Google knows that Android has an issue with fragmentation. The sheer number of devices out there running on several different versions of the operating system and with a myriad display sizes makes it a nightmare for app developers and app downloaders alike – a worry that’s now been eased with an Android Market update. Read more
The Amazon Kindle Fire, the Barnes and Noble Nook, any HP TouchPad running Android and a host of other devices all got a little bit tastier today. Google’s made it possible for them to access the full remit of the Android Market, and in doing so has waged war on the walled-garden approach of the likes of the Amazon Android app store.
A new version of the Android Market (v 3.1.3) has been leaked ahead of Google’s formal announcement. The update brings two noteworthy additions: PIN security to prevent accidental purchases and built-in Google+1 support. The next time you lend out your phone you won’t have to worry about finding five versions of Angry Birds installed when it’s returned.
PIN security for the Android Market has been been a long time in the making. Being able to protect our handsets from accidental or unwanted purchases is more of a necessity than a perk as far as we’re concerned. The addition of Google+1 to the market is convenient, but not nearly as valuable.
Vodafone is rolling out carrier billing for the Android Market. That means Android owners on the network will be able to charge app purchases to their phone bills and pay for them alongside calls, texts and data. Initially the new feature is only available to Android owners who bough their phone directly from Vodafone through its online or retail stores.
Billing has always been one of the biggest Android Market bugbears thanks to the eccentricities of Google Checkout. Vodafone is the first European carrier to launch operator billing but Google is said to be negotiating deals with other networks. Click the headline and head to the comments to tell us: will carrier billing make you buy more Android apps from the Android Market?
Out now | £free | Vodafone (via Mobile-Ent.Biz)
As a kid I remember flipping through the pages of the JCPenny catalog at Christmas time, hoping to find the perfect toy to have Santa cram down the chimney. Today, we have Google Catalogs — an app which aggregates digital versions of catalogs from more than a dozen brands covering everything from fashion and jewelry to gifts. With an endless stream of Android Honeycomb tablets on the market why did Google launch the app on the iPad first?
A joint venture between Three UK and LiveWire Mobile has resulted in the relaunch of the carrier’s mobile Games Store. The browser-based portal now includes a series of Android games and applications which it hopes will “attract everyone from casual gamers to hardcore enthusiasts”. The refresh also includes social media integration and a dedicated HD games section.
Ready for a taste of the future of Android gaming? Back in January, rumors of an all you can eat Android gaming service began to circulate. Today, GameTanium Mobile has turned those rumors to reality with the launch of its subscription gaming service which includes a library of over 75 games. Additional titles will be added weekly and over 200 premium titles are expected by year’s end.
You’d be hard pressed to find someone covering the mobile industry who was not starstruck by Google’s second quarter earnings call yesterday. The search giant broke news by announcing it was activating an unprecedented 550,000 devices per day and Android sales now total 135 million. On the app front, the Market now hosts over 250,000 apps, shortening the lead held by the Apple App Store. The success of Android has helped Google’s second quarter revenues jump 32 percent year-over-year. At this point can anything stop Google from winning?