RIM opts for 20 minute log in sessions for IAPs on BlackBerry
News that BlackBerry's in-app purchase set up is set to keep users logged in for 20 minutes at a time is perhaps surprising, if only because the news comes just as Apple has altered its own process.
All downloads, whether apps or IAP, on iOS originally operated within a 15 minute window.
However, after reports that players of Capcom's Smurfs' Village were unknowingly racking up huge bills, Apple has since adjusted its approach to require users to enter their password separately for downloads and for IAP. The 15 minute window remains in operation for both activities.
Purchase plans
"We recently introduced in-app purchasing with BlackBerry Payment Service 1.0, which allows developers to create apps that offer their customers the ability to make purchases through the app using the same BlackBerry ID and payment method used to buy apps in BlackBerry App World storefront," the firm says on its BlackBerry developer blog.
"If youre not logged into the payment function with your BlackBerry ID, youll be prompted to sign in the same as in BlackBerry App World.
"If you are already logged in, you wont be prompted to log in again (youre logged in for 20 minutes at a time before youre prompted again) but the 'confirm purchase' screen will still appear so you see the full price and tax before the purchase happens."
Customer clarity
What might seem a risky strategy is offset by both the confirm purchase screen, and the relative ages of those making purchases on BlackBerry handsets.
Though no official stats have ever been released, it's likely large portions of those consumers amassing huge bills on Smurfs' Village were fairly young.
In contrast, BlackBerry devices remain focused at a much older demographic, and one that's unlikely to hand their business device over to their kids for a play session.
[source: RIM]