Direct carrier billing options are now available for premium Android Market applications sold on the AT&T (NYSE:T) network. Writing on the Android Developers Blog, Android Developer Ecosystem manager Eric Chu explains that AT&T subscribers can now charge Android apps to their monthly bill with only a few clicks: "We strongly believe carrier billing is a great way to make it easy for users to purchase and pay for applications," Chu states. "In addition to the availability of AT&T and T-Mobile USA carrier billing, we'll continue to partner with more carriers to offer carrier billing options for their subscribers."
AT&T carrier billing is the latest in a series of recent Android Market tweaks and upgrades. In early December, Google (NASDAQ:GOOG) quietly rolled out a Android Market 'Similar' tab designed to recommend applications to consumers based on their browsing and shopping habits--installed next to the 'About' and 'Comments' tabs on each Android app page, the 'Similar' feature lists related applications based on assorted criteria, complete with pricing information, user ratings and an "Installed" tag for apps already downloaded to the user's smartphone. Also new: YouTube-hosted promotional videos as well as improved promotional graphics and Recent Changes, giving developers greater flexibility to alert consumers of application updates and enhancements.
For more:
- read this Android Developers Blog entry
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