Google to offer tools to help Android programmers sell subscription: Rubin

In a bid to attract programmers to its Android operating system, Google Inc may offer tools that help programmers sell subscription, virtual goods and other items from within applications on mobile phones, says Andy Rubin, vice president of engineering at Google.

The Internet search and advertising technologies company also plans to make its Android operating system available on lower-priced phones, such as those made by Huawei Technologies Co and LG Electronics Inc, in parts of Asia and Europe where it is in competition with market leader Nokia.

Huawei, the biggest maker of wireless equipment for carriers in China, has unveiled four Android phones and an Android-based tablet in February.

Smaller Chinese manufacturers, accounting for around 10 per cent of the global phones sold, are also switching to Android in a bid to gain share with cheaper devices.

In an interview to Bloomberg, Rubin also said the ''down market opportunity was about to happen and it was actually quite a revolution.''

With Android, Google is getting more of its software on mobile devices, which opens up further opportunities to sell advertising.