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 August 28th 2008 3:37PM
Give me a phone that has a real browser solution and that is not on SHITTY ASS AT&T and I'll give you a customer.
The Android platform is looking very promising, and this is coming from an iPhone user. I hope that one lands on AT&T so I can give it a test run. Though I don't think it'll snatch me away from my iPhone it'll be a very good alternative. I also hope it comes with aweb browser that is just as good or even better because that's what I use my phone for most of the time.
To Nightmare...perhaps you should do some more research... T-Mobile's 3G network is already up and running in a handful of cities. They're flipping the switch in new cities almost on a daily basis now to have the network up and running for the official October launch. Now as far as the Voice only on 3G.. You don't think T-Mobile spent $4.5 BN just to give their subscribers a clearer voice??? It's not even UMTS... They're going straight to HSDPA. All it takes is a bit of research on the net and it would save you some embarrassing comments.
Hmm, Apple is right yet again. This is getting ridiculous. After the 90's and the rise of the platform-independent internet, the rise of Microsoft, the rise of Linux, and the fall of the Mac, who would've guessed that the 00's would be Apple's decade?
This is not just directed towards Google, and I am not an Apple Fanboy nor owner, but to almost all other software, apps, OS's, and anything else on the interwebs: Learn a thing or two from Apple about clean, shiny interface and 3D icons! It makes all the difference, just take your multibillion-dollar corporation and hire one programmer, and name him "Scott, the guy who doesn't do anything but make our icons shiny." Call me shallow, but I think the iPhone has proven that people want something that looks good and works ok (iPhone) over something that is solid as a rock but looks like the interface to the GameBoy printer (Palm,Blackberry,etc). Just some friendly advice from someone who owns none of the products above (except the GB Printer).
From a developer's perspective, Android Market needs to include ecommerce and a seamless distribution method for registration codes. Otherwise they are just another software archive that happens to have an icon on the phone. Without these items (and a few more), the sales volumes for devs might not make the platform as attractive. I've detailed my concerns on my blog, Mobile Evolution. http://creativealgorithms.com/blog/