Google’s App Store
The first Google phone, a smart phone that runs on the Google Android platform, is scheduled for release at the end of this year. Google has released more info about how this new platform will operate, including the Google version of the Apple iTunes App store.
The store is exactly what you would expect from Google. It is described by them as more of a “marketplace” where any registered developer can post their app without having to get it approved first. Google has pledged to be more hands off than Apple. Not surprising since Google is not known for its customer service. The Google apps store will only be available for free apps at first. Later, more functionality will be added to let developers sell their apps. The main reason is probably that it is a real headache trying to keep track of different tax rates among other countries. If Google gets a split of the app revenue as Apple does currently, they will need to make sure that the taxes are properly paid or they could get sued.
Google has also listened to Apple’s detractors. Unlike the Apple store, Google is promising that developers will have a dashboard that will provide info in the app downloads so that they can be improved. The Google store will also allow version control of the apps so that developers will have an easier time pushing and tracking patches to users.
Let’s hope that Google has learned how to manage such an effort. If the Google apps store does take off, it will at least provide a healthy source of clients for Google Checkout.
Tags: Android, Apple, Google, iPhone, iTunes app store, smartphone