Amazon releases API for in-app purchases

Seattle – Amazon.com has introduced the Mobile Associates API for Kindle Fire and other Android devices, enabling developers to sell physical and digital items from Amazon.com within their apps and games. Developers and members of the Amazon Associates program (the API is technically an extension of the program) can now sell a single item from within an app or game, showcase a category of goods, or bundle the purchase of physical goods with the purchase of digital goods.



Previously, developers had to use a “freemium” model with digital in-app purchasing or subscriptions, or by using mobile ads. When using the new API, developers earn up to 6% on qualifying in-app customer purchases and can allow customers to buy and receive goods through Amazon’s 1-Click purchase mechanism and Amazon Prime shipping, where available. The API can be used in the Amazon Appstore and in Google Play.



“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, VP 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.”