Although it’s not much of a surprise to Android followers, Google formally announced its application repository today. Dubbed “Android Market”, it’s exactly what we expected it to be. According to the official Android Developers Blog, it’s “an open content distribution system that will help end users find, purchase, download and install various types of content on their Android-powered devices.” Beautiful!
We’ve long been asking for a place for users to get their apps. Having one special place to go to look for, rate, and purchase will help those new to Android and at this point, we all are. It helps those who need something they can trust, especially those who fear the implications of having an “open” handset. This is a welcome announcement to us AndroidGuys. Some of us felt very strongly that unless Google adopted such a place, they could fall way behind Apple and their distribution plans.
For rating the applications, the marketplace is taking a page out of the YouTube book. It’s worked very well so far for the videos, so it seems logical to try it out for their apps. Powered by Google search, it should be a snap to get the programs you’re looking for.
Take a look at some screen shots below as well as on the blog.
