Google unveils AdSense for mobile apps

Google has launched a beta version of AdSense designed to help developers monetise their mobile apps.

Thursday, 25 June 2009

AdSense for mobile apps lets developers insert text and image ads into apps for the iPhone and Android handsets.

The search engine unveiled the new product after conducting a trial involving partners including Backgrounds, Sega, Shazam and Urbanspoon.

According to Google, more features will be added to the product as it is opened up to more developers and advertisers.

Developers are able to host only the highest paying ads and can control which kinds of ads appear in their apps.

Individual developers and companies can sign up to try the new service on Google's mobile ads website at google.com/ads/mobileapps.

Susan Wojcicki, vice-president of product management for Google, says: "Advertisers are looking for ways to reach potential customers when they are engaged with mobile content and application developers are looking for ways to show the best ads to their users."

Global direct and indirect revenues from mobile apps will reach the $25 billion (£15.3 billion) mark by 2014, according to Juniper Research.

This growth will be driven by the launch of a number of new app stores targeting both smartphone users and those with mass market handsets, the company's forecast suggests.

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