In an effort to show their support for Android, and maybe even future devices, T-Mobile is sending out an add-on to the Android Market. This section of the Android Market will house “a variety of innovative applications that help customers customize their device and manage their T-Mobile account.” Yes, I know, that sounds a lot like the App Pack from the myTouch. Either way, this looks like a good place to start your Android adventure. Well, it is, just for all Android phones. The catch? You need to be running Android 1.6 to get to this predetermined app section, so Cliq and Behold 2 owners will just need to sit tight. More pictures and a list of Apps after the break. Tell us what you think in the comments!
Well the Android Market looks to be getting an “overhaul” courtesy of Motorola who apparently have gone and built their very own Market for Android, with desktop capability and all. Currently called, “SHOP4APPS,” my boys over at Androidandme have used the awesome power of Google search to reveal one of Motorola’s dirty little Android secrets. Unfortunately, the discovery the of the site has led to a takedown as it evidently wasn’t ready for prime time but a key facts were uncovered before the inevitable takedown.
MyLocker section which allows to see your download history
Ability to re-download/transfer apps to a new phone,
Accessible from your mobile browser, mobile client and “Motorola Media Link (MML)”
Automatic notification of app updates
While this sounds like a great idea to help Motorola Android buyers organize and manage their Android content, what does this say about the current state of the Android Market that Motorola feels the need to introduce their own variant? Also begging the question, will other manufacturers follow suit and build an independent Android Market, HTC anyone? What about non-Motorola phones? Will the mobile browser version be restricted to Motorola only phones? Will the apps in the store be picked by Motorola or based on some other kind of rating system? In my eyes, looming questions remain about how this will be introduced, operated and run side by side with the current Android Market…
Just over a month ago, T-Mobile CTO Cole Brodman was speaking at the Open Mobile Summit in San Francisco and promised carrier billing for the Android market. In an effort to streamline the purchase process and increase Android Market sales, T-Mobile hoped carrier billing would increase apps purchased on the go. As of yesterday, December 9th, this option is now live via an “invisible” update to the Android Market that requires nothing other than owning an Android phone to receive. As per usual, T-Mobile is staggering this “invisible” update now through December 30th and once received, you will have the option of purchasing apps via credit card or billing to your wireless account. Using a credit card is so old school ya heard!
Since the update is “invisible,” you can verify that you have received the update by checking out which version of the Market you have; anything over 1660 means you are good to go. We applaud T-Mobile for enacting something so simple yet so streamlined as enacting carrier billing for app purchases. Apple, you listening? Hit the jump for instructions on how to check your market version.
There is little question as to whether or not T-Mobile has gone all in with the Android platform as they offer double the number of devices as the closest competitor. Well as it’s that time of year to spend the money you receive from returning that ugly sweater Grandma gave you, T-Mobile is looking to showcase the Android Market with a Gift Guide for the Holidays. Our source indicates this brochure is given away with all Android purchases, save for the MyTouch, which has us scratching our head. Hit the jump for a gallery of Android apps and hopefully some recommendations for new downloads to spend that holiday money on!
I know how it is having to wait for something for a very long time. You guys saw the sneak peak of the Android Market a while ago which included a new look, application screenshots, promotional icons, and improved application descriptions. Well guess what? You don’t have to wait anymore! All you Android users out there can now download the new Android Market 1.6 via the latest Cyanogen ROM. All you need is a rooted Android device. Feel free to express your thoughts in the comments!
The Android market has come a long way since its inception and while still considerably behind the Apple App store as far the numbers tell, the market itself may be better all around. I mean out of 70,000 apps in the App Store I’d venture to guess about 12,000 are “pull my finger” apps. Newly added to the Android market are:
Application screenshots
Promotional icons
Improved application descriptions
Also added according to my bud at HTCSource are sports, health, themes and comic categories. No word on when exactly this 1.6 update will drop, but Motorola is expected to ship their upcoming, as of yet unannounced devices with the update already installed. T-mobile and Verizon are expected to follow suit sometime soon. I hope that everyone will get to take advantage of these features so MyTouch and G1 customers aren’t left waiting in the wings for long.
