Google has spelled out the terms and conditions for using its Android Market to by Android apps and games. Taking a slightly different tack to the iPhone App Store, Android Market has some interesting benefits for users, as well as some important caveats.
Google has just started to allow apps to be sold via the formerly free Android Market and has issued a document that details the terms and conditions fo rusing the service.
First, the good – Google will allow any apps bought via Android Market to be ‘returned’ within 24 hours. This automatic cooling off period makes all apps try-before-you-buy, which is pretty cool. Also, Google say that if you lose your phone or acccidentally delete an app you can have unlimited re-downloads.
The less-than-good – Google is taking a completely hands off approach to Android Market – if you have a dispute about an app, you have to take it up with the developer – or with your credit card company if the dispute is about payments.
On the other hand, Google does reserve the right to step in if it thinks someone has wriggled around its term of service and distributed a ‘bad’ app. Like the App Store, Android Market comes with a ‘kill switch’ that will remotely delete disapproved-of apps from your phone. Google promise only to use their powers for good, not evil, but it will be interesting to see how this kill switch is engaged.
Google has also banned any kind of sexually explicit material from Android Market. Whether this fits in the good or bad category is down to you, although we are betting that there is at least one controversial ‘hang on, this app is about breast cancer, not boobs!’ story within the first six months, guaranteed.
via Androinica
