Google Android App Store: Like iTunes, With One Big Difference (GOOG)

This seems parallel to the early Apple and Microsoft/PC platforms. Microsoft/PC platforms was much more open and capable to quickly expand, while Apple needed to have that seal of approval. I would bet that the same would happen to the mobile platforms, Google's approach would take a much wider adoption even though Google would have less control over it. In my opinion this would mean more innovation for the consumer and fewer barriers to entry for the developer.

'roid rage?

@sheraz Actually, that's exactly what lead to the crap-factor of MS Windows machines. Too much freedom: Too many third-parties, too many drivers, too many incompatibilities, way too many headaches. Apple's policing led to higher integrity of system compatibility and software usability.

That said, a lot of those issues were with the plethora of variable hardware configs coupled with software variables. Maybe the mobile space won't be as bad if at least the Android hardware maintains constant.

So, there are some relative points, but it's not a parallel.

However, while Apple seems to have a heavy-hand, it's with good reason. The more you open a platform, without regulations, the more vulnerable it becomes. How cavalier is Google being, though? Are apps at least peer-reviewed?

If Google's policy is a caution-to-the-wind, developer free-for-all, Google's opening itself up – and all its customers – to all sorts of nefariousness. Can you imagine if some crack-pot created a beautiful app that you love and enjoy into a trojan horse? (like all the viruses, spy-ware, etc. that have riddled Windows, *ahem*)

Mobile phone dev is in its infancy. Perhaps even more likened to an unborn child in the grand scheme of technological history and Apple is doing the right thing keeping close tabs, nurturing it in a careful manner.

Regulation, to at least some degree, is a necessity to sustainable, beautiful design.

I wonder if google's open-door policy might actually hurt app innovation.

Without some type of official seal-of-approval I'd worry that users will be less likely to test drive apps and recommend them to others. Without the early adopters' recommendations you'll get fewer users and the apps will suffer in both adoption and improvement updates...

As long as it doesn't become full of useless facebook-like apps this is great.

@hehateme Do you do anything but rip on Apple and the people who like their stuff?

6 idiots bought I am Rich, which only reminds us that the general populace has a lot of people who don't pay attention. The people who equate open with better are the people who don't want to pay for anything. How open is the Blackberry OS?

What are Android Apps going to cost? From the description in the blog, what is the differentiation between it and the other application store/markets that are out there already? Why do those screen shots look awfully familiar?

Let me know when this is actually working on an actual phone being used by the public, then we'll be able to compare/contrast. I don't believe there is only one way to approach a solution.

He's also a vampire, he never sleeps and ends up first on every story he comments on.

OTOH, since I discovered this site, I come here every day to read up, you guys are doing a great job.

Sprint's an OHA member, so there's a fairly good chance they'll get an Android handset soonish, T-Mobile just got dibs on having the first one...

Everyone talks about how this could end up "terrible like Microsoft Windows", but on the other hand Windows is the most-used operating system in the world today with a huge array of useful software... and Android is Linux-based so it hopefully won't be as "holey" as Microsoft's legacy-bloated OS.

I’m not an Apple fanboy. But Apple is a cool company. iPhone is lightyears ahead of other phones.

So what if it has only 2MP camera, or it can’t record videos, or cannot use 3G properly, or cannot share files via bluetooth, or can’t use it as external hard drive, or can’t use it as modem,or doesn’t have FM radio, or cannot have my own ringtones, or can’t send MMS or can’t forward messages, or have to use resource hogging iTunes. It is simply cool device. It's my status symbol. Those who donot own iPhone are poor people.

Anything that comes out of Apple, even if it’s a piece of shit, I would do anything to have it in my pocket. Apple is that awesome. Apple will bring peace & prosperity to the world. Like I said before, I’m not an Apple fanboy. :)

I don't think allowing anyone to plublish apps is a bad thing at all. All they need to do is provide some sort of feedback like community rating, user review, etc.

It's the same as PC, just because you can install any app from any store doesn't mean you will or should.

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