Google goes to 'Android Market' in App Store challenge

by Stephen Withers

Friday, 29 August 2008

Page 2 of 4 The market will initially be a venue for free content, though support for paid items is promised. Other developments will include support for versioning, multiple device profiles, analytics and more. "With the addition of a marketplace, the Android ecosystem is becoming even more robust," added Chu. "I am incredibly energized by the support and amazing content I've seen so far." Such an arrangement will make it easier and quicker for developers to get new applications - and perhaps more importantly, updates delivering bug fixes - into the hands of users more quickly. The downside of eliminating any screening process means there's no enforcement of user interface guidelines, no independent pre-release testing for security and privacy issues (not that Apple's App Store has a great record, having withdrawn at least one application on these grounds after initially approving it), and no independent testing for general quality. However, the general software market seems to function quite well without any of those characteristics, so do we really need them for smartphone software? Maybe not. But here's one prediction: when the Android Market starts handling paid content, be prepared for a raft of high-priced "I Am Rich" clones. Call them markets, call them stores, such aggregated online outlets make life simple for developers, but they're no bed of roses. Read why on page three. << First page <   1 2 3 4 Next page > Last page - Post your comment >>

 

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