BlackBerry App World 2.1 update touts in-app payments

Research In Motion (NASDAQ:RIMM) launched its BlackBerry App World 2.1 storefront update, highlighted by the addition of in-application payment options. BlackBerry developers and media providers can now monetize their apps by offering premium digital goods including content (e.g., ebooks, magazines, photos or artwork), additional functionality (like new features, levels, characters or games) and services like video streaming or voice transcription. RIM notes that vendor partners can register and manage virtual goods via the BlackBerry App World Vendor Portal, which includes reporting features to track purchases/payments.

Research In Motion introduced its BlackBerry Payment Service and accompanying SDK (available for download here) last month. The new service does not allow BlackBerry developers to sell virtual currencies or in-app credits, physical goods or services, and digital goods used across multiple applications.

In-app purchases are fast emerging as a premier source of developer revenues. App store analytics firm Distimo recently reported that on Apple's (NASDAQ:AAPL) rival iOS platform, in-app transactions across free and premium apps now account for 49 percent of iPhone developer revenues and 29 percent of iPad developer income.

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