Google rolls out 'in-app billing' to developers

SOFTWARE DEVELOPER Google has opened up its Android Market in-app billing system to developers for testing.

Google announced its decision to introduce in-app billing back in January and now developers can test their apps with the system. Developers will have to create a catalogue of applications that use in-app billing and set prices for them, then set up testing accounts and test to see if everything goes smoothly.

As developers make sure their applications work, Google said that the payment procedure during this testing phase is exactly as it will be for actual users conducting live transactions. Google confirmed that while developers can upload and test applications, they cannot publish applications until the service is launched next week.

In-app billing is the current battleground for smartphone operating system developers such as Apple and Google. Both firms are working towards allowing users to purchase content in applications rather than going to their respective application stores.

Apple generated a storm of controversy when it revealed a subscription system that leaves the fruit themed firm with a 30 per cent cut of every transaction.

Google says it is "absolutely essential" for developers to read the security guidelines to ensure that their applications handle transactions in a secure manner. For users this is something they will have to be wary about as third parties start to request payment through their smartphone applications. µ