Android Market gets paid-for apps

You could actually get some useful apps finally

15 February 2009 18:01 GMT / By Stuart Miles

Android users looking for apps that might actually do something useful will be rewarded with the news that the Android Market is now accepting priced applications from US and UK developers.

US developers will be the first to get the ability to upload their applications along with end user pricing for the apps in the US, with the UK getting that privilege in the coming months.

Many commentators have so far criticised the lack of appealing apps due to the fact that until now they must be free. It is thought that the move to now accept paid apps will entice bigger developers like EA and other games companies in to developing applications for the operating system.

"Germany, Austria, Netherlands, France, and Spain will be able to offer priced applications later this quarter", says Eric Chu from the Android Mobile Platform team on the Android developers blog. "By the end of Q1 2009, we will announce support for developers in additional countries".

Google Checkout will serve as the payment and billing mechanism for Android Market.

Australian Android users will also get some of the action, however only free apps at this time. According to Chu: "Android Market for free applications will become available to users in Australia starting February 15th".

Full tags

Phones, Android, Apps