ie8 fix
madison

Hardware 2.0

Adrian Kingsley-Hughes
Home / News & Blogs / Hardware 2.0

Android Market is a mess

By | June 28, 2010, 7:51am PDT

Summary: An interesting piece by tech wizard Jon Lech Johansen critizing Google’s management of the Android Market.

An interesting piece by tech wizard Jon Lech Johansen critizing Google’s management of the Android Market.

Google does far too little curation of the Android Market, and it shows. Unlike Apple’s App Store, the Android Market has few high quality apps.

It gets worse:

Below are just a few examples of what’s wrong with the Android Market. Those 144 spam ringtone apps (which are clearly infringing copyright) are currently cluttering the top ranks of the Multimedia category. I was not surprised to find that they were being monetized through Google Ads.

Google is also allowing users to get access to apps that allow them to download music illegally:

Trademark and copyright infringement is widespread in the Android Market:

The music downloading app “Tunee” (one of many such apps) is one of the Top Free apps in the Multimedia category with more than 250k downloads. While some would dishonestly try to pretend that such apps are meant for downloading public domain classical music, the developers of Tunee are very clear about their intent.

So basically, on the one hand Apple offers a tightly controlled marketplace where users can find apps, while Google has created a wild west where anything goes. Which is best?

Poll

Which App store approach do you prefer?

This is the clearest indication yet that Google’s Android platform (and I mean the platform as a whole, not the OS specifically) is far from ready for prime time. How is the end user supposed to filter through the apps to find legitimate ones in the midst of all the junk? Where’s the element of trust? Where’s the oversight?

There’s a valuable lesson here for Microsoft to learn with it’s mobile aspirations - set the development bar too low and invite anyone and everyone on board to create anything, and what you end up with is a cesspool where high-quality apps don’t have a chance of flourishing.

Google - FIX IT!!!!

Kick off your day with ZDNet's daily e-mail newsletter. It's the freshest tech news and opinion, served hot. Get it.

More from “Hardware 2.0”

Topics

Android Market, Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

Adrian Kingsley-Hughes is an internationally published technology author who has devoted over a decade to helping users get the most from technology.

Disclosure

Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

All opinions expressed on Hardware 2.0 are those of Adrian Kingsley-Hughes. Every effort is made to ensure that the information posted is accurate. If you have any comments, queries or corrections, please contact Adrian via the email link here. Any possible conflicts of interest will be posted below. [Updated: February 23, 2010] - Adrian Kingsley-Hughes has no business relationships, affiliations, investments, or other actual/potential conflicts of interest relating to the content posted so far on this blog.

Biography

Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

Adrian Kingsley-Hughes is an internationally published technology author who has devoted over a decade to helping users get the most from technology -- whether that be by learning to program, building a PC from a pile of parts, or helping them get the most from their new MP3 player or digital camera.

Adrian has authored/co-authored technical books on a variety of topics, ranging from programming to building and maintaining PCs. His most recent books include "Build the Ultimate Custom PC", "Beginning Programming" and "The PC Doctor's Fix It Yourself Guide". He has also written training manuals that have been used by a number of Fortune 500 companies.

Adrian also runs a popular blog under the name The PC Doctor, where he covers a range of computer-related topics -- from security to repairing and upgrading.

54
Comments
Add Your Opinion

Join the conversation!

Just In

RE: Android Market is a mess
FAULKNE 13th Oct
Good day to confirm this comment I would appreciate T h e b e s t o f Z D N e t d e l i v e r e d your website very nice to everyone Yes, Oracle is the only one with shared-disk architecture, but that is there advantage. It means you can add or remove nodes and the database lives on. In a shared nothing architecture, if you lose a node, you lose the system. I'm sure Oracle appreciates EMC highlighting their advantage.I also desire to signal in your RSS feeds. Thank you as soon as once again and maintain up the great operate Awesome post! Thank you very much || thanks for nice content this is really benefit to me.
View in thread
0 Votes
+ -
Microsoft's current approach is probably the best
NonZealot 28th Jun 2010
There is nothing wrong with Apple having very tight control over Apple's marketplace. Where I think Apple has gone too far is by forcing iPhone users to use that marketplace. Judging from the interest in jailbreaking, I would say there is significant demand for end user choice.

Keeping that in mind, you have MS's approach with WM6.5. They offer you a highly curated app store should you choose to restrict yourself to approved apps while doing nothing to prevent those of us with intelligence from installing apps from other sources, should we choose to risk it. Linux works the same way with its repositories and I think that is a fantastic approach.

Unfortunately, Redmond's photocopiers have been working full time with WP7 and MS is about to take a step backwards towards Apple. sad
0 Votes
+ -
What happened to JM's post?
NonZealot 28th Jun 2010
Weird, wonder why it was deleted. Thanks for the very kind words JM. It brightened my day. happy
0 Votes
+ -
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes has poor knowledge
Uralbas 28th Jun 2010
His own poll proves that 66% of over 2000 users prefer Android over Apple, proving his assertions wrong.

Its foolish to keep wasting time reading his posts. This is the last one I ll read.
0 Votes
+ -
RE: Android Market is a mess
Pete "athynz" Athens 28th Jun 2010
@NonZealot You know this might be one of the two or three posts you've done that I completely agree with.
0 Votes
+ -
Adrian you are so off base with this...
mrlinux 28th Jun 2010
You call iFart iLight quality iPhone Apps ???
As a developer, I see Apple's store policy's as big issue,
you can write an app and it may never see the light of day. Or if a serious bug is found in your app, getting a fix out to your paying customer is not a very timely task.
0 Votes
+ -
developers
banned from zdnet 28th Jun 2010
@mrlinux
apple has just paid out 1 BILLION to developers. according to some reports that's 50 times as much as developers made at the android market in pretty much the same time frame. as an apple hating developer no one cares if you have any concerns. shut up, get in the game, make money on the only vital platform there is or litter zdnet's comments section. your choice.
0 Votes
+ -
Playing the lottery is a better business model
NonZealot 28th Jun 2010
@banned from zdnet
apple has just paid out 1 BILLION to developers

http://wmpoweruser.com/?p=17365
the truth is that starting to write an iPhone app may be the most stupid thing a developer or company can do.

BAM! In one link, I've just destroyed your post. happy
  • Flagged
0 Votes
+ -
wmpoweruser
banned from zdnet 28th Jun 2010
@ueberzealot
an "analysis" coming from a site called wmpoweruser. you gotta be kidding.
  • Flagged
0 Votes
+ -
WMPoweruser didn't do the analysis, they only reported it
NonZealot 28th Jun 2010
@banned from zdnet
Go read the article. There is a link to the actual analysis at the bottom. Then come back when you can actually refute anything in the analysis. We'll be waiting.
  • Flagged
0 Votes
+ -
RE: Android Market is a mess
mrlinux 28th Jun 2010
@banned from zdnet Wow that adds up to $5000 dollar per app, but what about the ones Apple denied entry into the game Adobe(I do not mean flash) Google Apps. I do not judge the app market by the amount of money you can make on an app. But on the types of apps available.
0 Votes
+ -
RE: Android Market is a mess
maskman01 28th Jun 2010
@NonZealot

I think for an app to be successful it needs to be more then a standalone app.

Look at Runkeeper (one of my favorites). Its a free app but they provide other pay services from their webpage.

Wolfgang's Vault is another classy, free app but they also offer a subscription service for premium content.

The same model seems to be duplicated with the different Cook Book and Shopping apps.

You need to be on the iPhone because it is such a popular platform (just like Android and RIM).

I think WM Power User doesn't get (and they are not alone on this) is how people make real money from apps and why the iPhone is considered so important.
0 Votes
+ -
@mrlinux: Actually, much, much, much less than $5,000 per app
NonZealot 28th Jun 2010
Wow that adds up to $5000 dollar per app

Because a few apps at the top really bring up the mean average, it really isn't all that accurate. The median is closer to $682.

http://wmpoweruser.com/?p=17365
While some developers do make it rich on the app store, due to the long tail phenomena the majority of the $1 billion ( what?s left over after Apple takes its share) will go to a few odd developers, and more than half will only earn around $682 per year per app. With iPhone apps on average costing $15 000 or more to build, this means the vast majority of developers will never make back their investment.
  • Flagged
0 Votes
+ -
RE: Android Market is a mess
dave95. Updated - 28th Jun 2010
@mrlinux

Apple's App store is still a new platform and business model (just two years old). I expect as it continues to grow, such issues will be ironed out.

But as a developer, take a look at the alternative. 60% of Apps in the Android store are free. Android users are becoming accustomed to getting things handed to them for free. Not good from a developers point of view. The top ranking apps in the Android store are, and as expected are free crappy Apps. Take a look at Apple's App store. Just 20% of apps in Apple's app store are free Apps (which still comes out to be more free Apps than Android because of total number). The top ranking Apps in Apple's App Store are paid-for apps. This shows that the App Store is a healthy thriving store, users are willing to pay for quality apps if offered, developers are happy. Sure there are issues but it's obvious which store is the healthiest and most lucrative.
0 Votes
+ -
RE: Android Market is a mess
NonZealot 28th Jun 2010
@dave95.
My responses are quoted from the following article:
http://wmpoweruser.com/?p=17365

Android users are becoming accustomed to getting things handed to them for free.

So are Apple users:
The truth is that while more than 75% of applications in the app store are for a fee, with the average price around $3.83, more than 80% of those 5 billion apps downloaded were in fact of the free variety.

Back to your post:
Sure there are issues but it's obvious which store is the healthiest and most lucrative.

Yes, and it isn't Apple's App Store.
Calling iPhone devotees blinded by large numbers, he notes even the most successful iPhone game (Angry birds which sold 4 million) pales into insignificance compared to mobile games like Tetris which easily sold into the 100 millions.
  • Flagged
0 Votes
+ -
Lets see some links for those numbers...
mrlinux 28th Jun 2010
@dave95.
0 Votes
+ -
RE: Android Market is a mess
dave95. Updated - 28th Jun 2010
@Zealot

"The truth is that while more than 75% of applications in the app store are for a fee, with the average price around $3.83, more than 80% of those 5 billion apps downloaded were in fact of the free variety."

The important stat that was conveniently left out from (Winpoweruser) is: what percentage of those users who download free trial Apps also purchased the full Apps later? I know i've download lite version of apps but later purchased the full version because it was well done. Does this not count?

The App Store as mentioned is easily the most lucrative of any other competing app stores. If they're saying it's really only fools goal, then I guess no other store stand a chance. All development should come to a halt in competing stores!

@mrlinux

Here are the links (just few months ago)

http://www.androlib.com/appstatsfreepaid.aspx
http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/15/android-market-hits-20-000-apps-over-60-percent-free/
0 Votes
+ -
See the original article for much more useful info
Patanjali Updated - 29th Jun 2010
@mrlinux.
For the figures you have to look at the original article, which is much more than just what these throw away figures represent.

The whole point of his blog was that:
- aiming at just the smartphone app market is highly biased towards losing money for a developer
- looking at the whole mobile market and using technologies not restricted to one particular smartphone OS or another, then there are some real opportunities to make money.

He cites where just using SMS in conjuction with other media generates $Billions. His discussion around that shows that there is a lot more to being sure to make money from programming than glamour apps - it is relevance and leveraging which are way out of the realm of most programmers. Yes there are a few successful sole efforts, like some games, but most WILL fail miserably because they lack the coherence in marketing that will give them the reach. As in most things, technology is just a small part in success - all the elements have to be lined up to be successful, which really means success is a team effort and that raises the overheads (and consequently the break-even point) out of the reach of the vast majority of programmers.

Of course, you will not make money if a app is not useful, easy to use or reliable. Just those criteria will eliminate many developers' efforts from making their fortune.
0 Votes
+ -
RE: Android Market is a mess
Pete "athynz" Athens 28th Jun 2010
@mrlinux Let's compare how many fart apps are in the Apple App store to how many spam ringtone apps are in the Android App Store... from the article: Those 144 spam ringtone apps (which are clearly infringing copyright) are currently cluttering the top ranks of the Multimedia category. Or even better let's count how many fart apps are in the Andriod app store - Type in ?fart? in the Android Market and you?ll find over 29 apps that will satisfy your inner bachelor. Plus you?ll be the star at the family holiday gathering with hits like FartDroid, Fart Attack v1.3.1, 101 Farts, Fart Machine 2, Pull My Finger, Sneaky Fart, and my favorite, Fartbot 3000. For special occasions may I suggest Noble Fart. quoted from here:http://www.starksilvercreek.com/2009/12/android-app-explosion-now-20000-farts-yes-crm-no.html

To be fair I'm also including the results of an iTunes search for fart apps: using the search feature in iTunes I found 180 fart apps, some dedicated fart apps some being a broader spectrum of sound effect apps - so out of 200,000 apps there are 180 fart apps... not that large of a percentage of fart apps there compared to the number of apps available.
0 Votes
+ -
Seriously?
Ktroje 30th Jun 2010
@mrlinux Let's get it out of the way; I like my 3GS. I wouldn't go to Android if someone paid me. I don't use the App Store very much, why? Because it's full of bloatware.

But your post is beside the point - when did Adrian ever say anything about iFart or iLight being quality apps? They're $h!tware, like a lot of the apps in the App Store. But because of Apple's tight reign on it, we can get some very high quality applications - unlike the near-limitless Android Market.

It's because of Apple's high standards that we get some great applications, like Brushes, Sketchbook, ShoveBox, Data, QuickOffice, Documents to Go, and the always required JellyCar.

As a developer myself, Apple's policy isn't threatening to me at all. When an app has a bug, and I missed it, Apple does a good job to letting me know there's a problem and being polite about it. Should something break due to a firmware update, getting an update out has always been in less than 2 or 3 days, for me.

The App Store is massive. What is it now, 250,000 apps? I'll be the first to say that 220,000 of those are probably absolute crap. But among all those apps, you can normally find a gemstone in the dust every once in a while. Yes, Apple's policy is shockingly abrupt and limiting at some points, but compare the absolute best of the bests from both stores, and see how they stack.

Yes, there are Android apps that dominate the iPhone equivalent, and yes, there are iPhone apps that trample the Android counterpart. Is it impossible for the two stores to coexist without the need for constant comparison? Well that was a stupid question - 11/10 (yes, that's intentional, for those of you who seriously think I'm that dumb) ZDNet readers would immediately respond "HELL NO" to that.
0 Votes
+ -
I agree, Microsoft has the best of both worlds.
No_Ax_to_Grind 28th Jun 2010
Their application store has some of the best app's available, they do screen what is offered. But they also allow users to make the CHOCIE to buy elsewhere if that is their DECISION.

Choice is a good thing...
0 Votes
+ -
As an Android fan...
Jared Neale Updated - 28th Jun 2010
I agree totally. What I dislike most about the programs on Linux is that they lack polish and seem to not be of high quality which leads the consumer to think that the developer may give up on the project halfway in or that they are picking up where another developer left off. This is just my opinion not a condemnation of an OS.

People who believe in the Linux philosophy (like me) need to meet in a room a couple times a year and think out how to create free open source apps that take into consideration the overall commitment high quality apps. The only ones I personally trust are brands like Firefox, Google (to an extent), Sun. These bigger companies create better quality programs and name recognition and in return the consumer feels "safe" about their commitment. I have no idea who develops and pays for Amarok or Firestarter.
0 Votes
+ -
Apple's = high end dept. store, Google's = 3rd world Street Bazaar
Davewrite 28th Jun 2010
Apple's store is equal to a high end department store where the tough CEO and store managers are scrutinizing every item on the shelves.

Google is like a third world Street Bazaar. I've been to some of those Street Bazaars: everything goes, you can eat amazing street food but you can also step on animal dung, get ripped off with fake products and be pick-pocketed.
0 Votes
+ -
LOL
tvvristband 28th Jun 2010
Let me make this simple... The app stores we are discussing are for SMART Phones. If you are an idiot, you shouldn't use a Smartphone happy

With that said, both Stores have advantages over the other. Here I will make a list to simplify.

1. Google is open, Apple is strict.
2. Apple makes everything pretty, Google does not.
3. Google lets you do what you want, Apple Does not.
4. Apple offers a seamless experience, Google does not.

BTW, I have a brand new 32gb iPhone 4 sitting on my desk in front of me, oh and my evo 4g is sitting in my belt holster happy

No fanboyism here, Just trying to clear this drama up so the less-informed "Smartphone" users can understand. It all comes down to what you like, this reminds me of the debate between Domestic Cars and Imports... people will argue till the day they die to feel "Special".

Apple makes nice products, but so does Google.
0 Votes
+ -
App store = free market
kikl 28th Jun 2010
The google app store is a market place for software. Software vendors and consumers should decide about the success or failure of of software in the market. The governor (apple, android) of the market should not make the decision for the consumers So this is about free market economics (google android) versus communist control (apple). I am all for the free market.
0 Votes
+ -
I'd like to start seeing a "thumbs-down" button for articles like this
NetAdmin1178 28th Jun 2010
Can we get a poll to vote on whether ZDNet users would like to have a thumbs-down button placed on blog articles? Based on the results of your poll up there, I'd wager the majority of users disagree with your post.
0 Votes
+ -
RE: Android Market is a mess
cherishhellfire 28th Jun 2010
@NetAdmin1178 Thumbs up to your comment. Thumbs down on the article. *Love* the poll results! Um, waiter, could you please send a double helping of crow to the writer of this article, on me? Thanks =P
0 Votes
+ -
I like the control Apple has
space1nvaders 28th Jun 2010
As a developer, I understand WHY Apple has certain controls in place. This is why Apple has the best reputation for quality products in the entire tech industry for the entire world. People don't have to buy Apple products if they want the Wild West they can go buy another. That's the choice people have. Apple doesn't have to follow the Wild West because people demand it unless nobody buys their products. Seems like a lot of people are buying Apple now so there is no need to change - only listen and make good decisions. Apple is the leader. The rest are just doing anything they can to survive.
0 Votes
+ -
RE: Android Market is a mess
cherishhellfire 28th Jun 2010
I don't need Apples walled garden. I know what I like, and what I like best is personal responsibility to install the apps that I want, crap or not. If anyone suggested that the internet be monitored to make sure that only one groups idea of safe and responsible computing/download/app creation criteria are met, I may as well move to China, where thinking is discouraged, and personal responsibility only exists in their Government.
Remember what happened in the wild west or yore? Those people established the part of the world that leads with radical ideas that changes the way people look at their life options, and those mavericks were the forefathers of the kids who's maverick ideas made this conversation possible.
@cherishhellfire
0 Votes
+ -
It is quite the double edge sword...
Snooki_smoosh_smoosh 28th Jun 2010
@cherishhellfire... with apple you know that they have reviewed the code, and have verified that the software does what it says it does, and does not. So in that case Apple does hold some liability.

In google's case, they could care less, which means they could have 200k apps that phish out your personal data, and you wouldn't be the wiser, and since they don't manage it, well, don't try holding google responsible, it was shop at your own risk.

Pick you poison...
0 Votes
+ -
RE: Android Market is a mess
samiup 28th Jun 2010
ANDROID market is a free open market.
0 Votes
+ -
RE: Android Market is a mess
firehose00 28th Jun 2010
Apple users are used to overpaying for the products they purchase so it's no surprise they'd be more willing to open the wallet again for "Apple approved" apps
0 Votes
+ -
RE: Android Market is a mess
Pete "athynz" Athens 28th Jun 2010
@firehose00 You DO realize that there are more free apps in the Apple App Store than in the entire Android App Store? Just thought I'd let you know...
0 Votes
+ -
RE: Android Market is a mess
firehose00 28th Jun 2010
Apple users are used to overpaying for the products they purchase so it's no surprise they'd open up the wallet again for "Apple approved" apps or a new iPhone before they are eligible for an upgrade
0 Votes
+ -
RE: Android Market is a mess
leopards 28th Jun 2010
What the Android market needs, is to handled like a normal Linux Repository! Where the Apps are vetted and can be trusted to do what they say and only what they say! The present Wild West, Buyer Beware climate that prevails is going to generate a large scandal in the near future when it is found out that a popular App is stealing users information and sending it home to some criminal group!
0 Votes
+ -
Google Market needs a different kind of fix...
GoodThings2Life 28th Jun 2010
Adrian,

On the one hand, I do agree that Google should have tighter controls on somethings... no, not tighter controls on their side-- the whole point of Linux and Android is that it's a truly open platform that ANYONE can and should be able to contribute to-- but on the user's side. I should be able to filter things out myself... It's great I can search, but why can't I sort? Why can't I filter things out that I'm not interested, or "hide" vendors that I don't like?

Apple's approach is seriously flawed when you have a company that dictates what you can sell and release for a platform based on the arbitrary analysis they set forth... the platform in which the rules change on the whim of a dictatorship... where nobody can duplicate features that already exist (even though others can do it better), where nobody can have true creativity over the design and functionality of their app.

There's a benefit to having standards and requirements, but tyranny shouldn't be one of them.
0 Votes
+ -
This article is a mess
MicroNix 28th Jun 2010
So just because the Android market isn't policed and has apps to download music for free and has copyrighted ring tones, it makes the market a mess? Who are you? The Steve Jobs app police? You have a great career ahead of you censoring everything from the Apple app store. Apply in *confidence* to Steve Jobs himself. Holy cow, is your address @riaa.org?

Yes Google needs to refine the store a little, but if you actually sit an iPhone and Android device down side by side and open each app store, the same basic functions and categories exist on both. Both allow searches, have featured apps in each category, allow browsing top free and paid in each category, etc.

As Android devs and their apps mature, they are getting better and better. And Stevie isn't in the middle playing wienie with devs and their livelihood.
0 Votes
+ -
RE: Android Market is a mess
msalzberg 28th Jun 2010
@MicroNix

What do you mean that the Android market isn't policed?

http://threatpost.com/en_us/blogs/android-also-gives-google-remote-app-installation-power-062510
0 Votes
+ -
Different Devices, Different Philosophies
pwebb@... Updated - 28th Jun 2010
I disagree with the premise that the Android App Store needs to become more like the Apple App Store. Google/Android and Apple have two very different philosophies.

Apple believes in a tightly controlled platform with tightly controlled applications. Google/Android believes in a loosely controlled platform with loosely controlled applications.

Which you prefer depends on your opinion. Being a non-apple computer user, I prefer the PC's platform of free market development, even though this comes at the potential expense of infection if I download an application that is infected with malware. If I wanted a safe, cuddly world, I'd probably want an apple, even though it would come at the expense of 93% of the applications out there not supporting my platform.

In the same way, I prefer the Android operating system to the Apple iOS operating system. Yes, the Android market has some applications that are unsafe, but I'm willing to take that risk for the sake of free choice and free market when it comes to what I download. If I can't use my brain to ferret out what is safe and unsafe... well, that's my problem.

Again, this comes down to philosophies. When I explain to my clients the different philosophies between PCs and Apple computers with the clear understanding of which way I've chosen, it's amazing how many people weigh the options and in the end choose the way I do - free market, free choice.
0 Votes
+ -
RE: Android Market is a mess
hengels 28th Jun 2010
The Apple and Microsoft approach is un-American. Android is American because it is about freedom. The USA have been also a mess in the beginning. That is the price you pay for freedom. This mess differentiates freedom from fascism. So choose Orwell (Apple) or being a lemming (Microsoft) or a free American (Android).
0 Votes
+ -
RE: Android Market is a mess
msalzberg 28th Jun 2010
@hengels Do you mean the freedom for Google to actually delete apps from your phone?

http://threatpost.com/en_us/blogs/android-also-gives-google-remote-app-installation-power-062510
0 Votes
+ -
Comparing phones with computers
keebaud@... 29th Jun 2010
How many home computers are infected with malware / spyware / viruses? The weak link is always the consumer, and if the consumer's choice is not regulated then they will end up with phones that resemble their computers.
Finding a comfortable medium will always be difficult, but at least Apple's approach allows them the ability to support the end user.
0 Votes
+ -
RE: Android Market is a mess
LeeC 29th Jun 2010
I have both an iPod Touch and a HTC Desire. Comparing the two app stores is like comparing Apples (no pun intended) to rotten Oranges. Like most of what OSS represents (and more importantly, what Google represents), the Google store is full of cr*p to put it plainly. Ringtone apps, wallpaper apps, bikini clad ladies, ar*e slapping games etc... It's shovelware of the highest order. You get so fed up of digging through it all, you never get to anything even remotely good. It's a perfect example of what happens when you openly give useful tools, to useless people.

The Apple store is a world apart 99% of the time on a quality level, but it has its own version of the cr*pware apps. Those are the ones full of ads, full to the point that only half of the screen space is left for the app after the ads and banners are done loading... and it's going to get worse with the new iAds (or whatever they're called).

If people want revenue from apps, charge for them. I am sick of seeing so called "Free" apps, polluted by a constant barrage of advertisements. Ads are using MY bandwidth, which in turn costs ME money, therefore the app is NOT FREE.
0 Votes
+ -
And a more realistic viewpoint
Ken_z 29th Jun 2010
Right here on ZDNet:

http://www.zdnet.com/blog/murphy/the-top-eight-things-the-pc-press-hides-about-the-ipad/1835?tag=content;selector-blogs
0 Votes
+ -
RE: Android Market is a mess
opcom 29th Jun 2010
Choice is always preferred over totalitarianism. Unfortunately, deciding on an platform based on bling most of the time, users don't consider what is really on the far side of the antenna. If Google's appliance exposes users to the freedoms and the scourges of the unfiltered network, then the users have to be a little smarter about what they are doing. As for stealing content, it's wrong and that topic has been beaten to death so much that even the flies avoid the corpse. I'll usually take the platform that provides freedom and choice. That might not be approriate for others or even what they want. If no available platform offers freedom and choice, then I'll take the one that is basic and gets in my way the least when I am trying to make a phone call.
0 Votes
+ -
RE: Android Market is a mess
mejohnsn 1st Jul 2010
Enough with the "false dilemma"! Google's Android Market is NOT the only choice for Android phones! There is also SlideME at http:///slideme.org.

The most remarkable advantage of SlideME over Google's Android Market is that users from ANY country can purchase an app from SlideME.

Not so with Google, since their payment method requires the consent of the national carriers in the nation the user lives in.

So check out SlideME.

For that matter, Wikipedia has a whole article on alternatives to Google's market, including SlideME.

Check it out: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_digital_distribution_platforms_for_mobile_devices

However, this latter list includes not only Android markets but Blackberry etc.
0 Votes
+ -
RE: Android Market is a mess
MACKENZI 11th Sep
I also desire to signal in your RSS feeds. Thank you as soon as once again and maintain up the great operate! nccma cooler
0 Votes
+ -
RE: Android Market is a mess
PEARLINEI 12th Sep
I used to be more than happy to seek out this internet-site.I wanted to thanks in your time for this glorious read!! I positively enjoying each little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you weblog post. this thread is amazing i like your work and i appreciate you that you have share a useful stuff thanks for sharing the i shop abatwa
0 Votes
+ -
RE: Android Market is a mess
RHIANNONA 13th Sep
I used to be more than happy to seek out this internet-site.I wanted to thanks in your time for this glorious read!! I positively enjoying each little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you weblog post.Bookmarking now thanks please consider a follow up post. power sa shop
0 Votes
+ -
RE: Android Market is a mess
SATURNINA 14th Sep
I think the representation of this article is actually superb one. This is my first visit to your site. Thanks a lot and keep sharing the information. Keep updating the information for all of us. Thanks ZDNet Government was launched as the brand's first industry vertical, with a mission to cater to IT professionals in the public secto I agree with your post. However, do you have any sources I can cite for my paper wheel car com bury
0 Votes
+ -
RE: Android Market is a mess
FAULKNE 13th Oct
Good day to confirm this comment I would appreciate T h e b e s t o f Z D N e t d e l i v e r e d your website very nice to everyone Yes, Oracle is the only one with shared-disk architecture, but that is there advantage. It means you can add or remove nodes and the database lives on. In a shared nothing architecture, if you lose a node, you lose the system. I'm sure Oracle appreciates EMC highlighting their advantage.I also desire to signal in your RSS feeds. Thank you as soon as once again and maintain up the great operate Awesome post! Thank you very much || thanks for nice content this is really benefit to me.

Join the conversation!

Formatting +
BB Codes - Note: HTML is not supported in forums
  • [b] Bold [/b]
  • [i] Italic [/i]
  • [u] Underline [/u]
  • [s] Strikethrough [/s]
  • [q] "Quote" [/q]
  • [ol][*] 1. Ordered List [/ol]
  • [ul][*] · Unordered List [/ul]
  • [pre] Preformat [/pre]
  • [quote] "Blockquote" [/quote]
ie8 fix
Click Here
ie8 fix

The best of ZDNet, delivered

ZDNet Newsletters

Get the best of ZDNet delivered straight to your inbox

Facebook Activity

Blog Roll

Blog Archive

White Papers, Webcasts, & Resources
ie8 fix
ie8 fix