Instead of launching a host of party poppers and waking up the next day with a sore head, Google has decided to celebrate the news that Android Market's library of apps is now 200,000 strong by indulging in something far more practical: a complete redesign.
The refresh is pitched as an attempt to make app discovery far easier for consumers, helping installations move swiftly on from the 4.5 billion registered to date.
As well as a fresh look for the web version including a new 'trending' section, displaying apps growing from daily installs - the phone client has also been updated with a host of new features.
Getting choosey
Firstly, Google has revamped its ranking systems so they're location specific, as well as adding new free, paid and top grossing lists to the Android Market home page.
Even more interestingly, the firm has unveiled a new 'editor's choice' section designed to showcase what Android staff believe are currently the best releases on the platform.
Developers who offer up apps of a consistently high quality can also be awarded badges designed to highlight their aptitude. An initial band of 150 developers have already been inducted into this select club.
Close relations
Finally, each app page on Android Market now features 'related apps' i.e. either those browsed by users who installed the app in question, or those that tend to be installed alongside.
"Whether youre looking for the most popular apps, hot new apps, or just the very best apps available, we want to help make sure that you find what you're looking for," said Android Market product manager Fernando Delgado.
The redesign forms one part of a whole host of changes to Google's Android business, announced during the firm's I/O conference in San Francisco. The new web version is available right now, with the update to the Android Market client on handsets "coming soon".
[source: Google]
News
With a fine eye for detail, Keith Andrew is fuelled by strong coffee, Kylie Minogue and the shapely curve of a san serif font.
Top Stories
Feature
1 hour, 12 minutes ago
48 top mobile games in soft launch: Squad Busters, CSR 3, Plants vs. Zombies 3, LEGO Hill Climb Adventures, and more
Feature
4 hours, 12 minutes ago
Mobile Mavens: Analysts share insights on Embracer Group's "rapid dissolution", "mature" split and nervy future
Events
App Promotion Summit London | Europe | Apr 25th |
Esports Future Summit | Middle East | Apr 27th |
Dubai GameExpo Summit 2024 | Middle East | May 1st |
The MENA Games Industry Awards 2024 | Middle East | May 2nd |
GameDev Atlantic 2024 | May 4th | |
Mobidictum Meetup Berlin May 2024 | Europe | May 7th |
Mobidictum Meetup Tallinn May 2024 | Europe | May 21st |
Israel Mobile Summit 2024 | Middle East | Jun 6th |
Popular Stories
News
Apr 23rd, 2024
Supercell’s Squad Busters soft launches today with over 100,000 Google Play downloads
News
Apr 17th, 2024