While  website merchants have been given a few options to transition to a new payment processing option,  app developers who use Google Wallet for in app purchases will be able to use the new Google Wallet Merchant Center.

Mark Thomas, Google Wallet’s Product Manager, explains “Developers selling through other Google properties (such as Google Play, Chrome Web Store and Offers Marketplace) will continue to be supported and will automatically transition to the Google Wallet Merchant Center in the next few weeks.”

According to the Google Wallet website, “Google Wallet is a free digital wallet that securely stores your credit cards, debit cards, offers and more. With Google Wallet, you can buy in-stores, buy online, and send money…You can buy online on Google properties and on mobile apps and sites, wherever you see the Buy with Google button. And you can send money by logging into Google Wallet online, or within Gmail.com.”

If you are interested in learning more about the transition, or have any questions for the Google Wallet team, They are hosting a live webinar.  Click here for all the details.

Do you use Google Wallet for your in app purchases?  Are you excited for this update?  Comment below!

There are 900 Million Android Devices Out There

And 48 billion downloads from the Google Play Store! Google has announced that as for yesterday (the number is surely higher today), there are more than 900 million Android devices activated around the world. The company also broadcast that it has crossed the threshold of 48 billion app downloads and that Google paid developers more this year compared to last year. There are currently 2.5 billion apps being installed on Android devices each month.

Sundar Pichai, Google’s senior VP for Android, Chrome and Google Apps took the stage at the beginning of the event and said:  ”Android started with a simple goal to bring open standards to the world. Today, it is the most popular mobile operating system in the world”.

Google Loves Developers

Before Google’s developer event, Sundar Pichai announced that the main event will focus on elements, features and other tools specially designed for developers. They will help them to create and develop even better products for Android and Chrome.

One of these developers’ tools is a website dedicated to translating strings of code for developers. They will be able to ask for translations of strings in their applications and get the converted pieces back. This process is done using the Developer Console platform.  The new feature is expected to help the developers make the transition of applications from one region, or one country, to a variety of countries and languages ​​around the world, thereby increasing the number of arenas where the app will be available for download.Which in turn will increase revenue.  This is great news for ...]]> http://blog.startapp.com/google-io-2013/feed/ 1 http://blog.startapp.com/google-maps-facelift-maybe/ http://blog.startapp.com/google-maps-facelift-maybe/#comments Thu, 09 May 2013 12:41:09 +0000 Megan http://blog.startapp.com/?p=3462 Is Google tired of the design of its Maps interface? According to blogger Alex Chitu from the Google Operating System blog, a blog covering Google’s unofficial news claims that Google is expected to launch a new design for the Google Maps service soon.

According to the blog, Google Maps development team is expected to release an updated version of the maps which will remove the side toolbars and navigation buttons, and will have larger and more interactive maps instead.

New design for the maps interface

The anticipated update of Google Maps is not a rare occasion at all. Just recently, in October, the company updated its maps service and added a few visual enhancements. In addition, the search giant makes sure to update information on different countries from time to time. The updates can be found in visual details, information on public transport, and high resolution images.

Apparently, what is currently displayed in the Google Maps sidebar will soon be displayed at the top of the map in a full screen mode in addition to new colors and icons that may be incorporated for use with the presentation of the new interface.  Another update, according to the source, is that users will be given the option to filter search results according to the recommendations of other users in their Google+ circle.

User-friendlier, optimized for mobile use

Google’s new interface should be a lot more simple and incredibly user friendly. After all, the map should be easy to read and understand and help the users get from point A to point B without a hassle. Google which loves to renew and update its services practically on a daily basis, decided to impress us all with a slightly more massive change.

The new interface will most likely adapt to mobile devices and will make ...]]> http://blog.startapp.com/google-maps-facelift-maybe/feed/ 0 http://blog.startapp.com/introducing-exit-ad/ http://blog.startapp.com/introducing-exit-ad/#comments Wed, 08 May 2013 12:53:09 +0000 Matthew http://blog.startapp.com/?p=3410 We are very excited to write this post for you because it introduces our latest product type.  While you are very familiar with our out of app monetization offering, we have decided to expand our product line by entering INTO the app.  We are pleased to bring you a new in-app solution with the EXIT AD!

The Exit Ad introduces StartApp developers to the rev share model, providing continuous income and great eCPM, all while keeping the seamless user experience that users expect and value.

How it Works

The exit ad will display a full screen banner ad when the user exits the application, intruding minimally on the user experience of your app.  When the user clicks the back button on their device to exit the application, they are presented with an ad that leads to a mobile website or a free app download when clicked.  If they click “Not Now” the app will exit as normal.

Integration

A simple, 5 minute integration is all it takes to add the exit ad experience to your application.  Simply copy and paste a few pieces of code to your manifest and your main activity and you are ready to earn!

Payment

RevShare- StartApp will share a percentage earned from these advertisements with you.   Payments are sent every month in a NET30 terms (30 days after the end of the payment period). Your Ecpm is easily visible in portal.  The eCPM may change depending on various parameters.

Portal

You are always informed of your ad revenue and payment status in the developer portal. Our developer portal allows you to be in complete control of the StartApp ads in your app.  You can sort your app list by any column heading, easily see revenue, change payment information and more all directly in our portal whenever you want.  If you ...]]> http://blog.startapp.com/introducing-exit-ad/feed/ 3 http://blog.startapp.com/introducing-search-sdk-2-0/ http://blog.startapp.com/introducing-search-sdk-2-0/#comments Tue, 07 May 2013 13:50:11 +0000 Matthew http://blog.startapp.com/?p=3395

StartApp is undergoing some major changes.  Just last month, we moved into new offices, today we released the latest version of our developer portal and very soon we are coming out with another brand new ad type that supports the new exit ad.  All these changes and growth is very exciting for us, but we cannot forget the original StartApp product that started it all, the Search Icon SDK.

Just recently, we uploaded the latest version of our Search Icon SDK.  Version 2.0 is a super powered version that adds some great enhancements, while at the same time keeping the great Search Icon experience in tact.  Here are the enhancements:

Support for Updating Existing Icons on the Launcher

We are now able to update any of the icons that have been dropped onto the homepage to the latest version.  This helps your users to enjoy the latest, most up to date of StartApp’s products, including the AppWall and Search Icon.

Improved Protocol, Decreased Network Operations

This version decreases the amount of work needed from your user’s phone.  This allows our SDK to use less battery and CPU on the user’s device, which is always great for the user experience.  Less battery draining.

Test Mode

Want to make sure that you have integrated your SDK without having to contact support? An all new test mode has been added allowing you to be able to test the integration directly within Eclipse.

What are you waiting for?  Updating your current applications with the latest version of the SDK will get you all of these supercharged benefits and more.

Say Hello to My New Friend

 
In the leaked photos of model M4, you can find significant similarities to the current flagship device HTC One. In fact, there are so many similarities that it is raises the question of whether these newly released images are indeed new model images or just retouched photos of the original model.  If these images ARE of the new model, then you can safely say that the new device is characterized by curved lines, a large screen that spans over the front of the device and horizontal stripes down the back.

Technical specifications so far indicate that this is a device designed for users who want advanced design and average hardware.  The M4 model comes with a 4.3 inch 720p display, contains a dual-core Snapdragon processor at 1.2 GHz and offers a 13 mega pixel camera. The device will come with a Memory 2GB RAM, storage capacity of 16 GB.  Additionally, rumors claim that will offer LTE support and will include the Jelly Bean Android OS.

The same source that leaked the pictures and technical specifications of the model suggested that the M4 will include average specs, which will probably make the price worthwhile for those who don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars on a smartphone.

Focus on the Basic Users

The second device in question, G2, offers basic Specs.  It “winks” towards the users who are looking for basic functionality at a cheaper price. The ...]]> http://blog.startapp.com/meet-htc-brothers/feed/ 0 http://blog.startapp.com/foundations-successful-app-infographic/ http://blog.startapp.com/foundations-successful-app-infographic/#comments Tue, 30 Apr 2013 13:03:47 +0000 Matthew http://blog.startapp.com/?p=3346 Nowadays, app markets are saturated, making it hard to accumulate high amounts of downloads.  Only 1 in 6 smartphone apps exceed 500 total downloads.  We looked at top developers on the Google Play Store to find out what sets their apps apart from the rest.  Check out the infographic to find out.  Click the infographic to read the small print

To better understand the source of the leak, here’s a brief explanation:

GMS (Google Mobile Services)is a set of components operated by Google, and are required by a large number of Android apps, among other things. It handles acquisitions and integration With Google Plus, Google Maps as well as a wide variety of additional Google services interfaces.

Components that are not related in any way to the application itself were found inside the MyGlass GMS. It appears to have been added by “mistake” with the release of the app to the Google Play Store. Whether it is in error or deliberate, someone in Google has provided us with a first glimpse of what we can expect from Google’s upcoming game service.

Multiplayer Gaming is on its Way!

In the folder in question, there is plenty of evidence that indicate that this is a serious service which is expected to turn many Android-based devices into gaming consoles. Also, there is  evidence of multiplayer games in real time, which is expected to be mostly auto racing, fighting games, RPG games  and multiplayer turn-based, for example; Poker, Heroes, etc.

Additional features include chat that is focusing mainly on multiplayer games in real time and allow participants to talk to each other while playing. The achievements feature is similar to services such as OpenFeint and ...]]> http://blog.startapp.com/myglass-hidden-game-plan/feed/ 0 http://blog.startapp.com/googles-project-glass-technical-specifications-initial-api-revealed/ http://blog.startapp.com/googles-project-glass-technical-specifications-initial-api-revealed/#comments Thu, 18 Apr 2013 10:44:09 +0000 Megan http://blog.startapp.com/?p=3328 It’s been a busy week for Google’s Project Glass. The search giant from California only recently released the full technical specifications of their smart glasses and the first models are already started shipping for Explorers and developers!

Google’s incredible tech specifications gave us a glimpse of just how high the potential is for this headset, estimated to sell for between 750 and 1500 dollars.

Google Glass Specifications

Prism display and 16GB storage

The display resolution will most likely be 640 × 360 pixels.  The Glasses have a prism display, unlike the smartphone, and therefore varies accordingly. According to Google, the resolution is equivalent to a 25 inch HD screen at a distance of 8 feet (about 2.5 meters).The Glasses will be able to take pictures at the resolution of 5 mega – pixel and video in 720p resolution. In addition, the device will feature 16 GB – SATA flash storage synchronized with Google Cloud. The operating system will take up to 4GB – RAM and 12 GB (SATA will be available to users).

In addition to Bluetooth connectivity, the device will feature a built-in Wi-Fi connectivity and a battery life that should last for a full day. The glasses will be compatible with any phone that has Bluetooth connectivity. At this stage, in order to use the GPS and SMS functions, the users will have to download the MyGlass app to their Android devices. MyGlass allows users to configure and manage their Glass device. The app is not very user friendly for users that don’t have glasses, but you can still watch a puppy wears pajamas if you go to the app’s screenshots. In any case, the application is designed for users Android OS versions 4.0.3 and higher.

Developers API

Google has also released Project Glass’ API called Mirror API ...]]> http://blog.startapp.com/googles-project-glass-technical-specifications-initial-api-revealed/feed/ 0 http://blog.startapp.com/home-facebook/ http://blog.startapp.com/home-facebook/#comments Thu, 11 Apr 2013 10:28:54 +0000 Megan http://blog.startapp.com/?p=3300 Analysts and technology bloggers have been wondering for a while now, what Facebook‘s next move in the mobile field will be, especially given that most smartphones users spend a third of their “mobile time” using Facebook and playing games. Mark Zuckerberg repeatedly denied any intentions by Facebook to change its focus from the social network and develop a device or even a mobile operating system. But apparently he had no intention of letting the mobile market develop without taking a yummy piece of cake’s profits for himself.

On a press conference held last Thursday, Facebook introduced its new innovations in mobile including an app called Facebook Home for Android devices.

So what exactly is Facebook Home?

Facebook Home, a collection of apps on the Android device is basically a launcher that replaces the home screen of your device.

As we all know, Android is currently the most popular OS in smartphones. The reason is clear – anyone can use it. You don’t need a license from Google and it is an open source that allows devices from different manufacturers to work with it.

Instead of creating its own version of Android, Facebook decided to create a family of apps that puts your friends at the heart of your phone and turns every Android phone into a Facebook – as a phone.

The system will take over your home screen and display your Facebook feed updates along with updates from the device itself, such as e-mails, text messages and missed calls. You will be able to see updates from friends and pages you follow even when your phone is locked.  You will also be able to respond and share directly from the home page without having to launch the Facebook application.