanks to piracy, that doesn't necessarily mean you're earning money from it.
Though estimates regarding how much money is lost per year to illegal downloads vary, developers understandably always think it's far too much, which is why Google's new licensing system for Android could prove to be a vital tool in their arsenal.
Announced via the Android Developers blog, Google says the new and free service provides a mechanism to allow apps to check sales records to check whether the user in question has picked up the title legally via Android Market or not.
Developers simply have to include a set of libraries to all paid apps aimed at Android OS 1.5 or higher for the license status of every user to be revealed.
Making the most of Android Market
"In my conversations with Android developers, I often hear that youd like better protection against unauthorised use of your applications," Android team member Eric Chu says.
"This licensing service operating real time over the network provides more flexibility in choosing license-enforcement strategies, and a more secure approach in protecting your applications from unauthorised use, than copy protection."
The service's release is further evidence that Google is getting to grips with what developers want from Android Market as a paid marketplace.
Available now, Google says is plans to replace the current Android Market copy-protection mechanism over the coming months.
[source: Android Developers]