Amazon Opens Mobile Associates API, Expands In-App Purchasing

Amazon introduced the Mobile Associates API for Kindle Fire and other Android devices this week, enabling developers to merchandise both physical and digital items from Amazon.com within apps and games.

To monetize apps in the past, developers could only sell their app, use in-app purchasing, or leverage mobile ads. With the new API however, developers can earn up to 6% on qualifying in-app customer purchases by offering relevant goods from Amazon and its physical fulfillment network.

"Developers now have the ability to create an even deeper connection between their app and the products customers value and purchase through Amazon.com," said Mike George, Vice President of Amazon Appstore, Games and Cloud Drive. "Imagine a developer of a nutrition and fitness app can now offer their customers the ability to purchase vitamins, supplements and fitness gear within the app, directly from Amazon.com. It offers the customer a more relevant experience and provides the developer with a new source of revenue."