Paid Android apps in "early" Q1 2009

Google's Eric Chu informed members of Android Market that significant updates are imminent for Android's third-party development application service. Starting in "early" Q1 2009, Android Market will support paid applications. Similar to Apple's popular App Store, users of Android Market will be able to purchase applications for their Android-enabled mobile phone. The service will be deployed in the US and UK before expanding to major countries in Europe later in the year.

Chu also promised international developers that Android Market will be deployed throughout Europe and Asia in stages throughout 2009. Although paid applications won't initially be available to countries outside the U.S., U.K., Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, and the Netherlands, the announcement gives third-parties the chance to begin developing applications that can be released outside these targeted areas.

Chu recommends that developers begin finalizing their priced applications and begin preparing products for their target countries. [via AndroidAuthority]