The new web store offers users a simpler and cleaner way of purchasing apps.
For years, Google has always trailed behind Apple in the mobile industry but it has begun to make a name for itself.
At Google’s HQ yesterday, the Android Market Web Store became a focus of interest, something Apple may find hard to immediately copy. It was a part of Google’s aim to push native software Web development; a scheme not always smartphone practical but begins to impact as tablets computing power increases.
Above all, it offers a cleaner, simpler and more user-friendly app purchase option for Android users. It can attract developers with its many options for apps store promotion and a higher visibility within applications.
With Android Market Web Store, users can browse app choices similar to other Web sites from any Web-connected device instead of disorderly Android market phone interfaces. An app is linked with a Google account, not with a device, to automatically connect to Android devices registered to the account at the time it was acquired.
Another Google edge over Apple is its Web services. Apple has now several services that incorporate everything over the Web. iPhone may have this but with an additional $99 yearly subscription or for free with the iPhone 4 that is installed with iOS 4.2.
Apple’s mobile strategy core is iTunes but Apple fans admit the desktop app takes long. iTunes provided a centralized distribution and payment processing system that created iOS growth however, it is resource-incentive connected to a single computer. iPhone or iPad apps managing and purchase that needs back up, the device will have to by physically connected to a computer.
Goole’s Android strategy aimed to get rid of the link and plunged its Web-based services as an advantage for those anxious about app backup and contact management. It previously didn’t have a realistic option as far as the ease-of-use that accompanies app shopping on a wider screen as well as the poor skill in the native Android market but now it does.
Google’s mobile platforms’ product manager, Eric Chu said the Web Store won’t replace the native Android Market on phones and tablets as yet but Google will continue to make improvements.
Google’s target is to change software developed for definite devices with software developed on and for the Web. Mobile devices are not at par with their desktop equal in terms of strategy support but as standards are cleared and mobile browsers become more powerful, it may soon happen.
This may prove to be a strong definition for Google and its partners as Android’s Web services is a strong selling point.
It may not define a big change in the game but it shows how many companies are trying to keep up with the high scores of Apple iOS as strength and low points are tracked with the iPhone and iPad experience.
Should Google address the low points in the Android experience like the OS slow pace of reaching phones, it may begin to make a mark.
