G1 Phones bust down the door with 50 open source apps, more to come
Google Android is chasing the coattails of Apple’s iPhone with its initial offering of 50 apps created during the Android Developer Challenge. That’s good news for the already popular G1 phone from T-mobile, which just went on sale. Users are continuously looking for more ways to use their phone and Google intends to satisfy that hankering.
Android provides a good beginning base, allowing users to use Google applications like Maps and Gmail right out of the box. It also stores contact information directly in your Gmail account, which makes it easy to use that information outside the four corners of a mobile phone like the G1.
But Google has caught on to the trend ignited with Apple’s iPhone Application store. Users are seeking additional functionality from their phones and the fastest way to accommodate those needs is through third party developers that are able to zero in on niche markets.
When the the Android Application Market launches next week it will require all apps to be downloadable free of charge. That’s a smart move because it allows users to experiment without making an additional financial commitment. Developers are likely hoping that those users will spread the word and bring in revenue when paid apps are sanctioned in the first quarter next year.
Developers will get 70% of the revenue from each purchase; the remaining amount goes to carriers and billing settlement fees—Google does not take a percentage. We believe this revenue model creates a fair and positive experience for users, developers, and carriers, according to a company blog post.
Google’s advertising cash cow allows it to take a benevolent approach to most of its business dealings. And in this case Android will only serve to drive more people online to further catalyze advertising revenue. Some apps may eventually integrate advertising, which seems likely after Google’s foray into Flash game advertising.
Some of the top apps available in the Android Market right now include a cab finder, a UPC scanner that compares prices and reviews online, and a workout tracker/motivator. Check out the complete list.
Here’s hoping Android can continue to pump out high quality apps, and add another level of pressure to the competitive landscape.
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October 25th, 2008
I am sure that we are not the only ones, but zhiing is being rapidly developed to work on the android platform.
Today, the device is light on apps, but I expect this to improve quickly. Some are forecasting that Android will shoot past iPhone sales (see ABI Research) – but I think this is doubtful. The iPhone is too elegant.
This should put a lot of pressure on the launch of the blackberry bold and their application storefront.
All of these devices are changing the way consumers approach mobile computing. When Palm Launched wireless computing nearly 8 years ago, it was all about email, and a poor browser experience. Today, it is still about email, but LBS services are adding an entirely new dimension to the term “smart phone.” Because the devices are location aware, finding what you want is a lot easier than the old way. Connecting with friends is even easier – for example, zhiing will look at the message between two people or between a person and a place and route directions.
The future is wide open