It looks like the Google overlords have finally wised up and are now allowing users of their ever so popular Android device to charge apps to their carrier cell phone bill.
Please note that we have updated the Android Market Developer Distribution Agreement (DDA). This is in preparation for some work we’re doing on introducing new payment options, which we think developers will like. […]
In Section 13.1, “authorized carriers†have been added as an indemnified party.
Section 13.2 is new in its entirety, covering indemnity for payment processors for claims related to tax accrual.
These new terms apply immediately to anyone joining Android Market as a new publisher. Existing publishers have been notified of this change via email; they have up to 30 days to sign into the Android Market developer console to accept the new terms. (Official Android Developers Blog)
While this news will not make much difference for the average free loader, it could help attract premium developers from the iOS ecosystem who are seeking greener (and more open) pastures.
Currently premium Android apps are only available in 13 countries compared to iPhone’s 96 nations (and growing!), which might explain why most companies are focused on the iDevice instead of Google’s mobile OS.
Opening up the service to carrier billing will help Android compete against iPhone, and may help attract greater content upon the Android Market (something the app store is not exactly known for).
(via MobileCrunch)
Originally posted on July 26, 2010 @ 10:42 am