Google will start allowing developers and publishers to charge for apps and games on its Android Market store imminently, according to an email sent out by the company's Eric Chu.

"I would like to confirm that Android Market will support

priced applications starting early Q1 2009, as we'd originally stated last fall," says the email.

The payment support will roll out country-by-country, with the US and UK first in line, followed by a second rollout of Germany, Austria and the Netherlands, and a third of France, Italy and Spain.

At the end of Q1, Google will announce its plans for supporting developers in other countries. The launches should see a flood of Android game releases, as publishers like Gameloft and EA Mobile have been waiting for the ability to charge before releasing any games on Android Market.

Talking of which… In the email, Chu also confirmed that Android Market will launch in other European countries during Q1, including Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic and the Netherlands.

In mid-January, Google will update Android Market to allow publishers to target specific countries. "Please start thinking about which countries you want to target and begin preparing your products accordingly," said Chu, citing localisation as one key task.