Sony Ericsson's move to implement its official app channel on Android Market for its devices is a great demonstration of how the openness of Google's platform can be used for commercial ends.
It also open up the cries of fragmentation however. Some users seem less than pleased; in doing so, the firm has relegated the My Apps option to the phone's menu key, adding an additional button press to accessing the list.
Going first
"Today we've launched our very own channel in Android Market," Sony Ericsson's Rikard Skogberg said on the firm's product blog.
"We're the first mobile phone manufacturer to do this and Im really excited to see what we will be able to use it for. It is an operator dependant feature though so it will not be there for all of you but most of you will get it."
At present, the channel seems to push Sony Ericsson commissioned apps almost exclusively, though Skogberg claims other games and apps will feature from time to time, aiding studios gain visibility.
Arrogant on Android
However, by forcing users to use the menu key to access their apps, Sony Ericsson has generated some negative reaction.
"It's already annoying. How do I opt of out this?" says one comment on the blog, imploring the firm to "Consult with your customers before doing things like this in the future."
One other describes the move as "presumptive" and "arrogant".
"I agree it would be better to have it as an extra function on the menu or if possible on the screen, but not to replace a defined feature. You do need to ask customers what they want, I think."
[source: Sony Ericsson]
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With a fine eye for detail, Keith Andrew is fuelled by strong coffee, Kylie Minogue and the shapely curve of a san serif font.
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