PlaySpan launches in-app payments solution for Android and Nokia

Now is definitely the time to be talking about in-app payment solutions.

Though the latest stats talking up their role in raising revenue are focused on iPhone, it's Android that has attracted the attention of thirdparty monetisation specialists, given Google's reluctance to deliver any kind of official solution.

Hence the news that PlaySpan is planning to roll out UltimatePay Mobile a virtual currency and micropayments system in beta form, initially on Android, makes perfect sense. Nokia devices running WebRuntime will also be compatible from day one.

Banking on success

Titles running the UltimatePay widget are essentially linked, with users able to top up their account and view their purchase history to keep a track on their funds.

"With our mobile payment widget, developers now have a proven micropayments platform that brings a one-click payments experience to mobile users without them ever having to leave the game," said PlaySpan CEO Karl Mehta.

It is, for want of a better phrase, a virtual bank account, similar to PayPal in functionality, placed right in the heart of compatible games.

"Our mobile payments provides connectivity to more than 90 payment methods across 180 countries including mobile carrier payments with 70 plus carriers worldwide," Mehta added.

Getting on board

Targeting HTML5 during the platform's private beta, PlaySpan has confirmed UltimatePay's pricing widget will have a complete PCI Level 1 and SAS-70 compliant full service Monetisation-As-A-Service platform.

Support for other mobile formats, including iPhone and BlackBerry, will roll out over the coming months.

Studios looking to sign up should visit PlaySpan's developer website.