Android Development Talk

Carrier Billing can be a great alternative for Android developers

Jun 4, 2010 Android App Development

Being an Android developer, we have always seen payment method issues in the Android market which is generally the lack of payment methods . Apart from Google checkout and carrier billing there aren’t a whole lot of options to consider especially when it comes to Android Market Developer Distribution Agreement.

On the other hand Google made its way to countries without access to paid apps and games on Android Market by few loopholes as we can see in all things in the world of technology. Carrier billing was added for Android Developers, by integrating it into their apps and games . So the users of restricted countries could still purchase the apps through the free demos released on the Android market.

The Android Developer Distribution Agreement doesn’t mention anything about in – app purchases nor does prohibit it . Zong is a company that specializes in  in-app purchases , but they do not deal with selling apps or games , they only deal with the function to enable app purchase via carrier billing .

When it comes to in-app purchases Zong is not the only company finding ways around Google’s traditional payment systems but also Bango , Boku , scoreloop offer other forms of in-app purchasing options that many developers are taking advantage of . Scoreloop’s virtual currency system, for example, allows developers to implement a system where the user can buy additional perks such as more levels or special equipment in-game. A lot of major iPhone developers such as ngmoco and Tapulous have avoided porting to Android due to the payment issues, but if Zong’s plan succeeds, we may see this change very quickly.

Apart from the rumors of Paypal getting integrated to market payments there are also other ways like this coming in , Google has been falling behind on concern for Android developers needs with the Market specially when it comes to paid apps the only hope for Android application developers .

This would be a convenient solution for Google, until they decide to get on the ball and seriously address the lack of support for paid applications thus Android applications could be easily made available to the users irrespective of the restrictions.

Related posts:

1. Good news for Android app developers : Carrier Billing to come to Android Market and more….
2. Google launches in-app billing for Android developers.
3. Android developers Update : Paid app support now live in 18 countries
4. Facts about Android Application development
5. PayPal payment option coming to the Android Market as a life saviour for Android app developers

Tags: android apps, android developers, android development, android Marketplace