At last Google has shared with the world about how it was going to distribute applications, mobile phones using its Android OS in its Android Blog. It is not difficult for one to see a lot of similarities between Google’s Android Market and Apple’s App Store. Even the name, “Android Market” was released only today. All along it was referred just as Android applications. As per Google’s statement, Android Market is an open source CDS or content distribution system which is designed to facilitate the end users to identify, track, buy, download and install different types of content on all devices that use Android as their Operating System. Google stated, “The concept is simple: leverage Google’s expertise in infrastructure, search and relevance to connect users with content created by developers like you.”
Google says that it prefers to use the term ‘market’ rather than ‘store’ to make its purpose clear that developers should have an open environment to make their content available. This open environment should not be obstructed in anyway so that there is free flow of information without any hesitation. This system seemingly follows the steps of YouTube. The merchant has to register an account, upload the content and give all the required descriptions and then publish it; it is all done in this three simple steps. It is not the end of the story; Google also has more in store for Android Market. All the registered users will also have a dashboard and analytics that will help them to promote their business and there by make their offerings even better.
By stating that it does not want to call its system “Store” and that it wants an open environment it obviously too a jab at Apple. Google is very cautious in having information just trickle out to prod the users interest by not giving all at once. The business details are yet to be announced. As of now we just know that Android Market is the platform for users to share content in an open environment.
The first handsets are to be enabled with the beta version of Android Market shortly and developers can expect it anytime. As per Google’s statement they are yet to finalize the details but as of now Google has committed to support the free applications. After the launch of the fuller version, Google will announce the user community about the latest updates on paid content, versioning, multiple device profile support, analytics etc. Developers are waiting eagerly to hear about the revenue splits; those of us who worked on App Store would know that App Store had a revenue split of 30/70. Google is pleased to see the support so far and the sharing of content. We are sure that Google will try to make Android Market more robust because it would like to launch with the remark that Android Market is Google’s version of App Store. Let us wait to see what is in ‘store’ for us in the “Market’ in the months to come.