Android platform developers can start charging for their work

Developers of applications for Google Inc.’s Android platform will finally be able to start charging for their offerings.
The Internet giant said programmers can now submit paid applications to Android Market in the United States and United Kingdom. U.S. users will be able to buy apps “starting mid next week,” according to a company blog post.
“We will also enable developers in Germany, Austria, Netherlands, France and Spain to offer priced applications later this quarter,” Google’s Eric Chu wrote. “By the end of Q1 2009, we will announce support for developers in additional countries.”
Google gives developers 70% of app revenue from Android, matching Apple’s revenue-share model, but – unlike Apple – gives operators the rest of the money. Research In Motion Ltd. has said its storefront, which is slated to launch later this year, will grant 80% of revenues to developers.
Android Market’s free applications, which have been available to users with T-Mobile USA’s G1 since October, will launch in Australia next week and in Singapore “in coming weeks,” the company said.