Handango to Offer Paid Apps for Android
The G1 is one of the most anticipated mobile phones to be released towards the end of this month. Everyone is waiting to see how it will stack up against the iPhone and how the Android Marketplace will do against Apple's App Store. Unfortunately, developers of Android apps will not be able to charge users for apps during the launch of the G1. This isn't as bad as it seems because Handango will provide payment alternatives for developers that are looking to get rich.
The Paid Apps Marketplace
CEO Bill Stone stated that:
"Handango is now offering developers the opportunity to sell the paid apps they create for the Android platform as well as offer any free apps when the first Android device launches. Customers can purchase apps via the Web and then download them to their device."
Handango will provide this golden opportunity to developers looking to profit from their apps on October 22, the anticipated launch date of the G1. Developers will be given several options for selling their app:
- Sell an app for a one-time purchase fee
- Sell an app for a monthly, quarterly or annual subscription fee
The plus side for Google and Handango is that App Store developers don't receive this many options to sell their apps. It could tempt a nice portion of developers to port their apps over to Android if the G1's launch is successful enough.
How Long Will it Last?
A small selection of apps have already been announced for Handango's catalog including Monopoly, The Weather Channel, Voice on the Go, EzQuote, and FitSync. Unfortunately, Google already has plans to allow developers to charge users to download an app. What will happen to Handango? If developers are smart, they'll offer their apps in both marketplaces if possible. Unless Google takes too long to implement the same payment options, Handango may have a little trouble in the future catering to developers trying to sell their apps.
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I think the most important thing about this announcement is the reiteration that the Market is totally non-exclusive (unlike the App Store), so *anyone* can host their own apps.
The fact that someone with a big name like Handango is coming in is good for everyone as it'll ensure Google has enough competition to keep them on their toes and make sure that the Market is as generous towards developers (like myself) as possible.
Great to see.
Handango sort of sucks. I used to develop pocket pc software and sell it on their site. Their system, then and probably still now, was poor and I think they charged me 40% of each sale.
I don't much like the idea of paying for apps on an open source system. I think a donation model would work better. But that's just me.
Posted by: Lynne d Johnson
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October 19, 2008 2:59 PM
It doesn't matter whether this system is open source, it still takes time for people to develop apps. For large corporations that can spend money however they like, say Google, that is fine. But, small business doesn't have that luxury. I have no problem with people selling commercial apps for Andriod. We all know the donation method rarely works if ever at all.
I'm with Jason here. Selling my Pocket PC stuff through Handango sucked big time. They charge you an arm and a leg (at least 40%, more if you want promotion of any kind, like being featured etc.). Also they are unable to wire or direct-deposit money, instead they send you USD checks which take ages to cash if you are outside the US. If you read this, Handango: It's 2008, the days of the Pony Express are over!
Stay away from handango and other sites that may pop up. It is cheaper to build your own website and provide a download and purchase links (google checkout) on your website. I used to develop palm games and remember when Handango used to charge 10%, then 15%, then 30% and suddenly you realize that you are just getting peanut shells.
With an entire family using smartphones, each family member having their own interests and needs, I have grown to rely on Handango heavily for my mobile apps. Not only does a company like Handango make it possible for apps to get to market that might otherwise never have the exposure offered by Handango, it provides the consumer a one stop shopping experience instead of having to spend hours searching on the web. I also notice that Handango is offering SD cards with applications at Best Buy (and perhaps other retailers?). My guess is that small, independent developers would never have the individual clout to break into the large retailer market without companies like Handango. Of course that type of exposure comes an associated cost.