Report: Amazon testing in-app purchases for tablet

Amazon is reportedly testing a service for its Kindle Fire tablet that would allow users to make purchases through apps.

According to BusinessWeek, the option would support subscriptions as well as one-time purchases through tablet apps.

The report cites Maria Ly, co-founder of a company participating in a pilot program hosted by Amazon.

Ly's company, Skimble, sells physical fitness programs and relies heavily on in-app purchases. "It's still kind of in its early stages, but we're very optimistic about it," Ly tells BusinessWeek of the Amazon pilot program.

The option would serve as another source of revenue for the Kindle Fire, since a portion of the money earned through in-app purchases would likely go to Amazon.

Both Google and Apple allow in-app purchases on tablets and smartphones running the Android and iOS mobile operating systems.

The report does not give a timetable for when Amazon plans to launch the service for Fire.