While Apple recently enabled limited aspects of iTunes and the App Store to be viewed in web browsers, Google currently has no such capacity for Android Market.

It's something of an odd omission for the search giant, its presence on the web in all other aspects far from quiet, but one third-party player has decided to step in a redress the balance.

Established app store search engine AppStoreHQ has just launched its own solution, releasing what it describes as a "fully-featured web-based search and discovery service for the Android plaftorm".

Up, app, and away

"We're huge Android fans here at AppStoreHQ," says company CEO and founder Chirs De Vore.

"There are thousands of great apps out there for Android users, but they're surprisingly hard to find."

Users can expect to see direct buy links when visiting on an Android device, plus email to phone and barcode-based buy links for those dropping in via the web.

The site claims its position as an independent service gives it an advantage over any forthcoming effort from Google itself, AppStoreHQ also allowing its platform to be directly worked into Android focused news and reviews sites.

Publishers will be able to make use of search facilities that can be "seamlessly integrated" with the look and feel of their own domain. Those participating will also receive a unique URL on their domain for every listed Android app.