The ability to rent, or trial apps for set periods is an established tool in the app store's arsenal. Dedicated rental services, however, are somewhat rarer.

Building on its existing platform on PC, WildTangent has unveiled a new English language rental service for Android, allowing users to buy and rent paid apps, or download free releases to devices running Google's OS around the globe.

The new service comes with a casual gaming bent, though WildTangent has been quick to add some big names to its library; Doodle Jump, Fruit Ninja, Kona's Castle, Air Attack HD, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 and Raging Thunder all on board.

Wild rentals

"Smartphones and tablets are a great fit for our service as we pride ourselves in offering the best entertainment value for game players," said senior VP Sean Vanderdasson.

"Just like movies and music, consumers prefer to own some titles, rent some and watch some for free, and we've brought these same options to games.

"With our new Android service, game developers will expose their games to the widest audience possible, using the most comprehensive business model in the games industry."

Rental games are offered for a period of 24 hours, with WildTangent claiming prices start from 25c – around 12p - and the spend accumulating to overall ownership. 

Users can also make use of the firm's in-game virtual currency WildCoins, using any credit built up to buy or rent other titles.

It's not clear how much of the rental revenue goes to the developer, but WildTangent claims it's already building a solid userbase for the platform, with the app pre-installed on Samsung's Galaxy Tab 7.0, Sony Tablet S, Sony Tablet P, Storage Options Scroll Excel, and the ViewSonic ViewPad 7e.

You can also get the gateway app from WildTangent's website [link], although not from the Android Market. 



[source: MarketWire]