Google today unveiled what is being referred to as the “Android Market.” A software store that bares not-so-shocking resemblance to the iPhone App Store. The Android Market, of course, is only directed towards phones running the Android operating system.
Apple has been under harsh criticism for pulling various apps from the app store. Which some say are making it turn out to be a software “boutique” hand chosen by Apple. Google, on the other hand, is taking a different approach. They are planning an “open and unobstructed” environment where apps are not banned for legal content, functions, or stupidity. The store itself will still be hosted by Google (like Apple’s App Store), and the overall concept is the same… To give third-party developers neutral ground to share, distribute and sell their applications easily, and securely. Although without a screening process, Google will surely get caught up in legal content battles one way or another. It would make sense for them to at least moderate the applications being distributed in the Android Market.
The Android Market has a star-based rating system, similar to everything else you’ve seen on the web (think Youtube ratings). The data is also intended to help developers track the success of a certain application over time. Google is no stranger to extremely large amounts of data. It certainly seems plausible for Google to release a product similar to Google Analytics for developers to use, that develop applications on the Android platform.
The Android Market will be available as a beta first, and will come preloaded on to new devices that will only allow for free applications to be downloaded. “A system to handle paid apps and with streamlined upgrades, support for different device profiles, and other details should be available shortly after the first device is available this fall,” electronista reports.
Google thrives on open-source software, and encourages its engineers to work on personal projects. Apple on the other hand, shuns the idea. It all goes back to “controlling the whole widget.” By optimizing the hardware for the software, and the software for the hardware, the end user gets the best available user experience. Apple doesn’t want to share its code, or share its hardware. It wants to control the entire environment so that things don’t get muggy (alá Windows Mobile).
The Android Market will give developers access to parts of Android’s operating system that aren’t available through Apple and the iPhone SDK, specifically the media player software. So as a developer, both sides of the pendulum have strong arguments. By developing for the iPhone, you always know what hardware will be running your software. Therefore allowing you to optimize it, to its full potential. By developing for Google’s Android, you run the risk of spreading your software too thin, hoping to support many devices, only to cut out important features. However, by developing for Android, you are surely signing up to engage in a well-balanced, experienced and interactive community. With Apple, the environment is a little more harsh. Signing strict NDA’s and being forced to stay tight-lipped, results in an agitated development community biting their nails to share development secrets and code.
It’s up to you, more code and more options? Or a better platform with amazing hardware and the best mobile OS around?
[via electronista]
