Android's gaining a head of steam as it heads
towards release -- Google just posted up some details on the upstart OS's app distribution system, Android Market. Just like Apple's iPhone App Store, Android Market will run on Android phones like the
HTC Dream and allow users to browse and install apps, as well as comment on and rate apps they've already purchased. (Somewhat terrifyingly, Google describes the rating and comment-system as "similar to YouTube," but we're hoping the reference is to user-generated ratings in general and not the grammar and language catastrophe that is YouTube comments.) Unlike Apple's store, however, Android Market will be open to all -- Google wants devs to "have an open and unobstructed environment" for their apps, and it'll only take three steps (register, upload, describe) to put content on the service. The first Android handsets will come with a beta version of Market that supports free downloads only, but a version that has app sales, versioning, and other features will arrive soon after launch -- given the number of mediocre apps that have somehow passed Apple's vetting process, it'll be interesting to see what shows up in Google's store with no filters at all. More screenshots after the break.
[Via
Mobile Burn]
posted Aug 28th 2008 3:37PM
I wonder if someone is already working on an Android $1,000 red diamond app. They should at least make it green.
Seriously though, I'm really looking forward to buying the G1, but I'm not familiar with open source OS. Will there be any quality control? I assume their must be something in the terms of use for developers holding them responsible for creating spam-like content?
Although it has a great intent, I worry about the implementation. It's pretty difficult to find what you are looking for on many of the "Anyone can upload software" websites, I've definitely found it hard to find a decent program on Windows Mobile software websites, even with user rankings. I'm glad they're encouraging everyone to get involved, I just hope the good programs don't get lost in the mess.
as we now know from Apple's App Store, walled gardens still don't keep crap apps out of the library. so, thank you Google for taking a path to reduce friction between developers and consumers. let consumers vote on quality with their time/money.
okay, so google is copying apple...nice
actually Google had announced and started app development long before Apple did so it is Apple copying Google
i would also like to point out the iphone uses gogoles maps etc so really google is far superioir allbeit extremely slow at outputting the product but it will be the best phone on the market!
just been looking at the applications list and im impressed
Seriously engadget why can't you just link straight to the official source of this news.. ie the google android blog
http://android-developers.blogspot.com/2008/08/android-market-user-driven-content.html
Both the image and read link point to Google's Android blog, which is the primary source of the news. The via link is just our way of attributing the site that referred us.
Indeed this is nothing new at all. The idea of an integrated software repository and manager exists for many many years with almost all Linux (desktop) distros. The are already many software directories for Android apps, like http://www.android-freeware.org/ So, Google just putting it together. Let's live and see how effective they'll engineer that.