Amazon grows in-app purchase API to Mac, PC, web apps

Amazon has announced an expansion of its in-app purchasing program for developers to include virtual goods in in Mac, Windows, and web games. Previously the option was restricted to Android/Kindle Fire apps. When the technology is implemented via an API, people playing a game can sign into their Amazon account to pay for virtual content, such as in-game currency.<br /><br />Amazon has been attempting to integrate itself more deeply into app platforms, mainly via its <a href="http://macnn.com/rd/277765==http://www.ipodnn.com/articles/13/01/02/apple.case.undermined.by.steve.jobs.tim.cook/" rel='nofollow'>custom Android storefront</a>. Recently it <a href="http://macnn.com/rd/277766==http://www.ipodnn.com/news/110614" rel='nofollow'>optimized its MP3 web store for the iPhone</a>, a move that appears to have been aimed at drawing music sales away from Apple's iTunes Store. Amazon can't sell music via a native iOS app without having to give Apple a portion of the revenue.