Google confirms Android Market redesign
updated 09:15 pm EDT, Thu September 3, 2009
Android Market gets facelift amid dev criticisms
Google has confirmed that it is set to unveil a redesigned Android Market, with several changes the the interface and layout. Users will be able to easily explore the top paid apps, top free apps and new additions to the store. Navigating to an app page will show screenshot previews, along with reviews from other users.
The revamped interface essentially mimics many of the primary features of Apple's App Store. iPhone users can also browse content by popular paid and free downloads or new apps.
Many Google developers have expressed frustration with poor revenues from the Android market. Several, including Larva Labs' Matt Hall, blame Google for poorly marketing paid apps. The interface initially shows just free content, while Hall describes the lack of screenshots an "insane" decision.
Recent research suggests Apple's App Store market is approximately 40 times larger than Google's alternative. Android users are far less receptive to downloads, with just 19 percent making app purchases. Half of all iPhone owners have paid for app downloads, while even the iPod touch has outperformed Android.
