14 DAY TRIAL // Google announces that it is opening up the in-app payments API for the Chrome Web Store to developers in more countries. So far, only those in the US were able to integrate payments into their apps. The expansion brings the API to 17 more countries.
This should make it easier for more developers to monetize their apps and should also spur the creation of more localized apps.
"Since Google In-App Payments launched in July for developers in the United States, we’ve received great feedback on how easy it is to integrate as well as how simple it is for consumers to use," Google wrote.
"While the API has been off to a strong start, there’s been a growing demand for availability outside of the United States... we are opening developer enrollment for Google In-App Payments to 17 additional countries," it revealed.
In-app payments are great since they make it possible for developers to offer an app or game for free and then make money via virtual item sales, for unlocking additional features and so on.
Without the in-app payments API, the choice would be either charge up front or go completely free. Of course, developers had the option of integrating their own payments methods inside the apps, but that's big hassle for small time developers.
What's more, Google is offering a very convenient 5 percent free on any transactions via the in-app payments API. Considering that the standard seems to be 30 percent, in the App Store, the Android Marketplace, on Facebook and so on, it's an interesting departure from the norm.
Along with the United States, the in-app payments API is now available in: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.