RIM has just announced that at long last it has released a new and hopefully improved version of its App World 2.1, which should be rolling out throughout the day.
The biggest change to the App World, says RIM, is the ability for users to download applications that offer in-app payments via the BlackBerry Payment Service. A lack of in-app payment was a major criticism users had voiced for a long time, and is seen as critical if RIM is to be any kind of a player in the app wars. Google is also due to announce in-app payments imminently.
“Some games may offer extra levels at a cost, or some content providers may offer digital or virtual goods,” says RIM’s press release.
RIM says the payment service should make it easier for developers to monetize their BlackBerry applications and find commercial success, critical if the firm is to attract more developers to make apps for its platform. The service, RIM says, is easy to use and can be called easily into existing applications with the Payment Service SDK.
It also means vendors will be able to register and track their virtual goods through the BlackBerry App World Vendor Portal, and a new reporting feature will be able to track purchases/payments for their goods.
