Google shouldn’t be surprised if people are unhappy when they’re told they’ll “get” to pay for Android apps; this hardly sounds like an improvement over the price of “free.” But priced applications are en route to the Android Market, and the development may have a couple of beneficial effects.
First, here’s evidence of the impending change. Martin Drashkov writes, “I received an email from the Android Market earlier today containing some very pleasant and eagerly-awaited information . . . . Google confirmed that the Android Market will start supporting priced applications starting with the US and UK in early Q1, followed by Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, France, Italy and Spain as the local payment systems are set up.”
As for what this means, look for a developer stampede to occur on one side of the equation. The opportunity to earn a profit is sure to attract a lot of people who didn’t have much interest in the Android operating system before.
In regards to users, well . . . Google might want them to consider this sort of free vs. paid environmental analogy. No one’s going to put a price on the air they’re already breathing. Instead, all sorts of oxygen bars are being allowed into town. They can buy this better stuff if they want, or just stick to what was already around – and maybe even hope that it’ll improve due to the spotlight and popular demand.
Or something. It should be interesting to see how this works out when Google goes through with introducing the priced apps. Hat tip goes to MG Siegler.
