At its developer conference yesterday, PayPal launched its mobile payment system called Mobile Express Checkout.
While making purchases via apps is rather easy and can be can be simply designed and developed into mobile applications already, PayPal’s solution will offer the ability for users to opt-in to the service and stay logged in between various mobile apps. PayPal feels that this solution offers a new level of ease of use.
Given the fact that Paypal plans to give Mobile Checkout Express merchants the ability to accept credit card payments in early 2011, those planning to have mobile applications developed for release at that time should keep PayPal’s new system in mind and mention it to their mobile application developer.
Whether you you are looking to develop an iPhone or iPad app or looking to tackle other systems such as developing for BlackBerry, with PayPal’s reach, security and reputation, you should certainly at least consider integrating this solution into your mobile application development plans.
With virtual good sales already representing the main source of revenue for Social Games on Facebook, we have seen a dramatic shift in the mobile application model this past year towards a similar position. As apps are moving away from advertising as a revenue generator and towards creating in app purchases as the preferred method of monetizing the investment, you will see a shift in not only the style but in the whole mobile application development thought process.
Looking at the rapid growth of the sale of virtual goods in Social Games this is not a surprising trend and it is one that anyone considering iphone application development for their business should consider. If you also consider the fact that mobile applications now rival TV viewing in terms of audience reach you will rapidly see this market continue to advance at meteoric rate to keep pace with the opportunities available.