Android Market Gets Huge Overhaul, But is it Enough?

From PC World: Google is overhauling its Android App Market in an effort to improve the experience for both users and developers. The updates, which are due before the end of 2010, will be applicable to all devices running Android 1.6 or higher. But with the Market's running tally of drawbacks -- mainly its developers' dissatisfaction with the process -- the renovation may not be enough to amend relations or compete with Apple's robust App Store.

Some of the changes that Android developer Eric Chu outlined in a blog post are:

* Improved merchandising of applications
* Streamlined browse-to-purchase experience
* An easier method for developers to distribute their applications
* A coverflow-like "carousel" on the home and category screens to improve discoverability and merchandising
* Two new categories: Widgets and Live Wallpapers -- apps will automatically be added to these categories
* Related Content on app details page

The Android Market has long been fodder for developer complaints, including gripes about "device fragmentation, a lax return policy, weak volumes of downloads, and a lack of strong developer support."

These types of complaints essentially began at the Market's inception. A Skyhook Wireless survey last year showed a predominance of irritated app-creators -- a sentiment that could push these creative minds away from Google and into Apple's open arms.

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