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Developers are thought to be pretty chuffed with Google's new Android Market update, particularly with the in-app payment options.
According to Ben Wood, director of research at CSS Insight, the Android Market has previously come under fire for not giving developers many opportunities to cash in on their creations, PC World reported.
"Developers felt they haven't been able to monetize it in the way they have on Apple's App Store," he reportedly said.
Google seems to be aware of the problem and at the launch of the Android Market revamp said: "Helping developers merchandise and monetize their products is a top priority for the Android Market team. We will continue to work hard to make it the best marketplace for your to distribute your products."
The in-app billing service manages transactions between apps and users, "providing a consistent purchasing experience with familiar forms of payment across all apps," Google said. It also gives developers control over how their apps are purchased and tracked.
No doubt the increased flexibility for developers in how they can cash in on their apps is designed to attract more of them and continue to build the number of apps available through Android Marketplace and not defect to Apple.
Google said its new website will also make it easier for Android users to browse applications and commentators like the fact visitors of the site can select an app, automatically pushing it to their Android handset.
Fredrik Andersson, business developer at Swedish consultancy Kondensator told the website that the wireless installation of apps is smoother than Apple's system of letting users download them on a desktop then syncing them with an iPhone.
"An important part of the marketing of applications is distribution via social networks and the ability install directly after making a first impression," he reportedly said.
While he is looking forward to in-app payments, allowing developers to make money from selling virtual goods and upgrades in their apps, Andersson reportedly believes the real challenge is helping users find what they need in the vast app store, a problem that affects both Apple and Google.
