Google has begun accepting paid applications into its Android Market mobile app store — a move that lays the groundwork for potentially following Apple’s lead in turning smartphone applications into a sizable moneymaker.
Initially, the Android Market offered only free applications. Now, however, the search giant confirmed plans to next week begin selling applications through Android Market after rumors began circulating earlier this week.
Users of the Android-based T-Mobile G1 smartphone can expect to see the paid apps available starting in the middle of next week, according to a Google post on a blog for Android developers. The search giant said Google Checkout will serve as the payment and billing mechanism for the service.
The company started accepting paid applications from developers today, though it is limiting the program to U.S. and U.K. developers for the time being. Germany, Austria, Netherlands, France and Spain are slated to be added by the end of March.
The move puts Google more closely into competition for developers with Apple, and in particular, the PC maker’s popular App Store for its iPhone and iPod Touch.
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Source: Google Opens the Door for Paid Android Apps
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