Google’s Android Application Gallery
Written by AndroidGuys • May 14th, 2008 • Category: Google News, Leaks, Rumors, and Hacks, Recent NewsAccording to a recent article on Forbes, it appears that Google are planning an online gallery for developers to upload their applications for display, and to show off work in progress. Eric Chu, Google’s mobile platforms program manager is the man who dropped the news regarding the upcoming gallery for developers.
Google, of course, wants many developers to finish their applications, regardless of a shot at prize money. To support them, it is compiling a list of entrants and allowing judges from the contest–mostly handset makers, carriers, semiconductor and middleware firms from Google’s Open Handset Alliance–to contact developers directly. The eventual plan, says Chu, is to create an online gallery for all Android developers to display their applications and works-in-progress. Google hopes the format will spark more collaboration. “A lot of applicants have great ideas and, if they worked together, could have a much better combined result,” says Chu.
Is Google heading towards a similar thing to what Apple is doing to distribute iPhone applications with the App Store? Not just yet, but it could be a move it that general direction. Our own Jamie Hunter has written his thoughts on this in a previous Op-Ed so be sure to check it out. We wonder if it will compete directly with third party distribution models such as SlideMe and other offerings. I guess that answer may have already been answered, or maybe not, what say you?
When Google will officially unveil the Android Application Gallery is unknown at this point, but you can trust us to have the latest updates regarding this as it happens. We aim to please!
AndroidGuys is is mentioned in the latest issue (July '08) of WIRED.
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yeah that quote is kinda confusing. I’ve always thought Google really needs to do an App Store of sorts if they are planning on taking over the cell phone market.
I hope they do it right.
I think Google is walking a fine line on this one. If they come out and say they are doing an AppStore, it will make a lot of industry players nervous, particularly the content aggregators and carriers. And Google needs aggregator/carrier support to hold together the OHA.
A gallery is a good middle ground, as it is not a full-blown content provisioning system and wouldn’t be viewed as competitive. Of course, a gallery could be transitioned into a delivery system, meaning Google would have some bully power once it gets entrenched into the mobile ecosystem.